How to Choose the Perfect Window Shade for Your Home
By choosing the perfect window shade, you can easily revamp the overall look and atmosphere of your home. It can however be quite difficult to select the perfect window shade, as there are many eye-catching options available for you to choose from.
To help you select the perfect window shade for your home, we have outlined below several tips to consider when shopping for shades.
Know the various styles of shades available
Shades come in different styles, textures, fabric weights, and patterns, while most of these options will suffice in helping make a room look softer and warmer, some may be more suitable for your home than others. Knowing about the different types of shades you can find in the market will help you with your selection. The most common types of window shades are Roman shades, woven wood shades, blackout shades, solar shades, and honeycomb shades.
Choose shades that fit your window specifications
Before finalizing your selection of shades for your home, you should know the dimensions of your windows. Generally, your window should be measured from the top stitching line to the panel’s bottom. Once you have noted the specifications of your window, it will be easier for you to find or order shades that will perfectly fit your windows.
Think about the purpose of the room
The perfect window shade for your home must be suitable for the room you want to install it. If you don’t consider the purpose of a room, the shade may look out of place or not function as desired. For instance, if you are looking for window shades for a family room or dining room, Roman shades are an excellent option. A solar or roller shade will be perfect for a small home office and blackout shades are ideal for a bedroom. Take the time to consider the purpose of a specific room before choosing the style of window shade for it.
Consider the level of light control and privacy for the room
Each room in your home requires different levels of privacy and light control. Your bathrooms and bedrooms are personal spaces where you probably don’t want people to be able to see into, so the perfect window shade for such rooms must offer lots of privacy. Also, you may want to prevent light from coming into these rooms. In this case, you can select cellular shades.
However, for rooms where privacy may not be as large of a concern like your living room, you can opt to go with sheer window shades or other lightweight fabrics.
Choose shades that suit your taste
Everyone has a particular design preference when looking for window shades. It is important to consider your room's design and layout when making a final decision about your window shades. Individuals that want shades that are simple, elegant, and modern shouldn’t overlook Roman shades. However, cellular shades will be impeccable for anyone concerned about saving energy bills.
Create a budget
Having a budget that you are roughly prepared to spend on shades will help you narrow down your selection. While your budget may not be the #1 factor you want to consider, you should never overlook it. Keep in mind larger shades designed for larger windows will be costlier than those designed for smaller windows.
When selecting the perfect shade for your home, it should be an enjoyable experience as you have the ability to change the feel of a room or your entire home by changing the window coverings. There are many factors to consider including style, design, size, functionality and budget. If you are not sure where to begin your window shade search, contact your local window coverings specialist. They will be able to walk you through your different options and also suggest what shades would fit well in your home.
Why Are Electric Blinds Becoming So Popular?
Curtains used to be the conventional window coverings because of their simplicity in appearance, ease of use and pocket-friendly prices. However, with time, homeowners began shifting towards the use of window blinds for their windows when they discovered that blinds were better at blocking out light and offering more privacy.
Nowadays, we have electric window blinds, which are much more convenient than manual blinds. Motorized blinds are a good investment if you can have them installed in your home, they are safe, energy-efficient, easy to use and in the long run, you would be getting the value for your money. Here are 6 reasons why electric blinds are becoming so popular:
1. They Are Energy Efficient
Motorized blinds will save you a lot of money on energy bills because they help to conserve energy. Motorized blinds are excellent insulators (prevent heat loss) and they help regulate the amount of light entering your home. The interesting part is that you can automate your blinds to open and close at different times of the day, depending on the heat level.
2. They offer additional security.
If you have windows high up in your house, you can easily open or close them with a remote without risking any accidents that may occur while climbing to adjust the blinds.
3. Safety
Since motorized blinds can be automated to close and open at any time of the day, they can serve as a deterrent to burglars because it would appear as if you were at home, even if you aren’t. Electric blinds are also beneficial to your health because they can block UV light from the sun.
4. Variety Of Styles
Motorized blinds also come in various styles, colours and patterns. You can also choose between the ones that are controlled wirelessly or with switches. This means you are never out of options for a style that would complement the look of your home. Some electric blinds even come with applications that are specifically designed for the control of the blinds.
