Window blinds serve a number of purposes, from keeping your home cool in the summer to giving you privacy when you need it. They can also keep your home warmer in winter and lower energy costs.
There are many cheap blinds for windows options to suit any style. It is important to choose the right blind for you.
Light Control
If you’re looking for window treatments to control light, reduce glare, and create a relaxing home environment, then consider window blinds. They offer multiple ways to regulate light and are easy to clean.
A variety of options are available, from vertical and horizontal slats to pleated and Roman shades. Many have a tilt wand (long, stick-like apparatus) that allows you to rotate the slats and adjust light.
Certain products, such as Hunter Douglas’ Silhouette (r) Window Shadings or Pirouette (r) Window Shades offer light-filtering fabrics. These fabrics filter out the harsh sunlight that can cause glare, fade your furnishings, and damage your skin.
Duolite can be used on some of our products to combine light-filtering and room darkening fabrics in one window treatment. This allows for more privacy and light control than other treatments.
Motorized window treatments can also be controlled by an iPad or smartphone. You can set them to open and close according to the weather conditions and time of day. This helps to keep rooms cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving on energy costs.
In addition, some shades have a built-in thermostat to help reduce energy usage and costs. These devices can be controlled by smartphone, tablet or laptop and come with an intuitive app that lets you set your desired temperature.
If you’re considering window blinds or curtains, be sure to ask your pro about the benefits of each type of treatment. They will be able tell you which type of treatment is best for your needs, depending upon your decor, budget, and style.
Curtains are typically pricier than blinds. They require more material and are more costly to install. They can be styled with attractive patterns, colors and textures.
To increase privacy and create a more intimate atmosphere, some people layer blinds and curtains in one room. To do this, first install curtains in areas that don’t get much moisture, such as the living room or bedroom.
Install blinds in areas that are more susceptible to moisture, such as the master bathroom or kitchen. These treatments are durable and easy to clean, and will help prevent mold growth.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important to Key West homeowners, and the right window blinds can play a huge role in saving you money. The Department of Energy says that as much as 30% of your home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through the windows, which is why it’s so important to use the right window treatments.
In addition to providing excellent light control and privacy, blinds can help save energy by blocking out sunlight and making a temperature barrier between your home’s interior and exterior temperatures. For example, plantation shutters are great at blocking the sun’s heat and can reduce the amount of energy required to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Another type of window treatment that can be beneficial for energy efficiency is honeycomb shades, which have a multi-layer design that traps air between the layers. This creates a temperature barrier between the room and the outside world, which can significantly slow down the transfer of radiant heat and improve comfort.
For example, the U-value of a non-insulated window can be reduced from 4.5 W/m2K to nearly 2.4W/m2K by installing honeycomb shades. These shades can also block out glare so they are great for rooms that need to block bright sunlight without sacrificing visual comfort.
There are many types of window blinds. Each has its own benefits. Cellular shades that open from the top and bottom offer the most effective energy savings, while roller shades are best for light control and privacy.
Reversible shades are an ideal option for energy efficiency because they allow you to switch between white and dark depending on your mood or the season. These shades make windows appear cooler in summer by reflecting the sun’s heat and warmer in winter by absorbing it.
Despite the many benefits that blinds provide, it’s also important to remember that they aren’t always the most efficient. For example, roller and roman shades are most effective at blocking out glare but won’t do as good a job at keeping a room cool or warm.
Privacy
Window blinds are a great addition to any home, offering light control and privacy while also helping to save energy. They can be used in many styles and decors and are a great choice for window treatments.
Most blinds feature a series of horizontal or vertical slats that can be tilted to open or close for light control and filtered sunlight. You can raise and lower them to block out unwanted views from outside.
They come in a variety of materials to match your lighting, durability and budget preferences. Vinyl and PVC are both durable and more cost-effective than metal or wood.
Fabric is another option. It can be used to reduce the sun’s glare and provide room darkening or blackout capabilities. You can even buy double roller blinds, which have a sheer layer and a blackout lining for more filtration options.
When you’re choosing blinds for your Key West home, consider the amount of daylight and how much sunlight you prefer during different times of the day. This will help narrow down your options to the right window coverings for you.
If you have a smaller window, consider micro blinds that have fewer slats and more control over sunlight and privacy. They are a great option for bathrooms, bedrooms and closets, where you want to filter out sunlight and still provide privacy.
They are available in a wide range of material options, and many of them can be paired with smart or motorized features for added convenience. These types of blinds can be programmed to open and close at specific times, making them an ideal option for busy families or anyone who doesn’t like to mess with a bunch of cords.
They are also more child-friendly than corded window treatments, since they have no dangling wires that children can easily grab and pull. They also offer a more natural, organic look that isn’t as harsh or stark as other window treatments. They can also be matched to existing furniture and decor, so they blend seamlessly.
Style
A good set of window blinds is essential for the style and comfort of your Key West home. You should choose them carefully as they offer many benefits, including privacy and light control.
You will need to decide if you want room-darkening shades or light-filtering ones. Also, consider how much natural light your space needs. If your bedroom faces east, then you might consider room-darkening options such as Roman shades or zebra roller shades.
If your room faces north you will need to choose insulation options that will block the sun’s heat throughout the day. These options include cellular blinds and cordless pleated curtains.
Your window blinds should be sized and shaped to fit your window. Before you decide on the right window coverings for your home, measure your windows and doors.
Once you have your measurements, you can begin shopping online for the perfect window treatments. Lowe’s offers a variety of filters to help you narrow down your choices, including style, price, material, light filtration and installation type. You can even use a virtual measuring tool to figure out which types of blinds will work best for your space.
Rob Ropele, of The Shade Store, states that you will also need to consider where your new window treatments will be placed. Depending on the product you choose, you will need to mount it inside your window frame or outside.
Another consideration is the color or pattern of your window coverings. Match them with your existing window coverings and furniture to create a cohesive look.
It is important to determine how much you are willing to spend on window coverings. Having a set budget will help you make the right decisions for your home and will also ensure that you get the features you need for a perfect fit.
JCPenney has a wide selection window blinds to choose from for your Key West home. The retailer has a large selection of cellular, vertical, roller, and Roman blinds in several colors, materials and styles. The website also offers a wealth of information, including how to guides and tips for choosing and installing window treatments.