Optimizing Comfort and Convenience

Q: I have a friend who recently installed remote-controlled shades in his home because he has really high windows. While my windows are just fine height-wise, I really like the idea of having something like this for my media room. Can you get these to help keep a room dark?

A: Yes!! In fact, motorized (also known as remote controlled) shades are perfect for media rooms! Not only do they come in room-darkening styles, the remote controlled features make it even easier to streamline your media experience.

And you might want to consider cellular shades for your media room. They come in lots of different colors, many of which are perfect for blocking light. And they're simple style makes them perfect for any room (Not to mention their unique design also provides some added insulation and energy savings). With the added motorized features, you can raise and lower your cellular shade with a simple touch of a button.

Just keep your window remote alongside your other controls and you have comfort at your fingertips!

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.

Earth-Friendly Shades

Q: After witnessing Earth Hour, I began thinking more and more about small changes I can make around my home to be more environmentally friendly. So, on my quest for new window shades, I've decided to go “green”. Any suggestions?

A: Now is the perfect time to look for more sustainable window shades and blinds. Woven wood, bamboo, reeds, and grasses are all sustainable fibers that work beautifully as shades. In fact, manufacturers have come up with new and innovative ways to use these fibers to give you even more variety in natural woven shades.

Most people associate woven shades with open weaves that accentuate the natural grasses from which they're made and let in a fair amount of light. Although standard “earthy” shades are still available and work perfectly for creating a warm atmosphere, there are more tightly woven shades and blinds that create a slightly more modern look while still maximizing light control and privacy. And they're available in a wide range of colors and textures that will match any decor!

So why not extend Earth Hour to Every Hour by using woven wood shades!

My Review of Children's Roller Shades

Originally submitted at YourBlinds.com

With Ambience Roller Shades, you will be smiling at these adorable patterns as your child sleeps soundly. Whether you choose airy and care-free butterflies, cuddly & playful teddy-bears, or twinkling stars with personality, Ambiance roller shades offer the designs you want to make your child’s ...

Children's Roller Shades

How Cute!

By Love The Butterflies! from Memphis, TN on 3/20/2010

 

5out of 5

Pros: Easy To Clean, Easy To Control Light, Quality Construction, Easy To Install, Attractive Design, Ensures Privacy, Retracts Easily

Best Uses: Accenting Windows, Blocking Light

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

These roller shades are just adorable! I got the yellow butterflies for my baby girl's room and it completed it perfectly. My husband loved how easy they were to install and they are a quality product! Keep up the good work! I love my shade.

(legalese)

Controlling Light at Dawn and Dusk

Q: My living room faces west and although the views of the sunset are fantastic, I need shades that can block the light, yet still let in some of the natural light through those windows. Are there any shades that can block just the direct sun?

A: Top down/bottom up shades would be perfect! With top down/bottom up, you can raise and lower the shades from either the top rail (normal) or the bottom. This means that you can choose to block or filter just the top or just the lower part of your window, still allowing sunlight to filter into your home while still blocking direct light.

Cellular shades are the most popular style of these types of shades and come in a variety of light filtering and room darkening options. If you want a shade that generally allows light to filter into your home, you may want to choose a light filtering or light diffusing option. If you want a shade that will help darken your room at any time of day, you may want an opaque or room-darkening shade.

Either way, top down/bottom up cellular shades are a great choice for homeowners hoping to block only direct light, no matter which part of the window it comes through!

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.

Moveable Arch Shades

Q: I just bought a home that has decorative arch windows in the living and dining rooms and need something that can be raised or lowered depending on lighting. I've seen wooden slatted ones, but I'm looking for something that can let in even more light. Any suggestions?

A: Cellular shades come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and, although you can get them as stationary shades, you can also order movable ones. While most fabric and cellular arch shades resemble fan shapes, the movable shades by Hunter Douglas actually have cells that run parallel to the window sill. While this certainly helps them function as movable arch shades, it also give them the aesthetic appeal of matching the other shades in your room.

And, speaking of matching, if you decide to go with the cellular window shades for your arches, you can choose colors and textures that match other Hunter Douglas shades. This means that you can coordinate your movable arch shade to the other shades in your room, too!