5.They increase home value
When potential buyers are looking for new properties, the ones with electric blinds are usually rated as high value and they are likely to attract buyers.
6. Ease of use
Motorized blinds are easy to install and easy to use because they require little technical know-how to operate them. Most motorized blinds run on home batteries that can be easily replaced, so you may not need an electrical connection to make them work.
5 Tips and Tricks on How to Use Roman Shades in Your Interior Design
Also called roman blinds, roman shades are a popular window covering option that can bring softness and beauty to any room. These window coverings often are constructed using a ring and a cord pully system for lowering and raising the shades, which allows you to control the amount of natural light and privacy in the room.
If you are contemplating utilizing roman shades for your home’s interior, here are 5 tips and tricks you should look into to help enhance their look in your home.
Selection of fabrics and linings that suit your home
Like other window coverings, the linings and fabrics of roman shades are not immune to fading. So, the effect of sunlight may make the outside of your roman blinds fade and become patchy over the years. However, you can avoid this issue by selecting higher quality linings and fabrics for your shades that are designed to resist fading. These fabrics are available in different options including lightweight and heavy-weight fabrics. The type of lining you choose can also help protect the shade’s fabric helping extend their lifespan. There are many colour options for your lining, just keep in mind choosing a coloured lining may result in fading quicker. The most popular option is a blackout lining, as it not only blocks out the light when closed, they hold their colour well.
Choosing a roman shade style
Roman shades come in numerous styles, this is great for being able to customize your look, it can be quite overwhelming at times. The most popular styles include classic, flat, hobbled, and relaxed roman blinds. Each style has its own unique look and design character. While hobbled and classic styles require dowels to create the folds and pleating, flat roman shades consist of only a single piece of continuous fabrics and don’t have any dowels. Relaxed (European) blinds add softness to a room through their natural flowing fabrics.
Try a variety of patterns and prints
The third trick for using roman shades for your interior design is testing out different patterns and prints. Since there are various elegant and eye-catching designs and prints available for your shades, don’t limit yourself to just one plane design. Try selecting different patterns for different rooms in your home and match them with the existing décor. For instance, if your room is monochrome, you can enhance the look by adding large pattern blocks in your shades. Similarly, if you want to add a personal touch to your room, choose roman blinds with beautiful hand embroidery and embellishments.
Consider the size of the room
When selecting roman shades for a room, do not overlook the size of such room. Some shades are more suitable for small rooms whereas others are great for big rooms. For small rooms, you can utilize the shades to make the room feel bigger, taller, or longer just by using a striped pattern roman shade. However, if you want to highlight the height of a living room with a high ceiling, shades with horizontal stripes are the best options. The size of your room and the affect you are looking for will give you direction in which roman shade style and design is best to use.
Use double drapery to accentuate the look of your room
If you are looking to accentuate the décor and design of any room, double drapery is always recommended. Generally, double drapery involves the combination of roman blinds and sliding curtains. This combination lowers the amount of light and potential cold that can come into the room from the windows. You can experiment with various options, including colours and patterns to find the perfect match for your home.
5 Advantages of Motorized Window Coverings
Window coverings are any material that boosts the appearance, privacy and functionality of a window. Although window coverings come in many different forms and designs, the trendiest ones are motorized blinds. Motorized blinds are a great way to make your home smarter, easier and more convenient by allowing you to open your windows with the touch of a button. Not only are they more efficient, but they also make your home feel classy and elegant. If you are interested in improving your home, read below to find out the benefits of motorized window coverings.
1. They are convenient
The biggest advantage of motorized window coverings is the convenience they offer. In fact, this is why many homeowners have installed motorized blinds inside their homes- it’s a way to work smarter, not harder. Motorized blinds allow you to open your windows without disrupting your tasks or moving from wherever you’re sitting. With a push of a button, you can open your blinds from anywhere. The convenience of motorized blinds is more noticeable in homes with skylights or hard-to-reach windows. Without using a ladder or stretching your hands, you can open and close motorized window coverings.
