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!