modern roman shades

What Are The Most Popular Types of Window Treatments? Part 2 (Shades & Curtains)

/ Super Admin
Image courtesy of Michelle Giglio, @wazhomedecor

Maybe your personal design taste calls for a traditional window style, or perhaps for something more modern. Regardless of what your personal style dictates, or what your budget is, we at SelectBlinds are pleased to tell you that we have the perfect custom solution for you. We offer you more than 170 different customizable products, in a selection of over 1800 colors, with countless feature combinations, upgrades, and add-ons available. Did we already say that we can make any budget happy? 

What are the most popular types of window treatments? In the first part of this article, we discussed popular types of blinds and shutters. What about window shades and curtains? Let’s discuss some of the most popular types of window treatments, shades and curtains in particular, and how they function.

Function vs. Form

You might not want window coverings that are merely functional. You might want something stylish, as well. It will likely be great news to you that you can enjoy window shades that are stylish and also that function smoothly, the way you want and need them to! What would work best in your home? 

What Is the Difference Between Shades and Blinds?

First, though the two terms are often used interchangeably, let’s distinguish shades from blinds.

Basically, shades hang down from the top of a window to the bottom, but they feature a solid, continuous surface that covers the window, and which can be raised or lowered to open up the view outward or to cover up for privacy. Shades are commonly crafted using fabrics, bamboo/woven woods, lightweight cellular material, and sheer fabrics. Curtains, though not technically shades, have similar qualities, in that they’re a solid, hanging surface that covers your windows.

Blinds are also hanging window treatments, but they feature either horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted open or closed, usually with some sort of mechanism. Different kinds of blinds are crafted using various materials, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and PVC. 

What Types of Shades and Curtains Are In Style?

Here are some examples of popular styles of shades and curtains, ranging from traditional to less traditional.

  • Roller Shades – Regardless of how you roll — casual, modern, Farmhouse — there are custom roller shades to match your unique sense of style. Layer roll-up window coverings in colors, textures, and patterns that fit any interior design.
  • Cellular / Honeycomb Shades – Keep the home vibe cool, calm, and quiet with energy-efficient cellular shades. With kid-friendly cordless lift options, they’re the safest choice for homes with little ones and/or pets.
  • Roman Shades – Can you be trendy and traditional at the same time? Of course! For example, take the classic, customizable Roman shade. This luxurious fabric window covering never goes out of style and works with the trendiest interiors.
  • Bamboo / Woven Wood Shades – Get your home Pinterest perfect with these natural-looking custom bamboo / woven wood shades in your windows. Personalize them even more with your own lined option selections for more light & privacy control.
  • Dual / Zebra Shades – Your home is your showcase. Show off your unique taste with stylish, unique sheer zebra shades. Enjoy the ease of a roller with the look of a horizontal blind to add dimension and texture to windows. Watch them operate, and you’ll be sold!
  • Solar Shades – You love bright sunlight streaming through your windows. And who wouldn’t? Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, though. Harmful UV rays can fade furnishings. Custom interior solar shades can help.
  • Exterior Solar Shades – Keep your cool and enjoy your patio and decks longer. Beat the heat while protecting your outdoor furnishings with a weather-resistant custom cordless exterior solar sun shade. You’ll also maintain your exterior view!
  • Sheer Shades – For the trendsetting home decorator, nothing beats the sheer elegance of sheer blinds. Impress your guests with this high-impact, custom flat sheer roller style window treatment.
  • Skylight Shades – Whether you live in a tiny house or a mansion, a skylight window is a feature worth showcasing. Show it off right with custom, sun-blocking shades that fit your style. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Arched Window Shades – Do coverings for your arched windows seem out of reach? Not with these custom shades for arched windows. Light filtering or blackout fabrics add function and elegance to even the highest arched windows. Motorization options are available to make your life easier.
  • Drapery / Curtains – Ever popular, custom drapes and curtains are a perennial favorite to dress your windows, or to layer with other types of window treatments (i.e. Roman shades, wood blinds or faux wood blinds, cellular shades, etc.). Updated grommet and pleated panels add a fresh spark, especially when used in trendy layered looks.

