7 Window Treatments That Can Lower Your Energy Bills

 Julie Kim
Houzz contributor, architectural and urban designer with over a decade.

Whether  it’s a pair of drapes hung to frame a pleasant view or a cheery striped awning floating above a picture window, homeowners often dress up their windows for beauty rather than function. But with the right materials and proper placement, these decorations might actually help lower your monthly energy bills.

The impact can be significant. According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), something as simple as a set of medium-colored drapes backed with white plastic reduces solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent.

When the hot months arrive soon, don’t just blast the air conditioning. Explore some of these window treatment ideas instead.

Shades
The DOE considers window shades the simplest and most effective way to save energy with window treatments. Proper installment is key. Mounting shades as close to the glass as possible and right up against the adjacent wall creates a tight seal that minimizes both heat gain and loss. Shades with dual layers of fabric — a light color on one side and a darker color on the other— add more functionality. Try reversing the shades based on the season; the light color will reflect heat in summer, while the dark color will absorb heat during winter.

Ideal locations: Shades are flexible, so any window orientation is suitable.
Best uses: Depending on material, color and whether they are raised or lowered, they can help reduce both solar heat gain and heat loss.

Blinds

Both interior and exterior blinds help reduce solar heat gain while maintaining desired light, ventilation and privacy. When closed and lowered on a sunny window, reflective blinds (white or near white) are capable of reducing heat gain by 45 percent.

Ideal locations: South- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain where you still want options for light, ventilation and privacy.

Exterior blinds are potentially even more effective than interior blinds. Unlike interior blinds, they block heat before it is transmitted through the window and warms up the room. They are tricky to add to an existing window, however, so are best left for new construction.

The designer of this home integrated exterior blinds into the facade as a beautiful architectural element.

Drapes

Depending on fabric weight and color, drapes help insulate your home from both solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

As stated earlier, medium-colored drapes with a white plastic backing can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 33 percent if left closed during hot months. As with other window treatments, a tight seal is needed for maximum performance. Hang drapes from a cornice or right up to the ceiling down to the floor and position them as close to the window as possible.

Ideal locations: Any orientation, because of their flexibility.
Best uses: Reducing solar heat gain and loss, depending on a number of factors.

Awnings

Awnings not only add personality to a home’s exterior but offer an excellent defense against the sun in areas with perpetually hot weather. Exterior awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent for south-facing windows and 77 percent for west-facing windows.

Ideal locations: South- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain in warm weather.

Some features will help improve your awning’s performance. Opaque and tightly woven awnings block sun better than flimsy fabrics; light-colored awnings reflect more sunlight. Since awnings trap hot air next to the windows, the DOE recommends openings for ventilation. Finally, retractable awnings allow sun to reach inside the house during the colder months.

Roof Overhangs
Roof overhangs operate similarly to awnings. If designed properly, the right roof overhang not only will block solar heat in summer but will allow desirable heat to help warm your interior in winter. Consult an architect or a designer experienced in passive solar design. He or she will consider a multitude of factors, like latitude, climate and window size.

Ideal locations: South-facing windows.
Best uses: Solar heat gain and heat loss in new construction projects. Awnings are a sensible option for existing windows.

High Reflectivity Film

Because of high reflectivity film’s permanence, the DOE suggests using it in climates with short winters. The film reduces heat gain the entire year, including in winter months, which might actually benefit from solar heat.

Silver, mirror-like film works better than more transparent film. High reflectivity film works well on very large windows, like on the garage here, where cool temperatures are desirable.

Ideal locations: East- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing solar heat gain all year round.

Mesh Window Screens

Mesh window screens reduce heat gain by diffusing solar radiation. Experts advise mounting the screen to an exterior frame and covering the entire window.

Ideal locations: East- and west-facing windows.
Best uses: Reducing heat gain in windows that need light all year round.

Treat your windows right

http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/window-treatments/treat-your-windows-right/a/658

By 

Heather Camlot

Beautiful window treatments can make all the difference 

to any room.