2. They are safer
Standard window coverings have rods, cords, and other hanging items that are used to adjust them. These hanging items can be hazardous in households that have small children or pets, who tend to play with them out of curiosity. However, with motorized blinds, you do not have to worry about any hanging cords or wires. Since you do not adjust motorized blinds manually, they do not have any loose strings that can pose a potential hazard. This makes motorized blinds a safe window covering alternative if you have children or pets.
3. They increase the security and privacy of your home when you are not around
Occassionally, you may forget to close your window coverings when you leave your house. Unfortunately, leaving your windows open allows other people to see into your home, which puts your house at higher risk for break ins or home intrusions. However, with motorized window coverings you can close your windows remotely making your home more secure and private.
4. They protect your interiors
Many people don’t realize the sun’s effect on their personal belongings. In fact, if exposed to sunlight for long periods of time things like carpet, art pieces, furniture and other decor can become damaged and discoloured. Fortunately, with motorized blinds you can prevent this from happening. Some motorized coverings can be automated to close and protect your interiors once the temperature increases to a certain degree. Hence, window coverings can come in handy to protect your personal belongings from fading or discolouration
5. They increase the overall value of your home
Due to its ability to increase the aesthetics and automation of your home, motorized window coverings can boost your home value. Many home buyers love smart homes and home automation, especially in today’s age of technology. Therefore, they tend to value homes with motorized coverings more than those without them. So, if you are thinking about making your home more appealing to a potential buyer, consider installing motorized blinds.
Takeaway
It’s never a bad time to invest in your home by installing motorized blinds. If you are considering getting motorized blinds for your home, contact a window specialist today!
What Are the Most Popular Window Treatments?
Windows are an essential part of any home as they add to the overall aesthetic of the interior and exterior. Window treatments are decorative coverings that can enhance the apperance of windows and serve functional purposes such as energy saving, ventilation and maintaining privacy. If you are looking to install a new window treatment, here are some popular window coverings.
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Drapes
Drapes are made with thick fabrics, making them suitable for limiting the amount of natural light entering a space. Drapes are hung on rods placed horizontally over the window to ensure that they can be easily opened and closed. Drapes usually come in pairs with each fabric at either end of the rod, and they extend from the top of the window to the bottom. If you are looking for a window treatment with a touch of formality, consider choosing drapes.
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Curtains
Curtains are similar to drapes however, they use different materials. Curtains are made from lighter fabrics which makes them suitable for letting in more natural light. In addition, they often come in various colours and patterns making them extremely versatile. Ultimately, curtains can be used in any area of your home from the kitchen to the living room.
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Shades
Window shades come in a range of styles and materials including those made of fabrics, wood and plastics. The wide variety of shades is what makes them perfect in any part of your home. Shades are designed to be the same width as your window, and are attached to a manual or motorized mechanism that controls their opening and closing. Sheers shades, Roman shades, and balloon shades are some of the popular types of shades.
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Blinds
If you are looking for a kind of window treatment that adds a layer of privacy to your rooms, you may want to consider blinds. As the name suggests, blinds are more efficient than drapes in completely blocking out light entering a room because they are made with more concrete materials like wood or metal. They also come with a mechanism that controls the amount of light shing through your window.
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Valances
Valances are primarily used for their aesthetic purposes. On their own, they cannot completely serve as a full window covering, which is why they are often paired with blinds or curtains. Valances are usually at the top of the window and are smaller in size. They add a regal and stylish look to any window, making them an ideal option for traditional homes.
Takeaway
There are many window treatments to choose from when buying new window coverings. Consider the materials, benefits and purpose of each type of window treatment when picking one that suits your style and needs. If you are not sure about the type of window treatment that would work for you, consider consulting interior design experts within your area.
What is the latest trend in window coverings?
When it comes to window coverings, there is an extensive list of options available for homeowners to choose from. These window treatment options have varying abilities to add aesthetic appeal, control natural light, ensure privacy, and enhance your home's energy efficiency. Popularity of certain window covering has also changed over the years, some treatments have faded out of favour, while others have remained in demand or have gained in popularity. Whether you want to create a formal, modern, romantic, or elegant atmosphere in your home, there are suitable window coverings that will help you achieve your desired look.
When it comes to what is currently on trend for window coverings, we looked no further than our own order sheets. We took a look at our orders from the past 15 months an outlined what our client’s preferences have been. This list is in no particular order.