How Often Do You Need to Replace Your Window Treatments?

Image courtesy of Noby Howell, @howell.home

Quality shades, curtains, blinds, or shutters can last for several years (especially when installed correctly and maintained regularly), and there is no hard rule of thumb regarding how often you should replace them. Basically, replace them as needed, and according to your personal preference, as trends and fashions change and evolve.

Follow manufacturer directions when using and maintaining your window treatments, in order to preserve them as long as possible. Dust and/or wipe them down on a regular basis. Thoroughly clean your window treatments at least twice annually in order to reduce heavy dust accumulation. Curtains tend to be somewhat easier to maintain, as they can be removed for laundering, dry cleaning, or steaming as you need to. 

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations for Your Space

If you’re looking for some recommendations for your home, be sure to keep on reading. We’ve made selections from each of our product tiers for you, to offer you excellent, customizable design solutions for any taste and budget. Spend some time window shopping to see what we have to offer!

Classic Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades (Essential Tier)*

Sleep better (and longer!) with budget-saving blackout roller shades crafted with flame-retardant vinyl fiberglass and then laminated with another layer of vinyl for extra strength and durability.

Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades (Essential Tier)*

Less cluttered, kid-safe, budget-friendly, and simply stylish, these energy-efficient cordless cellulars are the perfect finishing touch to any window and design aesthetic.

Classic Woven Woods (Essential Tier)*

Upgrade your windows with these trend-setting favorites! Clutter-free, stylish, and affordable, there’s virtually no limit to how good your windows will look.

*Our Essential Tier products include simple designs in familiar styles. Made of materials known for strength, and easy cleaning, Essential Tier products are a great starting point for first-time homeowners or renters that are looking for budget-friendly solutions.

Farmhouse Roman Shades (Signature Tier)*

Master that Farmhouse-style look and feel these beautifully crafted and easy-to-install-and-use Roman shades.

Select Light Filtering Dual Shade (Signature Tier)*

Alternating wide and narrow bands of durable, easy-care fabric combine to give this modern light control window treatment its distinctive zebra-stripe appearance.

2” Light Filtering Sheer Shades (Signature Tier)*

Picture these luminous, custom-made sheer fabric window treatments blocking up to 99% of UV rays when closed and up to 88% when open to help protect your furniture and interior, and to gently diffuse light. 

*Our Signature Tier products feature thoughtful designs in trendy styles. Made with durable materials, Signature Tier products are the perfect place to start when looking for a beyond-basic solution that is also affordable.

Premier Modern Solar Screen (Premium Tier)*

See it all more clearly inside and out with these interior solar shades. The 5% openness of the fade resistant fabric helps reduce harsh incoming light so you can still enjoy your outward views.

Lifestyle Outdoor Motorized Shade (Premium Tier)*

Elevate your outdoor experience with the convenience and ease-of-use of these motorized solars. Plus, they come with a gorgeous oil-rubbed valance along with cable tie-downs!

Jewel Tone Drapery (Premium Tier)* 

The perfect combination of fashion and function with these visually tantalizing jewel-toned window drapes. Manage light and privacy in style. Perfect for any room’s interior design. 

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Luxe Modern Room Darkening Skylight Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Your hard-to-reach skylight windows should be a breeze to cover with these room-darkening honeycomb shades. Several alluring colors, with optional motorization and other upgrades!

Luxe Modern Light Filtering Arch Shade (Luxury Tier)*

You’ll love this modern and functional solution for your arched windows in light-filtering fabric that comes in a wide selection of colors. A custom fit for even the most uniquely shaped arched windows. 

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Take More Control Over How Your Dream Home Turns Out

DIY Design never meant “Do it ALL by Yourself.” For any space, a home design upgrade should never feel intimidating. 

Nothing makes a space look warmer and more inviting than beautiful new window treatments, and Select Blinds is all about supporting you, all the way from start to finish. We offer you tons of helpful resources to make your life (and projects) easier, because we’re invested in your success! Make your dream home ALL YOURS as you custom-craft it into your dream home, without breaking your budget. As you sharpen those interior DIY design instincts, you can save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

Check out our FREE interior design consulting as just another way we can support you from start to finish. Get tips, color guidance, product recommendations, solutions to the problems you may encounter, etc. Call us today at (855) 235-3120 to take advantage of our free design consultation resources.

