top down bottom up

Minimalist Home Décor Ideas – Custom Window Treatments

/ Larry Walker

By SelectBlinds.com

The idea of minimalism encompasses a return to simplicity. Reducing the number of objects in your living space, to leave only the most necessary of items. Less clutter to make the most of your available space. 

Crisp lines, maybe some quieter color tones, and the silent allure that define minimalism have been shown to nurture a healthier sense of stillness and well-being.

Maybe Zen isn’t exactly your thing, but consider the relaxing benefits of keeping objects and clutter to a minimum in your home. Everything in its place, without anything you don’t need. Imagine minimalist window treatments to keep things simple, practical, and aesthetically beautiful. Here are three tips to help you bring that kind of minimalist feel into your home.

Minimalist window treatments like rollers give your windows a nice, clean finish, without bulkiness or clutter.

1. Minimalist Window Treatments Should Be Functional

Minimalist design emphasizes the importance of every included element in a space having a tangible, practical function.

Think about the simplistic elegance of roller shades. Cordless (especially motorized) roller shades crisply pull down to where you need them with just a gentle tug. No cords, no clutter. Top Down Bottom Up cellular/honeycomb shades work in a similar manner, but with some additional applications. You can get your TDBU cellulars to open from the top down also, offering you plenty of outdoor light, and privacy at the same time. They also provide a soundproofing effect for a quieter interior, and they are energy-efficient at the same time.

Shutters offer a nice minimalist look and feel as well. Throughout the day, you can tilt the louvers exactly where you need them to be for the right amount of lighting that you want. Whenever you need to, just shut the louvers completely for full privacy. Let the full light in with a wide open view when you swing open the panels entirely.

Shutters as minimalist window treatments.
Shutters offer quick control of incoming light as well as privacy when you need it.

Solar shades not only offer a crisp, minimalist look (like roller shades), but they also help protect your floors, furniture, and framed items from the harsh incoming UV rays. And they help preserve your view. 

Fabrics vary in openness factor (typically 1% to 14%) to increase UV protection and reduce glare or to allow a better outward view when they’re closed. For rooms where you want some natural light coming in, but you want to maintain privacy at the same time, they’re perfect.

And don’t forget bamboo/woven woods. What could be more Zen/minimalist looking than natural bamboo minimalist window treatments?

2. Minimalist Window Treatments Should Be Set in Close to Your Window

One thing minimalist designers make a point to do is to use as little space as possible. They might implement a desk or table, but without bulky lamps, large plants, or “clutter-ey” items to throw the clean, tight design off-kilter. In a similar manner, minimalist window treatments should be set in snugly to the window, without fussy cords, frills, or fabric spilling outward and onto the floor. 

Roller shades, cellular shades, shutters, bamboos, and solar shades all lend themselves well to this idea of physical closeness to their windows. Remember that “minimalism” implies being direct in your design, and that “less is more.”

You can’t beat the natural look and feel of bamboo/woven wood shades for a perfect minimalist finishing touch.

Speaking of set close to your window: Similar to the textures offered by cellular shades, panel tracks can offer a warm, personal touch with various options in textured upholstery and fabrics, in a variety of colors, including neutrals.

Since a tight fit is important for your minimalist vibe, note that custom panels can very elegantly frame your windows, while offering ample cover. Just remember not to let saggy fabric or uneven floor gaps between panels throw off the precision of your minimalist look.

Panel tracks as minimalist window treatments
Panel tracks meet all the criteria you could want for minimalist window coverings, and they beautifully provide cover for
large/wide windows and glass doors.

3. Minimalist Window Treatments Don’t Have To Be Neutral

Minimalist designs have been traditionally known to utilize neutral whites, blacks, and grays. But this isn’t a requirement. Consider eye-catching splashes of color, including on your minimalist window treatments. Color can really add some nice accents especially if the furniture in your room features a neutral palette. Without color, your space can look and feel cold and impersonal. If you already have some color accents (e.g., rugs, furniture, pillows), neutral window treatments might be the way to go.

