Blinds 101 - Purchasing Guide

| Blinds 101 - Purchasing Guide | Hunter Douglas iMagine™ Design Center |

Blinds 101 - Purchasing Guide

Click here for a printable version of this guide

We have developed a guide to aid you in making an informed decision when choosing your window fashions. We hope the following list will help in your decision when choosing the type of window fashion that will best fit your needs.

LIGHT SOURCE

Where the light source is coming from is important.

First make sure you know which direction your window faces.

North light tends to be cold and clear, suggesting energy-efficient window treatments.

Light from the south is warm and strong year-round, so you might choose light-diffusing window coverings to protect your furniture and carpets. If your windows face east, bright, warm morning light calls for window coverings that block UV rays. Conversely, light that comes from the west demands solutions that are both light controlling and light diffusing.

PRIVACY

Do you need full privacy from next door neighbors or just a little screening from perhaps the garage or an air conditioning unit? Your need will dictate the type of window treatment you may want.

STYLE

Do you prefer a traditional or a contemporary look? Relaxed or formal? Country warmth and simplicity or urban sophistication?

COLOR

All our suppliers are constantly expanding their selection of colors, styles and fabrics to keep abreast of ever changing interior designs. It is well worth the time to look over each of the selections in this area to determine what suits you best.

WINDOW SHAPE

Do you have ordinary windows? If not, don't worry. Most of our suppliers carry an assortment of pre-made window treatments AND are able to craft custom window treatments to fit those "hard to accessorize" windows. From arches to angles, from circular to Palladian's, we can supply you with the window treatment you need. This is limited, of course, to the manufacturer.

ALWAYS WITHIN REACH

Is the window on the wall of a cathedral ceiling? If so, is a long cord and wand sufficient for your needs? Or, would a remote control be a better choice for you? Most manufacturers crry options for this. From the traditional cord and wand to the increasingly popular remote controlled window treatment, making sure you can are able to open & close your blinds is also a consideration. There are many accessories that come with your window treatments, so this is also something you want to consider.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

With fuel prices on the rise & no expectation of change, another advantage of window treatments is the energy savings that can come from a carefully thought out plan. Many come with various styles designed to improve your window's insulation factor.

Energy efficiency is definitely something worth considering.

UV PROTECTION

Built-in Ultraviolet protection is inherent of most window treatments. This is a factor in preserving the fabrics and carpets in your home, especially if they are near your windows. Many offer combinations of fabrics and designs that allow light to pass through, yet keep out the harmful rays of the sun.

SAFETY

Kids, pets and loose cords and wands can spell t-r-o-u-b-l-e! Our manufacturers offer operating systems and special features designed to make your home as safe as possible. This is a key ingredients when it comes to those you love.

A MESSAGE FROM US

This is by no means a comprehensive guide, but a starter to planning and buying a window treatment to match your needs and plans. Our Sales Representative, Diane is happy to discuss with you further any other questions that our guide does not answer. Feel free to call Diane for more information or to arrange a meeting to cover any other questions you may have.

Thank you ~ The Blind Man

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