Window Treatments and Energy Effeciency

The energy efficiency and insulation of one’s home is a huge deal, especial when trying to cut down on energy costs while trying to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.  A quick fix to this: Window Treatments.  I know... I know… I bet you are wondering, how can some mini-blinds help me conserve energy?  Well, “mini-blinds” are a thing of the past and although you can still purchase them, I recommend exploring all your options before doing so.  First off we must note that there are two different types of Window treatments, soft and hard.  Soft window treatments are normally under the category of curtains/drapes and are made of cloth, and while these can be made with “blackout” fabric to help lower the heat index of a room, hard treatments are the way to go. 

Hard treatments are generally factory made like shutters, blinds etc… and have, what I believe to be, some of the best energy efficient options as well as different styles and choices on the market today. I used to think that hard window treatments like “mini-blinds” were boring and plain but when I started working as a designer, I realized how beautiful and essential window treatments were and how much they can transform a room aesthetically.  "Mini-blinds" aren't just "mini-blinds" anymore.  There are so many different types out there; some made of light filtering clothe, others from real wood, with beautiful head-rails and valances… to me it is where form and function have met for the sole benefit of the client. A really good quality product that offers light-filtering options as well as abosrbing/reflecting colors, styles, and materials can really affect the temperature in your home by absorbing or reflecting the sun coming in through your windows as well as limiting the amount of hot and cold that escapes through the panes of glass.  You can get hard treatments from many home improvement stores but I believe Hunter Douglas Window Treatments are the way to go.  Their products, customer satisfaction and service surpass any other company in my opinion.  Not to mention they are ahead of the game with technology and innovation; taking window treatments to a whole new level. With a lifetime guarantee on their products and with all the energy-efficient, eco-friendly colors and styles I’m sure you will find a product that matches your style and budget. Check them out at: http://www.hunterdouglas.com you won't be disappointed and neither will your pocket book.