What are the Benefits of window coverings in the home?
Window Coverings are easily one of the most important parts of any interior design, yet they are often overlooked by many people, or its dismissed as a non-necessity until the very end of a project. Well, we are here to challenge that! The benefit of great window coverings is more than just looks (although we will discuss that too). Here are a few practical reasons window coverings should be a priority in your home – I promise you will thank us later.
Reduce Heat and UV Damage
When we head to the beach on a hot summer day, we know to put on plenty of sunscreen, but we often neglect to think about UV and its effect on our home. Window coverings will allow you to have control of how much sunlight enters your home which will preserve your floors, walls, and furniture as well. Constant exposure to sunlight can fade your surfaces very quickly, so protection from the harsh rays is essential.
If you require help in this area you will hear the terms ‘Light Filtering’ and ‘Blockout’ used a lot in reference to UV levels and incoming light levels in regards to lining window coverings. Your personal preferences and how you live day to day in your home will impact this choice, so it is always best to discuss with an experienced member of our team to ensure we get the best solution for you.
Reduce Your Electricity Bills
With the continuing rise in electricity prices, many Australians are searching for ways to keep energy costs down. Whilst new fans and air-conditioners boast plenty of cooling power, people often forget about how important their window coverings are in insulating their home. It has been noted that heat gain through an unshaded window in summer can be 100 times greater than through the same area of insulated wall. A good Block-out blind or curtain can make a huge difference to the ambient temperature in the room and in turn, that will mean that your air conditioner and fans don’t have to work as hard. It’s not only in the summer that you will notice it’s effect. In Winter, windows can allow up to 40% of your heat to leak out. This means you’ll be using more energy to keep your home warm and comfortable, creating higher energy bills.
Increase Privacy
Nobody likes a nosy neighbour, yet our growing population is resulting in us living in very close quarters with one another. More and more buildings are popping up and changing the neighbourhood landscape, thus privacy is becoming a more prominent reason for why clients come to us looking for window furnishings. We can design a solution that meets the requirements of your home and give you the peace of mind you need.
Noise Reduction
Just as with heat control, window furnishings can dramatically affect the amount of noise that penetrates the home. Blinds can provide some acoustic benefit but the most noticeable difference comes from a double curtain or a cell blind. In curtains, having the two layers of soft fabric, with an air pocket in between will dampen any incoming noise quite considerably as the sound waves can’t move through so easily. Cell blinds are made up of little honeycomb shaped tubes that trap sound and noise. They are nice and compact too which is ideal for apartment buildings in the city.
Aesthetically Speaking
Of course, one of the most important reasons we just love window coverings, is their ability to transform your home. Overall, they simply make the room feel ‘finished’. It creates an intimate and warm space for family members to come home to. Soft floaty curtains feel relaxing, warm and nourishing. They create a retreat, an escape from the outside world. Different heading styles will create a completely different look, for example a pinch pleat is more formal and tailored, where as a soft wave is more relaxed and modern. The versatility of them is huge and we can always find the right solution to suit your needs.