window shades

If you’re building a new home or installing motorized shades, you need to know what window styles go best in which parts of a home. While there are many different kinds of windows that look great with shades, whether motorized or not, here are some of the most popular window styles and where you should put them:

• Hopper – Hinged at the bottom, hopper windows tilt inward to allow airflow from all three sides. They’re most commonly used in garages, basements, and, when placed high on walls, in bathrooms where extra ventilation is helpful but privacy is important.
• Awning – Unlike other windows that open out, in or to the side, awning windows are hinged at the top and open up. They generally allow air in from the left, right and bottom for maximum venting. Where do they go best? Awning windows are ideal for use in a pair with a picture window or in sunrooms that have lots of windows.
• Slider/Glider/Rolling – This family of windows operate on a track and move either to the left or to the right in the frame. and open left or right within the frame. Since they have a modern look, they’re best used in contemporary homes or ranch-style houses that suit a more horizonal shape.
• Double-Hung – Double-hung windows have two sashes that move vertically. These windows can be opened from the top or the bottom since the screen is hung on the outside of the window. Since double-hung windows come in almost every size, they’re extremely versatile. However, they’re most often used alone rather than in groups or pairings.
• Bay or Bow – These windows stick out from the side of the house. Bay windows are generally made of large windows flanked by smaller windows in 30–40-degree angles. Bow windows are more circular as they are usually made of small or narrow windows at 10–20-degree angles. Since bay and bow windows look so great from both the inside and the outside of a home, they’re best used at the front of a house where passersby can admire them. They also work well in rooms where you want addition space or storage from window seats and bench storage.
• Casement – These windows open outward with a hand crank and usually have a screen hung on the inside. Since they open outward, they are harder to break into, making them ideal for use on first floors, basements, and had to reach places like above a sink or a countertop.
• Picture/Transom – The term “picture” refers to a window that doesn’t open, since it serves only as decoration and a light source. Transoms are narrow or thin windows that are usually paired with doors or above other windows to let in more light. Both of these windows work well wherever you need more light in your home or in hard-to-reach places since they don’t open.

These are just a few window styles and their best uses. Do you want to learn more about motorized shades, windows, and where to put them? We are here to help.

You don’t have to do major home renovations to make a difference in your house. In fact, there are tons of ways you can improve your home without any major construction. From getting new windows to adding motorized shades to your home, here are some home renovations you can do without major construction.

You can start by elevating your window treatments. Old window treatments like vertical blinds and expensive wood shutters only bring your home down. But new window treatments like faux-wood shutters or motorized shades? These add style and function. The right window treatment can boost your home’s energy efficiency and help manage the temperature inside your home. You can also have lots of fun choosing new window treatments that suit your function needs and style preferences.

What about new windows? Getting replacement windows for your home will not only make your house more energy efficient and comfortable, but will also improve your home’s value, curb appeal, and style. The best part? It usually only takes a single day to add replacement windows, making the process a simple, quick, and easy way to improve your home.

Don’t forget about hardware. It only takes a few hours to replace the cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, light fixtures, faucets, and other hardware, but this simple upgrade has a big payoff. Replace the hardware in your kitchen and bathrooms for some new style. Clutter is ugly and makes your life difficult, especially in storage areas like garages and basements. Luckily, you can quickly and easily declutter these spaces by adding shelving. DIY shelving is easy and fun, and many home improvement stores sell various premade shelving options to make the project even easier. You can even add chains and S-hooks to further maximize the space with personalized storage solutions.

Light bulbs make a big difference, too. Old light bulbs are dim. Plus, they use up lots of unnecessary energy and can drive up your electricity costs. Try replacing old light bulbs with new LED models or halogen incandescent to reduce your energy usage, save money, and have better lighting. It’s not as hard as it may seem to replace light fixtures. You can replace your old light fixtures with newer more energy-efficient models or choose new chandeliers, lamps or globe lights that add fresh style to your home. Take it one step further and add track or recessed lighting for a bright new look that’s also energy efficient.

You can also add a new coat of paint. Brand new kitchen or bathroom cabinets are expensive, but a few coats of new paint can work wonders. You’d be surprised how much a new color and fresh coat of paint will revitalize your kitchen or bathroom.

Little changes here and there add up to a stylish and well-functioning home. You can easily change your windows, boost energy efficiency, brighten up a room, and organize your space in one day or less. Are you looking for more tips on home renovation or motorized shades? We are here to help, so call or visit us today.

Rather than putting away your vacuum when you’re finished cleaning your floors, carpets, and rugs, keep it out for a little bit longer. After all, dust and dirt can settle almost anywhere in your house. There are tons of things that could use a little vacuuming, from the bed skirts and brooms to the windowsills and motorized shades:

1. Motorized Shades – Window treatments like shades need to be cleaned, too. While dusting them with a clean, soft cloth is good, giving them a once-over with the vacuum is even better. Use a low-suction setting and a brush attachment to avoid damaging the mechanisms. You can also vacuum other window treatments like shutters, curtains and blinds in between washes to keep them dust-free.
2. Bed Skirts – While you can, and should, put your bed skirts in the washing machine every few months, it’s a big hassle to take them off the bed. Increase the amount of time between full washings by vacuuming your bed skirts with a brush attachment. You might as well get all the dust bunnies under the bed while you’re down there, too.
3. Knife Blocks – You would be horrified to learn how much dirt, dust, and food leftovers get stuck in your knife block. Use a crevice cleaner attachment on your vacuum to breathe some new clean life into your knife block.
4. Windowsills – Your windows and windowsills also need vacuum attention. Use a low suction setting to vacuum up dust, dirt and lingering allergens like pollen that may have gotten in when the window was open.
5. Keyboards – Computer keyboards also seem to attract all kinds of crumbs and dirt. Use a low suction crevice attachment to suck out any debris from on and inside your keyboards.
6. Entertainment Center – For some crazy reason, electronics gather dust like nothing else. This isn’t just unsightly, it’s also bad for them as dust can damage the small inner components. Turn off all the electronics in your entertainment center and give them a thorough vacuuming at least once a month. Get behind the TV, between the cords, inside speaker ducts, and underneath any gaming systems.
7. Brooms – You clean your floors with your broom, but what happens to all that hair, dust and other nasty debris that sticks to the broom and doesn’t end up in the dustpan? Rather than spreading it back on your floors the next time you sweep, vacuum it up.
8. Refrigerator Coils – Your refrigerator coils are what keep your fridge running efficiently, but they get really dirty, really fast. Make sure to vacuum your refrigerator coils at least two times a year. You can find them at the bottom of your fridge in newer models or behind your fridge in older models.

We are here to help if you want more home improvement or motorized shade tips. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you and your shades.