Window Treatments for Side Light Windows

Window Shades

Honeycomb shades are a great idea for sidelight window treatment. These sidelight window shades come in bottom-up lifting system also have the cordless shade option. The tension control system eliminates pull cords from pooling on the floor or getting caught in doorjambs.

Faux wood and Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds or wood blinds are another option for your sidelight windows.  On windows smaller than 12" wide will come with a center tilt option on the blind.  Also the window blinds be it faux wood or real wood blinds will not have the lifting option.  You can take the wood and faux wood blinds and attach at the bottom to keep it from moving around on the window when the door opens and closes.

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters are the Cadillac of window treatments and work great on sidelight windows.  You can have the shutters made from a composite material or real wood shutter.  Plantation shutters sit inside of a frame and are hinged to the frame.  When you want to clean the window you simply just open the door of the shutter.  You have options of louver sizes ranging from 1" to 3.5".  One consideration is the larger the louver size on the plantation shutter the further out the frame will stick out into the room.

Most of the time sidelights window blinds, shades or plantation shutters will need to be made custom because of the small size.  You can call any window treatment company in Wilmington NC or surrounding areas and they can come out and go over the different options in your home.  One thing I always suggest is get three estimates.  You will find big price diffrences sometimes when shopping for blind,shades and shutters in Wilmington NC.

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The Up and Downside of Faux Wood Blinds in Wilmington NC

Faux wood window blinds can in many times be a great alternative to there counterpart real wood blinds. Faux wood window blinds can be made from composite wood, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a combination of wood and vinyl together. Most of your mass produced stock faux wood blinds are made from PVC.  PVC faux wood blinds will last 1-2 years and then run the risk of discoloration and warping.  The best choice for a nice faux wood blind that will  last is the composite wood blind or a combination of wood and vinyl blind material. These blinds may not be as elegant as genuine your hardwood blinds  in a stain finish .  However a high quality faux wood blind in a white or off white are very hard to tell the difference between wood blinds.  Faux wood blinds are also easy to clean the blind.  Faux wood blind are much less expensive than wood blinds as well. While wood blinds or bamboo blinds are elegant and classy, they are also quite expensive. Faux wood blinds are usually a more affordable option. Not only that, they are also more durable than wood blinds in high moisture and humidity areas especially. Real wood blinds will warp by water and humidity.

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Plantation Shutters or Blinds? Help in Deciding

Should I get plantation blinds or plantation shutters? But aren't they the same thing? Plantation blinds and plantation shutters are mistaken for each other.  Blinds are on the inside window and are used as an alternative to curtains. Shutters can also be used on the interior of a home but exterior shutters are also available on the market.  While interior shutters are in some ways similar to blinds  Both have slats or louvers so light and air coming into a room can be controlled. This article explores the similarities and differences between blinds and interior shutters.  

Plantation Shutters

Shutters are a part of the window they cover in a way that blinds can not. They are actually hinged onto the frame that goes around the window. This means that shutters can be completely removed from covering the window if this is required. When closed, most blinds designed for the home are opened using string which lifts the blinds above the window. Shutter can give you the ability to tilt the top half of the the window separate from bottom. Shutters are swung in and out to close and open. Most windows will be covered by two shutters that are opened by pulling them open, one from each side. In some ways this is similar to opening double doors. Shutter will give you more louver or slat size options. Also shutters can cover arch or round windows.

Plantation Wood blinds or Faux wood Blinds

With wood or faux wood blinds the individual slats are held together with string. As mentioned above, to alter the height of the blinds a separate, but attached, string is pulled. To open the slats of blinds a rod or cord tilt is used. This is twisted to open and close them or a string is pulled in either direction. A difference is that with wood or faux wood blinds the slats overlap slightly and they cannot keep 100% of the light out in a room. This isn’t the case with plantation shutters. They have an elliptical louver and shut very tightly blocking out much more light than a wood or faux wood blind when needed.

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Roman Shade and Bamboo Shade Linings. Which is right?

Insulated roman shades are energy efficient window treatments that keep a room warm in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Roman shades can be stylish and elegant and can decorate any room in the house. You can really add some class to your room with roman shades.  Most companies will have fabrics to choose from and you can also use you own material to pull the room together. 

Light Filtering Shade Lining

 Light filtering roman shades are typically made with a semi heavy fabric that will cut out about half the light that will come through the roman shade. They offer protection as well as insulation properties. A light filtering lining on the shade will also keep your interior fabric from fading n the sun.