Free Samples. Free Shipping. Free Design Consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Custom Window Solutions and Turn Your House Into Your Dream Home! >>

What is Edge Binding on Window Shades? A Select Blinds Q&A

/ Super Admin

Question: What is Edge Binding on Shades? What is Its Purpose?

Answer: Edge binding (also edge banding, edge lining) is a decorative fabric hem that runs alongside the edges of a shade (bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades). These edge bindings typically vary in width from one to three inches. Edge binding is not just for looks, and can also help your shade (particularly in the case of woven wood shades) perform better and outlast wear and tear.

Edge binding does not hinder your ability to choose a privacy or blackout liner.

Question: How Does Edge Binding for Shades Work?

Answer: As mentioned, edge binding is a fabric hem sewn around the edges of your shades, available in a wide selection of colors and patterns. If the edge binding isn’t an exact match to your shade’s color or pattern, it coordinates as a complementary or accent effect.

One critical function of edge binding is to help strengthen the shade’s edges, help the edges from fraying and splitting (in the case of bamboo/woven wood shades).

Question: Does Edge Binding Really Help Prevent Your Shade From Stretching?

Answer: You may or may not know that, in the case of woven wood shades, they may stretch downward and bunch up near the bottom, because of their weight. This would normally be a natural occurrence and nothing to be concerned about, but it is a factor to take into consideration. The edge-binding fabric fully wraps around to contain the shade, so as to prevent downward stretching caused by gravity. 

Question: Does Edge Binding Really Help Prevent Your Shade From Fraying?

Answer: The natural materials from which bamboo and woven wood shades are crafted, which leave the shade’s edges exposed. This casual, unfinished look might be desired by some homeowners, but it can leave the shade exposed to natural wear and tear.

Edge binding protects the edges of your shade from rubbing against surfaces and potentially fraying.

modern living room interior with furniture. 3d illustration

Question: What Kind of Interior Design Statement Can I Create With Edge Binding?

Answer: As mentioned, edge binding comes in a variety of colored and patterned fabrics intended to coordinate with your shade’s materials. For rooms that feature multiple window treatment types, you can easily tie your look all together with matching end binding fabrics for your bamboo or Roman shades. 

If your bamboo/woven wood shade’s material happens to be very textured, go with a solid colored edge binding fabric to keep things from appearing “too busy.” Color contrasts look amazing, like dark colored edge binding for lighter shades, or vice versa.  

Question: What Are Some Select Blinds Window Fashion Recommendations Featuring Edge Binding Options?

Yes, we offer an edge binding upgrade option on several of our customer-favorite products. Here are some recommendations:

Craftsman Roman Shades (Premium Tier)* 

You’ll love the look and feel of the popular Craftsman design aesthetic in these dapper Roman shades. Get your windows dolled up like a night out on the town with something elegant, bold, and unforgettable. Edge binding available in 2.5-inch width.  

*Our Premium Tier products feature lasting designs in timeless styles. Made of high-quality materials, Premium Tier products are the ideal choice for an excellent investment that’s made to last. Some upgrade features may be included.

Designer Series Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)* 

Get ready to level-up your interior design cred with these dazzling woven wood shades. Choose from a wide selection of gorgeous natural textures ranging from light to dark neutrals. Edge binding available in 2-inch width.

Designer Ultimate Woven Wood Shades (Luxury Tier)*  

Create the ultimate escape in your own home with these timeless woven woods. These shades are just the ticket to finish off your latest home project, regardless of what your unique personal décor style may be. Edge binding available in 2-inch width.

Designer Reserve Roman Shades (Luxury Tier)*

Enjoy superior-quality construction and fabrics that are the hallmarks of these top-of-the-line custom window coverings. The easy cordless lift adds to the refined look of all four fold style options. Edge binding available in 2.5-inch width.

