When it comes to blinds, know your options

When we work with clients on a space, we see each room as a blank slate. The windows of a room are often a central feature, so our process concentrates on integrating window treatments that are both beautiful and functional. There are numerous selections of blinds. Here are some important considerations when choosing what blind is right for your space.

What Are Blinds?

Blinds and shades are window coverings that generally hang within the frame of a window. They have the ability to open and close, and depending on what you choose, they can open either horizontally or vertically. There are over a dozen types of blinds varying in style, fabric, operation, color, and material. And, in recent years, exciting additions have been made in smart windows – motorized blinds and shades that can be controlled electronically through remote controls, smart phones or a central network.

Which Type of Blinds Are Right For My Space?

With the many options available, it can seem daunting to select the right blinds. We go through a series of considerations when making recommendations to our clients: Purpose: Blinds are not only a design element but are also used for privacy, sound management, and sunlight mitigation. So, we begin with looking at the views from the window to assess the environment, directionality, and visibility. We consider protection of furniture, rugs and floors from discoloration by direct sunlight. We also consider the room itself. A media room or bedroom may call for blackout blinds while a kitchen nook might want to have a steady light source, even if diffuse. A room used for entertaining will need some acoustic management. Each of these factors can call for a different type of blind. Usage: Will the blinds be raised and lowered frequently? A wood blind is heavy and not appropriate to raise and lower daily whereas a Duette cellular, “honeycomb” shade or Designer Screen Shade is more suitable. Are young children in the home? Blinds with cords for raising and lowering may present a safety hazard. In this instance, Hunter Douglas has cordless options like LiteRise® or motorization to protects your loved ones. If privacy from a nearby street is an issue, a blind that has a top-down, bottom-up feature allows in light without visibility. For an unobstructed view, the slat size comes into play. In climates where heat and cold are a factor, selecting for insulation is not only advisable, it may qualify for a tax credit. Aesthetic: A minimalist, modern room will call for a different selection than a traditional space with a variety of shapes, colors and textures. Color, material, and style all accessorize the look and feel of the room, so the blind selection is an important part of the design process. Blinds can make a room feel casual or elegant, and they should complement other features of the room like paint color, fabric and furniture.

Making the Right Investment in Your Space

We only deliver the best to our clients and have conducted extensive research into the industry to make sure we are selecting high quality blinds. We offer Hunter Douglas blinds exclusively because they continue to be a leader in the industry, offering a unique combination of warranties, customer service, quality and innovation. Because of the wide selection and customizations offered, we provide our clients with exactly the right blinds for the spaces we design. J&L Interiors considers every detail when creating our custom designs. We believe that blinds are essential to the function and aesthetic of every room. Based in Loudon County, we work with clients in the Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Maryland metropolitan areas. If you are interested in a learning more, please contact us for a consultation