Blackout Shade Lining

  Roman shades that are lined with a heavy liner which blocks out all the light. Adding the blackout lining is great if you are one that likes to sleep late sometimes or work shifts and need it dark to sleep during the day.  You also gain a tremendous amount of insulating value when you add a blackout liner to your roman shades. You will also notice that the texture or pattern of fabric you are using is more visible during the day.

Bamboo or Woven Shades

In addition to the popular fabric roman window shades there are still common bamboo shades or woven wood  shades that can be made with many natural material from bamboo,jute and sea grass woven together. You can add edge binding to your bamboo shades which are usually not wider than two inches and come in very earthy colors that complement the bamboo. Woven wood shades can be lined with either blackout or light filtering lining.

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Price of Plantation Shutter in Wilmington NC

If you are wanting a versatile and stylish product it’s hard to consider plantation shutters. Here in Wilmington NC area you will see shutters around in a lot of homes. Shutters enhance the look of your home from both the inside and out.  Shutter can be fitted to almost any window shape or size. Most people love the look and ease of use of plantation shutters. But many people are quite surprised when they go out and price out  having plantation shutters made for there home.  Shutters are one of the more expensive of window treatments but you need consider a few things when looking around for shutters here in Wilmington NC area.  Some people call shutters furniture made for your window.

Price Range Of Shutters in Wilmington NC

When shopping around for shutters the prices will vary from different blind and shutter companies here in the Wilmington NC area. A wood plantation shutter generally will run you anywhere from $250 to $450 a window thats around 30" x 60" in size. Your composite materials are generally slightly less expensive. It will depend a lot on who you price out and shop when getting estimates.

What is the Plantation Shutter Made From

The first thing you should look at is what the shutter is made from. Some shutters are made from wood ranging from basswood to popular. You also have MDF, PVC or some other composite materials on the market these days as well. Many are choosing a composite material for having there shutters made.  Composite plantation shutters are easy to clean and maintain. Many look very close to a wood shutter.  Make sure you see a sample of the shutter and ask what it is made from.  Some composite of faux wood shutters look very plastic like.

What Kind of Waranty Do the Shutters Have

Most custom plantation shutters should have a lifetime warranty, so if anything less than a 10 year warranty is being offered, you should be asking yourself some questions. For as much as plantation shutters cost you don't won't to be having to replace them after 4-6 years, or less! Don't be fooled sometimes by some companies name like budget or affordable they sometimes can be more expensive. Its always good idea to get different estimates. Here in the Wilmington NC area you will find a big price range on shutters. Its always good to by from a local company that way if you do have a warranty issue they will be around to take care of it for you. One useful tip when buying plantation shutters to save you some time is to call around to different companies and just ask what they charge per square foot for there plantation shutters. Most companies here in Wilmington NC area offer free in home estimates and measure as well

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The Least Expensive is not Always the Best Deal

 

On the other side of the price scale, paying more than $450 a window would really be excessive and overpriced for no gain in the quality of the product.

Factors That Effect the Price:

1. Type of wood or material the shutter being made of.
2. The number of panels selected for each window
3. .The quantity of shutters you are buying.  You may be offered a better price for your plantation  shutters if you are buying a larger quantity.
4. The condition of your window arches and how square your windows are.   Additional fitting costs and extra timber may be required to get the perfect installed fit.
5. Type of frames used on the plantation shutter.
6. The experience of the installer.  A good installer is paid appropriately as installing shutters is a job that takes many years to perfect.  A lot of companies cut their costs by using the cheap labor or subcontract there installation out to someone who has no idea what there doing.Ask the salesperson who will be installing your shutters and how experienced are they.
7. A unusual shapes such as triangular,arch and round windows .
8. Having your shutters painted in a custom color.
9. Stained or painted finish for your shutter

Plantation shutters at first may seem initially to be one of the more expensive window treatment options.But over time they are great value being you get years of use. Over the years you may change the decor of your home but shutters will fit just about any decorating style.

 Plantation Shutters are Good Investment in Your Home

1. Plantation shutters will last a life time, so you will never have to replace them.
2. Solid wood or composite plantation shutters are amazing insulators that will keep the heat out in summer and keep the heat in during winter, better than any other window blind.
3. Plantation shutters are one of the few products that create a WOW factor when you walk into the room.  Because of this, real estate agents here in the Wilmington NC area all agree that unlike blinds, plantation shutters actually add value to your home and increase the sale price.
4. After your plantation shutters are installed, you and your guests will be so impressed with the look and functionality of your plantation shutters that the price will soon be long forgotten.
5. Plantation window shutters are the only window treatment that when your home is appraised it will add value.  Blinds,shades or curtain are not considered permanent fixtures of the home like plantation shutters

So hopefully you are now ready with all the information and you can go out and make an informed decision on buying your new plantation shutters here in the Wilmington NC area!