Window treatments are essential for blocking out light, maintaining privacy and, for interior decorator Candice Olson, hiding her pregnancy. “Thank God for blinds,” says the host of Divine Design on W. “It's my way of protecting my neighbours from me!”

Window treatments come in a variety of styles, colours and materials to help you achieve the look you want and the coverage you need. But with so many options, narrowing them down can get a little tricky.

Selecting window treatments 
Function should be your first consideration, says Kimberley Seldon, host of Design for Living on HGTV Canada and STYLE AT HOME decorating editor. That includes the desired amount of sunlight and privacy, as well framing or distracting attention from a view. “Look at the room architecturally,” adds Candice. “If it's a beautiful window, sheers are the answer. If it's a problem window, drapery can hide a lot of flaws.”

Next, think about the look you want. “Any style of treatment can be used in any type of room – it's the decor that dictates the style,” says Kimberley. “An elaborately pleated drapery and valance look perfectly fine in a formal, traditional room, but absolutely out of place in a modern interior.” Still, some rooms have issues that need to be addressed. In a kitchen, for example, Candice prefers to keep things simple, taking into account airborne grease and food particles. For the bathroom, a soft sheer and simple valance work to soften hard surfaces. And don't forget about the humidity. “Anything with body will just sag, so it needs to be on the simpler side,” she says. Bedrooms are tricky with both softness and light-blocking priorities. “Typically, we'd do multiple layers, like a decorative side panel, a sheer behind that and then a blackout roller blind,” says Candice.

Budget is always an important factor. “It's amazing how much drapery fabric costs,” says Candice. “And wood shutters are a nice, clean, simple treatment, but they're super-expensive.”

And finally there are the trends. Trim is all the rage for fall, with traditional flat braids, cords, gimp and ribbons taking on a new life in tone-on-tone modern window coverings, says Kimberley. “It's like adding a beautiful necklace to a simple dress – it makes all the difference.” Going natural is also turning heads. “Anything that has a natural texture just takes the edge off of modern interiors,” says Candice. “It's a way to balance everything else that's so sleek and streamlined.”

Weighing the pros and cons
Window treatments fall into three major categories.

Blinds are screens typically on a roller or have vanes or slats and come in an enormous variety of materials, from fabric to wood. Keep in mind that many also come with poles and cords, which could be hazardous if you have children.

• Venetians offer flexible light control and can be inexpensive.
• Cellular shades are coveted for their honeycomb shape: two layers of pleated fabric connected to produce air pockets, which increase insulation.
• Verticals, usually made of PVC or fabric, also offer high light control and extra insulation.
• Roman blinds, which fold together when up and lie flat when down are well-suited to modern interiors and offer a tailored look.
• Motorized blinds are a boon to loft living and two-storey windows, but are very pricey.
• Shadings, another expensive alternative, have fabric vanes held together by sheer fabric on either side. Light always penetrates to a certain degree, but vanes allow for privacy.

Curtains are fabric that hangs from a rod or valance and can be tied back. Curtains refer to treatments that don't reach the floor – those that do are drapes. While curtains add elegance, natural materials such as silk fade in sunlight, while sheers allow sun to penetrate and fade your upholstery and carpeting. Therefore it's best to add a blackout liner placed between two layers of fabric or behind single curtains in your choice of material and colour. For natural materials, Candice suggests opting for a synthetic mix – polyester and linen, for example – to help the coverings last a little longer. If you have children, be wary of any hazardous trim or accents.

Shutters are often wooden hinged or solid panels that cover a window for privacy and light control. Popular right now are plantation shutters, which have thick, wide slats. Wood offers great insulation and a clean look, but shouldn't be used in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms. In some instances, shutters can also come across as stark, says Candice. “If windows are small in scale relative to the overall wall they're on, or if there aren't numerous shutters to create a rhythm of repetition throughout the space, shutters can sometimes look quite cold or bare on their own."

