Do you need help determining the right window treatments for your home or office in New York? Rest assured, you’re not alone. The multitude of options available can make decision-making overwhelming. That’s why our team at Empire Custom Windows has compiled this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to assist you.
Window treatments provide a range of benefits, including privacy, light control, energy efficiency, and style. Additionally, they help safeguard your furniture and flooring from fading caused by sunlight exposure.
What window treatment options are at your disposal?
You have a plethora of window treatment options, such as blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes. Each option has its unique set of advantages and features, making it crucial to select the most suitable one for your specific requirements.
Are custom window treatments a worthwhile investment?
Without a doubt. Custom window treatments are tailored to your precise needs and preferences, ensuring an impeccable fit and optimal functionality. Furthermore, they offer a broad range of style options to complement any decor.
How can I select the appropriate window treatments for my home or office?
Take into account factors like your budget, desired levels of privacy and light control, and overall style and aesthetic. Collaborating with an experienced window treatment provider like Empire Custom Windows is essential to make the best choice for your space.
How should I properly maintain my window treatments?
Maintenance needs vary based on the type of window treatment. For instance, blinds and shades typically require wiping down with a damp cloth, while drapes may necessitate dry cleaning. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or engage a professional to ensure your window treatments are adequately maintained.
What Are the Different Types of Window Treatments?
There are three types of hard treatments: blinds, shades, and shutters. Blinds consist of horizontal or vertical slats that can be partially or fully opened, typically made of materials such as wood, faux wood, or aluminum. Shades, made of a single piece of fabric, are opened by pulling a string. Shutters are solid furniture pieces attached to the window, featuring slats that can be fully opened or closed, and sometimes, they can be opened like a door, especially on smaller windows.
Moving on to soft treatments, there are two types: curtains and drapery. Curtains hung over windowpanes are pieces of cloth known as panels that can block or filter light completely. They are usually attached to a curtain rod and can slide along the rod using rings. Drapery, on the other hand, often serves an aesthetic purpose to accentuate windows when pulled back to the side, though they can also cover the window. Unlike curtains, drapes are typically lined with another fabric and made of thicker material.
What Is the Current Trend for Window Coverings Today?
Shades are currently in vogue for both indoor and outdoor use. For interior spaces, consider trying Roman shades on your windows. They allow light in but can also be closed to achieve a simple yet elegant look. For patio areas, roller shades are an excellent choice to keep sunlight out while you relax in the shade.
What Is the Difference Between Drapery Panels and Curtains?
Drapery panels are distinguished by being lined with another fabric and often made of thicker material. Curtains, on the other hand, are typically made of lighter and more translucent materials. While it’s acceptable to refer to drapery panels as curtains, it’s less appropriate to refer to curtains as drapes.
What Are the Advantages of Window Treatments?
Advantages of window treatments include enhancing the aesthetics of a room and providing a decorative quality. They allow for the control of light, enabling natural light to brighten or darken a room as desired. Window treatments also offer privacy and contribute to heat control by filtering both light and heat, which is particularly beneficial during hot summer days.
What Are the Disadvantages of Window Treatments?
Disadvantages of window treatments include the challenge of cleaning, especially dusting blinds and addressing grime on curtains. Additionally, pets can pose problems by creating messes and potentially damaging curtains or blinds with their playful behavior.
Do blackout shades have to be black?
No, the term “blackout” in blackout shades refers to their ability to block out light. These shades are designed to provide the highest level of light filtering, making them perfect for spaces where you need maximum privacy or darkness, such as bedrooms. While they can be black, blackout shades are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles to suit your decor preferences.
What types of shades provide the best insulation?
Cellular shades, Roman shades, and custom drapery are top choices for insulation. Cellular shades have a honeycomb structure with two fabric layers that moderate indoor temperatures by creating a barrier between the outside and the inside. Roman shades and custom drapery, often made of luxurious fabrics, effectively keep cold air out during winter and prevent hot air from entering during summer, contributing to excellent insulation.
Can I expect complete privacy with solar shades?
Solar shades are constructed from a light-filtering woven material, so they do not offer full privacy as some other window treatments do. The level of privacy you achieve will depend on the specific type of solar shade you choose, but they will only partially obstruct the view into the room.