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New Options & Upgrades For Your Window Treatmants

 Most people can be overwhelmed when they start looking at all the options and features available for your window treatments today.  In this blog I will go over some of the new features you have when shopping for your new  blinds, shades, shutters and draperies.  You could go to a big box store and get cheap standard cut down blinds that don’t allow you to get everything you want.  But people are learning that there are great upgrades and features that should be considered before making a purchase your window blinds. Here are some of the most popular features you can trick out your window treatments with.

Cordless for shades & Wood Blinds

Choosing cordless blinds and cordless shades instead of corded ones has a number of great benefits. First, the absence of cords creates a sleek, clean look throughout the home. Cordless window blinds and shades tend to look less busy, as the cords can sometimes detract from home décor. Cordless blinds and shades are also the preferred style for homes with small children and pets. Installing all cordless products in your home is a great place to start in making your home more child friendly. Never place corded blinds and shades near a child’s bed or crib, and make sure that any cords you may have are tied down to the wall and have safety breakaway tassels on the ends.

SmartPrivacy feature on Norman Wood and Faux Wood blinds 

This new Patented SmartPrivacy™ feature allows for optimum blind closure for the utmost levels of privacy. This innovative design concept would be the new generations of blinds to replace the existing routed/ rout-less traditional window blinds.

Add Top Down / Bottom Up to your Shades

Top down bottom up window shades are incredibly popular. Adding this feature to your window shades will  allow you to raise and lower the shade in either direction to allow for privacy similar to that of a cafe shutter or curtain. They allow light to come into the room while maintaining your privacy. You can add this feature to roman shades, bamboo shades, woven wood shades, honeycomb shades, and even Hunter Douglas has Silhouettes available with the top/down bottom/up feature now.

Motorization

Motorization is perfect for the tech lover in your. Raising and lowering with the touch of a button, motorization is available on many different shades as well as some wood and faux wood blinds. It is incredibly popular and growing in popularity this year. It’s sleek, modern, and fun, but also perfect for those windows that are hard to reach. 

Continuous Cord Loop 

Continuous cord loop is a great option, especially for wider and heavier window shades. It allows you open and close your shade in an easy, fluid manner. By choosing the feature instead of the traditional style lift, you get rid of dangling cords that are not as child-safe. They’re also cleaner and sleeker in appearance than traditional cords. It eliminates the traditional dangling cord giving a neater appearance. This is a must for large heavy shades or blinds

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Decorating With New Window Treatments For The Holiday Wilmington NC Style

We're gearing up for the holidays and wow a year has gone flying by again. The holidays means that means getting your home in tip top shape for your family visiting to come through your home.  Your window treatments are one of the best ways to spruce up the house and give it a new look. Here so different window treatments you can use and express your unique style.

Blackout honeycomb shades for your windows

   This blackout cell shade is a great, cost-effective solution for covering your windows. Options include cordless feature to keep those string from the children.  Top down bottom up honeycombs shades are great and they even come with the cordless feature now to. The quality construction, durability, and long-lasting style make it a great choice for your home. The room darkening fabric is ideal for media rooms, bedrooms, and any other rooms where you might want it totally dark.

Light filtering Honeycomb shades for your windows

     This is the light-filtering version of the shade above. The difference here is that this shade allows some light to gently filter through, creating a diffused effect during the day, while still helping you maintain privacy.  Also has the same features and options that the blackout honeycomb shades give you.  Look at the feature no that you can combine two fabric so you could have a blackout honeycomb shades and also a light filtering fabric as well.

2 1/2" Faux wood Blinds and Wood blinds for your windows

    Faux wood blinds are one of the least expensive window treatment options. The slats are 2 1/2" instead of the smaller 2" you see a lot. The larger slat size makes it a bit more modern. The Norman wood and faux wood blinds also comes standard with SmartPrivacy® slats, which have smaller, more concealed holes for the strings to go through. This keeps the blind's slats from moving around and helps them close tighter.Wood blinds will be slightly more expensive than faux wood blind.

Norman Wood Shutter or Composite Shutter

   Norman Normandy wood shutter by Norman will give you one of the desired window treatments. Normandy wood shutters are available in 28 colors  and have a furniture grade finish. Norman also offer the Woodlure composite shutter to give you a easy to clean shutter that will last a lifetime.  Many features such as hidden tilt feature. Both the wood and composite shutters come in 1 7/8", 2", 3 1/2" and 4 1/2" inch shutter slat size. 

   Have fun decorating your windows with new window treatments for the holidays!

