Updating your window treatments is the perfect way to get a refresh of your home. With a pop of color, or a change in design, you can keep the functionality you want while still creating a modern, clean look. But the truth is, it can be more challenging than you think to avoid the most common window covering mistakes. Let’s look at some common issues and some ways you can have a great experience.
Design That Works
It seems everywhere we turn, glossy magazines and influencers post stunning showcase homes with interior design, including beautifully styled windows. What’s not to love about that? When it comes to our own personal design, it can help us see new things we like or want to try. On the flip side, it can be easy to get swept up in trying to recreate something that isn’t well-suited for our own spaces at home. A staged photo shoot is not a real-life home with needs for light filtering, room-darkening options, and cozy, comfortable design that seamlessly integrates form and function. While we can certainly give it a go ourselves, the goal isn’t to duplicate another person’s design, but to draw inspiration, and put together a look that uniquely reflects our personal style, without sacrificing the function you desperately need.
Creating Functional Room Design
One of the ways to avoid window covering mistakes is to take each room as it comes, individually. While we want to dress up our space, it can also be difficult with each area needing something different. Let’s go room-by-room on what to consider for each space:
- Kitchen: light-filtering, glare-reducing, easy clean
- Living Room: blocks and filters light, reduces glare, options for privacy
- Bathroom: offers privacy, hands-free control, natural light options
- Dining Room: light-filtering, glare-reducing, ambiance
- Home Office: light-filtering, privacy options
- Bedrooms: room-darkening options, privacy, scheduled motorization
Start with Measurements
Taking measurements yourself might seem like a DIY dream, putting up a tape measure and capturing the information needed to order new window coverings. Keep in mind, the most common window covering mistakes can occur during this process. To begin with, most windows can be out of square, which means the width at the top could be different than that width at the bottom. Hardware and trim need to be considered, and it’s important to know whether you plan to do an inside mount or outside mount. Even measurements an eighth of inch wrong can cause serious problems. This is one of the reasons we take professional measurements–and we’ve been trained to pay attention to all the nuances that are involved in covering windows.
Precision First
For best accuracy, start with a sturdy metal tape measure and record this way: measure across the top, middle, and bottom for width, then the height at right left and center. Look at the area around the window for any cranks, knobs on doors or windows, and other elements that might get in the way and affect installation. Measure window depth if you’re considering inside mount. For outside mount, inspect the area surrounding the window for appropriate material to attach to.
Swatches Matter
Now is the time to think about how you want the windows to look. What colors or designs do you want? This fun part of the process can still lead to window covering mistakes, especially if you don’t take the time to consider the lighting in the home and how it plays off the fabrics and colors you like. Where does morning light hit? Evening light or darkness? The tone will shift in the space depending on the lighting, so walk through, and look at dim and bright interior lights, flooring, and decor. Place the swatch directly on the window. Be sure you really love the style and color of the chosen swatches against your home’s interior before dropping some coins on shades!
Window Technology
Now is the time to consider all the new technology in window treatments. Window covering mistakes happen with this for two reasons: The first is not realizing what’s available and missing on the best features. There are so many options on the market–it’s common for homeowners to throw in the towel and not do anything, instead of getting what they really want. The second reason mistakes occur is by homeowners trying to install smart shades themselves. These systems can be more challenging than standard shades due to the intricacies of the technology. Installing them requires precise measuring and calibration to avoid wear and tear.
Call the Pros
If you’re afraid of missing out on technology, features or proper installation, it’s time to call the pros. This is what we do, and you owe it to yourself to have the best experience with this home investment. Our motorized blinds are an amazing way to add convenience, control and beauty to your home. We install them for you, and we even teach you how to use them!
Be Patient
Rushing through the process can create more window covering mistakes than you realize. Building on previously mentioned issues, trying to make everything happen too quickly can lead to mis-measurements, obstacles in function, completely forgetting about function altogether, and settling for what you get instead of what you should have. Window coverings are an investment in your home–the comfort, control and style. Take your time with these decisions so the end result is one that you can be proud of.
Time to Get Started
When you are ready to enter the world of new windows, we have you covered. Our professional team will come for an in-home consultation to look over measurements, discuss your color and interior design hopes, and find out what you need. Step into a showroom to see them for yourself or contact us to learn more about what we offer. We look forward to helping you create a look you will love.