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Roman and Roller Shades
Both of these window covering options have been available and popular for some time and they are still trending as some of the most popular window treatments today. They are simple, clean and come in a wide range of colours to match any interior decor or theme. Although Roman and roller shades may be thought as a traditional window covering option, they are both still a popular choice today. Colour options and fabric options have also changed over the years, giving you more choices when it comes to either of these treatment options.
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Shutters and Blinds
Talk of elegance and character, shutters and blinds will provide both to any space in your home. They are easy to operate and offer a high level of flexibility in controlling light and ventilation as well as maintaining privacy. Both come in various materials such as wood, faux wood, and composite or vinyl that can withstand moisture damage and other fend off other potential damage such as staining and warping.
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Retro Curtains and Decor
Another trend in window coverings right now, is the use of floral and botanical prints to create a nostalgic look and feel to a room. The use of curtains with prints that are associated with past decades have shown to improve ones overall feelings of positivity and happiness. This is another great trend in window treatments.
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Incorporating Technology
The latest trend in window coverings is the use of technology to simplify and manage the operations of the curtains, drapes, and other types of coverings. With the automation and motorization of window coverings, opening and closing your window covering has become more flexible and convenient through the use of a remote or an app installed on your smartphone.
Trends come and go, when it comes to selecting window coverings for your home, look at the options that meet your needs and expectations. If you are looking at incorporating some on trend elements but don’t want to risk having to change your treatments in the coming years due to the trend fading. Consider prioritizing the type of hardware installed with your window coverings. Whether you are looking to make a statement or create visual appeal, there plenty of options available. And if they fall out of trend, they are much easier and less costly to replace than the entire covering.
How To Choose The Right Window Coverings?
When looking to enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal, the right window coverings can go a long way in pulling a room together. Window treatments have the ability to emphasize the architectural uniqueness or create a focal point in your home or office. There are a wide variety of window coverings you can choose from to accentuate your home decor design and aesthetics and provide additional functional qualities.
Window coverings help to keep out light, protect your home against heat gain and loss, protect carpets and furniture from fading, and reduce the noise level coming from outdoors. To achieve these benefits, choosing the right coverings for your home is important. This will enhance your home's aesthetics and functionality.
Follow the tips below to choose the right window coverings for your home.
1. Window Design
When looking for the right window coverings, first consider the window’s architecture. Check how the windows open (outwards or sliding) and if there is molding surrounding the windows. This will determine the type of window treatment that best suits your window design and style.
2. Style
Window coverings come in many different styles, and choosing the right style will complement and or emphasize your window’s architecture. Many coverings such as blinds, drapes, sheers, and valances come in different layers. You can also make a statement by choosing bold colours, neutral colours, and patterns. Keep in mind that your window covering style for different areas of your home do not necessarily have to be the same. You are able to create different ambiances in your different rooms with a variety of window covering styles.
3. Purpose
In choosing the right window coverings, you should determine the purpose or goals you want to achieve. If, for example, your goal is to block out the most amount of light or if you want to enhance your privacy or if you want to have a view of the outdoors will all lead to different window covering styles and designs.
Draperies, Roman Shades, and Roller Blinds can all open and close completely, providing privacy and reducing light depending on your wants and goals.
4. Type of Fabric
Another factor you may want to consider when choosing the right window coverings for your home is the type of fabrics used. There are a wide range of available fabrics from all-natural organic fabrics to synthetic materials to choose from. Just keep in mind where these fabrics will be used and the type of maintenance required. Selecting a high-quality, washable fabric that can be ironed easily may help reduce time and effort put into keeping your coverings looks fresh and new.
With the right window coverings, you can improve your home's energy efficiency, increase your privacy, and create an eye-catching focal point in any room. Regardless of your goals, you are sure to find attractive, functional window coverings that meet your goals and beyond. Make your home beautiful and comfortable with the right window treatments from RSWindow Fashions, to schedule your free in-home quote today, call 705-794-9428.
