Window treatments always spruce up a room’s interior design. They add a little style and décor to an otherwise drab area of the home. Windows aren’t typically exciting and they only provide one clear function: to let the light in. Not only does this look boring (unless you live in a very scenic area), it isn’t very energy efficient either. So no matter how much you like the view, it’s always important to invest in some kind of window covering.

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New in the anti-glare and anti-stare department are films that impart a frosted look to your windows. These apply-them-yourself films come in frosted designs or even bright colors, should you yearn for a stained-glass look. Yet another technical innovation that deserves an ovation are shades that can be operated by battery-powered remote control (much less expensive than hard-wired mechanisms). Point, shoot, and your shades slide gently up or down to block the glare.

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It could be out of convenience or just plain laziness, but people are extremely attracted to household items that can be controlled with a remote. Starting with the TV and then other electronic devices, even ceiling fans and lights come equipped with remote controls. Now thanks to a company called Somfy, you won’t even have to get up to close the blinds on your windows anymore. Operating with a small motor tubular motor that runs on only one 9-volt battery, these remote controlled shades are great for windows that are hard to reach, such as skylights, high windows or windows behind a sink or tub. You can sit anywhere in the room and close the shades to avoid a glare on your TV with just the push of a button. Not only are they convenient, but remote-controlled shades will help you save on your energy costs as well by blocking out direct sunlight, even through windows that were otherwise impossible to shade. The remote allows you to close and open, or stop the shades to be partially open as well. Having automated shades protects them from some of the wear and tear of pulling on the strings, too. And don’t worry, the remote-controlled shades come in various sizes and colors to fit the décor of any home.

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Homeowners looking for shades that are guaranteed to help insulate their windows should consider installing a set of cellular shades. Uniquely designed in an ‘energy efficient’ honeycomb pattern, these interior ‘cells’ trap air to provide sound control and insulate windows against hot and cold temperatures. Attached and housed at the top of the window in an aluminum headrail, the shades are typically controlled by a pulley cord system. Cellular shades appear as smooth panels of fabric when they are closed over the window, then gather up on the pulley cords to fold neatly as they are raised in a manner similar to that of an accordion.

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As great as those towering windows in your family room are at capturing the view, there will be times when you’ll want to cover them up. When you’re watching a movie, for example, you’ll want to close the drapes to prevent sunlight from washing out the bright, beautiful picture on your new big-screen TV. You can stick with old-style drapes that must be opened and closed manually, or you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble by going with window treatments that can be controlled electronically.

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Blinds are a popular window treatment choice because of their durability, affordability and appearance. With so many styles and materials to choose from, buying the right blinds for your home can seem overwhelming. Buying blinds is actually quite simple and just requires some product knowledge and careful planning. Read on to learn more.

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What could be better than never having to get up off your sofa again? Okay, well maybe I could think of a few things, but seriously what a luxury it is when you’re watching t.v. to be able to just push a button and raise or lower your remote control shades. My husband sure thinks it’s the latest greatest invention. This from the man though who will walk around the house with the remote in hand just so he always has access to it. Now instead of fighting over the t.v. remote, we fight over the remote to the window shades! There are definitely worse things to fight over I suppose.

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One of the most impressive features of an automated home can be motorized window treatments. You can turn a over-bright room into an easy-on-the-eyes environment within seconds of flipping a switch. Or you can turn a room into a cozy room by closing the rest of the world out. What is impressive is when you couple the motorized blinds together so that a single switch can work the blinds with little to no effort.

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The remote control has become a standard element in the lives of many people around the world. Most will have a remote to their TV and stereo systems, while others may have remotes to other things such as their computer or printer. But what about having remote control blinds? That’s right… instead of having to use a cord to open, close or draw up your window covering, you can conveniently use a remote control. These are known specifically as motorized blinds, since a motor is used as part of their mechanism.
Top-Notch Technology
Now, if you think that motorized blinds must be flawed in some way, think again. The technology used is top-notch, meaning that both the remote control and the blind will last for a very long time. Style-wise, they come in the same type of varieties as their cordless or manual-cordless counterparts. You can get them in vinyl, fabric or even wood. They are also not limited in style, since vertical and horizontal blinds as well as shades all can be motorized.

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Simple and sleek marks the look of today. Even clients who like a more traditional home are requesting fewer accessories and less “froufrou,” says Beverly Stadler, president of Design Focus in San Clemente, Calif. Square arms and simple, pointed legs dominate chairs and sofas. Shades and motorized blinds are used in lieu of heavy draperies or in conjunction with simple stationary panels. Elaborate trims and tassels are being replaced with leather and other sleeker materials. “People want to be able to see the lines of the furniture and have room to breathe,” Stadler says. “That’s not to say that all trims are gone, just that they’re not so elaborate as in the past.”

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