Light and Airy Shades for Spring

Q: My home is getting a makeover and I want to change my window treatments to something “lighter”. Although it's nice to have a light color, I'm actually looking for something that doesn't look as heavy as my old drapes. I guess clean lines are a must, but I don't want it looking too contemporary, either. What's out there that's simple enough for spring and summer but also affordable?

A: You're in luck! Roller shades, pleated shades, cellular (honeycomb) shades, and even mini blinds would suit your needs. All of these have a simple, sleek design that's light on the eye and light on the wallet. The clean lines won't weigh down your windows and, with the exception of mini blinds, all of the shades are available with light-filtering options.

Roller shades are especially well suited for spring because of their simplicity and versatility while cellular and pleated shades bring a slightly more sophisticated look to your windows while still maintaining clean lines. Mini blinds, on the other hand, give you the light control of slat shades without the thick slats, keeping your rooms light and comfortable throughout the year.

Blocking Sunlight for Daytime Sleepers

Q: My new job requires me to work nights which means I have to sleep during the day. Can you recommend shades or blinds that could block out sunlight altogether?

A: Certain kinds of roller shades, cellular blinds, and roman shades are specifically designed to eliminate daylight. Room darkening cellular shades might be perfect because, in addition to blocking the sun, they provide insulation against both heat and noise.

If your looking for something a little simpler, however, you may want to look into vinyl roller shades. These low profile shades are easy to install and even easier to use.

Roman shades have also been popular as room-darkening shades. They're available in a wide range of fabrics so you have the option of choosing a darker or heavier fabric to block light. They also come with optional liners to help eliminate unwanted light and their soft folds are perfect for creating a warm ambiance in any bedroom.

Enjoying the View AND the Sun

Q: I just bought a house with an incredible view out the front windows. I love it, but I'd like a little more privacy during the day while still being able to enjoy those gorgeous mountains! What kind of shade can I get that lets me have both?

A: You'll probably want to invest in sheer shades. Sheer shades, also known as solar shades, are designed to maximize control over light while still allowing homeowners to enjoy the view. These gorgeous shades decrease direct sunlight while simultaneously providing a degree of privacy during the day.

Solar shades and sheer shades are created with “openness” factors that allow a certain percentage of sunlight to come through. Large openness factors (usually between 14% and 15%) give you maximum view and maximum light. While these are great for huge private yards, they may not be the best choice for street-facing windows or ones where direct sunlight can be a problem.

Since solar shades come in a wide range of weaves (between 15% openness and 3% openness) you have a lot of choice in daytime privacy, sun control, and preservation of the view. And, if you need more privacy at night, these compact shades can easily be combined with drapes or other blinds.

Enjoy those mountains!

Blocking Light with Wood and Faux Wood Blinds – Cloth Tapes

Q: I really want wood blinds for my home office but noticed that a lot of them have those little holes in the slats where light peeks through. Is there any way to block those little rays of light?

A: Yes! In fact, both wood and faux wood blinds come in styles with cloth tapes that block rout holes (those little holes on each slat where the string/ladders run through it). Cloth tapes run down the full length of your blind and they're available on almost every brand and style of both wood and faux wood. They're attached directly to the blind so you don't have to worry about those little light holes any more.

The best part about these tapes is that they can be customized! You can get wood blinds with cloth tapes ranging from 3/4” to 1 1/2” thick and faux wood comes with either 1” or 2” cloth tapes. Usually, you want a narrow tape if you're looking for a narrower slat, but it's really up to you. They come in lots of colors, too so you can match not only the wood or faux wood to your home, but the cloth, too!

Blocking Light with Wood and Faux Wood Blinds – Slat Shapes

Q: I want to put wood or faux wood blinds in my den but I've noticed that many styles still let a little light through between the slats. Are there any styles that minimize this problem?

A: Yes! You actually have a couple different options depending on what type of blind you want. Fortunately, faux wood blinds come with a unique slat option that has an “S” curve to the slats, making them fit snuggly against one another when they're tilted shut. The curve is so subtle, you hardly notice it, but it can really help block those bands of light when the slats are closed. I love this feature because it combines the look and feel real wood with greater light control and durability.

If you want real wood, however, take a look at the different slats from the manufacturers. While some have flat slats (that give you the appeal of shutters and traditional blinds), others have slightly curved or beveled slats that help reduce light when they're tilted shut. Real wood blinds are fantastic, but take a look at all your options before deciding on the perfect room-darkening blind for your home.

Light Filtering Horizontal Blinds

Q: I love horizontal blinds, but I like the light filtering qualities of some thinner shades, too. Is there any way to get both?

A: Try sheer horizontal shades!

Sheer horizontal shades are great for filtering bright light but they're also perfect for privacy, too. If you like the slatted look of regular horizontal blinds, you'll love sheer horizontal shades. Although they don't have rigid slats (the “slats” of sheer horizontal blinds are actually slips of opaque fabric), these shades still look like traditional blinds.

The best part about sheer horizontal shades is the sheer fabric that holds them together. When you tilt the fabric vanes open, you get filtered light. Tilt the blinds shut and you can block more light and get a lot more privacy. I'd highly recommend sheer horizontal shades for rooms with really bright sunlight because you can filter the light or block it completely. They also come in a wide range of colors and have a beautiful soft look that's especially nice for bedrooms or living rooms.