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Cellular Shades in a bedroom General Products Shades Tips and Advice

Who Needs Blackout Shades?

A nourishing deep sleep is mandatory to keep our bodies healthy and our minds clear. All of us need restful sleep as our bodies automatically reset every 24 hours; triggered by our exposure to light and dark. When our bodies get out of sync with our environmental clock – they go haywire. We are meant to follow the boost of our sleep hormone, which increases as darkness falls and signals our body to power down to rest. Unfortunately, our exposure to light is being driven away by many reasons; technology or nature.

It doesn’t matter what age group you belong to, a perfect sleep has its own advantages. Not to mention it also helps you to stay active and promotes the effective function of your brain. It has been proven that creating a darker and calmer ambiance in your bedroom helps you in achieving the proper amount of sleep. Window treatments help you to achieve this ambiance. It might seem like an ineffective approach but it can make a difference in a room and improve cutting out the light.

There are a number of options for shades which can help to cut down on the light, but our favorite by far is the Day and Night Cellular Shade. This particular type of cellular shade can be excellent for the bedroom as they offer both blackout properties and light filtering all in one. This allows you to choose whichever you need at the right time of the day. Cellular shades have bonus features as well which help provide insulation. During the night, the cellular shades act as a blackout shade blocking out all the light entering your room. These are on of the best blackout shades for the bedroom. During the daytime, they act as light filtering shades letting in the natural sunlight into your home. You can even use the blackout shade during the day if you need more darkness and isolation from the sun. Cellular shades make you feel comfortable by blocking out the external warmth or cold during the extreme climatic conditions. If you have a skylight in your bedroom; cellular shades are also an excellent option. During the day, these windows let in dangerous ultraviolet rays inside your home and can cause harm to you, your family and even dull your furniture!

The mystery of how to keep the most light out is now solved. By having these advantages mentioned, keeping the light out during much needed times of the day, you will have the opportunity to see the good advantages it brings. The effects that it will have on your health and your everyday life experiences will be a plus too!

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General Products Shades Tips and Advice

Harmony Shades

Roman shades are a classically popular window treatment with everlasting style. Their versatility and durability make them the perfect shade for high traffic rooms like the living room and offices. They have the ability to soften a room with a comfortable vibe and add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral space.

They are said to have originated in Rome

Their original purpose was to shade pampered spectators in public amphitheaters or stadiums, the most famous being the Colosseum in Rome. Well-to-do audience members did not want to endure the hot Mediterranean sun and so they sat underneath large, elaborate cloth awnings that protected them from the sun’s rays. The system of ropes and pulleys that was used to remove and replace the awnings for events was essential for the development of today’s Roman shades.

Roman shades are difficult to make

Each shade is very complicated to make and takes a lot of human labor to ensure its perfection. Because of the time put into each individual shade, they do tend to be a bit more costly. Any mistakes that are made while creating the shade are very difficult to remedy, with a lot of imperfect shades having to be recreated entirely.

Some Roman shades require training

Like parting your hair a different way or house breaking a new puppy, some Roman shades need a little training when they are new and young. If your new shades are made of a thick fabric, you may have to train them to fold in the correct place. After a few times of being guided into the correct placement, the fabric of your shade will start to hold a “memory” of where it should fold.

They are perfect for inside and outside mounts

Roman shades look beautiful mounted within your window frame and also outside your window frame. If you have nice trim around your windows you should show it off by mounting the shade inside the frame. They will look perfectly built-in and allow the finer details of your home to really shine. If you have unsightly trim or simply want to make your windows appear larger, these shades can be easily mounted on the wall around your window and you can let your pretty shades take center stage.

They come in a variety of features

Roman shades are very versatile and can fit into any aesthetic. Because they are made of fabric, there are a lot of color and texture options available, as well as options for top down/bottom up, blackout, cordless and pleated.

