5 Tips for Choosing the Right Window Treatments

/ Maria Barillaro / Leave a comment

Choosing window treatments for the whole house can be overwhelming. With all the colours, textures and designs, it can be tough to choose. Here’s our quick and easy guide to understanding window treatments so you can choose the perfect products for each room in your home.

solar roller shades

Breaking Down Window Treatment Shopping

Choosing the right window coverings for your home is a big project. The first thing you’ll want to do is break it up into pieces. Make a list of each room you need window coverings for. Then consider these five tips for each individual room before making your final choice.

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5 Interior Design Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bamboo Shades

/ Maria Barillaro / Leave a comment

Bamboo shades stand out for their intricate texture and natural finish. The natural luxury trend sweeping the interior design industry proves natural is chic. At least, that’s what the design experts at Houzz have to say about it. In fact, trends have revolved around natural materials and warm accents all year. Read on to find out how to incorporate bamboo shades into your home, no matter what your style is.

Bamboo shades interior design

Why Are Bamboo Shades a Must?

In a nutshell, natural luxury is the trend we’ve been seeing loads of this year. From wooden flooring to marble accents, natural finishes are dominating the industry. And so far, there are no signs that this trend is disappearing anytime soon. In fact, the natural textures and warm accents are becoming even more popular over time.

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5 Tips To Improve Energy Efficiency for Your Living Room Windows

/ Zana Dodig / 1 Comment

The windows of a house may be the portal to the outside world, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t search for some improvements to make them more efficient.

Window efficiency especially matters a lot in living rooms. This is because most living areas are designed smack in the middle of a home and many of them are designed based on an open floor plan. The light that’s let in through such living room windows is basically illuminating the rest of the spaces within the open floor layout.

If you want to know how to improve the window efficiency to increase the comfort of your lounge area, then here are 5 amazing ones to get you started:

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5 Things To Bear In Mind When Combining Curtains And Blinds

/ Zana Dodig / Leave a comment

Many homeowners tend to face the dilemma of choosing between curtains and blinds as window treatment. There are pros and cons for both, but at the end of the day, the answer totally depends on what you want. So, if you’re struggling with this question, think about this: why not combine both curtains and blinds?

Give this suggestion a moment to digest. Roll it around your mind. Let it take root. The more you’ll think about it, the better it’s going to feel. It may be an unconventional idea, but it’s getting pretty popular with homeowners who want to get the best of both worlds. If you’re hoping to try it out, here are 5 important things to bear in mind when combining curtains and blinds:

1.  What’s the purpose?

Photo by Malcolm Garret from Pexels

While curtains are just an upgraded version of ye old drapes, blinds have a much more functional and ergonomic variety that you must choose from. Some advantages of blackout blinds is that they can prevent any light from coming in while honeycomb blinds have that opaque quality that diffuses outside light like a lamp. Similarly, there are blinds that are designed for heat retention, minimizing peeking, and even just adding some style.

On the other hand, curtains are much more straightforward. They simply consist of fabric that can be pulled back for light control – although many curtains these days have a blackout backing or are paired with sheer curtains to get a layered lighting effect.

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Cutting the Cord: The Benefits of Child-Safe Cordless Blinds

/ Vanessa Walter / 4 Comments

Value Cordless Light Filtering Honeycomb Shades in Cork

You’ve installed child locks on cabinets and drawers, put up safety gates, and covered outlets. But there’s another important way to protect the youngest members of your family. Children can become entangled in corded window coverings such as blinds, which can lead to strangulation or even death. The good news is that this hazard can be completely eliminated with cordless blinds, as confirmed by Health Canada.

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Get Summer Ready with Outdoor Shades

/ Vanessa Walter / Leave a comment

10% Outdoor Solar Roller Shades in Chocolate

As temperatures rise, our focus shifts from inside to outside. Why not take advantage of summertime when the living is easy? Outdoor shades can make your backyard or balcony as comfortable and inviting as your living room. Take the party outside with some advice on how to pair seasonal trends with outdoor shades.

