Need New Window Coverings? How About Putting Exterior Shades in?
When it comes to dressing up windows, blinds and shades reign supreme. These fixtures are an excellent buy for any home because they not only look good, but also let you control the amount of light, and are easy to use. However, there are a few things to remember before purchasing window blinds or shades to ensure that they meet your needs and preferences. Find your home’s best blinds and shades by learning about the essential variables.
Why Invest in Exterior Window Coverings?
That’s a great question, and it often leads individuals to overlook their outdoor areas when decorating. Since we are outside, we do not need window coverings or other dimming methods.
You should buy window treatments for your outdoor rooms for the following reasons:
- Sun and weather protection are compelling arguments for investing in outside window coverings. The sun’s rays can gradually weaken and discolor wooden floors, carpets, and upholstery. Damage to unprotected windows can also be caused by precipitation, such as snow and hail. Covering your windows on the outside can extend the life of your furnishings and decorations.
- Window treatments installed outside your home can improve its visual appeal. They may add a touch of class to your home’s exterior, and they can set the tone for your garden.
When you put your window coverings on the outside of your building, you can admire the full beauty of your internal windows without hiding any framing, design, or style. If you want to show off the wall color, wallpaper, trim, or built-ins around your windows without competing with the shades, solar shades for windows are the way to go.
Moreover, outdoor blinds are clear of the outdoor view when fully opened. Exterior shades are an excellent option if you value privacy but want to keep the picture out of your windows undisturbed. They also eliminate the need for bulky window treatments like drapes, shades, or blinds, as well as the scars left on the wall from their mounting hardware.
Shades for the outside of a building have several additional advantages besides those already mentioned. External blinds will serve the following purposes:
- Reduce the temperature of a room by about 20 degrees
- Block 95% of solar heat from entering the room before it reaches the window
- Keep warm air inside during the winter, and lower the temperature of a room almost instantly when used
- Minimize or significantly lessen the impact of background noise
- West-facing rooms, media rooms, and bedrooms can benefit significantly from this shading solution.
While we recommend motorization for the outdoors, we can also set up blinds that a hand crank may operate. Large outdoor shades or rolling shutters, such as those used to cover windows or skylights, should be motorized if you want to avoid the hassle of manually cranking them open and closed.
When looking for external motorized blinds, it’s essential to consider how simple they will be. For example, is there a standard 110-volt outlet close to where the shade will be outside? Since we will be running cables via a cable to automate the shade, it will be more cost-effective if you already have electricity outside your home (we do not perform electrical work). In addition, each shade only draws 1 amp at full load; thus, we can easily power both from a single outlet.
The cable track, the side track, and the zipper track window shades all work to raise and lower outside shades. Even though the cable track isn’t as evident as the side track, we usually recommend using the more expensive zipper track when it’s windy outside. The fabric is left taut and tight after the zipper has been moved. In addition, because the material is always tucked into the track, a seal is formed between the shade and the track, preventing wind from blowing in from behind the shade.
However, this is just the beginning of the perks you’ll reap from installing outdoor shades. We have warm summers, and rising temperatures mean increased bills to keep your home cool. Solar blinds on the outside of a house make it look better and easier to sell, but they can also save you money on your utility bills.
What should you do if you’ve convinced yourself that covering your windows outside is a good idea?
Points to Consider When Purchasing Window Coverings
1. Function or Form
Some homeowners choose window treatments that match the style of their rooms, while others want to make their homes more functional. Think about how you use your window coverings daily to determine which blinds and shades options are most important to you.
2. Budget
The second thing you should do before purchasing window treatments for your home is to work on your budget. Given that the cost of window coverings is proportional to their size, it stands to reason that more expensive options will be available for more oversized windows. To the extent, you can spend, invest in motorized, custom-made blinds and shades. Ready-made shades and vinyl blinds are less expensive options if you are on a tight budget.
3. Interiors
Your window treatment should go well with the rest of your home’s design for the best results. Additionally, blinds and shades come in a rainbow of hues to fit your decor. Subtle-colored blinds and shades may do wonders for a home with natural tones. On the other hand, brighter color window treatments are the way to go if you want to make a statement and bring some life into a room.
4. Seclusion and Natural Light
The quantity of seclusion and light inside your home can be controlled by the window treatments you select. Do you prefer to keep out the sun’s rays or have some privacy? For example, cellular shades and aluminum blinds are great ways to keep light out and protect your privacy. Sheer fabric blinds and shades are an alternative if neither privacy nor light control is a priority.
5. Comply with Safety Measures
Are there children and pets in the house? If that’s the case, you should install only the most child-proof window coverings available. Therefore, cordless blinds and shades are the most secure choice for your windows. These blinds are called “cordless” because they don’t use dangerous cables that may strangle a child or pet if they become entangled.
6. Size
Measurements for windows are helpful since they allow you to pick the best window coverings for your space. Make sure to get the height of your window down to the bottom of the panel when measuring for curtains. The fabric used for the header should stay within the topstitching line of the rod pocket. Consult experts if you need assistance deciding what to measure and what to leave out. If you don’t take precise measurements, you can buy window coverings that don’t fit. Custom blinds and shades are the best way to ensure you get the right window coverings.
Conclusion
There are numerous options for window coverings to choose from, so you can choose one that fits your decor. Options to regulate the amount of light and personal space are plentiful. Roman shades are the perfect window treatment to add a touch of class and sophistication to a contemporary room. Because they trap air, cellular blinds can help cut down on heating and cooling costs. Shades are a better long-term investment than blinds because they can save money on heating and cooling costs. But window blinds need a lot of care and are challenging to clean.
The correct window coverings, such as blinds or shades, may do wonders for your home’s aesthetic. Remember the above criteria and suggestions when choosing the best window treatment for your home. A reliable window blinds and shades supplier will have several options to choose from that will work with your interior design. Consider Rollac window shades; they also offer alterations and installation services for your new window coverings.Keep on visiting My Architectures Idea for more info.