*Our Luxury Tier products include superior design in distinct styles. Made with unique materials and quality craftsmanship. Luxury Tier products are for the homeowner looking to indulge in sophisticated customization. Some upgrade features are included.

Got any more questions about edge binding? Leave it in the comments below!

Let Us Help You Get More “DIY” Into Your Dream Home Upgrade Projects! It’s A Lot Easier Than You May Have Thought!

Don’t let a home update project overwhelm you. You got this! Custom-craft your home into your dream home. No need to break the bank to do it, either. And we’re here to support you all the way from start to finish with helpful resources to make your life easier. Level up your DIY design cred, and save yourself plenty of money in the process. 

How much is peace of mind worth to you? Free interior design consulting is just another way we can support you in all your home upgrade projects. Call us today at (888) 257-1840 to tap into our free design consultation.

Free samples. Free shipping. Free design consulting. Every Day. Only at SelectBlinds.com.

Go Window Shopping for Some Beautiful New Select Blinds Window Fashions! >>

Kitchen Window Treatment Design Ideas

/ Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds.com

What to do about your kitchen windows? Different rooms in your home have different needs when it comes to window treatments, but think about all the time you spend in your kitchen, in particular.

Treat Your Kitchen Windows

The kitchen is often referred to as the “heart of your home,” where you spend so much time with your family and friends talking, eating meals, telling stories, joking around, celebrating holidays, etc. You rely on your kitchen’s window treatments to not only serve certain functions, but also to look good while doing so. You’ll spend a lot of time seeing your kitchen window coverings, so you want to take extra care that you “treat” those windows just right.

Kitchen Window Treatments: Some Considerations

For starters, you need your kitchen window treatments to be durable and easy to clean – but remember, you also want your kitchen blinds, shutters, or shades to look good and make your kitchen feel welcoming. You can control the amount of light coming into your kitchen, as well as your privacy as needed, all to fit your personal lifestyle.

Faux Wood Kitchen Blinds and Shutters

Faux wood blinds and shutters are definitely durable and built to last, but even better, they are perfect for areas of high moisture and dampness, because they won’t warp, split, or crack over time. Plus they offer the elegant look of real wood blinds. They are also super easy to keep clean. Simply wipe down with a soapy, damp cloth or rag, and then with a dry cloth.

Roller Shades

No matter what your sense of style, there’s a custom roller shade that you’ll love. Highly functional, great at keeping the light out, and with a familiar, classic look. Get creative in the way you express your own individual aesthetic.They are also easy to care for and to clean, especially those rollers made of synthetic materials.

Solar Shades

If blocking out the harsh incoming glare is of concern to you to keep the sun out of your eyes and also to help preserve your interior furniture, you may consider solar shades as an option for your kitchen.

You can select from sheer to opaque and anywhere in-between. Solar shades are usually made from PVC, which means they’re super easy to clean and maintain, and also that they’ll last for several years.

Bamboo / Woven Wood

Another viable option for kitchen window treatments comes in the form of shades made with bamboo or woven woods. Just be careful which window you use them for (keep them away from behind the sink or near the stove), because if they get wet, they will start to gradually come apart. The materials used to make them, like bamboo, grasses, reeds and jutes, help soften the look of your kitchen appliances. Also, they’re known to hold their shape over time, even if you get a lot of sun in your kitchen. Cleaning bamboo is easy, as you can regularly just wipe off dust with a damp rag.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades (sometimes referred to as honeycomb shades) are designed to insulate against outdoor heat and cold by trapping heat inside their single- or double-layer honeycomb “pockets.” This helps conserve energy and reduce your energy bills throughout the year. Cellular shades can also insulate against and soften outdoor noise when your children are playing outside, or you’re entertaining guests.

As far as “cleanability” goes, cellulars are relatively easy to keep clean. Simply dust or vacuum them off regularly. From time to time, you may want to have your shades professionally cleaned, as they are prone to gather various scents and smells over time. Along with Roman shades, cellulars are also not the best choice as a treatment for the window over the kitchen sink, as they do not do well in moist/damp environments.

Need Some Inspiration?