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Motorized Cascade, girl controing window shade via remote. Inspiration Products Tips and Advice

You Control It!

The window treatment industry strives to stay on the cutting edge by constantly refreshing selections and offering customers with the latest and greatest of blinds or shades. One of the newest and coolest product lines is the Motorization! In addition to being extremely versatile and easy to operate, these selections also feature a beautiful and traditional design, making them ideal for just about any room in your home.

Easy Operation

Although we test the control options for all our shades, including standard nylon cords, chains, continuous cord loops, and cordless options, to be as easy and intuitive as possible, we know that some homeowners prefer an even simpler method of raising and lowering their window treatments. Motorized shades are the easiest to control of all, as the simple touch of a button on their remote raises or lowers them effortlessly to the desired height.

Perfect for hard to reach windows

Got windows that are hard to reach, but still want to cover them with shades? If so, motorized shades are the ideal solution. No more stretching or even climbing on furniture or ladders to adjust your window treatments. With motorized shades, you can set them to the perfect length without putting your furniture or yourself at risk by climbing to reach cords, chains, or bottom rails.

Control up to 15 shades with a single remote

With our motorized shades, you won’t have to worry about jugging multiple remotes and forgetting which one controls certain shades in your home. All our motorized shades ship with a remote that can be configured to control up to 15 shades. That means you can quickly and easily control the shades in a large room or throughout your entire home with a single remote control.

No need for electrical outlets

We know that many homeowners are concerned about the appearance of unsightly cords and cables snaking along their walls to power their motorized shades. However, our window treatments are operated with a lithium battery power pack, eliminating the need for messy cables, extension cords, or outlets directly underneath your windows. The included batteries are designed to be long-lasting, which means you won’t have to worry about replacing them until after many hours of usage.

Available in a wide variety of styles

We know that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to window treatments—including specialty items like our motorized shades. That’s why we offer light filtering cellular shades, exotic solar shades, shades with five percent openness, and shades that block 99 percent of the sun’s light and harmful UV rays.

Huge variety of colors

Getting the right color for your window treatments is an important part of the decorating process. You need a color, texture, or pattern that complements your home’s style. And with our line of motorized shades, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect look to match your furniture, wall colors, and décor.

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General Inspiration Products Tips and Advice

How to Mix and Match Window Treatments

Whether you’re looking for the functionality of added privacy and light control, or you just want to layer in some patterns or pops of color, it’s great to mix and match your window treatments.

LAYERING LIGHT

One of our favorite window treatment combinations is layering a blackout shade with a light filtering shade or Drapery panel. Not only does this create a beautiful finished look, but it also allows you to carefully control light and privacy, depending on the time of day or your personal preference. This is a great option for bedrooms and other commonly used living spaces.

PLAYING WITH PATTERN

Want to bring some excitement to your windows, but scared of going too bold? Pair a patterned shade with a more subdued solid, and you’ll achieve the perfect balance!

TWO TEXTURES

If a more neutral look is your go-to, try mixing your textures instead. We carry stunning Woven Wood shades, natural bamboo, and grass materials. These shades are beautiful and versatile – they look lovely paired with Roller Shades, Solar Shades, or Drapery! Woven Woods are the perfect way to bring in some dimension, while still keeping your window scheme calm and neutral. This allows you to go bold with the rest of the space, too!

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General Products Shades Tips and Advice

Ready for Shades

Window shades are the “central air” of decorating. It’s a luxury that you don’t always need, but when you have some, that really WORK, you feel so lucky and fancy. I love curtains/drapes but they don’t work in every style of window or home (or maybe the furniture doesn’t allow them). Custom shades cost a ton – hell, custom anything costs a ton. So I have rounded up all the readymade shades that hopefully will work on your (crossing fingers) standard windows.

