With the days getting longer, spring is an ideal time to research the
right blinds and curtains for your home. Whether you need new blinds and curtains for blocking the light so you can sleep or watch TV, are looking for the energy efficiency of a good blind, or want to dress up your home before the fun of summer, choosing the right blinds and curtains for your home is an easy, multi-step process.
Know what you need the blinds and curtains for.
Do you need window treatments that darken the room? Do you need blinds and curtains that can dress up a room? Will you need to see out the window often? The first step in choosing the right blinds and curtains for your home is determining the function. If you need a dark room for sleeping, consider a blackout curtain. Need curtains or blinds that give you privacy? Order blinds that come up from the bottom of the window, allowing for light and privacy. Need a window covering for a window that you use often? Look for sheer curtains that won’t block the view.
Know your options.
There are a lot of blinds and curtains on the market, so don’t be afraid to consult the experts for assistance. To list every option, you would need a novel but here are some common kind of curtains and blinds:
Sheers. Sheers are very light curtains that allow a large amount of
Blackout. Blackout curtains are perfect for bedrooms, family rooms, man caves, and media rooms. Made with an inner liner, blackout curtains block the light out from the room—ideal for third shifters, sleepers who don’t like the light, or family members who want to watch TV without the glare.
Drapes. Drapes are typically floor-to-ceiling and are designed for privacy and high impact.
Insulated/fabric blinds. These blinds are high function window treatments, giving you an extra level of privacy. Some insulated or fabric blinds can even add energy efficiency to your home.
Measure.
To determine the ideal length, use function and the aesthetic impact you want to determine the length and width of your new blinds or curtains (or both). If you are concerned about the accuracy of your measurements, hire the professionals for advice, measurements, and installation.
If you want to make a ceiling seem taller, choose floor length window treatments that block out the light and mount the curtains above the windows. For a room that needs privacy and light, choose a blind that comes up from the bottom of the window. If you have a window that has a table or counter under it, choose blinds or shades that darken the room when needed. For a kid’s room, choose shades and darkening curtains to make sure the sun doesn’t interrupt nap or bed time. In general, when choosing curtain height that you want to just cover the window, purchase a curtain slightly longer than the window.
Look at the whole room.
To determine whether to purchase neutral or patterned window treatments, look around the room. If the furniture items, flooring and rugs are neutral, you can purchase a bold window treatment with a pattern. However, if your room is filled with bold patterns and colors, blend the curtains into the walls to make the rest of the room pop. Don’t be afraid to consult a designer to assist with your curtain or blind (or both) choice; a designer can help you choose a window treatment that looks great and is made from the right material that fits with your lifestyle—all the essential elements of the right curtains and blinds.
