faq

Window treatments are more than just functional coverings for windows, providing privacy and filtering light. They have become more of an aesthetic decor statement that includes function and elegance.

Examples are simply roll-up shades, wood blinds, draperies, cornices valances and more

If you are looking for inexpensive fabric valances, curtain, tab drapes, etc., then Wall Mart, Bed Bath and beyond, Linens and Things, Macys and Penny’s. If you want something more ornate, or you’re looking to get custom made blinds, shades and draperies a professional designer or window treatment expert can help

I have a lot of fabric designs and ideas, as well different kinds of shades and blinds.

In the consultation we will determine what color and designs will suite your needs

One of the most important reasons to select custom window treatments is that they will be unique to your home, and your needs.

There are many different types of professionals that sell and/or fabricate window treatments. Decorators and designers have different areas of expertise and experience, including space planning, color coordination, kitchen and bath design, even building construction and planning. The designer/decorator who helps you with kitchen planning may not be a good choice for styling window treatments.

You can ask for references from your professional or ask to see samples of her/ his work. Your window treatment professional should be knowledgeable in styles and fabrics, have experience and training in treatment fabrication and installation, and have fabric samples and hardware available to be able to translate your tastes and preferences into a design that reflects your personality and your furnishings.

Your professional may charge a consultation fee for her/his knowledge and expertise in guiding you through the process of choosing fabrics and styles for your new treatments. After all, her/his time is valuable. Most will credit a portion of the fee towards your first order. It is important that the person making the buying decision be in attendance as it is too time consuming to repeat the consultation for a spouse. Should the appointment need to be repeated, the fees would likely be doubled with no rebate for the extra consultation. An in-home consultation is best; you can see how a fabric will look in your lighting and with your furnishings. She/he may also show you drawings or pictures of how your treatments will look. These are important services that quality professionals provide.

She/ he should let you express your ideas and dislikes and offer guidance for the best choice according to your preferences.

Sometimes personalities clash or you may not be comfortable with the decisions you make. It is acceptable to consult with another professional.

These are your windows and your home and you should reflect your taste and desires.

Be prepared for your first meeting with pictures, favorite color schemes, and fabrics that reflect the atmosphere you want to create. If there is wallpaper and fabrics that must coordinate, have samples of those available as well. If you are uncertain of what you want, your professional can help you fine-tune your ideas into workable window treatments within your budget.

Be honest in how you plan to use your window treatment professional. If you want ideas only, or you want to shop for your own fabrics, let her know in the beginning in consideration of her time and expertise. A professional should suggest first quality fabrics and materials for your project as the quality can change the appearance of your window treatments totally. Lesser quality fabrics or bargain fabrics can have flaws such as being off-grain, printed crooked, poorly woven, or missing print. If you purchase fabrics on your own, realize that your professional cannot guarantee the quality of your fabric, how it will behave with your chosen design, or how it coordinates with the rest of your furnishings. You may also expect an upcharge and disclaimer when you want to use fabrics of uncertain quality. Let your consultant know your budget early in the discussion.

Your professional can help you make compromises in designs and fabrics that will raise or lower the costs of your treatments.

For most blinds a light regular dusting will maintain their like-new appearance. A deeper cleaning Consider Using a vacuum with the brush attachment. Or contact blind cleaning services such as Blind Care Company

All Window Treatments’ products are designed with safety in mind.

Ask one of our consultants about motorization which removes the need for any loose cords.

Many types of window treatments have thermal qualities; Blinds as Cellular shades (Honey comb), draperies that has interlining and using layers will provide insulation.

We do have fabrics like these which provide privacy during day time while at the same time give you the ability to see out. However at night time with the house lights on, shadows can be seen so total privacy is not always possible using only one fabric.

Double roller systems have evolved to address this issue by allowing two fabrics to be used.

Motorization with remote control is available on the majority of our blinds and drapery some styles are excluded.

Yes, but for these “wet” areas we recommend the blinds or shutters have a lacquered or painted finish.

This varies from the least expensive to the most expensive are: Venetians, Verticals, Pleated, Rollers, Cedar blinds and then Shutters.

The installer can remove your old window treatments and the cost to do it, discussed when we schedule the appointment for installation.

Yes –The installer can look at the problems and if they are fixable he can solve them.

However, extra charges may be applied.

In addition to being decorative, a window covering can reduce outside noise, lower utility bills, provide privacy, and diffuse light. Determine the type of window covering based on the needs of each room.

Use energy efficient window treatments such as honeycomb shades.

The degree of energy efficiency depends on whether

the shades are single-, double-, or triple-honeycomb construction.

Most windows have an R-value of 0.9 to 3.0 and can be responsible for 40 to 70% of heat or cold transfer for an entire home. Using layers and cellular construction treatments at your windows can increase R-value by 1 to nearly 5 points. In extreme climates, that could save more dollars than you would spend to install windows with higher energy efficiency.

Use window treatments that block UV rays. Honeycomb and pleated shades feature sheer to opaque fabric to admit varying degrees of filtered light while removing harmful UV rays. Hunter Douglas, Kirsch and other companies have blinds and shades with Privacy Sheers offer a filtered view or complete privacy while shielding UV rays. Draperies with blackout lining can be used as well.

Window treatments that diffuse light, such as horizontal slatted blinds, will help protect fabrics and furniture.

There are different kind of blinds; whether wood or aluminum, horizontal or vertical, blinds have the most versatility. Tilt the slats to block the sun’s glare and maintain the view outside.

Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shadings offer the same great versatility while softening and diffusing the light entering the room. They also rise completely for an unobstructed view.

Many window treatments are available without looped cords. Window covering manufacturers, such as Hunter Douglas, have successfully addressed this concern. Safety wands that eliminate looped pull cords are available for vertical blinds; options for horizontal blind cords include safety tassels, retractable cord systems, or cordless blinds and shades.

Different kind of blinds and shades; wood, roman, Silluhette, Duette , rollers and Mini can be used.

Window treatments that diffuse light, such as horizontal blinds, will provide comfort and privacy any time of the day. For Elegancy and atmosphere it can be layered with drapery; Stationary or workable. Adding only a top treatment is an additional option.

Horizontal blinds are available without cord holes, keeping the light out. Honeycomb, pleated and roller shades are available in opaque finishes. Draperies with blackout lining is another option.

We recommend window treatments that provide ventilation and are easy to clean such as wood, faux wood, vinyl or aluminum blinds. Top treatment; as a valance or cornice can add Ambiance.

Use window treatments that offer light control to prevent glare on television or computer screens.

Window treatments that are humidity tolerant such as faux wood or vinyl applications work best in a bathroom.

While faux wood cannot duplicate the natural beauty of a stained wood finish, they are very practical in areas of high humidity and are guaranteed not to fade, warp or crack. Choose from an array of styles – beveled, contoured and board-on-board – in a choice of slat sizes in popular whites, neutrals and simulated wood tones.

Creating a high contrast between wall and window will cause this effect. Using warm tone colors and layering will help to create the worm sand cosines.

Use neutral toned window treatments in rooms where you’ll spend a lot of time or when you want other furnishings to make bold statements. Neutrals and pastels invoke calm and tranquility while giving the illusion of height in a room. Strong, vivid colors and bold patterns stimulate the senses and add drama to the decor.

These aren’t your grandmother’s shades anymore. Woven woods have been updated to reflect today’s styles and are available in an assortment of bamboos, reeds, slats and grasses.