From comfort to convenience to aesthetics and durability, every aspect of what you expect from a window covering needs to be well-considered before you purchase your new blinds and shades. Start by determining your functional needs, followed by your decorative needs.

Functional Needs

• How will the space be used?

For working, relaxation, entertaining, formal or informal activities?

• Will there be children and/or pets in the room?

If so, be sure to consider cordless products for safety purposes.

• Do you need privacy?

Some rooms may require more privacy than others, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

• What is the window’s exposure?

The room could heat up more than you want, or the glare could fade furnishings and affect viewing your TV or computer. Energy-efficient products eliminate these concerns.

• How much light control do you need?

If light control is an issue, consider horizontal or vertical blinds – you can redirect or change the complexion of a room by rotating or tilting the slat’s or louvers.

Decorative Needs

• What is the overall mood you wish to convey? Is it casual, comfortable, elegant, or sophisticated?

• Are the windows the focal point of the room, or are they a component of the back ground?

• What colors, textures and patterns do you prefer?

You may not want bright colors if you are trying to create a relaxing bedroom. If your room features south facing windows, use colors on the windows to drop the room’s temperature a degree or two. A general rule is to choose warm, muted colors and soft textures for north and east windows. If you are dressing south or west windows, use cooler colors.
Warm Colors: red, red-orange, orange-yellow, orange, yellow-green, yellow
Cool Colors: blue, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, green.

• What size is the room? How many windows in the room? Are all the same shape?

If you have a room with both windows and doors, consider using vertical blinds
with coordinating 2” horizontal blinds.

Horizontal Blinds
Horizontal blinds are ideal for windows that are taller than they are wide. You may consider window coverings made from premium hardwoods, durable polymers or versatile aluminum.

Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds are well suited for windows that are wider than they are tall and slide from side to side. You may consider blinds made from woven and room darkening fabrics, as well as from vinyl, faux wood, genuine wood and aluminum.