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Few things add your personal style to your living space, quite like the window treatments you choose. Window treatment companies around Atlanta offer various choices in an abundance of colors, designs, and sizes. From curtains, drapes, shutters, cellular shades, and mini blinds to faux wood blinds, plantation shutters, making a decision about your window covering can become overwhelming.

Before thinking about window treatments for your home or office, it’s important to first consider your goals for the room. You also have to consider what room you are working with. For example, consider the orientation of the room. Also, what is an effective window treatment in your living room may not be the best for your dining room. Do you have a lot of natural light that needs to be filtered? Certain window coverings are better for light filtering than others.

There are many different factors related to the interior design of the room.

If you’ve found yourself here, you’re in the perfect place to get started. Window treatments have evolved extensively from the traditional curtains and sheer panels of yesteryear, and there is much to consider. Let’s discuss five of the best, functional, aesthetically pleasing window treatment ideas to complement and spruce up your space.

Plantation Shutters: What are They?

Plantation shutters are definitely an investment, but they are so worth it. Plantation shutters, also commonly called wooden or wood shutters earned their name from their affinity to the large plantations that once defined the American Southeast.

They look incredible when installed in larger windows but have the potential to add charm to any home. Their curbside appeal is astounding, and they’ll increase the value of your home.

These beautiful shutters come in various widths, lengths, and colors. They tilt, and most window treatment companies will offer a selection of frame choices and finishes. They are chip, peel, and stain-resistant and built to withstand many working years within your home.

Traditional Shutters vs. Plantation Shutters

Traditional and plantation shutters differ massively in appearance, and in most cases, the decision regarding which to install comes down to preference. Traditional shutters have slightly different frames and louvers that are much thinner than those of plantation shutters.

Home upgrades very often include plantation shutters, though traditional shutters work within many houses and expenditure limitations. They look timeless and clean and the history of plantation shutters is impressive to learn about.

Classic Window Shades

Shades are another classic window treatment that has come a long way over time. Window shades are an excellent way to refresh your home’s look, and with varying material and color options, there is something available to work with every style of decor.

Shades are simple to operate, and while they tend not to gather as much visible dust as their shutter counterparts, they still need regular cleanings and maintenance. Roller shades, Roman shades, and pleated shades are lovely choices, and each option creates an entirely different look.

Window Blinds

Window blinds are a tried and true selection for window treatments. They are accessible to homeowners in a massive selection of colors, styles, and material choices, and they cater to every budget. They are a window covering classic and remain a fantastic pick for home renovations.

Blinds operate today just as they always have and can be easily adjusted to filter light in and out in a fashion similar to shutters. However, like most forms of window treatments, there are many options on the market today. When it comes to deciding on blinds, and your local window treatment companies will be more than capable of showing you the (literal) ropes.

Window Tinting

Though most people are familiar with window tinting as it pertains to automobiles, millions of consumers have utilized tinting within their homes or offices. Tinting is a good option for those looking to increase older windows’ efficiency, thereby saving money on monthly utility bills.

If you want to tone down the light in your home without installing more traditional versions of window treatments, such as shades or plantation shutters, tinting is a superb option. The tinting process is relatively affordable, depending on your funds and the company you choose to handle the installation.

Tinting is fantastic for amping up privacy without going through the process of lowering or closing your window treatments, and is excellent for room darkening which can even protect furniture from fading!

Finding the Best Window Treatment for You

Everyone has varying opinions and preferences on the topic of window treatments. The possibility of color and style combinations are seemingly endless, and it all comes down to what will work with your home, your style, your time frame, and the amount you want to spend.

Browsing the internet for ideas is the perfect place to get started because it will allow you to see various window treatments in action in a variety of settings. If you’re ready to talk about options and installation, the professional staff at The Blind Guide can help.

We specialize in residential and business installations, providing guidance, and exceptional service at some of the most affordable prices in Atlanta. Our window treatments are high-end, and we install at a faster, cleaner, more efficient rate than our competitors.

We can’t wait to get started, so give us a call today! Your new home is waiting.

Have you ever spoken to your design consultant about plantation shutters and thought, “it’s all Greek to me!” No one?

Well, as with many of our modern comforts and technologies, plantation shutters got their start in Ancient Greece. These ingenious interior shutters are perfect for allowing airflow and light into our homes without sacrificing privacy.

Intrigued? Read on to learn about the history of plantation shutters!

What Are Plantation Shutters?

Plantation shutters are a type of window treatment that consists of a row of moveable louvers. They usually have a vertical rod connecting all the louvers. This allows the user to adjust the position of all the louvers at the same time. They are one of the most popular choices of window shutters around Atlanta.

Plantation shutters are popular for the ability to control airflow and the amount of light coming into your home or business, and still enjoy privacy.

Sometimes you’ll see windows where the top half is uncovered glass and the bottom half is covered by a plantation shutter. This style of window treatment is called cafe shutters. These custom shutters are perfect for a dining room or breakfast nook in any kitchen.

This setup allows plenty of light into your home up high where people can’t see in and where the sunlight is unlikely to bother you indoors. Having the bottom half covered allows you to control those factors at eye level and below.