THE TREND: Indoor-Outdoor Living
WHAT TO CONSIDER: UV protection

Block 99% of harmful UV rays

Blurring the line between the indoors and outdoors means you just made your living space a whole lot bigger. The rusty patio pieces deemed good enough in the past have given way to comfortable, functional and beautiful sets that deserve to be protected. When you eliminate the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces, consider safeguarding your investment. Outdoor shades that block harmful UV rays aren’t only protecting your skin, they’re also shielding your patio furniture and other furnishings. Keep your outdoor patio set vibrant for years to come with with shades that filter out the sun damage and fading which can result from UV exposure.

SUN FACT There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Both UVA and UVB can be harmful to skin.

THE TREND: Minimalist Outdoor Design
WHAT TO CONSIDER: Functionality

A minimalist look is a great fit with the outdoors. To follow this trend, every piece you choose needs to serve a purpose. When looking for outdoor shades for a minimalist space, think about the design that best serves your goal. Do you want something that can withstand the weather year-round or will you store shades in the off-season? How big of an area do you want to protect? Are you willing to go manual or do you prefer a motorized model that can cover your outdoor gathering with the touch of a button? Take all of this and more into consideration and then pick the perfect set of outdoor shades that fit your needs.

THE TREND: Greige
WHAT TO CONSIDER: Blending in

Diffuse light and reduce glare

What do you get when you combine grey and beige? Greige! It’s the ultimate neutral hue and on trend this summer. Look for the outdoor shades and accessories that flow seamlessly into the nature of your backyard. Sticking with earth tones means nothing will interrupt the serene landscape as you enjoy your natural surroundings.

THE TREND: Combining Materials
WHAT TO CONSIDER: Fabric assets

5% Outdoor Shades in Ecru

Combining materials in your outdoor space is all about embracing what speaks to you. Mix things up when it comes to fabrics, textures and styles. Canvas chairs can complement a wood table. Why not a wicker lounge with concrete planters? When it comes to outdoor shades, pick the material that works for you. Tightly-woven fabrics offer UV and rain protection, while mesh can block sun and still accommodate air flow. A lower openness factor (1% instead of 14%, for example), will give you some more privacy, but a higher openness will give you a better view of the backyard. Make your own rules and design the patio that works for you.

However you choose to enjoy your al fresco space, there’s no denying the pure pleasure of summer living. With so many outdoor shades to choose from, it’s easy to create an oasis. Cheers to patio season.

Decorating your Windows for Spring

/ Vanessa Walter / Leave a comment

Spring is in the air. The longer days and vibrant colours often inspire a home décor refresh. If you’re feeling invigorated by this season of renewal, we have some ideas on how to decorate your windows for spring.

Roman Shades

Premium Light Filtering Roman Shades in Saffron

Revitalizing the look of a room doesn’t have to mean putting in a lot of work or spending a lot of money. Roman shades can be the perfect fix when you want to swap out an older look with a bright new splash of colour.  Roman shades are available in spring-inspired florals, coastal stripes, and a whole rainbow of lighter colours. With a variety of folds, you can choose the Roman shade with a classic or modern look to fit your space perfectly.

Embrace the Light

Light Filtering Sheer Shades in Ice White

Replace dark window treatments with lighter colours and fabrics to brighten and freshen an entire room. Try Light Filtering Sheer Shades that softly filter natural light and create a comforting, warm glow in your home. And take advantage of playful patterns and eye-catching floral prints to bring the outdoors in!

Window Dressing

Window coverings can look like art, occupying a significant amount of wall space. Bring spring inside with soft pastels and verdant greens reminiscent of the garden. Mimic spring’s early blooms with the yellows of daffodils and forsythia by selecting a roman shade in saffron. Or choose a honeycomb shade in the lavender of a crocus or a fabric roller shade in moss.

Break away from solid colours and embrace a pattern to show the playful side of spring home decoration. Striped curtains can be a bold statement that still fit your overall style. Florals aren’t the only pattern in town—for example, a honeybee print in brown or green is sure to create a design buzz.

Spring into Action

Spring is a time for regeneration, revitalization, and rejuvenation. Why not bring that same attitude to your home with a quick and easy facelift? A simple change in window coverings can transform any room like a breath of fresh air.

