You’ve worked with your builder Alair Homes Calgary and moving day approaches. Prior to moving day, one important component to consider is window treatments. We all thrive in a lighted environment but there are times we need to diffuse the light with window coverings such as blinds, curtains, sheers, shutters or draperies.

Things to Consider

Two things to consider are cost and functionality. Blinds are versatile and come in a variety of colours and textures. There are cellular shades also known as Honeycombs which are an insulated window treatment to combat heat and cold. They do this through their honeycomb design that traps air between the window and the room, resulting in heat retention during the winter months and heat dissipation in the summer months.

Another popular type of blind are woven wood blinds made from grasses, reeds and bamboo. Blinds can either be panel-track which slide back and forth or vertical blinds that are lowered and raised offering light control and privacy.

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Roman Shades

Roman shades can be flat, pleated or draped with swags. The fabric lays flat against the window when down but folds up nicely when raised. Sheer shades can be adjusted to diffuse the light. If you opt for wood or faux wood blinds treat them as you would wood furniture. Faux wood blinds are generally made from PVC, vinyl or composite wood materials and are generally less costly than real wood. If you’re looking to block daylight then consider black-out blinds or draperies which block the light and make sleeping much easier, especially during the summer months.

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Tie-Back Blinds

If you’re looking for a window treatment for your sliding doors, consider a tie-back to cinch a stationary curtain panel or a top mount high above the door frame to accommodate the functionality of the door. A good tip is to also hang the curtain panel just above the floor to minimize dust and dirt accumulating on the fabric.

Window treatments provide privacy while controlling how much natural light is brought into a room. They can add a spark of colour or pattern to complement your chosen colour scheme. You can have fun with trims, tassels, fringes and bold bands of colour along the hem of your curtain or draperies.

Remember to consider safety, too. There are window treatments that offer cordless and motorized operation. Before you make your purchases consider what each room is used for— sleeping, cooking, kids doing their homework, media room for watching your favourite movies and TV shows or gaming with friends. Each room will have its own flare and functionality and the sky’s the limit when it comes to colours and creativity.