When you are ready to take your home to the next level, window treatments are often the place to look first. It’s important to understand common window covering mistakes so you can avoid potential problems. From forgetting about function, to measurement mishaps, we’ve got the most common homeowner issues–and ways to avoid them.
Choosing the Style (But Not the Function)
Everywhere you look, there are design magazines, look-books, social platforms and TV shows demonstrating interior design concepts. While these look pretty fabulous in print and on the screen, it isn’t always wise to jump into inspiration without understanding your own personal spaces. If you choose window coverings just based on the look, and not how they make your room feel, you’ll be experiencing the regret of making window covering mistakes.
Function Before Fashion
When it’s time to start looking at window covering options, it helps to go room-by-room to understand how you use each space so you can plan to create the best environments. Each room has aspects that need to be considered, from lighting and privacy, to hard-to-reach windows.
- Bedrooms: Blackout or room-darkening treatments with privacy options
- Bathroom: Hands-free control, privacy as priority
- Living Room: Block or filter light at various times of day
- Dining Room: Glare-reducing options with privacy controls
- Home Office: Filtered light, privacy, and glare-reducing options
- Kitchens: Filtered light, reduced glare, easy clean
Measurement Disasters
Poor measurements lead to window covering mistakes. How does that happen? it’s easy to mis-measure if it’s not something you do regularly. Then again, maybe the numbers are right, but other mishaps can occur. For example, you may not realize how to measure accurately for the type of mount you are required to use for your windows. Another common error is measuring the standard height and width of the window, not realizing that many windows are not square–leading to window coverings that fit in one section, but not the entire window. Another problem that can arise is not accounting for cranks or handles within the measurements or mount types.
Avoiding the Mishaps
Measurements are the key to happiness, at least where window coverings are concerned. This is where we would advise you to leave it to the professionals. But, if you’re devoted to DIY, we’ve got tips. Use a metal tape measure. Verify numbers by measuring more than once, and make sure to measure at different points across the window. Measure the length in three places–left, right and middle. Measure the width three times, as well–top, middle and bottom. Note obstacles like door handles, window accents, or handles–anything that might interfere with the proper installation or function of the window treatment. Check the surrounding wall space for any challenges, and double check that the material will hold what you need and fit your space. With the right tools, accurate data, and keen observation, you will have success (and happy windows).
Don’t Forget the Swatches
A swatch tells a good story. It gives color, texture, and print, all in one piece. It also helps avoid some window covering mistakes because you took the time to hold it up to your space and see if it works. Start with lighting. Notice the overhead lights, dim lighting, ambient lighting, and outdoor light coming in. Try the swatches at different spots around the room–and even on the windows. Take time to notice how the swatches and coloring change over the course of the day.
Colors Matter
Look at your existing decor, accents, and space as a whole. What story do you want to convey? Your home deserves the best window treatments, so walk around and check the colors against the fabrics and styles in your own home. Color is just one more aspect of swatches you’ll want to consider, noting how undertones can shift depending on the time of day. All of this can help finalize a decision on what style you want and how to integrate it into the space.
The Tech Game: Know What’s Available
Do window coverings and technology go together? Yes, absolutely! But, as a homeowner, it can be difficult to keep up with the evolution of smart shades. Don’t miss out on amazing features because it might seem like there’s too much information out there. You’re investing in your home, and you deserve to take advantage of today’s best operating systems, instead of feeling frustrated by window covering mistakes.
The Technical Options, Simplified
- Motorized Blinds: Operate with a remote, an app, or with your smart home device. Enjoy instant adjustments or scheduled movement to take advantage of energy efficiency and lifestyle convenience.
- Motorized Wand: Individual motorization at the window. The wand rests alongside the window, with gentle nudges that adjust the shades open and closed.
Rushing Through
With all the nuances surrounding window coverings, it can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s easy to want to make decisions quickly. Even more so, you can feel rushed to make decisions because you need window coverings for light control, privacy and comfort. Don’t rush–you have to trust the process. Step into a showroom, look at samples, take them home, do an in-home consultation, and see what works for your spaces at home. Working with a window covering specialist is one of the best ways to ensure your happiness. They can make it fun–and time will fly by! You’ll have the ideal space with style and function in no time.
Get Ready for Change
It may be time to get ready for some new window coverings in your home. The goal is a balanced design with the right products and options. With this in mind, you can create the look and feel you want in your home. Stop by a showroom or ask for a FREE in-home consultation for the best outcome. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and choose the overall best products for your home.