Better Sleep & Better Health with Blackout Blinds

/ Vanessa Walter / Leave a comment

There was a time when we rose with the sun and were active all day, and when the sun set, we headed for bed. But in today’s 24-hour on-the-go world, how do we get enough shut eye to feel rested and stay healthy when it is time for sleep? One simple solution is blackout blinds.

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED

Studies show that inadequate rest can result in more than just a slow morning. Poor sleep can affect your health. Thinking, reaction time and even memory formation can be compromised. Lack of sleep can also increase anxiety and irritability, and can even lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. The good news is that a few simple changes can make a difference in your sleep patterns, starting in the bedroom.

Super Value Vinyl Blackout Roller Shades in Black

One of the most important elements for a good night’s sleep is a truly dark bedroom. Given that light-at-night has been linked to everything from weight gain to depression, it makes sense to start with improving your bedroom environment. Blackout blinds can block up to 99% of outside light. That means better sleep and better health could be as easy as choosing the perfect slumber shades, which have a sidetrack system that seals tightly around the window frame to eliminate all light gaps.

DO YOU NEED BLACKOUT BLINDS?

Blackout blinds are a great fit for so many different lifestyles. Do any of these people sound like you?

  • Shift workers: Daytime sleep requires a dark bedroom.
  • New parents: Keep the nursery dark for uninterrupted naps.
  • Light sleepers: Block early morning rays for a better sleep.
  • Northern city dwellers: Reclaim the night during the midnight sun.
  • Midday nappers: What better way to catch a daytime snooze than in a room that blocks incoming light.
  • Photographers: Control natural light for the perfect shot.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Super Value Blackout Honeycomb Shades in Shiitake Mushroom

Sleep comes easier in a comfortable room, and most blackout blinds & shades are also energy efficient. The insulating qualities of blackout honeycomb/cellular shades, for example, will keep your room warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  So sleep tight knowing that you are also saving money on your energy bills!

GOOD NIGHT

Is there anything better than a good night’s sleep? We don’t think so. And blackout blinds are a great way to help you stay well rested and healthy each and every night of the year.

5 Reasons to Buy Energy-Efficient Blinds

/ Vanessa Walter / Leave a comment

An energy-efficient home is often associated with specialized lighting, appliances, and insulation. But did you know about 30% of a home’s energy is lost through its windows? Here in Canada, we spend more money on household electricity consumption than anywhere else in North America. Inefficient window coverings mean your money is literally going out the window. Here are 5 reasons to make energy-efficient blinds a priority for your house.

LOWER ENERGY BILLS

Who doesn’t like to save money? Covering your windows with energy-efficient blinds can help regulate the temperature in your house and cut energy costs. Insulated cellular shades, also known as honeycomb shades, trap air in cells through a layered design. But you don’t need to know the mechanics of these champions of conservation. You only need to know that installing these blinds can mean more money in your pocket.

YEAR-ROUND PRACTICALITY

Whether you’re trying to keep a space warm in the winter or cool in the summer, energy-efficient blinds are your best bet. Expose east-facing windows to the morning light in the winter and block those same rays in the summer. The result is a home that’s temperature-perfect all year long.

Cordless Light Filtering Honeycomb Shades in Cork

STYLE

Going energy-efficient doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a wide array of choices in so many fabrics, designs, and colours, there’s something for every room in your house. From a classic look to modern sophistication, a smaller carbon footprint never looked so good.

Single Cell Light Filter Honeycomb Shades in Slate Blue

INTERIOR PROTECTION

Sunscreen is the norm for most of us before heading out on a summer day. We know that sunlight can be harmful to skin, and the same sun streaming through a window can damage furniture, carpet and art. Protecting your home’s interior from sun damage is as easy as using solar shades on your windows. Not only do these shades defend against UV rays, but they can also help control a room’s temperature while keeping your view to the outside.

Protect Your Room from over 90% of Harmful UV Rays

INCREASED HOME RESALE

Outfitting your home with energy-efficient blinds is an investment now and forever. Enjoy decreased energy bills as long as you own your home, then use the upgrade as a selling point in the event of a move. Blinds that reduce a prospective homeowner’s future bills are an attractive asset.

When it comes to energy-efficient blinds, SelectBlinds Canada has you covered. Check out our diverse collection made to fit any home and any budget.