Window Coverings 101

So, you have decided to make a change in your window coverings. Maybe you have moved to a new home or you’ re looking for a new updated look for your home. I bet you are unsure of which design or option would best fit your home, lets take a look at Blinds and Shades.

Blinds

Blinds are a classic choice, and we offer 2” faux wood or wood blinds. The slats are thick and they provide a great layer of insulation to the room. Blinds used in residential windows typically have horizontal slats. Venetian blinds are vertical blinds and are often used to cover patio doors or larger widows. Blinds can be adjusted, usually with a small cord or motor to control the amount of light filtering you require.

The most popular blind options are white or an off while colour and 2” faux wood slats. They update any room and offer a clean aesthetic. If you are looking for a more homey, earthy feel, a wood blind will add a luxurious feel to any room and look great in areas with fireplaces or offices. Wood blinds are offered in textured or smooth surfaces and a crown moulding valance that ties the look together. Wood blinds are great for areas with low humidity, as they could warp or develop watermarks.

Faux wood blinds are made from thick PVC, that can handle any steam and humidity. They are recommended for use in areas with high moisture such as bathrooms. Faux Blinds are one of our least expensive options, you can add motorization to your blinds and create a modern approach.

I have young kids, do you? I have to admit that my kids at times are hard on things. If you’re looking for a blind to withstand being hit with a toy or being shot with a nerf bullet, then faux wood blinds sound like a perfect fit! They are extremely durable.

Faux blinds are generally on the heavier side, which means use in a larger window is generally not recommended. Heavy blinds in a larger window could lead to difficulties opening or closing the blinds and ease of operation in a window covering is a must!

You can check out our blind page here

Shades

Roller, Dual (Zebra) Roman or Cellular shades, offer many textures, shades and colours to compliment any décor. Roller shades are the most popular of all the three options, they are simple in design but offer a big impact. They are easy to operate and clean.

Cellular Shades

Cellular’s are a popular option, they are one of the most energy efficient options and they offer ease of operation and simplicity. They will help keep your room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer months, making Cellular’s a great option for our unpredictable southwestern Ontario weather. They have a unique honeycomb design with an option for 3/4 or 3/8 cells and are made from 100% polyester. They are made from one piece of material and they fold to create pleats.

Cellular’s are made from mold resistant polyester and are a great fit for bathrooms. If you have customized, specialty shaped windows, these are a great option.

To clean cellular’s, just lightly dust or dab with a warm towel and detergent. A great option is to also soak your shades in a warm tub of water and detergent to hand wash and tilt to empty any water. Hang the shades up to dry.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are made by using a single piece of fabric, a tube at the top of the roller holds the material in place and the bar at the bottom, keeps the fabric straight and without any lines or creases. As their name indicates, they roll up to the bar. They handle humidity well and keep their shape.

At Visions we offer sheer to blackout fabrics. Blackout shades come in various degrees of weaved fabrics that allow minimal to no sunlight in the home. Many people choose blackout shades for movie rooms, kid’s rooms and they are great for shift workers.

Sheer roller shades are normally chosen by people who are looking to be able to see the view outside, they are great for areas that overlook a river, beautiful farmland or an amazing backyard. If you already have privacy and are looking for minimal coverage with lots of natural light, sheer rollers are perfect! They will create a airy feeling to the room. Sheer rollers also look great with drapes or curtains that could provide additional privacy when closed.

Roller Shades are often the first choice for commercial business, who are looking for classic simplicity, all staff will be able to operate them and they offer great UV light protection when needed.

View our shade page here

Dual Shades (Zebra)

Dual Shades offer the best of both worlds. They have sheer and solid alternating panels, which create an interesting look. To adjust the amount of light, adjust the stripes using the cord or motor. If you’re looking for more darkness adjust the opaque strips, if your looking to lighten your area overlap the opaque stripes. Dual Shades also have blackout options if complete privacy is required. The alternating stripes come in various colours, textures and fabrics.

Dual shades are a modern popular option. They are cost efficient and can change the look of your home. They look terrific in living rooms and bedrooms and have the same look from the inside as the outside.

Dual shades consist of one continuous loop of fabric that is rolled through the bottom of the bar. What I love about dual shades is they are easy to clean and maintain. A light dusting once a week will remove any surface stains or if you have a little stain, just dab the area with a cloth.

For me energy efficiency is important, to save a little money on heating and cooling costs can go a along way over time! Dual shades are an energy efficient option as they offer a dual layering of fabric to create greater insulation. They will help to regulate the temperature in the room, by keeping the heat or cold outside.

Dual Shades can be found here

Roman Shades

Roman Shades offer drama! They have been used as a window covering option for hundreds of years. They are an esthetically pleasing option, and will offer depth, texture and a softness to any room. The pleats of the roman shades can be pulled up to create a gathered unique horizontal pleat. When they are closed, they hang straight down.

Roman shades are elegant and sleek. They can be paired with drape to create a classic look. Roman shades are a great energy efficient choice as well as provide some noise filtering capabilities. Roman shades fold and therefore will cover the upper part of the window and the light coming in. If you are looking for full light abilities, this particular shade may not be exactly what you are looking for.

Roman Shades also offer energy efficiency and are easy to clean using a duster or soft cloth to clean up stains.

So that was a lot of information, right? Let’s Recap

Value

If you are looking for a cost-efficient option the best choice would be dual shades, roller shades or faux wood blinds. For energy efficiency cellular’s, roller shades and blinds are great options.

Style and Aesthetics

If you are searching for major impact, all options are great but Dual shades and Roman Shades can change your room and provide either a timeless or a modern look. Do you like animal or damask style print? Then roller shades may be the right option for you. There are so many colours, materials and fabrics to choose from.

If you are looking for your window treatments to compliment your décor or add a pop of colour a roller shade offers almost endless possibilities

Cleaning

Whether you choose blinds or shades, both can be wiped down a damp cloth or microfibre towel. If your blinds or shades are dirty, soap and warm water work great.

High Traffic Areas

Blinds and roller shades are the best option for high traffic areas, they are easiest option to clean and are very durable.

High Moisture Areas

Blinds and roller shades are the best option for bathrooms or sunrooms.

Hopefully this post helped, and you are now able to identify which window treatment would work best for your home and family. Call us at 519-800-2015, for a FREE in-home consultation, we’ll bring out samples for you to look, touch and imagine. We are happy to help!