Questions you need to ask yourself before you buy your blinds

If you are buying blinds or decorating windows for a new home that you haven’t lived in for long or is just being built these next questions are really important to answer. If you are redecorating or just replacing old blinds these questions are still relevant, it’s just that you probably have already answered them.

The point we are trying to make is that with all the styles of different window coverings each type has its own purpose and sometimes it is a little difficult to know what to look for.

While light and privacy needs can be different for each room, more times than not, both can be met with the same product.

What amount of light control and privacy do you need from your window blinds? Ask yourself these simple questions.

• I would like a blind that reduces the glare and still reveals considerable details to the outside. Normal for living rooms and other rooms looking into your yard.
• I need a moderate privacy blind to soften the light and still reveal some details to the outside. Good for when you don't want to close your blinds totally at night, but don't want people to see details in your home.
• I want a blind that softens the light but reveals only shadow-like outlines to the outside.
• I want to buy a blind that diffuses the light or virtually blocks it out and reveals no shape or details to the outside for complete privacy and room-darkening benefits. Good for bedrooms and southern exposures to the sun.

Materials

Window coverings come in a wide variety of fabrics, natural materials including wood, bamboo, reeds and grasses, vinyls, faux wood and aluminums. This choice sort of goes along with your decor and furniture and what type of blind you are buying.

Size and Shape of your window

Windows that are taller than they are wide and raise and lower are often better suited for horizontal window coverings. While windows that are wider than they are tall and slide from side to side are often better suited for vertical window coverings like patio doors.

Very narrow or wide windows might be a custom fit. Measure and check availability before buying. Do you have special, shaped windows (for example, arches, angles or circles), skylights or sliding glass doors that need to be covered?

What type of operating system would you like?

The standard operating system like pull cords are fine but remote-controlled and wireless motorization is really cool and maybe required if you have someone that has a disability living in your home.

Do you need an operating system that incorporates child safety features?

Will your window coverings be important in helping control your energy costs?

Is blocking ultraviolet light to avoid fading of your home furniture important to you?

Do you want your windowcovering to reduce noise levels in your home? When my teen-agers rooms face the backyard and I am outside trying to relax I know I do.

Are you looking for a window coverings that stacks to the bottom allowing light and view through the top of your windows? This can mean you are looking more for some type of indoor shutter.