Well-dressed windows can make or break a room. The color, size, fabric, and design should complement your decor. The result? A streamlined aesthetic that makes smaller rooms appear larger, and expansive areas cozier.
With so many styles on the market, there are shades to suit even the most discerning of tastes. Some are manually operated. Others can be opened and closed at the touch of a button. The style you choose all comes down to your lifestyle and personal preference.
To assist you in this journey, we’ve created this handy guide. Read on to learn more.
How To Choose The Perfect Shades
When considering window shades, consider the room you intend to place them in and how much light the room entertains throughout the day.
Certain rooms may be privy to too much light mid-morning, and others may not get enough. There are also privacy concerns to consider. In your bedroom, shades that offer full coverage are crucial.
Similarly, in a study, if the window faces a screen, to prevent glare, an adjustable blind is a must. In a sunroom or kitchen, on the other hand, letting in plenty of light has the effect of opening up the room. The result? A warm and ambient space.
Why choose window shades? They’re versatile. They can adapt to the light and your needs, as well as the style of your home. From traditional to customizable options, there is a shade to suit all settings.
Aesthetics
There is no ‘one fits all’ window shades available. From fabrics and textures to colors and patterns, before choosing a shade, think about the style of the room.
Contemporary rooms benefit from light fabrics and minimalist hues, traditional abodes are more privy to thicker fabrics and darker, rich colors.
In addition to decorative features? There are different opacities and motorization options available. Both designs allow you to control the amount of light that enters any room in your household. In turn, the level of privacy.
Different Types of Shades
As mentioned, there are various styles of shades to choose from. Some of which we have listed below:
1. Roller Shades
Perhaps one of the most prevalent options, roller shades are ideal for contemporary and traditional homes.
Why? Their versatility makes them adaptable to any decor. They’re also an option for spaces that feel crowded. Why? The clean lines help to create a minimalistic feel, especially when chosen in neutral fabric or hue. The result? An airy, light ambiance.
In addition to benefiting your interior style, a calm home helps to lessen feelings of anxiety, and stress and can improve relationships.
Another advantage of roller blinds? They can be customized to any room in your household, whether smaller or large picture windows. They also come with numerous features, such as loop control, cordless operation, and blackout designs.
2. Cellular Shades
Celebrated for their unique honeycomb style, cellular shades are another popular choice for dress windows. As well as boasting top-down and bottom-up functionality, their aesthetically pleasing pleated structure creates a focal point. They’re ideal for rooms in which you want to enjoy both privacy and light as they can be lowered to block out the areas you wish to block out.
Another reason homeowners choose these shades? They act as an insulator. This allows you to create a cozy ambiance in numerous rooms in the household.
3. Roman Shades
Does your home exude an elegant appeal? Roman shades could be the window dressing you’ve been searching for. Solely manufactured from fabric, they offer an opulent style.
Points to consider? Choose a design that complements the existing decor of the room you intend to place them in. For example, if dressing in a formal sitting room, opt for a solid hue such as silk damask. Alternatively, if you wish to add a soft touch to your bedroom, try a pretty print. Roman shades crafted from sturdy fabrics are best suited to laundry rooms and kitchens.
This style of shade, although it can be tailored to almost all windows, is prevalent in bay windows.
4. Solar Shades
These shades are best suited to those who reside in warmer climates. They allow you to control the amount of light let into a room at any given time. The result? You get to take advantage of that enviable warm evening glow, whilst also being able to shut out that harsh morning glare.
A big benefit of this? Your furniture and floorboards will thank you. Prolonged UV exposure can cause damage to various household items over time. Solar shades combat this as they have been designed to lessen sun exposure.
These shades boast different opacities and levels, meaning you can tailor them to different rooms in the household. For example, you’ll require a stronger opacity for a room that suffers from a lot of harsh sunlight. For a room that is only affected at certain times of the day, a lower opacity will be acceptable.
5. Transitional Shades
With their unique design and dual-layered fabric effect, transitional shades are ideal for modern-day spaces. Especially those that embrace neutral palettes, open spaces, and a few embellishments. Their celebrated horizontal stripe effect makes them ideal for rooms boasting varying light levels throughout the day. Why? They can be alternated from sheer to opaque.
6. Vertical Cellular Shades
If the windows you wish to dress also double up as doors, or are oversized, vertical cellular shades will provide the necessary coverage. The best part? Despite being extremely functional, they won’t make you compromise on style. Other benefits? Their unique insulating properties will heighten your home’s energy efficiency.
The Bottom Line
There is a window shade to suit all tastes and styles. When you research, you can source one that ensures the right amount of light and privacy.
Before investing in a window dressing, consider the size of the window, the effect you wish to achieve, and the style of the room in question. What benefits one room’s decor may not add to another?
A key point to note? Both function and aesthetics are crucial when choosing a new window shade. Why? One compliments the other.