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Deciding The Right Window Treatment Ideas & Help

Learn about the basics of window coverings (privacy, light control, function, and style). Then prioritize your needs for each window. Layer the treatments for the most versatility. For instance, put wood blinds next to the glass to control light and hang fabric panels for style and color.

BASICS OF WINDOW COVERINGS:

Part 1: Where Privacy is a requisite

Window treatments can baffle even experienced home decorators. Overwhelmed by a huge variety of choices in material, fabric, color, size, options, and hardware, where do you start?

You start with the basics: privacy, light control, function, and style. Paying attention to these four elements can give your project a sense of direction, and combining window treatments in intelligent ways can accomplish the necessary functional aspects as well as contribute to a room’s style.

Let’s take a look at each of the main factors in window covering choices and see which treatments can be most successful in each case. Privacy

Perhaps the only people who don’t need privacy in window treatments are those who have homes set back in the woods, far from prying eyes. For the rest of us, however, privacy can be a major issue.

If you have a bathroom window that looks directly into your neighbor’s hallway, you need privacy. When your dining room looks out on a busy sidewalk, street corner, or a community pool, you want privacy.

To get it you’ll need to choose window treatments that offer complete opaque covering. Here are some good choices for privacy:

* Pleated and honeycomb shades (in non-sheer materials) have full glass coverage for privacy. Many styles can be ordered with a “top down” feature, so a portion of the glass can be visible at the top of the window to let in light and have a view.
* Plantation shutters are one of the most popular window treatments on the market right now.  Plantation shutters can either be made from wood or composite material.  Composite shutters are mostly used today for the cost is slightly lower and the durability aspect.  However isf looking for a stained wood shutter because wood shutters will give you a much more finished look.
  * Fabric or Roller Shades generally offer complete window coverage. Most roller shades are made of vinyl or fabric that is usually opaque, while fabric shades (Roman shades) are lined and custom made to your exact window measurements.

* Curtains and Draperies, when closed, will also close off the view. Add linings that will add to the opacity and durability, and arrange the center overlap to eliminate open spots.

* Sheer curtains and draperies may afford a bit of daytime privacy, however at night most will turn practically transparent with indoor lighting. If you love sheers, but want privacy, then use shades underneath for privacy after dark.

*  Wood or faux wood blinds, and shutters will all provide a nearly private environment. Be aware, however, that with each of these there is a small possibility of seeing through the slats at certain angles. However there are new features with blinds where they do not have holes that can be seen through

* Honeycomb or cellular shades (in non-sheer fabrics) can add privacy and many have insulating benefits as well. Honeycomb shades are the most insulating products you can have in your windo.  I personally know that it gets very hot here in Wilmington NC area and honeycomb shades work great in my own home.  They also help those that might need extra insulating in the winter by also keeping the cold out of your home.

Part 2: Where Light Control is a requisite

Light Control

This factor has two elements. First, keeping glare down is necessary when someone is sleeping in the daytime or when watching TV or working at a desk near a bright window.

Second, UV rays from bright sunlight will adversely affect fabrics, furnishings, and artwork in your home. Full sun can quickly fade expensive upholstery and rugs, eventually causing some fibers to break down and rot.

Window coverings can be used successfully to control light. Consider these possibilities:

· Any of the opaque window treatments listed in the Privacy section above can also help with light control. However, since sunlight will eventually break down many fabrics, it can be helpful to use a non-fabric shade next to the glass, behind expensive draperies, valances, or fabric shades. For custom made draperies ask about special linings and fabric treatments that help reduce UV damage.

Light Control and Style

· Light blocking treatments can be installed for rooms that need to be fully darkened. Look for room darkening roller shades as well as light blocking linings for fabric shades and draperies.

· Metal or wood blinds can be tilted to keep direct sun out of your room, while still affording some view and light.

· Natural blinds such as bamboo shades or woven wood shades will filter the light and cut down on much of the glare, and can be ordered with an exterior privacy lining.

· Honeycomb shades in non-sheer fabrics will cut down on light and also have blackout fabrics as well.

· In areas of very strong sunlight, look into window tinting options where a film is attached directly to the glass. This will reduce UV rays and is available in several levels of tint.

Part 3: Where Function is a requisite

Function

Window coverings are practically useless without the element of function.

Consider your needs for window hardware, fit, wand options, placement, and safety considerations, both as you weigh your options and when you purchase.

There are window treatment solutions for almost any problem. Do you need cord controls on the left to avoid dangling near a baby crib? Will you require light blocking shades for a napping toddler? Are your windows so small that you’ll want to mount window treatments outside of the window frame?

Take a look at some of the problems and solutions in function for window treatments:

· To open or close, that is the question. Some treatments now are designed to be stationery. For draperies that open, however, choose appropriate hardware that opens and closes easily.

