Blinds and Shades for the Living Room

Shopping for the perfect window dressings can paralyze a decorating project in its tracks….what style blinds should you use, what color curtains, what materials, what do things cost, etc.  The possibilities are endless and overwhelming.  You may be tempted to just leave the windows bare, but keep in mind that if your living room is on the ground floor of your home you will definetly want a certain degree of privacy.  Bare windows also look a bit weird and quickly heat up a room and fade and destroy fabrics.  As long as you keep in mind some important points, there is no reason you can’t have a lot of fun finding something that is stylish yet practical and affordable.. 

A carefully chosen window treatment should always complement a living room’s style and architecture.  They can be used to soften a harsh architectural look, or, they can add a touch of pizzazz, color and style to an otherwise drab room.  Before you go out and begin shopping for sizes and options, make sure to take the time to look through home decorating books and magazines to get an idea of the look you want to create.  Some stores will also allow you to take home blind fabric samples and swatches to get a better idea of the look you are trying to create.   

Different Options

Blinds

Blinds provide excellent privacy, especially at night when it is particularly easy to see into a home.  Blinds also help block the harmful effect of the sun’s UV Rays from damaging fabrics and creating unnecessary heat in a living room. Wooden-slat blinds are more traditional and give better insulation, while metal and plastic blinds look crisp and contemporary and are less expensive. An alternative option to wooden blinds are faux-wood blinds.  All types are relatively easy to keep clean. One caution: Replace any imported vinyl miniblinds made before the summer of 1996, as these have been found to contain lead.

Blinds come in a wide range of colors- the most fool-proof choice is to match the window trim.  If you prefer not to match the window trim or this is impractical, consider a neutral color of cream or beige.  You can hide the hardware for the blinds while adding color and pattern with a cloth valance or boxlike, fabric-covered cornice.  

Remember, blinds' cords present a choking hazard: wrap excess cord tightly around a cord cleat fixed as high on the window frame as the shortest adult can reach.

Shades

Choices here range from a simple roller shade to Roman or balloon shades to the newer cellular shades. Roller shades are the least expensive, and can be dressed up with iron-on fabric, wallpaper, or even painted designs (use fabric paints). Kids may be tempted to toy with the auto-release mechanism on some shades; choosing a pulley system will make this less attractive. On a pulley system, though, be sure to have the continuous-loop chain cut short enough so it can't be reached by children.  Roller shades and cellular shades are available in blackout form, which blocks 98-100% of light from entering the room.  They are also available motorized with remote controls, so you can alter the shades from the comfortableness of your living room sofa. 

Curtains

While curtains and draperies can really dress up a window, they are the least practical option. They tend to be harder to clean than blinds or shades; and because they gather more dust, they can be especially aggravating for allergy- or asthma-prone household members. They are also tempting for little ones to play with and hang on.  However, they do create a degree of style in a room.  Layer the treatments for the most versatility. For instance, put mini-blinds, shades or rollers next to the glass to control light and temperature and hang fabric panels for style and color.  Keep in mind that heavy or opaque curtains can create the ambience of a cave in your living room.  You may want to stick to sheer shades or light fabrics in different colors to maintain a bright airy feel.   

Specific Problems

One problem that comes up often is picking the right window treatments to accentuate rather than block the view from your windows.  You don’t want to obstruct the view too much but the bright sun coming in can create additional problems of its own.  Sheer shades allow significant amounts of light in but will prevent the room from becoming overheated while also preventing the carpets, upholstery and paintings from fading over time.  You may even want to consider blinds or shades that filter UV rays, an option that is now widely available.  If climate control is an issue, consider the window covering's R-value, which indicates a product's resistance to heat loss (the higher the R-value, the more complete the insulation).  The most drastic alternative is to get a professional contractor to tint the windows to block out the rays of the sun while maintaining your view, but this is a permanent and expensive option.

If you prefer a room that is dark and cool, consider blackout window treatments.  Blackout shades and blinds have an inner layer that keeps light from penetrating, giving a nightlike feel to a room even in daytime.  Be sure these shades are cut generously enough so rays don't sneak in from the sides or bottom of the shade.  These blinds and shades may be more suitable for a bedroom, however. 

Installation and Measuring

Installation of window blinds and shades can create another headache entirely, but with a little know-how, this aspect of the project can also run smoothly.  When selecting curtain rods, first decide on the function of the rod.  Do you need something that closes for privacy or do you just want a stationery decorative element? What kind of curtains will the rod hold?  Next, look at size and scale. A tiny room may look better with smaller, delicate rods whereas a big room will be able to carry the weight of larger hardware.  Next decide on finish. Match the wall color so rods "disappear" or create contrast by using a finish that will stand out.  Browse home decorating magazines for the newest ideas and choices that will match the color and feel of your room.

You can hang the curtain rod just above the window frame. For a more elegant look, consider hanging the rod closer to the ceiling. This will offer a longer sweep of fabric and will help visually heighten the room a bit. Make the rods wide enough so that the stackback of drapery fabric will clear the sides of the window, rather than covering part of the glass.  Make sure to acquire a swap of fabric or decorative cord for pulling the shades back occasionally.

Before you measure for window treatments, decide whether you want to mount your window blinds inside the window frames or outside the window on the wall or trim.  An inside, or recessed mount hangs inside the window frame, and creates a neat, finished look that does not obstruct the trim.  An outside mount will obstruct the trim, but may be chosen to hide unattractive windows, make the windows seem larger or provide total light control.  In addition to personal decorating preference, consider that for an inside mount, your casing or sill must have a minimum depth of 1 ½" for 1" blinds and 2 ½" for 2" blinds to be totally recessed.  For additional information on installation, see these reference articles on measuring for window treatments and installing window treatments.