There’s nothing better than looking out your front windows on a bright, sunny day to take in the view, see the birds nesting in the trees and the squirrels scurrying through your yard. Or maybe you like gazing through the windows on a rainy day, watching the raindrops hit the windows and slowly trickle down.
While there are plenty of options available when it comes to choosing windows, perhaps just as important are the shades or drapes you choose for your windows. Whatever you pick is going to determine the amount of light that streams in through your windows.
When it comes to distinguishing blinds from shades and drapes, here’s what you should know. Blinds are typically made of harder materials such as wood, shades are made of softer materials such as silk and cotton. Blinds also have slats that open and close to allow for more or less light to come through. Shades on the other hand are made on a continuous roll and adjustments for light can be made up and down.
Just like with windows, there are plenty of options available when considering blinds, shades and drapes. Maybe you like the look of roller shades or maybe you like woven wood coverings.
If you’re looking a new homeowner who’s looking to put the finishing touches on your house or perhaps replace some old window treatments, woven wood coverings offer plenty of benefits:
- Blending in: One benefit of woven wood coverings is that they are very low profile. When it comes to window coverings, many homeowners want window coverings that compliment the décor of a room rather than drawing attention away from other aspects of it. Woven wood coverings are an ideal covering for blending in and depending on one’s preference, they can allow lots of light in or no light at all. They’re made of natural wood materials, which you can easily coordinate with whatever room you’re putting them in.
- Environmentally friendly: Another benefit of woven wood coverings is that they are very eco-friendly. As previously mentioned, they’re made from natural materials like bamboo, reeds, grasses and jute, which can add an organic style to your home while making it more eco-friendly. If that wasn’t enough, because woven wood coverings are all-natural, they add depth and dimension wherever you put them. When it comes time to replace them, woven wood coverings can easily be recycled.
- Sun protection: Not only do woven wood coverings have a simple design, but they are also very effective when it comes to protection against the sun. Woven wood coverings are created to block all, that’s 100%, of all UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Without adequate covering, your home is left open to sun damage, which can spell doom if you’ve got wood flooring, wood furniture, art pieces or anything else that regularly receives sun exposure.
Luckily, woven wood coverings block those harmful rays and extend the life of the elements that give your home its style and uniqueness. Getting proper shading, wooden or not, provides the protection you need to ensure you won’t have to replace expensive items every few years. - Easy to maintain: Another benefit of woven wood coverings is that they are very easy to maintain. They can be motorized to ramp up your home’s safety and make them easier to use. Using woven wood coverings also gives a homeowner options for use. Homeowners can use top-down/bottom-up shades or roller-style shades. They can also be paired with blackout liners, if you’re looking to cut down on the amount of natural light in a particular room or area of the house.
Most homeowners replace their window treatments typically every seven to eight years. Replacing them will result in savings, as approximately 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through the windows. Don’t hesitate to contact a window treatment company if you’re overdue for a change. Chances are if you’ve got windows that are 15 years or older, you’re dealing with high energy bills, a drafty house and windows that stick to frames.