Function and Privacy

· Stationery treatments such as non-closing drapery side panels, cornices, and valances are installed to be permanently in place. Add under treatments of sheers, blinds, or shades to add function to these types of window decorations.

· Consider how (and if) you’ll need to operate blinds installed on very high windows.

· Long draperies can be a tempting plaything for pets and a hazard in a young child’s room as they learn to walk and grab anything in sight. It might be better to go with blinds or soft shades that stay up off the floor.

· Ask for the newer breakaway and safety window cord options when installing blinds in a home with children.

· Top down/Bottom up shades increase the possibilities for privacy and function, letting you control the height of your blinds from either direction.

· Transparent shades offer no privacy but will cut down on UV rays and glare. These are made from polyester and work like a regular roller shade.

· High end window treatments can be ordered with tech options that include light sensitive and remote control operation. Consult a window covering store or your interior decorator for more information.

Part 4: Where Style is a requisite

Style

Style is the fun part of window treatments. Here is where you can choose fabrics, colors, and styles that will add to the beauty and enjoyment of your room.

Add interest to windows by repeating fabrics and colors used in other parts of your room. Or, add a dash of style with contrasting borders, cording, or fringe.

The unique touches you add to your window treatments are a reflection of your personal style.

* Draperies have options in rod styles with tab tops, tie tops, many types of pleats, grommets, rod pockets (large or small), flouncy tops, or plain rings.

* Valances can be gathered, pleated, shirred, swagged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace, or flat.

*  Fabric Shades are found in flat Roman style, balloon, Austrian, bottom arched, pleated, and flat panels, in sheers or coordinating fabrics.

* Wood or faux wood blinds come in a variety of colors, finishes, slat sizes, and tape colors. Some are made without the typical cord holes in each slat for a cleaner look. Ask about choices for header designs and cord control options too.

* Honeycomb Shades, also called pleated and honeycomb shades, have a clean look and come in both sheer and non-sheer materials. Some styles have eliminated the cord hardware, some have loop controls, and most have some insulating qualities.

* Bamboo shades or woven wood shades are also called matchstick or bamboo blinds, but are materials available that have a natural fabric-like appearance. You’ll find options for valances, roll or fold up operation, edge binding, and privacy liners.

 * Plantation shutters are a great window treatment by them selves or with some stationary panels.  Usually people do not ad a topper to shutters being that they will interfere with the doors opening and closing.

Whatever your preference for window treatments, you’re sure to find many options to meet your home’s requirements for privacy, light control, function, and style.  If you are looking for any type of window treatments there are usually companies in your town that will do a free in home consultation to help you pick the right window treatment.

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Woven Wood Bamboo Shades For Your Homes Window Treatments

 Nature loving people here in Wilmington NC and Southeastern NC opt for many natural things like indoor plants, eco friendly products and the exceptional woven wood or bamboo shades. The reason is simple for their popularity; woven wood shades are a economical and environmentally friendly choice for your window treatments.  Woven wood shades can provide control of the light intensity and the heat as well. Woven shades are made from natural materials like bamboo, thin wooden planks, straws, grass, jutes, rattan, reeds and matchsticks which are woven together to form a large sheet. Woven shades can provide a warm cozy feeling to any room.  Most custom woven wood shades are sewn in a roman shade style.

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Choosing the Right Window Treatment For A Wilmington NC Home

Choosing the Right Window Treatment For a Wilmington NC Home

When choosing window treatments solutions for the kitchen or bathroom there are some important factors to consider? The conditions in these rooms are slightly different than the rest of the house and although aesthetic appeal is important the window covering solution must also be durable and easy to maintain.

Composite plantation shutters or faux wood blinds have  been designed as the ideal solution for rooms that suffer from high moisture or humidity content such as kitchens or bathrooms. Faux wood blinds or shutters  blend with every design style from traditional to contemporary. They instantly transform the style of your home and complement any décor. The Composite and Wood Shutters or blinds are extremely resilient and the durable finish makes dents and scratches a rarity. Most custom plantation shutters or blinds have a lifetime guarantee against defects. The material, finish and manufacturing methods ensure they will look as perfect for many years as they do on the day you purchased them.

Built with energy conservation in mind.  Plantation shutters are proven to be up to 1600% more energy efficient than aluminum mini-blinds and have an R-Value of 4.63. When shopping for your shutters make sure they make the shutters with a astragal. A astragal on plantation shutters is a flap where the shutter doors come together on each stile (vertical sections of shutter) to help block out more temperature and light than any other louvered window treatment, and a finish that is UV coated for ultimate protection against the elements.

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