Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best window treatment for each room in my home?
In addition to being decorative, a window covering can reduce outside noise, lower utility bills, provide privacy, and diffuse light. Determine the type of window covering based on the needs of each room.

What type of window treatment is best for north facing windows which provide clear, consistent light and the coldest exposure?
Use energy efficient window treatments such as honeycomb shades. The degree of energy efficiency depends on whether the shades are single-, double-, or triple-honeycomb construction.

How much energy efficiency can window treatments add to a home?
Most windows have an R-value of 0.9 to 3.0 and can be responsible for 40 to 70% of heat or cold transfer for an entire home. Using layers and cellular construction treatments at your windows can increase R-value by 1 to nearly 5 points. In extreme climates, that could save more dollars than you would spend to install windows with a higher energy efficiency.

What type of window treatment is best for east facing windows which bring in warm, bright light mostly in the morning?
Use window treatments that block UV rays. Honeycomb and pleated shades feature sheer to opaque fabric to admit varying degrees of filtered light while removing harmful UV rays. Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shadings or Luminette Privacy Sheers offer a filtered view or complete privacy while
shielding UV rays.

What type of window treatment is best for west and south facing windows that admit good light year round?
Window treatments that diffuse light, such as horizontal slatted blinds, will help protect fabrics and furniture.

When light control is an issue, what type of window treatment is appropriate?
Whether wood or aluminum, horizontal or vertical, blinds have the most versatility. Tilt the slats to block the sun’s glare and maintain the view outside. Hunter Douglas Silhouette Shadings offer the same great versatility while softening and diffusing the light entering the room. They also raise completely for an unobstructed view.

What window treatments are safer for children’s rooms or for homes with small children?
Many window treatments are available without looped cords. Window covering manufacturers, such as Hunter Douglas, have successfully addressed this concern. Safety wands that eliminate looped pull cords are available for vertical blinds; options for horizontal blind cords include safety tassels, retractable cord systems, or cordless blinds and shades.

What type of blind looks best on French doors?
If privacy or light control is an issue, horizontal blinds, pleated or honeycomb shades, or Roman shades can be attached directly to the door. The blinds can be louvered to allow light in. Both the blinds and shades can easily be raised when you want the whole view.

What type of window treatment will coordinate picture windows with a sliding glass door?
Consider using Hunter Douglas Silhouette window shadings on the windows and Hunter Douglas Luminette Privacy Sheers on the sliding glass door.

What type of window treatments work best in a dining room?
Window treatments that diffuse light, such as horizontal blinds, will provide comfort and privacy any time of the day.

What type of window treatments work best in a kitchen?
We recommend window treatments that provide ventilation and are easy to clean such as wood, faux wood, vinyl or aluminum blinds.

What type of window treatments work best in family rooms?
Use window treatments that offer light control to prevent glare on television or computer screens.

What type of window treatment most effectively darkens a room?
Horizontal blinds are available without cord holes, keeping the light out. Honeycomb, pleated and roller shades are available in opaque finishes.

What type of window treatments work best in a bathroom?
Window treatments that are humidity tolerant such as faux wood or vinyl applications work best in a bathroom.

When should I choose faux wood over real wood blinds?
While faux wood cannot duplicate the natural beauty of a stained wood finish, they are very practical in areas of high humidity and are guaranteed not to fade, warp or crack. Choose from an array of styles - beveled, contoured and board-on-board - in a choice of slat sizes in popular whites, neutrals and simulated wood tones.

Can you visually expand a room with the use of window treatments?
Keeping the color contrast between wall and window low will visually expand a room.

How can you make a room cozier with window treatments?
Creating a high contrast between wall and window will cause this effect.

What is the best way to coordinate window treatments with my furnishings?
Use neutral toned window treatments in rooms where you will spend a lot of time or when you want other furnishings to make bold statements. Neutrals and pastels invoke calm and tranquility while giving the illusion of height in a room. Strong, vivid colors and bold patterns stimulate the senses and add drama to the decor. When you want window treatments to be the special accent or coordinating feature, BlindSaver.com offers an abundance of colors, textures, sheens and treatments to meet your decorating needs.

Are woven-wood shades becoming popular again?
These are not your grandmothers shades anymore. Woven woods have been updated to reflect today’s styles and are available in an assortment of bamboos, reeds, slats and grasses.