Stand Out or Blend In
First you have to decide if you want the window to ‘stand out’ or ‘blend in’. Some decors call for the blind or shade to match the trim or wall color. Other times you may want the color choice to follow colors in your furniture or wall hangings. Occasionally, people will want the window to “pop”. Be sure to think this through. We are happy to assist you in this decision making process if you wish
Hard or Soft
Another factor to consider is whether you want a hard surface like a blind or a softer surface like a shade. Hard surfaces are commonly wood, faux wood, vinyl or aluminum. Softer surfaces would include drapery fabrics, sheers, honeycombs, pleated fabrics and hybrids.
Controlling the light
Blinds, whether they be horizontal or vertical, can be tilted so that you can let limited amounts of light through your window. Shades and draperies are a solid fabric that draws to the side or up-and-down. There are now some hybrid shades now available that will give the best of both worlds. Also, many shades are available with the top-down-bottom-up feature so that after the shade is drawn to the bottom of the window, the top can be opened, thus allowing in light at the top and having privacy at the bottom.
Cleaning your window coverings
Most window coverings can be cleaned at home.
Hard surfaces. Most hard surface blinds should be dusted on a regular basis, either by hand or using the brush on your vacuum. After that, you can make a damp cloth using a mild solution of dishwashing soap and gently wiping away the dirt. Home supply stores also commonly carry blind cleaning tools.
Fabrics. First, vacuum with the brush attachment. Next, if needed, dampen a cloth with a mild solution of dish washing soap and test the color fastness in a less visible corner. Many honeycomb fabrics can be immersed in the bathtub to clean.
UltraSonic cleaning. North State Blinds & Draperies does not clean blind or shades. There is a service in Shasta County called Dirtyblinds.com – (530) 348-2005 – and they seem to have good service and rates.