To help you, here are some of Select Blinds’ most popular options for kitchen window treatments:

2” Premier Faux Woods 

Classic Sheer Weave Solars  

Classic Roman Shades  

Classic Fabric Light Filtering Roller Shades 

Lifestyle Light Filtering Cellulars 

Classic Cordless Woven Woods 

Trust your design instincts. Your kitchen windows are going to look AMAZING.

Selecting the Best Kitchen Window Treatments: Over the Sink

/ Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds

The kitchen and dining room are the heart of any home. Holidays, laughter, Sunday dinners, cooking, homework, late night chats, etc. That’s why so many of your best family stories start in the kitchen.

Custom window treatments provide a fashionable finishing touch that accents and complements the way you design your own interior spaces. Lots of opportunities to highlight with colors, patterns, and texture. Window coverings provide light control, privacy, and peace of mind.

A kitchen is a unique space, and you may have different considerations for how you decorate the windows, based on where each window is located. Your choice of window treatments offer additional opportunities for touches of softness and style in the middle of bulky, metallic appliances and smooth, hard surfaces.

Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds bamboo / woven wood shades look great in your kitchen sink window,
but be careful about water and moisture in the area.

Maybe you want kitchen window curtains. If you only have one window in your kitchen, you’ll want window coverings that let as much light as possible filter in, while still being able to maintain privacy. You may consider sheer shades. If you have a kitchen window that faces the street, privacy might be a primary concern, with incoming light also being important, but perhaps slightly less so. You may want window coverings that offer a unique view, like Top-down Bottom-up shades. Then there are those windows immediately over the sink. What looks best over them? Time to get cooking. Read on as we serve up a deeper dive into kitchen window ideas and considerations as you find what fits best with your personal style and sense of décor.

Decorative Window Coverings

If you’re thinking about a covering for a kitchen window over the sink, be extra careful that you keep the right kind of materials in mind. You can still go with stylish bamboo/woven wood shades or Roman shades, but be aware that because this area over the sink often involves water splashing, spills, etc., you might have to be extra careful to avoid water damage. Wood blinds are also at risk for getting wet and possibly warping or discoloring, but you might just love the way they look in that window over your sink. It’s always up to you, just be aware of the risks that are involved if you decide on a material that doesn’t take well to water.

Select Blinds light filtering roller shades for the kitchen window
Select Blinds light filtering roller shades allow just the right amount of light
and view into your kitchen, without compromising your privacy.

Privacy

As mentioned, privacy may be a concern if your kitchen sink window faces the street or a neighbor’s home. Roller shades may be what you’re comfortable with in terms of providing privacy, and perhaps with some light filtering functionality.

Light Control

If your kitchen sink window faces the east or west, you’ll especially want to take account of direct incoming sunlight. Direct UV rays can be harsh on your eyes, your skin, your furniture, and they can definitely crank up the heat in a room. A stylish, but heavy-duty solar shade may be what you want to employ over your sink to protect yourself and your interior while you’re doing dishes after evening summer cookouts. Solars are typically constructed of durable PVC materials, so they’ll look great and maintain that “brand new” look for a long time to come. You can also custom order them with the degree of UV blockage of your choice.

Also, consider aluminum mini blinds for your kitchen sink window. Aluminum shades built to last, with plenty of light and privacy settings.

Select Blinds Solar screens for the kitchen window
Select Blinds Solar screens help block out harsh UV rays,
while keeping your kitchen cool. They look great, too!

Functionality and Longevity

In addition to durable solar shades and aluminum blinds for your kitchen sink window, there is another excellent option for a food-prep, dishwashing area. If you love the look of real wood blinds and shutters, but can’t bear the thought of them getting wet and warped, faux wood blinds and shutters might be just the perfect find.  

Not only do they perform amazingly at maintaining light and privacy, they also look great, they’re also super easy to care for, and they’ll last forever. You can clean them with little more than soap and water as needed. Many faux wood slat constructions also feature insulation against heat and cold. The lush look and feel of real wood in your home, and their resilience ensures they’ll never warp, crack, chip, or discolor when exposed to water, food stains, or steam. And much less expensive than real wood. Low-maintenance, and no worry.

