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Blinds, Shades & Shutters<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

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What\u2019s the best choice for YOUR windows?<\/h2>\n

by Edith Barrera Gonz\u00e1lez<\/strong>
\nWindows are the first thing we see when we walk into a room.\u00a0 This makes them an important design element in any space, which is something we, as designers, don\u2019t take lightly when it comes to window coverings.\u00a0 Windows are a fabulous opportunity to add color and drama to a room!\u00a0 But good design isn\u2019t just beautiful.\u00a0 Window coverings should be aesthetically pleasing AND serve a functional purpose.\u00a0 Today, I\u2019d like to focus on the pros and cons of hard window coverings, which include blinds, shades and shutters.\u00a0 We\u2019ll discuss soft window coverings (draperies, valances, etc.) in another blog soon, I promise.<\/p>\n

Purpose is Key<\/h3>\n

The first thing to consider when deciding which hard window covering option is best for your windows should be purpose.\u00a0 Make a list of what you want to achieve with your window coverings.\u00a0 Among other things, you should consider:<\/p>\n

\n
1. Privacy \u2013 How much privacy do you need in the space?\u00a0 (Obviously important in bathrooms, bedrooms and front rooms facing the street)<\/li>\n
2. Light Control \u2013 How much light do you want coming into the room?<\/li>\n
3. Energy Efficiency \u2013 Are you looking for window coverings that will insulate your windows from the heat or cold?<\/li>\n
4. Cost \u2013 How much have you budgeted for window coverings?<\/li>\n
5. Durability \u2013 Are the window coverings going to be exposed to moisture and humidity (i.e. bathroom, kitchen and laundry room)?<\/li>\n
6. Child Safety \u2013 Are you looking for window coverings that offer additional options like a cordless feature for added child safety?<\/li>\n
7. Style \u2013 Will your choice of window coverings work with the design of your interiors?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   Wood Blinds
   \n<\/h3>\n

   Advantages:<\/p>\n

   \n
   • Privacy Control<\/li>\n
   • Light Control<\/li>\n
   • Add Architectural Interest<\/li>\n
   • Provide Natural Look & Feel<\/li>\n
   • Lighter Weight Than Faux Wood Blinds<\/li>\n
   • Great for Areas Without Moisture and Humidity<\/li>\n
   • Tilt Wand Option for Added Child Safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

     Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

     \n
     • \u00a0Not Recommended for Bathrooms, Kitchens or Laundry Rooms<\/li>\n
     • \u00a0More Expensive Than Faux Wood Blinds<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

       Faux Wood Blinds<\/h3>\n

       Advantages:<\/p>\n

       \n
       • Privacy Control<\/li>\n
       • Light Control<\/li>\n
       • Great for Areas That Get Moisture & Humidity<\/li>\n
       • Less Expensive Than Wood Blinds<\/li>\n
       • Painted Faux Wood Choices Look Similar To Real Painted Wood<\/li>\n
       • Tilt Wand Option for Added Child Safety<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

         Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

         \n
         • Not Recommended if You\u2019re Looking for Real Stain Wood Look<\/li>\n
         • Larger Blinds Are More Prone To Warping Than Real Wood<\/li>\n
         • Heavier Than Wood Blinds<\/li>\n
         • Limited Color Choices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

           Cellular Shades (Honeycomb Shades)
           \n<\/h3>\n

           Advantages:<\/p>\n

           \n
           • Energy Efficient<\/li>\n
           • Stack High for Larger View<\/li>\n
           • Privacy Control<\/li>\n
           • Light Control<\/li>\n
           • Top Down Bottom Up Feature for Added Privacy & Light Control<\/li>\n
           • Cordless Option for Added Child Safety<\/li>\n
           • Great for Bathrooms, Bedrooms & Windows Facing Front<\/li>\n
           • Style Versatility \u2013 Fit Traditional to Contemporary Settings<\/li>\n
           • Most Popular Cellular Shades: 3\/8\u201d Double Cell<\/li>\n
           • Many Fabric & Color Choices Available<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

             Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

             \n
             • Not The Most Fashionable Window Covering Option<\/li>\n
             • Opaque Shades Provide No Partial View-Through When Closed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

