When you’re shopping for blinds, you want to know that you’re buying quality. And while ready-made options are inexpensive and get the job done, custom blinds are more stylish and durable.
The difference between ready-made blinds and custom blinds is a lot like the difference between a luxury car and an economy model. Both will get you where you need to go, but one will offer far more comfort and convenience. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Custom Blinds And Shades KY.
When it comes to window blinds, many homeowners are familiar with basic white aluminum mini blinds and vinyl vertical blinds. These utilitarian window coverings are affordable and work well. However, there is a whole world of colors, textures and fabrics beyond these standard options. Custom blinds provide an exhaustive range of possibilities that can match or complement any home design.
What Are Shades?
Shades are a type of window blind that uses a continuous piece of fabric rather than separate slats. They can be made in a wide variety of styles, from Roman shades to cellular shades. In addition to offering a soft look to your home, shades also offer options for light control and privacy.
Unlike traditional blinds, custom shades can be designed with colorful fabric tapes and tassels to make them truly your own. You can even add a motorized option for easy operation. If you want to add a bold pop of color, choose from a wide selection of hues to find the perfect match for your space.
Another advantage of custom shades is that they’re assembled to perfectly fit your windows, which makes them look great and provides a better insulating effect. They’re also often easier to maintain than drapes, which require regular vacuuming or washing to remove dust and debris.
In addition to being stylish, custom blinds can also help improve your family’s health. Certain materials used in custom shades repel micro-organisms that cause allergies. This can be especially beneficial for anyone in your home who suffers from seasonal allergies.
Both blinds and shades can be purchased in a variety of designs, from simple to elegant. Many window treatment experts recommend choosing a style that suits your home’s architecture, and then finding the fabric that best fits your taste. When you order from a professional, you can choose a cordless option that prevents children or pets from being able to reach the lifting cords.
Customization
When shopping for window treatments, homeowners have many options at their disposal. From basic aluminum blinds that work in a pinch to more sophisticated cellular shades in a fun color, there’s something for every home, style, and budget.
Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to consider how much light control you’ll want in the room. Window blinds offer variable light control by allowing you to tilt the slats to manipulate how much natural and artificial lighting enters the space. They also provide privacy by obscuring the view from outside of your home.
On the other hand, shades are designed with a more delicate look that doesn’t necessarily block sightlines and instead uses softer fabrics that allow light to filter through or even create a soft glow in the room. They can offer the same level of privacy as blinds but tend to be more decorative in nature with their use of woven fabrics such as bamboo and reed or faux wood.
Another advantage to custom shades is that they don’t require the same manufacturing process as ready-made blinds. This can help them maintain a higher standard of quality while offering the ability to customize a shade to your exact specifications. This can sometimes add to the overall cost but is an investment that can pay off if you plan on selling your home in the future.
With the exception of cellular shades, most ready-made window blinds are made overseas to save on labor costs. This can make them a less sustainable choice for the environment and may be problematic for some consumers who value supporting US workers.
Both ready-made blinds and custom window shades offer a wide range of fabric colors, textures, and patterns that can be combined to complement your home’s existing design scheme and enhance the overall feel of the space. If you are looking to invest in a high-quality, stylish, and comfortable living space then custom blinds and shades are the ideal solution for your needs. Contact Louisville Blinds and Drapery today to schedule a consultation and get started on creating your dream living space.
Maintenance
Adding custom window blinds and shades to your home is an investment in both beauty and functionality. However, like any other decorative elements in your home, window treatments need special care and maintenance to preserve their appearance over time. While incorporating simple cleaning and maintenance habits into your weekly routine can make all the difference, there are certain circumstances when blinds require more thorough, professional cleaning and maintenance services to keep them looking their best.
Shades can be easily cleaned using a vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment or a gentle spot-clean, though excessive dirt or tough stains may require professional cleaning services. Blinds, on the other hand, can be regularly dusted with a soft cloth or wiped down with mild soap and water. Regular dusting and proper care will help to prevent the buildup of dirt or grime, though it is recommended that you thoroughly clean your blinds every six months to keep them in pristine condition.
Each type of blind has specific care instructions, so always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and follow these recommendations closely. Doing so will ensure that your custom blinds and shades remain pristine for years to come. Additionally, avoid harsh chemicals and bleach, as these can damage the fabric, fade colors, and weaken or degrade the structure of your window coverings.
Wood blinds can be washed with a mild soap and water solution. Make sure that the solution is well-distributed and that you don’t saturate your wood blinds, as excess moisture can cause warping or discoloration. After washing, let your blinds dry completely before raising them.
Like all blinds, motorized or corded blinds can accumulate dust and dirt over time. For these types of blinds, it’s best to regularly inspect and lubricate moving parts to prevent them from sticking or becoming difficult to open or close.
Ultimately, the best way to protect your custom window blinds is to consult with a local, professional service provider for cleaning and maintenance. Louisville Blinds & Drapery offers expert maintenance services for all types of window treatments, utilizing advanced cleaning techniques that are tailored to each unique material.
Installation
Custom window blinds are tailored to your exact window dimensions, providing a precise fit and a polished look. They also offer a broader range of styles and colors than ready-made options, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your home’s decor.
Shades are made of a single unit of fabric that can be raised or lowered. They’re available in a wide variety of styles, including roller shades, Roman shades, and cellular shades. Some options, such as blackout shades, provide absolute darkness and privacy while others, like woven woods, add a natural look to a room.
When it comes to maintenance, shades are easier to clean than blinds because there are no individual slats that need to be cleaned. They can generally be cleaned with a damp cloth or vacuumed, though stubborn dirt or tough stains may require professional attention. Blinds, on the other hand, require more frequent cleaning because slats can easily bend or become crooked with constant use.
Blinds and shades aren’t made from the same materials, so their durability varies. Blinds are usually made from harder materials such as wicker, vinyl, or metal, which makes them more durable and longer-lasting than their soft fabric counterparts. They’re less likely to tear or crease and are more resistant to moisture, making them the better choice for high-traffic areas and washrooms.
Custom blinds and shades are both an excellent option for any homeowner who wants to create a comfortable, stylish, and functional living space. They’re durable, easy to maintain, and come in a wide variety of colours and designs to match any home’s style. However, it’s important to compare the pros and cons of each type of window treatment before choosing one for your home.