If you are looking to add some visual sophistication and character to your home, window coverings are the way to go. Strategically placed shades can elevate your home’s design and decor, but they come with some challenges. When you update too quickly or without professional help, you can encounter some window covering mistakes. Take a look at what’s important–and what can go wrong. We are here to help you work past these potential mistakes to help you achieve the overall design you desire.
Your Best Style–Must Include Function
Bloggers, influencers, and online home designers have the best intentions. However, those perfectly designed spaces you see don’t tell the whole story. Your home will work best when you style it for beauty without forgetting the function. Window treatments play a large part in the comfort of your home, so it’s important to lean into achieving functional characteristics when choosing them.
Wood Blinds May Not Filter Light in Bedrooms
Identify Room Styles
Need to focus on function? We are here to help. Since each room is used in different ways, it’s a good idea to go room-by-room with a function checklist of sorts.
- Bedroom: blackout or room darkening fabrics, privacy control
- Bathroom: natural light, privacy control
- Living Room: multi-functional, light blocking to light filtering, access to privacy
- Home Office: light filtering for productivity, reduced for screens, privacy options
- Kitchen: light filtering, easy to clean
- Dining Room: light filtering, privacy options, ambiance control
Proper Measurements
Inaccurate measurements can have catastrophic results when it comes to window coverings. The best tape measure is a metal one, but if you’re comfortable using a laser, that will yield even better measurements. Many windows are not square, so width and height need to be checked in multiple locations. Check hardware for any issues, like door handles or knobs that may get in the way and shift how things look–or even keep your window coverings from operating properly. Identify the mount type–whether inside or outside–and follow the manufacturer’s directions for measuring accurately.
Metal Tape Measure Gets Most Accurate Results
Finding Color Swatches
Grab a variety of colors, designs, textures, and opacities to try on at home before you ‘dress’ your windows in a way that doesn’t work for you. Here’s why this matters. The floor design, walls, decor, and how light comes in each window make a difference in how you place window treatments. If a room has light pouring in most of the day, it won’t help to have sheer shades up. Place the swatches up in your home–even on the windows–to make the best decisions.
Color Swatches Help with Design Choices
Going High Tech
Window technology is changing every day. When you’re in the process of considering new window treatments, it’s time to find out what’s out there! Today’s best features and technology offer light control, privacy, energy efficiency and comfort–not to mention convenience. A professional consultation can help avoid common window covering mistakes, including not even realizing all of the benefits that you can gain from certain features.
- Motorized Wand: easy controls, instant adjustment with a nudge, only controls an individual window
- Motorized Blinds: remote, app or smart home control, instant or scheduled adjustments, ideal for frequently adjusted treatments or hard-to-reach windows
Motorized Shades Offer Privacy and light Control
Choosing Price Over Quality
This is one of the biggest window covering mistakes out there. Like anything else, when you let low prices drive your decisions, you get what you pay for. (Keep in mind–even “low” priced window treatments aren’t usually cheap!) Window coverings are an investment, so before you invest, know what you’re getting! Do your homework on the brand to find out about quality, durability, operation and warranty. All of these factors will play a part in your day-to-day comfort.
Let’s Get Started!
If you are willing to make changes to your windows, the professionals are ready to help. Great windows add dimension and beautiful design to your spaces. Whether it’s high-traffic living rooms and kitchens, or quiet, cozy bedrooms, the right window treatments enhance each room and bring out its personality. Technology is advancing, but requires accurate measurements to get the right fit. Thoughtful selection of colors, styles, and fabric is important so you don’t compromise your goals of updating the space, but you need extra attention to detail as well. Contact us to start an in-home consultation.
