REFRESH YOUR SPACE WITH NOTHING MORE THAN WINDOW COVERINGS

 BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Window coverings can truly transform a space, but to have the biggest impact, your design choice matters. While many home owners are tempted to choose one solution and utilize it throughout the home, the best plans often including mixing it up. Every room has its own ambiance and utility, and for that reason your window coverings should meet each room’s unique needs.

One example is in newer homes when builders trade in windows for long sliding glass doors open to a covered patio space. “In these instances, rather than selecting shutters or blinds, which tend to congest the window space, it might be [better] to go with a shading system with motorization to really open up the back of the house to feature the backyard and illuminate the living space,” says Rod Smith, owner of Budget Blinds of Livermore and Stockton. Then, accent it with shutters on nearby windows. “It looks great to present variation in a room,” Rod says.

One of the first questions to ask yourself when deciding on window coverings is what you want to achieve. For some it’s to bring color into a space, for others its ease of use. In any situation, buyers should consider both light influence and color tone balances. Is a living room window causing glare on a television? Do you need a blackout option for a bedroom? And what are your safety needs? A home with pets and small children should come equipped with cordless systems to avoid injury.

When it comes to design, those looking for a modern-chic effect should consider layering decorative side drapery panels with brighter color tones. “This goes great with just about any window shade or even shutter,” Rod says.

Inventory is vast and the options for window coverings can feel endless, and that’s where an expert comes in. At Budget Blinds, natural woven wood shades and roller shades using motorization are both trending, but the ultimate goal is to cater to the uniqueness of each customer. Get started with a free in-home consultation to learn your options and start to visualize your end product.