Select Blinds Staff Recommendations

Here are some minimalist window treatments our staff loves and offers as recommendations.

Classic Fabric Room Darkening Roller Shades

Lifestyle Light Filtering Cellulars

Architect Stained Shutter

Lifestyle Motorized Solar

Premier Woven Wood Shades

Modern Architect Panel Track

With the wide variety of fabrics, textures, styles, and colors available to you, finding the perfect custom minimalist window treatments should be a breeze.

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

The Best Reasons to Choose Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades

/ Larry Walker

by SelectBlinds

Top-down Bottom-up shades … perhaps you’ve heard of them or seen them in someone’s home. This unique style of window treatment offers some advantages over more common ones.

Top Down Bottom Up Shades from SelectBlinds
Classic Top Down Bottom Up Light Filtering Shades function in two directions.


In a nutshell, Top-down Bottom-up (TDBU) window coverings are great for privacy, while maintaining effective control of your outdoor view. Plus, they just look really great in your windows!

Advantages of Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades

Some noteworthy things to consider if you’re thinking about TDBU shades in your own home:

  • Light and privacy control

    Normal window blinds and shades are meant to help reduce incoming UV rays and glare, but their ability to control light is limited to just what can be managed on the bottom part of the covering. Top-down Bottom-up shades allow you to open up to ample incoming light, while still maintaining quite a bit of control of the view into your home from the outside. Neither functionality nor aesthetics have to be sacrificed. 
  • Versatile View

    Speaking of privacy and light, you’ll find that Top-down Bottom-up window coverings are a perfect fit for rooms in need of privacy, but also needing light. They also can help maintain a clear view outside in a way that regular shades can’t. With the top half of your shades open and the bottom part covered, you effectively maintain your privacy and incoming sunlight, but can still maintain your own open view to the outside. You won’t find this kind of light/privacy/view control in other types of window treatments.

  • Energy-efficiency

    No matter what type of Top-down Bottom-up shades you prefer, you can always rest assured that you’re getting top-notch temperature control. Block out the top part of your windows during the hot weather months, but then keep that top part open during the winter to let the sun’s warmth flow in and help heat your rooms. Honeycomb/cellular Top-down Bottom-up shades also provide additional insulation from heat and cold.

How to Use Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades

What is the best way to manage your light and privacy with your TDBU shades?

Because of the stylish way they help you manage your view, light, and privacy all at once, Top-down Bottom-up shades are the best for bedrooms and bathrooms – plenty of natural incoming light, with very effective privacy management.

Any color complementing you can do with other types of window coverings, you can also do with your Top-down Bottom-up shades. There are also plenty of textures and styles available to help you achieve and enhance just the right feel in any of your rooms.

Another benefit of honeycomb/cellular Top-down Bottom-up shades, is that they also provide a nice sound-proofing effect to block/fade out exterior noise. 

How do Top-Down Bottom-Up Shades Work?

To function in the unique way they do, Top-down Bottom-up shades utilize a mounted top rail along with a second floating rail that can be operated independently. You can find yourself Top-down Bottom-up shades with both corded and cordless lift.

Top Down Bottom Up Roman Shades at SelectBlinds
Select Roman Shades w/ Optional TDBU Lift

To open/close/adjust them, you can pull the tab down to lower the top of the shade and up to raise the bottom of the shade.

Corded Top-down Bottom-up shades have a cord on either side of the window covering, one for the top and then the other for the bottom. You can also upgrade your Top-down Bottom-up shades to enjoy motorization. 

Are Top-down Bottom-up Shades Worth it?

Privacy. Light control. Open outdoor view. You will find yourself loving your Top-Down Bottom-up shades. You can also save on energy bills, and protect your floors and furniture from the harsh effects of UV glare. 

What are the best Top-down Bottom-up Shades?

You can purchase Top-down Bottom-up shades in a variety of types of window treatments: Roman shades, bamboo/woven wood shades, honeycomb/cellular shades, etc. Get the improved fashionable function in a wide range of styles. You’re sure to find some that go perfect with your own sense of interior décor.

