Tips for Choosing Window Shades & Blinds

Our experienced in-home window treatment designers have helped thousands of clients select the unique blinds, drapery and window shades that suite their personal taste and reflect their individual décor style.

Obviously color and texture and shape are the first things that a homeowner thinks about when choosing window treatments! That is actually the “easy part” – finding a “look” that you like.

But choosing the right blinds and window shades involves a lot more than just picking its color or appearance! Below is a thumbnail sketch of 5 Factors you should consider when making your window treatment selections.

S.P.E.E.D. Tips for Choosing the Right Shades and Blinds

Sunlight Exposure:

UVA and UVB rays can fade fabrics, furniture & artwork – as well as raise interior temperatures and dry out wood.

Assess the amount of sunlight your room receives and consider window coverings that can protect you from the sun’s harsh rays where needed. Cellular and solar shades allow some diffused light to come through while filtering out UV rays. Or, for sunnier rooms where you may wish to watch TV or get some sleep, consider blackout shades – or light blocking drapery lining!

Privacy:

Perform a quick check of your privacy needs when selecting window treatments: turn on the lights in the evening and go outside to see what others can view through your windows.

If the neighbors can “see in” consider roman shades and roller shades that can be easily and completely lowered. Adding motorization is an excellent way to add convenience to raising and lowering privacy shades! Or, think about utilizing top-down bottom-up shades to let sunlight in above while protecting privacy below!

Energy Efficiency:

Not all window shades and blinds are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Energy efficient insulated shades, such as honeycomb shades, keep your cool air-conditioned atmosphere “in” and the sun’s heat “out. And, during those cooler winter evenings that same insulation technology keeps the colder night air out. This can substantially reducing electric bills.

Investing in energy efficient window treatments now can save you hundreds – or even thousands – of dollars in energy costs down the road.

Economy:

Choosing economical window treatments does not always mean picking the cheapest blinds and shades you can find. Like anything else – “you get what you pay for”. And buying “cheap blinds” can cost you more in the long run if they soon fall apart and need to be repaired or replaced.

We respect your budget – while helping you select durable window shades that will last for many years and will not need replacing or repairing. Our experienced designers help you compare “apples to apples” so that you stay within your budget while ensuring you purchase well-made and guaranteed window treatment products that stretch your decorating dollar.

Décor:

The beautiful homes you see in design magazines look so good for a reason – a cohesive décor (including window treatments) were selected by interior designers who specialize in matching window treatments to walls and furnishings to create an elegant and cohesive décor.

It can be hard when looking at a book of samples to know what will complement your existing walls and furnishings – while expressing your personal taste. That’s where our professional design team comes in. We have years of experience putting the right style, pattern, color and fabric in the right room to get the right total Decor!

Using a professional designer makes sure that your décor is cohesive – while still reflecting your unique personal style.

We Are Santa Barbara’s Best Window Shade & Blind Store!

If you want celebrity style for your Santa Barbara home, look no further than our experienced window treatment interior designers. We come to your home, bringing hundreds of samples and custom design ideas – to ensure you find the unique blinds, drapery and window shades that will suite your personal taste and style.

Click Here to set up an appointment for a free, in-home consultation. Or call: 805-558-1744