Have you ever looked for window coverings and been confused by all the choices, and you avoided making any
decision because you didn't want to make a wrong one? Let's try to clear up this confusion by answering these simple questions before you go
shopping. Even though window coverings are very decorative, we need to start with the function of the window first. I say this because you can
have a beautiful window covering, but if it doesn't fit the function of the window, you won't be a happy customer.
- First, what are my needs for
privacy?
This is a most important question
because your safety and security is directly related to what is at the
window. Hunter Douglas has products that range from sheer to privacy, as
well as many degrees in between. It's a very individual process. Some
people could live in a fish bowl. I, personally, could not. I require
total privacy to feel safe and secure. Also, your needs for privacy in
the bedroom probably will be different than your needs in the dining
room. So this is the question to start with.
- The second question you have to ask yourself is: What direction does the window face?
 Is it a warm sunny, window? If
it's south or west, you could be experiencing a room that heats up, but
you also have another problem; your furniture or carpet might be fading
as we speak. If this is your problem, Hunter Douglas has
energy-efficient products that are beautiful. Not only are they
gorgeous, but they will keep your room cooler and filter the harsh
sunlight. What this means is not only a savings in your cooling bill,
but you will enjoy your furniture and carpet for a longer time. Consider
pleated shades or Duette® honeycomb shades.
- The third question is: What are my needs
for light control?
 When you think of operating
functions of window coverings, some go up and down. Roller shades are a
good example. You can stop a roller shade anywhere you want, but you
can't really control the light. If light control is the issue, I
recommend a product that has a louver. It can be a louver that is either
horizontal or vertical. Now, what has a louver? Mini blinds, wood
blinds, Silhouette® window shadings, Nantucket™ or verticals or
Luminette Privacy Sheers®. With louvers, you can redirect the light and
can completely change the complexion of a room by rotating or tilting
the louvers.
- The fourth question is: How do my windows
open, and do I open them often?
Some windows open up,
some out and some in, while some go side-to-side. There is no standard
window. This is an important question to ask yourself, because you might
design a beautiful window covering, but if it doesn't fit the function,
it will be useless. I personally love wood blinds, in fact, I have
several rooms with wood blinds. In my family room, I have a sliding door
that gets used a lot. It's open for ventilation, and to hear the music
of water in our outdoor fountains. It's opened several times a day for
Daffy, our Cocker Spaniel, to go outside (as well as all the people
traffic). As much as I love wood blinds, I would never put one on my
sliding door. It's too heavy to lift, and takes up too much stacking
space at the top of the door. It would look gorgeous, but it doesn't fit
the function of the window. There are better choices, such as Hunter
Douglas Luminette Privacy Sheers®, Duette® Vertiglide™ or vertical
blinds.
- The fifth and final question is: What is
my budget?
Let's be honest, window
coverings are an investment in your home. Hunter Douglas has products to
fit just about any budget. You might love the Silhouette® shadings, but
they might stretch your budget too much. If that's the case, look at the
new Nantucket™ shadings. They have the look at a lesser price. You might
like wood blinds, but if they're not in your budget try Everwood®, which
are everlasting, ever beautiful - practical, elegant and affordable.
Be honest about your budget and realize, too, that there might
not be a big price difference between what you might like and what you
absolutely love. I want you to think and ask yourself this question: "In
five years, will I remember how much I paid for something or will I
remember how much I love it, knowing I made the right decision?" You don't
always have to settle! Your dreams can be reality.
These five
questions deal, not with decoration of the window, but with the function
instead. Next month's article is on the decorating questions you need to
ask yourself to pick the perfect window covering. We will consider color,
texture and the feeling you are trying to create in your room.
Part 2: Dressing the Window
Written By Hunter Douglas' Design Expert Sally.
View more articles by Sally
Visit the Hunter Douglas Website
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