Window Treatments - When to Not Use Curtains

By Pamela Sandall

It's fairly standard practice for an interior designer to install custom curtains (aka drapery) in a client home. I happen to love curtains. They add softness, texture and sound-softening into almost any room. Being tasked with writing an article on NOT using window treatments has got me thinking outside the box.
When would I opt to not use large swaths of fabric to bring color, texture and style to a room? When should you not use draperies to bring color, texture and style to a room? The answer is when the room doesn't want it or need it. If you're on the fence and looking for an excuse to get out of hanging curtains, read below for some great drapery alternatives.

First, a little background to help categorize your decision making. There are two basic types of window coverings:
Privacy Window Coverings vs. Decorative Window Coverings
Privacy window coverings have the goal of providing privacy, but also assisting with light control, temperature control and sometimes sound absorption.
Decorative window coverings are included to bring additional style and flair to your space.
Good room design benefits from both, but decorative does not need to be curtains only. Many privacy treatments look pretty wonderful! When your privacy window covering adds style, it will serve dual duty as both a privacy treatment and decoration.

A few examples:
Most people are familiar with the metal mini-blinds of long ago. Wood, or faux wood blinds are an upgrade to that builder-basic item. There are so many options out there to now consider.
There is a vast array of woven woods that add texture and pattern to your decor. The new styles look nothing like those you might remember from the 1970's. The new textures have great colors, sleek or nubby textures and looks to cover you from country to contemporary style.
Roman shades are a window shade made from fabric and a wonderful option that brings color and fabric softness to the window without hanging curtains.
Roller shades are no longer basic white and now can feature splashy patterns and unique finishes.
Shutters are a truly upscale choice that add not only privacy but VALUE to your home!
Sometimes it's the characteristics of your home or style choice that is better served by leaving the windows clear of curtains.

Contemporary Styled decor is usually perceived as a very clean lined way of decorating and sometimes even classified as stark. Occasionally a contemporary design will incorporate drapery, but more often than not, the windows are left simple and un-adorned. Even when needed for privacy, the blinds tend will be quite streamlined.

A Great View: If a stunning view is the focal point of the room, you may not want to distract from it with draperies. Whether it's a breathtaking oceanfront or an arresting cityscape, you may have no need of window coverings at all. If privacy is not an issue, but light control is, you can use simple roller shades or even UV window film.

Architecture: Sometimes the architecture of the room will prevent curtains from being an option. One of the most remarkable examples I've seen is a room that has floor to ceiling bookcases flanking both sides of the windows. Another home depicted floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows and stone walls on either side.
Bathrooms, most especially kid bathrooms, might actually be adversely affected by curtains due to the excessive moisture.

Finally, life circumstance might prevent you from wanting to hang drapery. Dogs and cats love to nest inside a warm cozy space. Your drapery could end up becoming your pet's newest, favorite hiding spot! Small children think they make great hiding spots as well. If you have little ones, either furry kids or human, think clearly about how their well-being (and your cleaning bills!) before hanging drapery.
Whatever you decide, window coverings should blend with your home, your personal style and your life style.

Happy Decorating!

Pamela Sandall is an interior designer that helps homeowners create a warm & welcoming home. She wants her clients home filled with the treasures and decorating style that complement those that live there. She offers many affordable design solutions from an online diy design training to online to decorating to full service design. Visit her online @ http://www.pamelasandalldesign.com. Be sure to take advantage of her free, seven day mini-course, available on the homepage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pamela_Sandall

Blinds 4 Less

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Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

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Window Treatment Ideas for Your Bedroom

By Shannon Hodges

Your bedroom is your space to get away from it all. It should be relaxing and comfortable while making a statement about your personal style. One of the most important design elements in your bedroom is your window treatments. The window treatment has to flow with the all-around design concept of the room. There are a multitude of options to choose from that include floor-to-ceiling silk panels, heavier brocade drapes and even plantation shutters.

Simple Panels
Simple panels are a fresh way to bring a room's décor together. You can accomplish this in many ways via the use of color, pattern and texture. Simple panels are also a great way to create a stunning window treatment when accompanied by plantation shutters. By choosing different materials, you can set the tone of the room. You could choose linen panels for a simple, functional design or silk panels which encourage an elegant or romantic impression.