Let me quickly explain what a shade does that is different than a curtain/drape. A curtain/drape hangs vertically and opens/closes horizontally. Curtains add more drama and texture plus a luxe or bohemian vibe. Shades feel simpler, modern, and take up less visual space in the room. I love both equally – it totally depends on the space. Historically shades have cost more than drapes but there are a lot of readymade, less expensive shades out there now giving drapes a run for their/your money.

There are three major different types of shades if you are looking for a drapery alternative:

  1. The simple Roller Shade:

Roller shades are the most modern, simple and least visible of the shade varieties. They are like good spanx – they should disappear and show off the goods. Their function is to block light and provide privacy but not look decorative or even be noticed. I have these in my living room and I love how much they disappear because that room has huge modern windows and I didn’t want the distraction of shades or drapes.

  1. The Woven Shade:

The great thing about woven shades, of natural material like wood or bamboo is that they add a lot of warmth to a room, while still adding privacy and shielding light. They go a little more boho or traditional (funny how they bridge both styles) but are less expensive than fabric typically.

Lastly …

  1. The Famous Roman Shade:

Now there are a million different styles of roman shades, but my favorite are the simple flat panels that don’t do anything too romantic or frilly, just add a lovely line of fabric when up and textured fabric shade when down. I like both inside mount (because they are cleaner) and outside mount (because they allow more light).

I buy them a lot and when done right they can’t go wrong.

A few things to think about: if you use them a lot, pulling them up and down twice a day then I fear that some of these cheaper readymade shades aren’t going to be sturdy enough. Roman shades can be heavy and people aren’t gentle with them, so unfortunately something custom or a more high quality can be required in high use areas. I haven’t used every single of one these before, but it’s like shoes – if you are going to give them a lot of wear and tear, then think about something more high quality that will last a lot longer. But there are many windows in our life that take the gentle up and down once a day, and for those you can get away with a less expensive version.

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Products Shades Tips and Advice

How About Some Sheer Shades?

Simply put, sheer shades are an elegant combination of a blind and a shade. The soft inner vanes behave as a blind by tilting opened and closed as they are encased on the front and back by a soft, delicate layer of sheer fabric. To lift the shade, a continuous motion closes the vanes, just as a blind would operate, laying the two outer layers of sheer fabric flat against the vanes, then the shade rolls up, similar to a roller shade, into the top rail to clear the window. With the shade drawn and the vanes closed, privacy and light control are achieved. If the shade is down with the vanes in the open position, light filters in gently through the outer layers of sheer fabric.

A treatment sure to impress, sheer shades are a sophisticated and stylish step up from any basic blind. Their soft and delicate appearance gives off the impression of almost no window treatment at all yet are still very effective at light control. My favorite rooms for sheer shades are the dining room and bedroom. Their gracefulness lends them to fit right into a slightly more formal dining room. There is something about how these shades transform the light that creates an intimate and cozy environment, perfect for entertaining. Your guests won’t even realize why they feel so calm and content in the comforting atmosphere you can provide by installing sheer shades. Also available in light dimming fabric, these help darken a bedroom for a peaceful night’s sleep. The softness of the sheer fabric complements the tranquil and calming vibe so often desired when we retreat to slumber. Sheer shades are surely a striking window treatment.

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General Inspiration Tips and Advice

Decorating with the Five Senses: Smell

The sense of smell is known to be one of the most sensitive. Scents and smells can bring about nostalgia, cravings, and even emotions. Keeping this in mind, surround the room with aromas that indulge a pleasant ambiance.

Fragrance can increase concentration and productivity. A fresh bunch of flowers can cast a light floral scent into the room, causing reminisces of joyful times. Lavender is relaxing, citrus is energizing, eucalyptus is purifying, etc., Essential oils are also a great way to capture scents. Placing a few drops in a diffuser is a natural way to release fragrances into a room. Try to stay away from scented candles; they may be easy to come by, but they can release fumes that can have a negative impact on indoor air quality.

