Nothing has a bigger impact on your day than the quality - or lack - of sleep. The recent time change quickly reminded us how important sleep can be. Are the bedrooms in your home conducive to a good night of sleep, or do you suffer with light control, noise or temperature issues? Window coverings will affect all of that - creating the ideal environment for a peaceful night of rest. It’s time for you to find out about the options available to you and your family…
Before choosing your perfect bedroom window coverings, you should know that both features - room darkening and blackout - will provide your bedrooms the darkened atmosphere needed for improved sleep. While many window coverings are advertised with these enticing slogans, true room darkening and blackout shades will not leave you disappointed, creating the ideal environment to block out light - even during the day. Most of the time, once our clients start choosing from collections of window coverings that have room darkening and blackout features available, the decision really comes down to other characteristics - including style choices.
Room darkening is a great option for most bedrooms. When you hear “Room Darkening”, it means that most of the light is kept out of the room. While most of the light is blocked for a dark nighttime environment, depending on window location and fabrics chosen, your bedroom may receive dim light during the day. Some good examples of window coverings with room darkening are Solera Soft Shades and the Duette Collection. The beautiful fabrics of either line will highlight your decor while darkening your bedrooms for a good night of sleep. High levels of energy efficiency will ensure consistent, comfortable temperatures, while sound absorption can help provide a peaceful night of rest.
When the term “Blackout Shades” is used, it refers to window coverings that are completely opaque, not letting any light in. This is easily demonstrated with Designer Roller Shades from Hunter Douglas. The low profile design provides a sleek, custom fit to keep light out - using fabrics that block any incoming light. Blackout shades are an ideal choice if your bedroom windows are East or West facing, as you may need the effect of Blackout Shades to control the direct sunlight. The benefit of this extreme light control is that it also keeps that direct sunlight from heating up your bedroom during the day, and it offers exclusive privacy when you want it.
For the highest levels of light control, the innovation of Silhouette Window Shadings now offers an exclusive blackout shade. Yes - you read that right. Silhouettes, commonly known for the beauty and light dimming sheers that provide you with a dynamic view - even in the lowered position, now come with A Deux. Silhouette Window Shadings with A Deux offers the addition of a second shade - a roller shade - on the same shared headrail. This second shade operates independently of the Silhouette, giving you the chance to have the widest range of light control on the market. Perfect for setting an - always ideal - atmosphere in your bedroom.
A better night of sleep is only a phone call away. Our design experts can help you decide which feature, either room darkening or blackout shades, will give you the best night of sleep, based on a variety of factors. The fun part will be selecting the beautiful fabrics and textures to heighten the style of your bedrooms! Contact our team, at Horizon Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.
Our Reno sunshine can be a bit intense at times, but during this season of year, it can also be a welcome sight. It all depends on the location of your windows. Window placement can mean lovely rays of sunshine dancing near your home, or frustrating sun for hours on end. The latter of the two can lead to faded floors and furniture, not to mention the obvious frustration of that glare. We want you to enjoy the sunshine and take advantage of the natural light available to your home. We can help you find just the right window coverings that will let the light work for you ...regardless of window placement!
The beauty of sunrise, the quiet stillness as day begins. You probably know how it feels to be lulled awake by the early morning light. The warmth of the rays add a cozy feeling after a cool night. You probably get more done, as that natural light adds productivity to your early morning. However, by Ten O’Clock in the morning, you might be sweating because of that sunshine. It enters your windows, heating your home to unbearable temperatures. You need window coverings with benefits that allow you to enjoy the beauty of the sunrise and morning light, without adding to the temperature. Soft, filtered light will bring in the natural light, but still provide you with the privacy and UV protection you need. Ease of operation means you can change the direction of the vanes, let light in above the window coverings - instead of below, and make those adjustments regularly according to circumstance.
The colors of sunset create an atmosphere of utter relaxation. The sun slips into the horizon, and you settle in with the dramatic hue of dusk as the backdrop of your home. It would be nice, of course, if that was the only effect of having West facing windows. The truth is, you probably understand what it is like to come home, after a long day, to a house that has been baking in the sun for six hours. Your furniture, artwork, flooring...all of your belongings are at the mercy of that intense light. Window coverings can offer you solutions so you can enjoy the sunset, while still preserving your privacy. You will be able to step into a comfortable temperature, without running up your energy bills. You can enjoy the ease of adjustment, so your lifestyle dictates the light control, not the light controlling you.
Even though your windows keep your home free of overbearing sunlight, window coverings can offer you amazing benefits to improve the atmosphere in your home. Adjustment and tilt of window coverings will allow you to pull in and enjoy the natural light that normally would be lost. They will provide energy efficiency year round, as the insulation keeps the air in your home at a consistent temperature. They will also allow you to avoid the frustration of occasional glare that comes and goes, depending on time of year and weather. It gives you the control of how much light enters your home and when.
You windows can provide you with beauty and atmosphere. They can also fill your life with frustration and annoyance. It’s time for you to take control - to make the most of the light available to you. We can help. We will guide you during our consultation, with consideration of window placement and how you use the rooms. We want to create the ideal environment for your family. Contact our team, at Horizon Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.
Moving into a new home is a thrilling adventure. If you find yourself filled with the mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety as the whirlwind of moving takes place around you, it’s completely normal. There are steps you can take that will help you through this transition. You cannot be prepared for every scenario, but with careful planning, you will feel much more secure about the coming weeks. Start by using a simple moving checklist to help you get ready. When moving day finally arrives, look forward to unpacking and embarking on this To Do List:
This is your home, and safety needs to come first. Take a close-up photo of your locks before heading out to the hardware store so you know what products to purchase. You have the option of calling a locksmith to install them if you feel like you could use some help. By doing this simple task, you will provide yourself with the peace of mind that you have the only keys when moving into a new home.
Most of the time, houses are expected to be ‘broom clean’ when transferred the new owner. Whether you do it yourself, or hire a professional, having a clean home from the start will allow you to move efficiently, transforming the empty space into a comfortable space for you and your family.
When moving into a new home, you want it to be as ‘move-in ready’ as possible. Check your contract for appliance specifics. You may receive the usual ones, such as the refrigerator or dishwasher, that are normally left behind. However, it may take a couple of weeks to order the ones you need and schedule delivery. Take charge so you aren’t eating takeout each night waiting for your new stove.
A fresh coat of paint will give your new home a clean, simplistic appearance. If you are moving into a new home that has been lived in before, you may want to invest in a heavy duty product, like Kilz, to cover up any accents you don’t like. Neutral colors and subtle tones will provide a streamlined flow throughout your home, while accent walls in individual bedrooms can offer a very personalized feeling.
The last thing you want, during this tumultuous time in your life, is to feel uncomfortable in your own home. Protecting your privacy is important. Temporary shades can be a wonderful asset as you get settled from moving into a new home. Your bathroom. Your bedroom. Your childrens’ bedrooms. All areas of your home where privacy is a must. We would love to help guide you as you select window coverings for your home. Temporary shades will help, but sooner than later, you will need solutions for that annoying glare and that drafty window. We have amazing products for you that will help you turn your new house into a home. Contact our team, at Horizon Window Fashions, for a free, in-home consultation.