Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Versatile Shades for All Seasons

Q: My home has a ton of windows that face south so there's always light all year round, which means I need shade and privacy all year round, too. Can you suggest a shade that suits my fall and winter style but still matches my summer décor? Thanks.

A: Roller shades would be perfect for your home! These sleek, simple shades come in a wide range of light filtering and room darkening styles that can help diffuse bright light in the summer and create elegant ambiance in the winter.

Not to mention they come in a huge range of colors, texutres, fabrics, and prints. While certain textures or prints are best suited to specific times of year, the range of options means that you can choose a roller shade that will match your decorations all year round.

And, the low-profile design makes it easy to combine window treatments at any time of year. For example, for a sleek, simple look in summer, let the roller shade stand alone or combine it with a simple cassette cover for the roller bar. In the winter, you can hang drapes over and around the roller shade for a heavier, warmer look without loosing the versatility of light control.

Your options are endless!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Routless vs Cloth Tape in Wood Blinds

Q: I've done a lot of research and finally decided on installing wood blinds in my living room, but I'm a little concerned about glare. I know there are options for reducing those little light spots, but I need some help. Can you explain the difference between cloth tapes and routless and why I might choose one over the other?

A: Great question! When comparing routless and cloth tape, it's important to recognize the aesthetics of your window and the purpose of your blind. You've already mentioned that you want to minimize the glare caused by the small holes in the slats and have narrowed your choices down to routless or cloth tapes. Now the differences...

Cloth tapes create an actual barrier to those route holes by covering the strings (and therefore the holes they run through) down the length of the blind. This option can be perfect if you want to add a splash of color to your blinds or coordinate them with existing interior pallets. It's an inexpensive option to block the glare from route holes and add some personalization, too!

Routless wood blinds eliminate the need for those tiny route holes in the slats by weaving the ladders (controlling strings) underneath and between slats. They look and move just like conventional wood blinds but without the holes, giving you a great option if you don't want to change or personalize the look of your blinds.

Either option is great for reducing glare and I'm sure you'll find the perfect wood blinds for your room.