Window shades are both stylish and functional, balancing aesthetics with practical functions such as light control, energy efficiency and privacy.
Window shades come in a variety of styles, including sleek functional options like Cellular Shades and more decorative options such as Tulip or Pleated Roman Shades. Learn more about each type of window shade and how it can improve the aesthetics and safety of your home.
Light Control
Light control systems let you adjust the light that comes through your windows to create the mood you desire. From soft filtered lighting to room darkening, shades can be adapted in a variety of ways to meet your individual needs and preferences.
Some light control systems are controlled by a microprocessor, or logic circuit, which evaluates the input control signals, such as time of day, occupancy or daylight availability, and decides whether or not to adjust lighting power. These systems are designed primarily for energy management applications. They can lower operating costs through the use of less lighting, and they can control lights automatically and in real time when conditions change.
Another type of light control strategy uses a photosensor or light sensor with a power controller to switch or dim lighting in response to available daylight. According to LBNL, this strategy can result in up to a 28% average energy savings for lighting.
Regardless of the type of light control strategy you choose, it’s important to select window blinds online that provide the level of light control you need. JC Licht has many options to fit your needs, including SilhouetteTM and NantucketTM sheers that can be rotated to the exact level of light control you want.
In addition to reducing unwanted light, a good set of window treatments can also reduce heat and glare, resulting in more comfortable temperatures. They can also reduce the UV rays of the sun to protect your furniture and flooring from fading or discoloration.
For North facing windows, a balanced light solution can help you enjoy the mornings with soft light and block out excess sunlight to prevent glare at night. Window shades can be adapted to adjust open and closed to provide a natural light balance for any room in your home.
West facing windows have an even more unique set of light control requirements. They typically need to be adjusted for both morning and evening. The morning light is warm and bright, but you don’t want it to come in too early. Smart shades allow you to adjust them to let in a little morning light and then close them at sunset, blocking out the afternoon glare.
Energy Efficiency
Choosing energy efficient window shades can make a big difference in reducing your home’s heating and cooling expenses, while providing comfort and style. In addition, these window treatments also protect your furniture from UV rays and can reduce glare by blocking harsh sunlight.
Cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings available. They have a unique design that traps air between the honeycomb cells, creating insulation to prevent heat from escaping your home in the winter and to slow solar heat gain in the summer.
The horizontal blinds were replaced by these window shades in the late 1970s. They are now the most popular window shade type, offering both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
They can be layered to provide additional insulation, and they have the option of operating on an automated schedule for optimal performance. They are made of a thick insulating material and come in a wide range of colors, fabrics, and designs to complement any room decor.
The more layers you have of cellular shades, the better they will protect your windows from the heat and cold of the sun. The most common options are single, double and even triple cellular shades.
To save even more on energy bills, you may want to consider adding a thermal lining to your drapes or curtains. These linings, which are usually white on the reverse side, can provide additional protection against the sun’s rays.
These liners can also add to the interior decor of your home. They can be added on to any window treatment whether it is blinds or drapes.
Another type of energy efficient window treatment is solar shades, which block out most of the harmful UV rays from the sun while allowing in more natural light during the day. They are especially effective for hot climates where a good window treatment is needed to keep the temperature down and to keep the interior of your home cool.
In order to make the most of energy efficient window treatments, it’s important to measure your windows properly. This will ensure that your window shades are precisely fitted to the measurements of your windows. This will allow them to perform their best and maximize energy savings.
You can also find out more about Privacy.
Window shades and blinds provide homeowners with a variety of privacy options. They allow them to control the light and privacy of their home while maintaining its aesthetic. There are a variety of fabric options that work with all decor themes, from modern to formal to rustic.
Shades can provide privacy and improve energy efficiency. They can also filter UV rays which could damage your home’s furniture and artwork. Some products, such as Hunter Douglas’ Duolite operating system, offer the flexibility to combine light-filtering and room-darkening fabrics into one window treatment, which provides a full spectrum of privacy and light control.
You can save money by using a room-darkening blind with a 0% opening factor.
Sheer shades and zebra shades are also great for creating more privacy by combining a window treatment with a light-filtering fabric that prevents outside-prying eyes from peering inside. They also have flexible slats that can be opened as little or as much as desired for optimal light control in any space.
Visit a Louver Shop and speak to a design specialist about your preferences. They can review fabric samples against your current interior decor and lighting to make sure they fit your privacy and style needs.
There are many types of window shades. They range from vertical and horizontal slats, to pleated and Roman styles. Most have a tilt wand that allows you to rotate the slats to adjust how much light comes into your room.
Certain window treatments such as honeycomb shades can also reduce glare and increase energy efficiency. They trap heat in the window frame, reducing the amount of incoming sunlight and regulating your home’s temperature.
Some window treatments, such as bamboo and wood blinds, can add a natural element to your home. They also have light-filtering liners that will add additional privacy at nighttime.
Style
With so many types and styles to choose from, it can be difficult to find the perfect window shade for your home. The final decision should be made based on the style of your home and any other needs you may have. For example, if you have a family room where you want to provide privacy but also control lighting, dark curtains and a shade with a liner or shutters would be the best option.
However, if your dining room needs to be decorated with a dash of elegance but gets too much morning sunlight streaming through it, Roman shades tucked under linen drapes can keep the look simple and elegant. If you want to give your bedroom some privacy while still allowing for natural light, balloon and tie-up shades are great options.
Cellular shades are another option to control light. They have a honeycomb-like design with double cells that is 3/8 inch thick. This allows light to pass through the top window while still insulating the room. These can be installed vertically or horizontally and come in single, double, and triple combs.
These window treatments will also keep you cooler by blocking out the sun’s rays. This is great for your home’s efficiency. This can reduce your A/C unit’s work and save you money on your utility bills.
Other popular window shades include roller shades, which are crafted from a continuous piece of fabric that pulls up and down with cords or a lifting mechanism. These can be used alone or layered over other window treatments for the best light control and privacy.
Ask a specialist in the store for their recommendations if you are unsure of the type of window shade that is best for your home. They can help you find the perfect option for your needs and your decorating style. They can also give you tips on how to maintain your window shades, and help you decide when it’s time to replace them.