Are you not measuring your window treatments correctly, not ordering free samples before placing your product order, ignoring the safety of children in your home, and not coordinating colors of blinds? If yes, these are some of the 10 common mistakes to avoid when buying window treatments.
If you avoid these mistakes, you can harvest long-term benefits from your home’s window blinds, shades, curtains, drapes, and shutters.
Window treatments are an easy way to give any room a perfect functionality and a finishing touch. From light-blocking blackout shades to luxurious sheer curtains and child-safe cordless options, there is a variety of window treatments that can fit any budget and style preference.
Quality window treatments last longer and will be better able to withstand wear and tear than cheaper options, so they’re worth the extra investment.
Scroll on to learn more about the don’ts when shopping for new window coverings.
Here’re some common mistakes to avoid along with tips or do’s for finding the perfect window treatments that fit your needs and preferences.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Window Treatments
To make the best purchase, avoid these don’ts.
1. Hasty Research and Insufficient Knowledge about Different Types of Window Treatments
Hasty Research and Insufficient Knowledge about Different Types of Window Treatments
Some homeowners do not do sufficient research when shopping for new window treatments online or at a local store. Window treatments come in many different styles, colors, and textures.
From sturdy shutters to honeycomb shades, sun-blocking blinds to soft fabric curtains – there are plenty of options available to choose from. Each type of window treatment has its unique style and functional benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Shutters are perfect for controlling light levels in the room as well as adding a touch of classic style. Blackout honeycomb shades can darken any room for a restful sleep or better concentration.
Blinds are a great way to provide privacy and block out excess light, while curtains can add an extra layer of elegance and texture to the room.
2. Not Considering the Intended Functionality of Window
One blunder people often make when shopping for window treatments is not considering the desired functionality of the window. Different treatments offer different types of privacy and light control, so be sure to read descriptions carefully before making a purchase. For example, blackout shades can block out significantly more light than sheer curtains, so know what you need before making a choice.
3. Not Considering the Maintenance Cost
Another mistake to avoid is not thinking about maintenance costs. Different window treatments require different levels of upkeep, such as dusting or laundering. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into caring for your window treatments and select products with low-cost maintenance.
4. Bypassing Window Measurements
Not considering the window measurements is another mistake to avoid when shopping for window treatments. If a treatment is too small or large, it will not fit properly and may look awkward in the space. Be sure to get professional measurements of your windows before purchasing to ensure you buy the right size window treatment.
5. Not Checking for Quality Materials
Another mistake is not checking for the quality of materials. Quality window treatments are more likely to last longer and look better than cheaper alternatives, so it is worth investing in durable, high-quality materials. Ask questions about the construction and materials of a particular treatment to make sure you get what you pay for.
6. Forgetting to Compare Price with Quality
When shopping for window treatments, people often forget to take into account price vs. quality. Cheaper materials are usually of lower quality, but expensive materials can also be of low quality if they are not from a reputable source. Be sure to research the brands and materials you are considering before making a purchase.
7. Not Considering Room’s Environment
One of the 10 common mistakes to avoid when shopping for window treatments is not considering your room’s environment. It is important to consider the room’s environment and climate when selecting window treatments.
If a room is especially hot or cold, you may want to invest in window treatments that are better able to block out heat and light. Similarly, if the space will be exposed to moisture frequently, consider purchasing waterproof treatments that won’t become damaged over time.
8. Buying Low-quality Products
High-quality window treatments will last longer than cheaper and low-quality alternatives, so it’s worth investing in quality materials that won’t need to be replaced as often.
Quality window treatments are also more visually appealing and can add a touch of class to any room in your home.
Additionally, higher-quality materials tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which will help them maintain their shape over time. Investing in quality window treatments is also a great way to save money on energy bills, as higher-quality materials are better able to block out light and heat.
9. Ignoring Custom Products
Finally, having customized blinds can increase the resale value of your home, making it a wise investment for any homeowner.
10. Not Paying Attention to Child Safety Measures
Not paying attention to the safety options is one of the 10 common mistakes to avoid when shopping for window treatments. You may consider buying cordless, motorized, or smart blinds and shades for the safety of your children and pets.