Benefits of Motorizing your Shades
We often get asked; “Are motorized shades really needed? After all, it is pretty simple to adjust your shades manually.” And to this, we normally respond with a question like “is your television remote really needed, or is it necessary to have a remote to unlock your car doors? The simple answer to these questions and many more regarding automated products is no, they are not needed but they are important in our lives. Like many items, the technology around window coverings has grown over the past several years, providing us with more freedom and flexibility to control the amount of natural light entering our homes and better control of our privacy.
If you are still unsure about motorized shades, below we outline several key benefits they offer.
1. Convenience
Motorized shades will allow you to open and close all the shades in a room simultaneously with just a touch of a button. This comes in handy, especially if you have windows located behind large pieces of furniture such as couches or side tables. With motorized shades, there is no more climbing on and over items to open or close your shades. With many units, you will also be able to set a timer to open and close specific shades at key times during the day, providing maximum amounts of natural lite and increasing your privacy.
2. Energy Savings
Having your shades automated or installed with a light/heat sensor will ensure that your shades are open or closed during the warmest parts of the day. This improves the energy efficiency of your home and helps you save money on your energy bills. You will be able to reduce the heat gain to a minimum in the summer and increased it to the maximum in the winter reducing your reliance on your HVAC system throughout the year.
3. Security
Motorized shades help to increase your home’s safety and security by setting the automatic control system to follow a random pattern for opening and closing your shades while you are away. This gives the impression that someone is home to neighbors or anyone that is potentially watching your neighborhood helping to reduce the chances of a break and enter.
4. Elegance
Motorized shades are available in a wide variety of elegant materials and colors adding to your home’s overall aesthetics. With no chains or strings dangling from the shade itself, they are more appealing than standard manual shades.
5. Protection Against Ultraviolet Rays
We already know that window shades will help protect your home against excessive sunlight and harmful UV rays. But, motorized shades take it a step further when it comes to protecting your furniture, carpets and other important items placed close to your window from fading and the damaging effects of UV rays. Setting your shades to automatically close when you are not home or when the sun is at its highest point, it will reduce your personal belonging’s exposure to direct sunlight and harmful UV rays.
6. Part of a Complete Smart Home
Motorized shades are easily connected to your smart home system opening up the ability to set scenarios that will cause your shades to automatically go up and down as well as give you the ability to control your shades remotely from your smartphone. You can even take it a step further and connect your motorized shades to your smart home speaker allowing you to use your voice to control your shades.
There was a time, not so long ago that motorized shades were reserved for only the homes of the wealthy, well this is not the case any longer. With advancements in technology and the reduction in manufacturing costs, motorized shades are available for any home and in a range of budget-friendly options. Opening up the benefits of motorized shades to all neighborhoods across Canada.
At RS Window Fashions we specialize in modernizing your living space with window coverings. Serving Barrie and surrounding areas, call (705) 794-9428 to schedule a free in-home quote today!
Window Treatments that Best Control Sunlight
Having a naturally lit home or even an area in a home is a must-have for many homeowners and understandably so. Natural light is more welcoming than artificial light and it has a way of adding warmth to any space. However, the direct sunlight also has some negative effects, such as increased room temperatures (a plus in the winter, but a drawback during summer months) and potential sun damage to furniture and other belongings. Understanding the direction your home is situated and the best types of window coverings that will help control the sunlight will help protect your belongings as well as help you reduce your energy consumption and expenses.
Below we highlight some of the top window coverings that you can rely on to help control the sunlight that enters your home.
1. Shades
Window shades are one of the most popular window coverings on the market and perhaps one of the most effective when it comes to controlling the sunlight that enters your home, at least when they are closed. For the best result, install your shades as close to the window panes as possible. This reduces the chances of sunlight and heat reflecting off the window frames and sills and entering your home. To maximize the efficiency of your window shades, opt into a model that utilizes a dual layer of fabric or more. These extra layers of fabric provide better insulation reducing heat gain, and heat loss when your window shades are drawn.
2. Blinds
Window blinds offer flexibility that you do not get with shades, however, they do not control heat gain or loss as well either. Because you can adjust the opening of the horizontal slats of blinds, you have the option of controlling the amount of sunlight and ventilation that enters your home versus just having an open and closed solution. Blinds also allow you to adjust the direction the sunlight is deflected, in the summer angle your blinds upward to have the light reflected into your light-colored ceiling and in the winter have the slots angled downward to direct extra light and heat into your living space.
