Selecting the Perfect Window Covering: A Look at Function

Have you ever looked for window coverings and been confused by all the choices, and you avoided making any decision because you didn't want to make a wrong one? Let's try to clear up this confusion by answering these simple questions before you go shopping. Even though window coverings are very decorative, we need to start with the function of the window first. I say this because you can have a beautiful window covering, but if it doesn't fit the function of the window, you won't be a happy customer.

First, what are my needs for privacy?
This is a most important question because your safety and security is directly related to what is at the window. Hunter Douglas has products that range from sheer to opaque, as well as many degrees in between. It's a very individual process. Some people could live in a fish bowl. I, personally, could not. I require total privacy to feel safe and secure. Also, your needs for privacy in the bedroom probably will be different than your needs in the dining room. So this is the question to start with.

The second question you have to ask yourself is: What direction does the window face?
Is it a warm sunny, window? If it's south or west, you could be experiencing a room that heats up, but you also have another problem; your furniture or carpet might be fading as we speak. If this is your problem, Hunter Douglas has energy-efficient products. And not only are they gorgeous, but they will keep your room cooler and filter the harsh sunlight as well. What this means is not only a savings in your cooling bill, but you will enjoy your furniture and carpet for a longer time. Consider Duette® honeycomb shades or Brilliance® pleated shades.

The third question is: What are my needs for light control?
When you think of the operating functions of window coverings, some go up and down. Roller shades are a good example. You can stop a roller shade anywhere you want, but you can't really control the light. If light control is the issue, I recommend a product that has a vane, slat or louver. It can be one that is either horizontal or vertical. Now, what Hunter Douglas products have vanes, slats or louvers? Alouette® Light Louvers, Aluminum horizontal blinds, Country Woods® Wood Blinds, Alternative Wood Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Heritance® or Palm Beach® Shutters, Silhouette® or Nantucket™ window shadings, and Luminette® Privacy Sheers. With nearly all the Hunter Douglas window coverings you can redirect the light and completely change the complexion of a room simply by rotating or tilting them.

The fourth question is: How do my windows open, and do I open them often?
Some windows open up, some out and some in, while some go side-to-side. There is no standard window. This is an important question to ask yourself, because you might design a beautiful window covering, but if it doesn't fit the function, it will be useless. I personally love wood blinds. In fact, I have several rooms with wood blinds. In my family room, I have a sliding door that gets used a lot. It's open for ventilation, and to hear the music of water in our outdoor fountains. It's opened several times a day for Daffy, our Cocker Spaniel, to go outside (as well as all the people traffic).

As much as I love wood blinds, I would never put one on my sliding door. It's too heavy to lift, and takes up too much stacking space at the top of the door. It would look gorgeous, but it doesn't fit the function of the window. There are better choices, such as Hunter Douglas Luminette® Privacy Sheers, Duette Vertiglide™ or vertical blinds.

The fifth and final question is: What is my budget?
Let's be honest, window coverings are an investment in your home. Hunter Douglas has products to fit just about any budget. You might love the Silhouette® window shadings, but they might stretch your budget too much. If that's the case, look at the new Nantucket™ shadings. They have the look at a lesser price. You might like wood blinds, but if they're not in your budget try our Everwood® blinds, which are everlasting, ever beautiful—practical, elegant and affordable.

Be honest about your budget and realize, too, that there might not be a big price difference between what you might like and what you absolutely love. I want you to think and ask yourself this question: "In five years, will I remember how much I paid for something or will I remember how much I love it, knowing I made the right decision?" You don't always have to settle! Your dreams can be reality.