So, you bought a brand new home and there are NO window coverings? Now what?
Shopping for window coverings can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are starting with blank slate. With so many options, here are a few tips on how to get started.
1. Know your Budget
We can’t stress enough how important it is to set a budget. Sometimes the need vs. want can be on polar opposite ends of the budget spectrum which can result in some major sticker shock! Some people think that window coverings will cost, on average, $100/window. That is not unheard of but that budget will get you the very basic of blinds such as aluminum slats or a faux wood at the most. If you are seeking something different to cover your windows, you should try to set your budget closer to $300/window and more if you are looking for roman shades, shutters or drapes.
2. Set your Priorities
So, you don’t want to put Aluminum Blinds all throughout the house? Figure out which rooms need covering right away. Do you have a large picture window that looks out onto the street or into a neighbor’s living room? Do you have a bedroom window that lets in too much light and heat first thing in the morning? Do you have a newborn baby or a shift-worker that needs sleep during the day? These are all things you should know going into the process.
3. How you live
With all the shows on TV and pictures in Magazines, it’s a good bet that you have an idea of what you like and what you want in your home. But, wanting a certain style of window covering doesn’t always match how you and your family live. For example, you just love the look of sheers for your bedroom but it is a first floor bedroom that looks out onto a busy sidewalk or nosey neighbor. Most sheers are see-through and will probably not be your best option. If you can see through your window treatment during the day, at night,when it’s dark outside and your lights are on inside, people will be able to see you!
Or maybe you have a kitchen sink right below a beautiful window overlooking a garden and your thoughts were to put a silk roman shade there. With any areas that are high moisture or in the “splash zone”, a silk (and many other materials) will be damaged quickly.
Do you have small children or pets? If so, choosing materials that are easy to clean and wipe down are best for the most popular areas that your kids and pets frequent. A shutter, wood blind or perhaps vertical blind would be best here. Safety is also a big thing to consider for your kids and pets. Having a motorized or a cordless blind in areas where they play will eliminate any cords that could potentially be a choking hazard.
Is your home older? Older homes have so much character and there are so many different window coverings that can lend to the look of the home. However, there can be little hurdles to overcome in these older windows. For example, are there crank handles to open the window that might get in the way of a blind or shade’s operation? Is the window sill deep enough to mount the necessary hardware for your blind of choice? Is there a built in valance on the ceiling in the way which will not allow the blind to open properly?
4. Style
Style is such a personal thing. So often we hear about how people want their rooms to feel as opposed to how they want them to look. Some key works are, “fresh”, “cozy” and “clean”. Quite often the feel that you get in the room comes down to color and not necessarily the type of blind, shade and drapery. Darker colors typically give you a “cozy” feel because darker colors tend to absorb light (like giving you a big hug!) and are rich in color. Lighter colors and whites reflect light and can make rooms brighter creating a “fresh & clean” feel. Making your room “feel” a certain way can be achieved with just about any type of blind or shade!
5. When to call the professionals
Once you have determined your budget, the windows you need covered, and some ideas of what you would like to do… it’s time to call in a professional. Stylit Window Designs offer FREE in home consultations and can bring the store directly to your home. We can measure and offer advice as to what materials will work in certain spaces, what blinds will work in certain windows and keep you on budget! We will eliminate all the guesswork and mistakes that most DIY-ers make.
www.stylit.ca
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