3. Drapes
Drapes are often lined with a fabric heavy enough to block sunlight from entering your home. They will also provide additional insulation and enhance your privacy. Reduced heat gain during the summer months and heat loss during the winter months is an added benefit of lined drapes, the value of reduction depends on the fabric weight and color.
4. Curtains
Curtains may not be as protective against sunlight as other window coverings, but they do offer some control against the sunlight that enters your home. As with drapes, the fabric type, weight, and color play a role in the effectiveness of curtains in limiting the amount of sunlight that enters your home.
5. Reflective Window Film
If you don’t like the idea of completely blocking the sunlight from entering your home by closing your window coverings then perhaps installing a window film may be the solution for you. These films will assist in controlling the sunlight that gets into your home as well as block solar heat, ultraviolet rays, and glare. The one drawback of these reflective films is that they may also distort your view.
If you are looking to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home throughout the day or reduce your potential heat gain and heat loss from your windows during the different seasons of the year, you have plenty of options to choose from. Just remember that color and material do play a big part when looking to buy your new window coverings.
At RS Window Fashions we specialize in modernizing your living space with window coverings. Serving Barrie and surrounding areas, call (705) 794-9428 to schedule a free in-home quote today!
5 Reasons Window Shades are Better than Curtains
There are endless options when it comes to window treatments and at times it can seem a bit overwhelming when having to choose new window covering from all of the available options. Shades and curtains are some the most commonly used window coverings today. Both window shades and curtains are excellent window treatment options, and no matter your feelings or thoughts on either style, they each have some benefits over the other.
Before we highlight 5 reasons why window shades have an advantage over curtains, let’s have a look at each covering individually:
What are Window Shades?
Window shades are soft fabric panels attached to a frame or rod at their upper edge to help move them up and down to expose or cover your windows. They are available in different colours, materials, lengths, and widths to fit within your window frame. Window shades move vertically through the use of either a roller, a cord or lifting mechanism.
What are Curtains?
Curtains are made up of sheets of fabric, flat, and or pleated that cover your window and frame entirely. They are hung on and move horizontally across a rod, which is installed on your wall or ceiling above your windows. Curtains come in a wide range of colours, fabrics, styles and thicknesses and can be customized to match the interior decor of your home.
Without any further delay, below are 5 reasons why window shades are better than curtains;
1. Extremely Versatile
Both Window shades and curtains come in a wide range of beautiful designs, styles, and patterns, and both have the ability to enhance the aesthetics of any room. However, shades have the ability to be used in a wider variety of scenarios. They work well with narrow windows, on windows that are situated up high, and those that are in a tricky location of your home. Window shades have the ability to be the focal point of any room, in areas that are smaller or oddly shaped, a vibrant window shade can help enhance the room’s décor.
2. Simple Installation
Window shades are simpler than curtains to install. They do not require feeding many layers of fabric through a rod, or finding anchor points in a wall. Many shades utilize brackets, which get fastened to the inside or outside of your frames or on your wall or ceiling. Once the bracket is secure, the shades just clip in.
3. Efficient Light Control
Window shades go up and down easily, making it easy to control the amount of light that enters the room. Due to their quick adjustability, window shades block out sunlight quickly and can even help reduce heat gain/loss.
4. Cost Efficiency
In most cases shades are more cost effective than curtains, and can be installed at a fraction of the cost of curtains. They are the perfect home decor improvement and a cost-saving option. Just because they cost less it doesn’t mean they offer less aesthetic appeal as they can still brighten up any room.
5. Low Maintenance
For the most part a duster or a vacuum is all that is needed to maintain your shades. If you find any stains on your shades, dab them out using a mild detergent. Some fabrics are able to be washed, but this is not necessary in most cases.
Both window shades and curtains are great window covering options you can choose for your home. The above are just a few advantages window shades have over curtains. When looking to replace the window coverings in your home, take the time to research your options to better make an informed decision and improve your comfort.
At RS Window Fashions we specialize in modernizing your living space with window coverings. Serving Barrie and surrounding areas, call (705) 794-9428 to schedule a free in-home quote today!