8 Tips to Help You Buy the Perfect Window Treatments
Buying the perfect window treatments for your home can be a daunting task. With a variety of styles and materials available, it can be difficult to determine which type of window treatment is best suited for your needs and preferences. To help make this process easier, here are some tips on finding the perfect window treatments:
1. Research Different Options and Styles
Do some research on different types of window treatments and consider their unique features and benefits. From shutters to shades, blinds to curtains – there are plenty of options available to choose from. Consider the overall look you are trying to achieve as well as any specific needs you may have in mind, such as privacy or light control.
2. Ensure Accurate Measurements of Your Windows
Window treatments need to be the right size to fit and function properly. Make sure you get professional measurements of your windows, as this will help ensure that any window treatment you purchase is sized correctly.
3. Ask About Installation Services
Many companies offer installation services, so make sure to ask about this when looking for window treatments. This can save you time and hassle during the installation process.
4. Be Aware of Style Trends
Depending on the room and your overall aesthetic, it’s important to be aware of any style trends that may affect your choice of window treatment. This can help you make the best decision for your space.
5. Consider the Room’s Environment and Climate
Think about the climate in the room you are looking to put window treatments in, as this will help determine what type of material is best suited for that particular environment. For example, if there’s a lot of heat and moisture, then you may want to look for a material that is more resistant to those conditions.
6. Think About the Long-Term Impact
Investing in quality window treatments can pay off in the long run, as these materials tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear over time. Quality materials also provide better energy efficiency, which can save you money on energy bills in the future.
7. Consider Openness Factors if You Go With Sun Shades
Sun shades are available with high opacities or low openness levels. Different openness percentages of solar roller shades include 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 14%. A solar shade with 1% openness will block out 99% of the harsh UV rays. On the other hand, a 14% option with provide more natural light and less UV control and privacy.
8. Take into Account Price Factor
Cordless cellular shades are an extremely affordable option, with average price ranging from $40 to $120 for 18” W x 24” H to 72” W x 72” H windows. On the other hand, Motorized Plain Classed Pleated Roman Shades are one of the costliest options, with typical price being between $320 and $850 for windows measuring 23” W x 24” H to 84” W x 102” H.
Bottom Line
By ensuring do’s and don’ts when buying new window treatments, you can find the perfect window treatments for your home that will last for several years. With your time and effort, you’ll be able to create a beautiful look that fits perfectly into your space.
FAQs
How to save money on window treatments?
To save money on window treatments, choose a simple style, such as pencil pleats, as they will take less time to make and less fabric than pinch pleats and other more complex designs. Other ways to save money on window treatments include DIY options, curtains with no-drill rod brackets, and cotton fabric panels. Finally, choose an online store that offers huge discounts (without compromise on quality, free samples, free shipping, and a free lifetime warranty.
What are the current popular window treatments?
The current popular window treatments like cordless blackout roller shades, motorized roman shades, top down bottom up cellular shades, fabric curtains, wooden shutters, and matchstick blinds, add stylish texture and natural warmth to your window treatment design.
Which type of blinds are best?
Roller blinds, Roman blinds, cellular blinds, and venetian blinds are the best window treatments options nowadays. You can also go with DIY window treatments.
- Roller blinds are an ideal choice for rooms that receive a lot of sunlight, as they can easily be pulled down to blackout the light.
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Roller Shades - Roman blinds are preferred for their aesthetic appeal, as they provide a luxurious look to any room in the house.
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Roman Shades - Cellular blinds are all-weather energy saving window treatments. With their pocketed structure, they provide excellent insulation and help you significantly cut down on your heating and cooling costs.
- Venetian blinds or faux wood blinds are beautiful window treatments that provide both decorative touch and functionality, including blackout, to your window treatments.
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Faux wood blinds
Should the front of the house have the same window treatments?
Yes, it’s better to coordinate your window treatments across the front of the house. But they don’t have to match perfectly. And it won’t be a bad idea if you mix them up. You can also choose to pair different window covering styles, colors, and textures. For example, roller shades and cellular shades will give a neutral color to the street. The biggest factor is not whether your window treatments on the front of the house are the same, but what you’re looking for in your window treatments.
Further Assistance
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