Which Window Covering Is Right for Me?
If you’re just starting your window treatment search, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we totally understand—many of our customers have been in your shoes. But with just a little work, you can easily narrow down the options. Read on to learn more!
Narrowing Down the Options
You have so many choices today when it comes to window coverings, from draperies to shutters and everything else in between. It sounds simple, but selecting the wrong window covering can be a costly mistake. There are so many things to take into consideration. But before you start your search you should determine your goals. The following questions will help you understand the type of treatment that will work best for your needs.
What Are Your Window Treatment Goals?
Here are a few goals you might have in mind:
- You need privacy
- You want an unobstructed view
- You want your window covering to disappear completely when it’s rolled up
- You want to protect your floors and furnishings from UV rays
- You want to spice up the design of a room
- You want to add insulation at the window to keep the room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
What Is Your Window Orientation?
Windows come in all sizes, from standard to specialty shapes. There are window coverings that work best for horizontal and those for patio or sliding doors. But depending on your design style, you can either mix and match or use the same product on both. For example, if you want to have only horizontal window coverings, you can put a split headrail on your sliding door so your window covering can operate independently, leaving the door opening available when needed and the glass side down for filtering light. Specialty shapes work best with honeycomb shades, wood blinds, or shutters.
Are You a Lifter or Tilter?
It might sound silly, but it is really important when selecting window treatments. Blinds and shutters are considered tilters because, for the most part you are only adjusting for the amount of light entering the room. Shades are considered lifters because you don’t have the ability to rotate them open or closed. They are either up or down. One great feature for a shade that adds more functionality is called top-down/bottom-up operation, which allows you to adjust light from the top or bottom or both.
Do You Want to Add Warmth or a Pop of Color?
Custom draperies and top treatments allow you bring your own personal style to a room. Available in thousands of fabrics, colors, textures, and opacities, draperies bring your decorating style to life. They can be used along or combined with blinds or shades. Be sure to address the following considerations:
- Do you want them to be functional or a fashion statement? If you want to just add softness or color to the room, you may want to consider stationary drapery panels instead of full draperies.
- Do you need total blackout? Consider adding a blackout lining or combine with a shade.
- Do you want to be able to see out? Look for sheer or semi-opaque fabrics.
- Do you want a single draw or split draw?
- Do you have window coverings already? A valance or cornice would add interest to your room. Think about changing them out for winter and summer to keep your room looking fresh all year long.
Now with your questions answered, it is time for us to help you select the perfect blind, shade, shading, shutter, drapery, or top treatment to make your home beautiful and functional to meet your lifestyle.
Find the Right Window Treatment in the Greater Phoenix Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books.
Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
