As experts in the field of window treatments, we know the window covering mistakes easily made when homeowners purchase blinds, shades, shutters or drapes. Window treatments should help you create convenience and control, sleep better, and save money on utility bills, while lasting for years. Let’s take a look at common mistakes and how to make better choices…
Choosing Style Over Function
We’ve all done it–bought an outfit or a pair of shoes because we loved the way they looked, only to realize how uncomfortable or unmanageable these items made our lives. Did you know that this is one of the top window covering mistakes? Buyers see a “look” in a magazine, or in a friend’s home, and decide they love it. What’s the problem? If you don’t focus on the function, you might find yourself living in a state of regret–and daily discomfort. The function is as important as the style. But, we are here to tell you: You can have it all–beautiful style and incredible function. You might need some help figuring things out, and that’s where our team of window covering professionals comes in.
How to Order Based on Room
Identify the room, and consider what you use the space for. Check out our guide to window treatments for every room if you need more help. You should also know the difference between light-filtering and light-blocking so you can make the right decisions.
- Bedrooms: room darkening/blackout, privacy
- Bathrooms: privacy, easy clean, stands up to humidity
- Living Rooms: light-filtering (reduced glare), privacy
- Kitchens: light-filtering, easy clean
- Home Offices: glare control, privacy
- South-facing Rooms: energy efficiency
- East/West-facing Rooms: light-blocking if needed for sunrise/sunset
Incorrect Measurements
When we come to your home for your design consult, we take measurements–exact, accurate, precise measurements. There’s a reason. With custom shades, blinds and shutters, they are tailored to your windows. Even measurements off by 1/8″ can cause issues: Shades that don’t fit, larger-than-necessary light gaps, or hardware that scrapes. If you’ve ever measured anything in your home, you’ve probably noticed how out-of-square parts of your home can be. Windows are no different–they have to be measured at the top, middle and bottom, and from top to bottom, left to right.
Measuring Properly–and Other Considerations
If you’re determined to take your own measurements, use a metal tape measure (no cloth or soft material), and be sure to measure twice, according to manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, part of the measuring process is to identify the proper mounting needed–and how to order shades to fit the mount. Determine any obstructions–like handles or cranks, and pay attention to installation challenges you might face, like how much wall space you have, whether the casing will be affected or if the wall material is acceptable for attaching window coverings.
Skipping Swatches in Your Lighting
The way your home interacts with lighting and color has a lot to do with unique characteristics specific to your home. The paint colors, overhead lighting and flooring can create undertones of color that wouldn’t be the same in your neighbors’ homes. The way fabric appears can also depend on how the light enters your home.
Make an Informed Decision
Get swatches into your home. Early morning light is brighter and cooler than the amber of evening light. That means, even certain rooms in your home can pull hues of color that others might not. It’s so important to see fabric swatches in your own home–exactly in the rooms where they will be featured. It’s a good idea to tape them up on the wall, or even on the glass of the window to see how the light interacts with the color and fabric over the course of the day.
Not Taking Advantage of Today’s Operating Systems
This is a big one when it comes to window covering mistakes. Thankfully, most of today’s window coverings are being sold with cordless operation–instead of the outdated (and dangerous) dangling cords of older blinds and shades. But don’t let quick, misguided decisions let you miss out on some of today’s best innovations.
Operating Systems You Should Know
- Motorized Blinds: Convenience, light control and privacy. Easy operation for hard-to-reach windows, saving you money in the long run.
- Motorized Wand: Available for individual window, makes regular adjustments easy
- Cordless & Cord-safe: No more dangling cords, cordless and push-button options, retractable cords, cords fastened inside the window frame
Deciding on Cheap, Not Quality
We always remind our clients that window treatments are an investment in your home, but also your daily life. It’s important to choose quality. You’re surrounding yourself with these window coverings on the windows of the rooms you and your family spend your daily lives–and nights–in. You deserve to be happy with your purchase, which means they are pretty, they work well, they stay looking nice for years to come.
How to Avoid Quality Issues
Look for sturdy mechanisms for accurate and dependable operation, performance fabrics that stand up to continual adjustments and UV rays, protective finishes that stand up to sunshine and daily use, brand reputation and warranty offerings.
And, don’t forget, having a company to depend on is important, too. They say, “You get what you pay for.” If you trade price for quality, that can also mean extended lead times, poor installation and service (or no services at all). We’ll guide you to the best options for your home, provide a seamless experience, and help you create the ideal environment throughout your home–that you can enjoy now–and in the future. Get in touch with us today.
