Many think window treatments are just for aesthetics or privacy. While they surely enhance a home and can block unwanted visual intrusions, shades and blinds also control light, contribute to energy efficiency, and help with home security.
Is a particular room just too bright but has a great exterior view? Certain types of shades transform harsh daylight into soft, filtered light with even illumination. When open, sheer-fabric components filter light, blocking much of the view from outside-in while preserving your view of the outdoors. They also help block harmful Ultra Violet rays, preserving furnishings, flooring, and other items in the room from sun-fade damage.
Blinds and shades contribute to energy efficiency, adding an insulating value at the window when closed, controlling how much of the sun’s heat enters the room, and keeping room climate consistent. They can be closed in summer when the sun makes the room too hot, or left open in winter to let the sun in. This can lower heating and cooling costs by making the room more comfortable without adjusting the thermostat.
Motorized window treatments provide new options in light control and energy efficiency. Automation allows hard-to-reach windows to be operated easily, and be scheduled to change at any times you desire. Hunter Douglas PowerView® treatments can be set to work with several automation systems as well as their own downloadable app. You can control the operation remotely, which can enhance home security. Scenes can be set to maximize the shade’s contribution to energy efficiency by opening/closing at specific times, controlling the sun’s heat. Motorized treatments also eliminate exposed cords, so children and pets are safer too.
Jay Adams is the owner of Blue Jay Paint and Blinds in Lake Zurich, an independent Benjamin Moore dealer. For details on the wide range of products/services offered, including Hunter Douglas and Graber window fashions, visit BlueJayPaint.com or call 224.677.5334.
Tip 1: Improve your light control. Soft horizontal fabric vanes that float on a sheer backing allow you to achieve infinite combinations of light control, privacy and view-through. Maximize those views with Hunter Douglas Pirouette® ClearView® Shadings (below). A specialized sheer offers a clear view to the outside while transforming the light inside into a comforting glow.
Tip 2: Maximize privacy and safety. Graber Cellular Shades (below) offer a range of material colors and opaqueness, as well as cordless lift and motorized lift options that maximize safety for homes with children and pets.
Tip 3: Improve energy efficiency. Up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. The superior design of Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb® Shades (above) traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Tip 4: Employ Automation. Hunter Douglas PowerView® Motorization lets you schedule your shades to open and close on their own—at any time of the day—with the touch of a button, a tap on a mobile device or the sound of your voice. So forgo the alarm clock, and use light as a wake-up call instead.
Jay Adams is the owner of Blue Jay Paint & Blinds in Lake Zurich, an authorized Benjamin Moore Independent Retailer. Call 224-677-5334 your visit BlueJayPaint.com.