               Woven Wood Shades
               \n<\/h3>\n

               Advantages:<\/p>\n

               \n
               • Provide A Casual, Natural Look & Feel<\/li>\n
               • Varying Degrees of Privacy Depending on Materials Selected<\/li>\n
               • Fabric Liner Option Offers Additional Light & Privacy Control<\/li>\n
               • Top Down Bottom Up Option for More Privacy & Light Control<\/li>\n
               • Can Be Used with Fabric Window Treatments (i.e. Draperies)<\/li>\n
               • Great Way to Bring In the Outdoors<\/li>\n
               • Can Be Used in Bathrooms & Kitchens<\/li>\n
               • Popular for Glass Doors<\/li>\n
               • Fabric Edge Band Option Provides Additional Styling<\/li>\n
               • Made from Natural Materials: Bamboo, Grass, Jute, Reed, Rattan<\/li>\n
               • Great Variety of Finishes & Colors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                 Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

                 \n
                 • Color Variations Are Common Due To Natural Materials<\/li>\n
                 • Long-term Fading & Edge Fraying Can Occur Sometimes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                   Roller Shades
                   \n<\/h3>\n

                   Advantages:<\/p>\n

                   \n
                   • Typically Inexpensive<\/li>\n
                   • Easy To Clean<\/li>\n
                   • Various Degrees of Privacy Control<\/li>\n
                   • Various Degrees of Light Control (Even Room Darkening)<\/li>\n
                   • Great for Small Windows<\/li>\n
                   • Corded or Cordless Option for Additional Child Safety<\/li>\n
                   • Various Decorative Hem Choices (i.e. Scallops, Straight, Trim)<\/li>\n
                   • Many Choices of Patterns, Fabrics & Colors<\/li>\n
                   • Custom Fabric Lamination Option Available (Some Fabrics)<\/li>\n
                   • Can Be Used Alongside Other Fabric Window Treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                     Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

                     \n
                     • Vulnerable Lifting Mechanism in Low-Cost Shades<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                       <\/h3>\n

                       Shutters
                       \n<\/h3>\n

                       Advantages:<\/p>\n

                       \n
                       • Privacy Control \u2013 Louvers Can Be Tilted To Adjust Privacy<\/li>\n
                       • Light Control \u2013 Adjustable Louvers Provide Light Control<\/li>\n
                       • Increase Home Value<\/li>\n
                       • Add Architectural Interest<\/li>\n
                       • Insulate Against Heat or Cold<\/li>\n
                       • Available in Wood, Faux Wood or Composite<\/li>\n
                       • Tilt Bar or Clearview Option (No Tilt Bar)<\/li>\n
                       • Divider Rail for Separate Privacy\/Light Control of Top\/Bottom<\/li>\n
                       • Different Louver Sizes Available: 2-1\/2\u201d, 3-1\/2\u201d, 4-1\/2\u201d<\/li>\n
                       • Custom-Made To Fit Each Window, Even Arched Windows!<\/li>\n
                       • Great Option for Sunburst Windows<\/li>\n
                       • Provide Great Curb Appeal<\/li>\n
                       • Can Be Used With Fabric Window Coverings (i.e. Draperies)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                         Disadvantages:<\/p>\n

                         \n
                         • Limited Visibility \u2013 Not The Best Option for Unobstructed View<\/li>\n
                         • Shutter Panels Open Into Room \u2013 Furniture Cannot Be Too Close<\/li>\n
                         • Not The Least Expensive Window Covering Option<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                           Ready for the next step?<\/h3>\n

                           Now that you\u2019ve decided which hard window covering best suits your needs, budget and style, you\u2019re ready to get started.\u00a0 Contact your window covering professional, and schedule an appointment to get your windows measured and to select from the numerous available options to personalize your custom window coverings.\u00a0 Our family-owned and operated studio has been providing beautiful, quality custom window coverings since 1979.\u00a0 Please give us a call at 713-480-7641 or 713-522-3362, and ask for Edith.\u00a0 Or email<\/a> us today!<\/p>\n

                           <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                           Blinds, Shades & Shutters What\u2019s the best choice for YOUR windows? by Edith Barrera Gonz\u00e1lez Windows are the first thing we see when we walk into a room.\u00a0 This makes them an important design element in any space, which is something we, as designers, don\u2019t take lightly when it comes to window coverings.\u00a0 Windows are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[1,30],"tags":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6kdt6-9R","rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Edith Barrera Gonzalez","author_link":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/author\/lucyb123\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"Draperies<\/a> Shades & Shutters<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Blinds, Shades & Shutters What\u2019s the best choice for YOUR windows? by Edith Barrera Gonz\u00e1lez Windows are the first thing we see when we walk into a room.\u00a0 This makes them an important design element in any space, which is something we, as designers, don\u2019t take lightly when it comes to window coverings.\u00a0 Windows are…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=611"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1105,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/611\/revisions\/1105"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=611"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=611"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.barrerasdraperiesandupholsteryplus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}