Select Blinds Faux Wood Blinds for the kitchen window
Faux wood blinds give any kitchen window a crisp look and feel,
along with privacy and light adjustments.

SelectBlinds’ Staff Recommends:

Here are some of our favorite suggestions for the window above your kitchen sink.

Remember, kitchen window treatments can serve a design/decorative function to go with your kitchen’s décor, but especially for the window over the sink, it should also be durable, provide privacy, and block out harsh UV rays. Choose whatever kind of blinds work best for you, but remember that the most functional ones for that particular window are moisture- and mold-resistant. Happy decorating!

#BlindsWeLove     #kitchenblinds

Roman Shades: For a Classic, Yet Modern Look

/ Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

Custom Roman Shades are a bigger deal than you might think. These unique window coverings first made their appearance in the Roman Coliseum, and their popularity only caught on and spread from there. Because of their design’s practicality as well as its adaptability, this style of window treatment has lasted for hundreds of years.

Read on and learn more about Roman shades. No matter how excellent your sense of taste and style are, here’s your chance to carpe diem, and level up!

Roman shades profile view
Roman shades are pleated/folded cascading window coverings.
The style has been popular for centuries.

What Are Roman Shades?

Roman shades are a simple, classic style of window covering that can give any window an elegant appearance. Roman shades (often referred to simply as “Romans”) are essentially a pleated/folded fabric used to dress a window or door that can be raised and lowered with a lift mechanism. They function very much like roller shades. When Romans are fully extended, they display a refined, textured touch which can complement just about any personal décor.

Are Roman Shades Out of Style?

Interior designers from all over the United States may have differences in individual style and approach, but something they can agree on: Roman shades never seem to go out of style.  Though considered to pertain to a more traditional décor style, Romans are often the most viable solution from a design perspective, giving a crisp, modern look along with countless style and color options. There are typically many more options to choose from with Romans than with traditional window treatments.

Roman shades in living room windows.
Roman shades are very versatile in terms of interior design style.
They look great alone, or when used to create layers with drapes or shutters.

Benefits of Roman Shades

What are some key benefits of choosing Roman Shades for your living spaces? Here are five:

Easily Customizable

You’ll love the vast quantity of colors, textures, and materials you’ll have to choose from when you select Roman shades. Think of bamboo Roman shades and the possibility of cellular shades, hung in a cascading Roman look, if you prefer.

Versatility

Because of their unique design, Roman shades can look great in just about any room, whether private rooms or formal rooms where you might entertain guests. All you need to worry about is choosing the right colors and fabrics/materials to achieve the look you’re after.

They look great all on their own, but imagine what else you can do with Roman shades: they can even be used for a layered look over shutters or underneath drapery for next level style.

Great for Narrow Spaces

You might be looking for ideas to cover narrow windows or doors, or for window treatments in a narrow space. Curtains might be too much, not leaving enough room for furniture. Compact, foldable Romans have got you covered! Especially with an interior window mount, Roman shades can help a room look more spacious.

Roman shades in the kitchen windows.
Roman shades look great in just about any room in the house, including the kitchen.

Countless Design Options

There are several design options to choose from with Roman shades. Romans shades can be used for a blackout/room darkening or light filtering effect, depending on your light and privacy needs.

You might even want to go more automated and get your Roman shades with a motorization option.

Safe, Smooth, Easy Operation

Window coverings are typically associated with pull cords, but these can prove dangerous for curious children and pets. They can even pose a strangulation hazard for your little ones.

Options like cordless and motorized Roman shades make your window décor worry-free, and easy to operate.

Roman shades in the living room windows.
Roman shades bring a classic yet refreshingly modern look to any room.

SelectBlinds.com staff recommends:

We’re as excited as you are about achieving that perfect look you’re after that ties your home’s décor all together. Here are some Roman shade ideas to get you started:

Remember, if you’re trying to find that perfect finishing touch you’ve been looking for, you may find it in the versatility and classic look of Roman shades.

#BlindsWeLove     #RomanShades