Function and Allure: Buying Window Treatments in Washington D.C.

Among the most popular types of window treatments in Washington D.C. are blinds and shades, both capable of being energy efficient. WiseGeek profiles how functionality and personal aesthetics dictate homeowners’ decision whether to go with one or the other:

Functionality

You would want your window treatments to do what they’re supposed to do: regulate air flow and sunlight that enters the room, and provide privacy when needed. With blinds, you can adjust the vertical or horizontal slats to control the amount of light and flow of air. Privacy is obtained when slats are shut closed all the the way.

In the winter, however, blinds are are not very effective at preventing heat loss. Shades would do a better job at insulating heat or cold; in fact the Department of Energy considers window shades as energy-efficient window treatments because they can reflect heat out during the summer, and absorb it in the winter capably enough to balance the temperature indoors.

Furthermore, WiseGeek points out that it’s best to choose a window treatment in Washington, D.C. home according to purpose. “For instance, bedrooms tend to benefit from the use of blinds, since they are very effective at blocking outside lighting sources. That means no matter when you need to sleep, drawing the blinds will help make the room be much more conducive to sound sleep.”

Aesthetics

The design of the room, as well as overall style of the house, are also determining factors. Blinds are available in different materials, such as wood and aluminum that give off a more classic and sophisticated vibe; shades, meanwhile, offer a wider variety of colors, styles, patterns, and materials that you can play around with to create the atmosphere you want, to blend with the decor through the rest of your house.

You can purchase blinds and shades from companies such as Beltway Blinds that offer window treatments and materials produced by top-notch manufacturers. Moreover, these established companies also offer home design advice and professional installation services for your shades or shutters, or your custom fit blinds, to help you with your window and home decorating plans. Professional installation also allows for more attractive, or even energy-saving, window treatments.

(Article Excerpt and Image from Should I Buy Window Blinds or Curtains?, WiseGeek)