When your home has blinds, awnings or shutters protecting the windows, there are a number of key benefits you will enjoy. From added insulation to greater privacy and light control, there are endless reasons to choose blinds, awnings and shutters over curtains.
Like most accessories for your home blinds, awnings and shutters come in all types of material, colour and shape. They can be fixed or retractable and on every window or just some. Any home that employs these can expect the following benefits:
- Protection from the elements
- Money saved on your energy bills
- Improved aesthetic appeal
- Privacy and lighting control
- Increased function and ease
- Customisation
However, just like anything you choose to add in your home, there are a plethora of mistakes awaiting the uninitiated. These are just some of the most important items to keep front-of-mind when planning for blinds, awnings or shutters for your windows:
- Choosing cheap over quality
When choosing blinds, shutters and awnings it pays to spend a little more. Quality is key if you want to maximise the benefits of these style of window furnishings. Paying more doesn’t mean looking for the most expensive there is, but it does mean being aware of the risks that come with picking the cheapest option. You don’t want to end up replacing your blinds, shutters and awnings a year down the line, which may well be the case with some bargains. - Not shopping local
Similar to choosing cheap products, choosing products made for other markets can spell disaster. Many blinds, awnings and shutter manufacturers are located overseas and their products might not be tailored to or compliant to suit Australian conditions and regulations. Your best bet is to choose an Australian-owned and reputable company that takes all of this into account from the get-go. - Imprecise measurements
Correct window measurements are crucial to having well-appointed window furnishings. Ideally you should have a professional measure the windows for a perfect fit. If you are going to attempt to measure the windows yourself, do your research to ensure you measure appropriately and accurately. Never assume that all windows are the same size, each window in your home must be individually measured. - Picking style over function
Interior design today is bolder than it once was, meaning every room in a house can have a different vibe or look. There’s no need to have the same blinds, awnings or shutters running through the entire house. The style of window blind, awning or shutter should not be a hindrance to its functionality. For example a stylish combination sheer and blockout blind on a sliding door might not be a practical idea. Sliding panels would be a better option or a Roman blind that can be dropped at night for privacy and then drawn up out of the way during the day when the door is open. - Not accounting for flyscreens People spend a long time choosing the right window coverings only to later discover that they didn’t take into account much-needed inspect protection. Insects are, inevitably, a part of Australian life, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with them indoors.Adding a flyscreen after your window furnishings have been installed can be tricky. Sometimes it’s not even possible, in particularly dire situations. Consider insect protection from the beginning and save yourself a whole lot of hassle later on. This also has the added benefit that you can choose a fly of fly screen that compliments both your window and its features.
- Not considering weather elements Awnings give great protection from the sun, but if you live in a consistently windy area or somewhere with a lot of rain, they might not be the best choice for you. If you live in an area prone to extreme heat, blinds with a white or reflective backing will work well, as do aluminium venentian blinds. Look at your local weather conditions, the location of your home and the location of each window to determine what’s appropriate.
- Failing to think about maintenance Like anything in your home, awnings, blinds and shutters require ongoing maintenance. How much maintenance will depend on the type and material of window covering you choose. If you’re pushed for time or if you have small children, your goal should be to install low maintenance window furnishings. These will be the kinds that require just an occasional wipe down with a damp cloth, and not a costly trip to the dry cleaners.
Getting it right
Window furnishings don’t come cheap and it really does pay to get them right the first time. Think it’s time for new blinds, awnings and shutters in your home? Talk to us at Artilux and start with insect protection. Once you have your system in place you can start your search for the perfect coverings to suit your home and needs.
