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Packing for a Move

4 Tips To Help You Choose The Perfect Window Treatments For Your Home

23 February 2015

Aaron Carroll

Investing in new window treatments for your home can create an entirely new look that brings out the best features of the space, as long as you choose the right ones. There is more to consider than just the design and style of your new window treatments – they should protect your home from wear and tear, and perform well for many years to come. Here are four tips that will help you make the perfect investment:

Focus on Maintenance

One of the things that will impact the satisfaction you experience with your window treatments is their maintenance requirements. If you have the time and inclination to wash, iron, and stitch your treatments, options such as silk or wool curtains may be right for you. But if you're looking for something more maintenance-free, it's a good idea to choose something less fussy such as blinds or cotton curtains.

Some window treatments only need a quick cleaning with a damp cloth, while others may require the use of products like stain removers to keep them clean and fresh. Before making a purchase, get a copy of the maintenance directions from the manufacturer's website or by calling to request a copy by mail so you have a clear understanding of what is expected to keep your new treatments in tip top shape throughout the years.

Look for Filtering Features

If you're like most homeowners, you probably don't appreciate having to squint in order to see inside your own home. So it's worth considering the investment of window treatments that allow you to filter the light as you see fit throughout the day. Here are a few attractive options to consider:

• Honeycomb Cellular Blinds
• Roman Shades
• Venetian Blinds
• Woven Wooden Shades

You can increase the filtering effects of your window treatments by installing insulating glass film on your windows behind the treatments. Some blinds can be installed on the exterior to free up some space in the interior. 

Choose Your Colors Wisely

It can be tempting to choose window treatments that call out to you with their design and color, but choosing a color on the spot can be detrimental to the overall look and feel of your home. In fact, color can have a big impact on the atmosphere and mood within your home. For example, red can raise your blood pressure and your heart rate, while yellow can stimulate happiness and joy. Some colors that might make a good fit in your home include:

• Blue has the opposite effect of red by lowering your blood pressure and offering relaxation.
• Green encourages cheerfulness and a stress-free atmosphere.
• Purple creates sophistication and offers a luxurious feel to the space it's in.
• Orange induces energy into a room.

You can break up the color infusion in your home by choosing window treatments that combined bright colors with neutral colors like black, white, and beige.

Consider the Future

Before making a final purchasing decision, it's wise to think about how you might be using your home in five or ten years from now. You may want to create a modern and upscale look now, but if you'll be having kids you may want to go with something a little more laid back so the window treatments don't have to be replaced when toys, kid furniture, and homemade paintings end up in the space. If you plan to rent your home out after some time, consider implementing plastic or vinyl shades that will be easy for tenants to maintain and affordable to replace when necessary.

With these considerations in mind, make a list of the features that are most important to you so it's available while you shop and nothing important is overlooked. 

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