Good smells or bad odors, the power of scent has a huge impact on triggering emotions and memories. Create environments and connections will the smells you choose in each room. Remember, to most people, it isn’t a fragrance – it’s a memory.

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Products Tips and Advice

Oversized Windows

Large, wide and/or tall windows are things of beauty. They let in an awe-inspiring amount of light, allow amazing views of the outdoors, and can even make the room seem larger. We are excited to share some tips for how to choose a custom window treatments for your large or wide windows.
Our first recommendation is vertical blinds. This window treatment is perfect for windows that are wider than they are tall . They’re a durable alternative to drapes, and the PVC slats can hold up to elements such as sunlight or moisture; an important factor to consider if you are installing them over a large kitchen window or even a bathroom. The vinyl also helps to keep the light out when they are closed and will help with insulation as well. They also come in a variety of colors and styles, as well as fabric. Fabric vertical blinds are a great way to get that more “drapery” feel to your windows and a softer look in general.
Another option are Allure vertical sheers. These soft and elegant window treatments mimic a flowing drapery when open or closed. They are mainly light filtering but do allow for privacy when closed as well. They are a great option for someone who wants more of a fabric drapery look.
Roller shades and Solar shades are also great options for large windows. They can span wide widths and fit the decor of modern styled homes with large windows. Your home may have windows that are extremely tall or even out of reach. The solar shades also gives you a nice view outside when the shade is down and keeps the heat out.  selections blinds and shades will be the right solution for you, with the touch of a button, Motorization allows you to tilt your blinds, raise and lower your shades, even if they are out of reach.
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General Products Tips and Advice

Selecting New Window Coverings

Summer has come to an end and I am enjoying my morning coffee next to my big window. I can see my neighbor in his yard. This past summer I wasn’t able to see him, but as the trees kept losing their leaves, I have a perfect view of his house. He waves at me and I wave back at him with a slight discomfort. I wasn’t aware that he had such a good view of the inside my house! As I look at the falling leaves on this frosty autumn morning, I realize that it is time for me to cover my windows as well as redecorate my room in beautiful, warm fall colors. I would really like to have some new shutters to accentuate the classical style of my home and it would most likely make my neighbor jealous!

However, shutters must be pretty hard to find, complicated to install and pretty pricey. Well, not at all! With the wonderful help of the advisor at Blinds To Go and the qualified skills that their installer possesses, they took care of everything! Fall is finally here, my windows are decorated to my liking, I close the shutters halfway through so I cannot see my neighbor anymore. I get myself cozy on the couch with a warm cup of coffee and I enjoy my new shutters.

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General Inspiration Tips and Advice

Back To School

Summer has ended and school is in full swing again. We’ve come up with some ideas that you can use to decorate dorm rooms, or any student’s room, to make them feel more at home, comfortable, and to make their space more inductive to learning.
1.  Add potted plants around to make the room less sterile and to add some life into the room.  It also help students to relax from schoolwork by seeing green and to be in touch with nature.
2. You can add floor cushions to add extra seating and color without making any major modifications in the room.
3. There are places where you can buy removable wallpaper sheets, you can use it to have an accent wall which help create character in your “new” room.
4. You can also add blinds that are functional, without breaking the bank. If you are the type of student who stays up late finishing reports or projects, you can have the Blackout shades so you can sleep in a little bit more the next day.  Just make sure that you always have your alarm on, we don’t want you missing out on your classes. Other types are the Horizontal blinds that are only room darkening so it only darkens enough and you will still see a glimpse of light when the sun is up. You can also turn the slats on any angle depends on how much light you will need to wake yourself up.
5. We all know that dorm rooms are also not too spacious so if you want to make the room feel a little bigger, the smartest thing you can of course do is to decorate the room with multifunctional furnitures. Storage ottomans and futons are just a few examples.
And finally, to give a cozy feel to the room, you can also add rugs, and of course your favorite photos; and don’t  forget your favorite blanket to snuggle up with on those cool Autumn nights!

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