Valance and Drapery Panels
Valances and drapery panels are a wonderful way to accent a window. Valances can be covered in a pattern or a solid color to pick up the room's mood. They can add drama or invoke simplicity. Drapery panels are a versatile solution that when combined with window coverings such as indoor shutters can make a wonderful impression.

Versatility
Not every window treatment in your bedroom needs to be the same. One window may have plantation shutters and another may have drapery but when pulled together with the rest of the room's design it can create interest and depth.

Creating Intimacy
While a bedroom should be functional, it is always nice to have a romantic air about the room. A great solution is to create intimacy with layered panels such as floating sheer panels combined with panels of varying texture. Pairing luxurious plantation shutters for privacy and energy savings with romantic soft, drapes is another way to create intimacy.

The different styles of window treatments in varied colors, panels and textures can be used in a dizzying array of combinations. Your window treatments can be used as a focal point if they can effectively blend into the room's overall scheme. Regardless, they should be functional as well as beautiful. Plantations shutters are a wonderful way to save energy and to increase the room's privacy. They are elegant, durable, and add value to your home as well as fit well into just about any décor.

Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

Enhance a Room's Design Style With Window Treatments

Adding certain window treatments creates different effects to the style and decor of the room. Check out these options for inspiration.

http://www.hgtv.com/window-treatments/enhance-a-rooms-design-style-with-window-treatments/pictures/index.html

A Closer Look At The Many Different Window Treatment Options You Have

Autor: teahupoo :: Views: 138

Most of us would consider the stage where we actually get to choose our window treatment as the best part of decorating our windows. The choice of styles, colors, and fabrics available is nothing short of fantastic. We are fortunate in that we are free to choose the type of fringing, cording, or borders that reflect our individual taste and lifestyle. We can also choose to take a specific color from our window treatment and use it to accent color, either in the same room or through the rest the house. In this way, we have the opportunity to add an extra touch of decorating flair to our environment.

If your decorating preference is to hang drapes in your home, you can choose from several styles of draperies and co-ordinating valances. These valances are available in many styles and can be shirred, pleated, swagged, or gathered in many different ways. Some will have scalloped edges, while others are flat. Both the traditional formal and more casual decorating choices can be accommodated by the use of draperies of some type. There certainly are enough choices to make the windows in your space reflect your personal taste.

If blinds or shades are the right choice for your room setting, you also have a variety of choices. Blinds are available made from such materials as aluminium, natural materials, or even wood. Mini blinds made of metal offer consumers many special options, such as a variety of sizes, an absolute rainbow of colors, a wide range of finishes, many cloth tapes, and numerous choices of header. Different privacy options, depending on the consumer's wants and needs, can be factored in as well.

Fans of natural products might want to consider including mini blinds made of wood in their decorating scheme. Wooden blinds can be purchased in a whole host of sizes. A wide range of color options are yours for the asking, along with a selection of finishes designed to complement a wide variety of decorating options. Natural blinds are once again readily available; most of us have seen bamboo blinds at some point. These blinds are available in both matchstick and sewn slats. Some newer types of natural blinds give off the appearance of being constructed out of fabric.

Perhaps a cellular or a fabric shade will create the atmosphere you are trying to create. Cellular shades are available in both see-through and opaque materials and will give a window treatment a very clean look. Fabric shades are available in such styles as Austrian, Roman, pleated, balloon, or bottom arched. Of course, the flat panel shades that most of us are familiar with are another viable option.

Source: Free Articles

Clever Ways to Personalize Window Treatments: Better Homes and Gardens

Ready-made curtains, blinds, shades, and tablecloths are just the starting point for these stylish window treatments.

 (click link)
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/budget/personalize-window-treatments/#page=1

from Better Homes and Gardens

Six Tips for Great Window Treatments--HGTV.com

Spruce up those windows to make your kitchen more attractive with six easy-to-do ideas.

http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/six-tips-for-great-window-treatments/index.html