Blinds and shades

By Ana Pilling

You've chosen the wall colours, kitchen cabinets, and carpeting or hardwood flooring for your new home or condo. Now what about those expanses of glass that can cover up to 40 per cent of your home's exterior? Your windows. If you are like most new homebuyers, you move in relatively unprepared for this particular decorating project. So what do you do and where do you start? Since I couldn't possibly give you all the answers here, let me start with current window solutions and the most innovative new products.

The number and size of windows in today's homes continues to increase, along with our expectation of what our blinds, shades and shadings should provide: privacy, energy efficiency, UV protection and motorization. The challenge is meeting all of these expectations in one window covering! Silhouette shadings by Hunter Douglas manage to strike a balance between beauty and practicality with fabric vanes suspended between two sheer fabric facings. These shadings diffuse light beautifully, enhancing any décor. They also offer high energy efficiency due to the doubled fabric, as well as UV protection. Another new energy efficient drape-blind hybrid, similar to Silhouettes, are the Luminette Privacy Sheers. Featuring translucent fabric facings with soft fabric vertical vanes that rotate for infinite degrees of light control and

For a large expanse or hard to reach windows, motorization is an excellent feature. There are two choices here: battery operated or wired systems, with shades controlled by either a switch or remote control. Roller-style shades with sheer fabrics work well with modern and contemporary interiors, and offer UV protection as well as cleverly disguised hardware. Hunter Douglas offers 30 different fabrics and 4 opacity options with their roller blinds.

If you are after something truly unique however, then the award winning Trio Convertible shades may be the answer. This product is made of soft fabric that hides its engineering background and provides three choices: clear view, complete privacy and anything in between.When the vanes are closed the shades have the look and energy efficiency of a cellular shade, and when open you get clear views with the practicality of a classic horizontal blind.

By making smart choices, your window coverings can enhance the beauty and value of your home, provide protection and security, and even save you money on your heating and air conditioning bills. Therefore, it's a good idea to explore the many different options available. You will be amazed at the versatility, functionality and range of window fashions available.

Happy shopping!

FYI: Window Treatments

Forty per cent of the heat that escapes from your home leaves through unprotected windows. Fifty per cent of the solar heat in your home enters through windows.

North facing windows offer the coldest exposure. Choose window treatments that trap air between layers of fabric, like

West facing windows offer the hottest light of the day. Instead of opaque window coverings, which would hamper your view,

If direct sunlight is a problem, but the view is not precious, the best materials for window coverings are those with metallic or white backings that reflect the greatest amount of sunshine, while still shading the interior. Some pleated shades offer a thin layer of aluminum bonded to the rear of fabric and are therefore highly energy efficient.

Window treatments with opaque, blackout backings are a practical option for bedroom windows.

Versatility in Blinds

Are you looking for window treatments that offer privacy during the day, night or both? Do you also want the option of having a clear or sheer view at times? Classic horizontal blind or shutter styles in wood or aluminum are still the most versatile options, as they provide many levels of privacy in one product. When view

and privacy are both important, consider products that provide an option to lower or lift the top or bottom of the blind.

Child Safety Tips

Place a child?s crib away from windows.

When possible have window treatments motorized to eliminate cords, or look for window treatments with retractable cords

Consider products with a lifting mechanism hidden in the head-rail. This system keeps the shade or blind in balance, and it makes lifting/lowering possible by simply pushing or pulling on the handle at the bottom.