We recommend:

Top Down Bottom Up Cellular Shades at SelectBlinds
Classic Top-Down Bottom-Up Light Filtering Shades

You’ll have a wide variety of colors, fabrics, opacities (e.g. light-filtering, blackout, etc.) and pleat sizes/styles to choose from. Create a knockout look at home with a different kind of shades. Sample online today and start your Spring interior makeover!

#BlindsWeLove

Brian B. Is a Happy SelectBlinds.com Customer!

/ Larry Walker
“Alexis, sorry so late with pictures, but the shades are awesome! Thank you for all of your help. From the first call, to getting the samples, to measuring, to ordering, to installing. Couldn’t be more pleased. So easy to install. Every shade fits perfect. I planned on installing one or two shades a night. They went up so easily, I did all 10 shades in a couple hours. Happy wife is a happy life!”

SelectBlinds.com Happy Customer Photo - Signature Light Filtering Cordless Top Down Bottom Up Shades

Brian worked with Select Blinds Customer Loyalty Team member Alexis Richey on ordering his new in Antique Linen.

Putting the ‘BAM’ in Bamboo: 5 FAQs About Bamboo Blinds

/ Larry Walker

For more than 5,000 years, the panda-friendly bamboo plant has endured as one of the most durable, dramatic and exotic materials for interior design. Favored by high-end and DIY designers alike, bamboo and woven wood window coverings add a sense of zen and a dash of adventure to almost any decor. But before venturing into the bamboo forest, here are a few ‘FAQs’ you should know about these beautifully versatile window treatments.

1. What’s the difference between natural bamboo and woven wood blinds or shades?

Besides bamboo being edible (well, as far as pandas are concerned), bamboo window treatments are made from the natural fibers of the bamboo plant. Woven wood treatments are made from a combination of bamboo, rattan, jute, grasses and reeds to create a variety of color options. Speaking of color, good to know that seasons can change the color of these natural reeds, grasses, etc. If you’re doing more than one window, we recommend ordering or purchasing all of the blinds you’ll need for the same room at the same time to avoid possible dye lot changes.

The beauty of classic bamboo can brighten any room. Here’s a sample window treatment using our Signature Shoreline Woven Woods.

The multiple fibers that make up woven wood window treatments add a touch of texture and adventure. Here’s a sample of our Premier Cordless Woven Woods with the classic Roman style fold.

2. Are bamboo window treatments waterproof?

As much as possible, you should keep bamboo and woven wood shades in dry environments, safe from as much moisture and humidity as you can. Though made with natural materials, accumulated dampness may cause molding and even some natural decomposition.

3. Do bamboo shades provide enough privacy?

While the texture and weave of bamboo window coverings allow for some filtered light to come through naturally, you can easily control any ‘see through’ by simply adding a privacy or blackout liner. Window panels or drapes can also be used with these versatile shades to minimize views from the outside while creating a truly custom look on the inside.

Bamboo shades with privacy and blackout liners

4. Can I go cordless with bamboo?

Absolutely. The biggest trend in blinds is cordless operation, a feature you can also get with bamboo and woven wood coverings (as well as corded, if you prefer). Easily raise and lower them with a simple pull ring tucked discreetly in the bottom rail. Cordless lift also eliminates any possible ‘catching’ of traditional cords on the naturally rougher edges of these products.

5. Is bamboo a smart design choice?

Still on trend after all these years (bamboo was first used as the décor du jour in China 5,000 years ago), bamboo window treatments remain a constant go-to in the stable of many designers for many reasons:

  • Today’s hottest design trends call for natural textures, making bamboo a natural choice.
  • They’re versatile enough to complement almost any decor and available in a variety of colors.
  • Made from exotic, natural, eco friendly materials, they provide durable, long-lasting beauty.

beautiful kitchen window treatment with bamboo shades and sheers

Need another reason to choose bamboo? Check out the special price reductions we’re offering this month. Click here to see our entire selection of amazing bamboo and woven wood window treatments.