The Origins of Plantation Shutters

The original plantation shutters in Ancient Greece actually were popular before glass windows. In Greece, the climate is hot, yet windy and it is common to experience strong winds from tropical storms. To that end, the window openings needed some kind of covering to protect home interiors from strong winds but still allow for airflow when desired to find relief from the hot, humid temperatures.

Thus, the plantation shutter. The original style was made of marble, back in a time when it was less expensive to fashion marble shutters to cover windows rather than using glass. Crazy, right?

The marble shutters were super strong and durable, but they were a bit hard to work with. To combat this problem, craftsmen began to construct them out of wood, rather than marble.

Eventually, the style made its way across the ocean where they became wildly popular in the South. It was common to see them on fancy plantation homes all across the Southern states, which is, of course, where they came to be known as plantation shutters.

Shutters vs Blinds

Nowadays, we have blinds that do basically the same thing when it comes to controlling airflow, light, and privacy. They don’t offer the same protection as shutters made out of wood, but with modern windows, that protection isn’t really necessary anymore. However, both types of window treatments offer their own benefits and drawbacks. Let’s explore a bit further.

Cost

At first glance, blinds seem to be cheaper than shutters. While it is true that the upfront cost is less, keep in mind that blinds are not as sturdy as shutters and won’t last as long. Depending on the style and material you choose, the long-term cost of shutters can actually be less than blinds. Plantation shutters really are a great way to get high-quality window treatments at an affordable price.

Cleaning

Shutters typically have wider louvers than blinds, making them easier and faster to clean.

Energy Efficiency

Since plantation shutters are thicker than blinds, they offer better insulation and light control. If the hot summer sun is pouring through your windows, closing your plantation shutters can keep out a significant amount of that heat. This will reduce your need for air conditioning and lower the cost of your energy bills.

Aesthetic

Blinds offer a huge amount of versatility in their aesthetics. This is why many homeowners turn to this option whenever they are dealing with interior design. These shutters come in various materials, including wood, and can add something to nearly every style of decor. Faux wood plantation shutters are a great way to get an old-world look at an affordable price. Blinds can blend in or they can stand out, it all depends on the type of material, color, and pattern you choose.

Plantation shutters typically have something to say about your decor. They naturally stand out and add a certain texture and feel to the decor. Many people love the look, which is a big reason why they are still so popular.

They can sometimes be overpowering in smaller rooms but for spacious rooms, they add an unparalleled charm.

Picking Your Window Treatments

The truth is that both blind and plantation shutters have something to offer. Either window treatment is an excellent choice depending on which factors are most important to you.

Looking for a window treatment company to help you choose and install new window treatments in the Atlanta area? Stop Googling “window treatments near me” and call up the experts here at The Blind Guide. We’re happy to help with all your window treatment needs.

Give us a chance to earn our 5-star rating in your home or office! Contact us today and let’s set up a home appointment. You’ll really see the difference.

If there’s one question we get more than any other, both homeowners and business owners want to know which window treatments help control energy costs the most. We felt it was high time for us to share our ideas on this subject on our website.

We all know that without windows, our homes would be nothing more than giant boxes. Our windows let us see what’s outside and give our rooms much needed light. It’s more than a decorative addition. Windows help us feel comfortable in our own space.

That being said, windows let in more than just light and fresh air. They allow air to escape which causes an increase in energy consumption trying to heat and cool our homes. Some experts tell us that nearly 25% of our annual heating and air costs are due to air leakage through windows. In older homes, that number can reach as much as 40%.  This is why we need to think about making sure that we not only have energy-efficient windows but window treatments as well.

So, which window treatments are the most energy-efficient? Keep in mind, all of the window treatments listed below help insulate your home from direct sunlight. This list is simply our priority. Here is our list of top three energy-saving window treatments in reverse order:

3. Roman Shades

Given that roman shades are made with a thick insulating material, this makes an excellent choice for improving the energy efficiency in your home or office. Obviously, for you to experience the most cost savings, these shades have to remain close much of the time which blocks the view.

Roman shades can come with a thermal backing which provides extra energy savings. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors, materials, and textures to match any décor. They create a stylish look that truly enhances any room.

2. Shutters

It’s a simple fact. Shutters tend to have fewer gaps compared to most other window treatments because they require tight installation to the window frame. This means there is naturally less airflow from the window.

Shutters create a natural barrier that keeps you warm in the winter months and closed shutters block the sunlight in the warmer months. Not only do shutters give you a beautiful aesthetic look to your room, but they create an additional layer of insulation in your rooms.

Obviously, when selecting shutters, there is a wonderful selection of colors and styles to choose from to help you accent any room of your home or office.

1. Cellular Shades

Some of us remember the energy crisis of the 1970s and long gas lines. During that time, cellular shades were introduced as a window treatment specifically designed to reduce energy costs in the home. Also known as Honeycomb shades, cellular shades trap air within the layers that provide additional insulation to any room.

While Honeycomb shades come in both one or two cell shades, we always recommend you go with the two cells to maximize the insulation.

Cellular shades give any room a sleek, modern look and feel, but without a doubt, this type of window treatment is the most energy-efficient. As with all window treatments, there are endless possibilities with colors and patterns.

The truth is that any of the window treatments mentioned above will help reduce your energy costs.

Since 2014, the staff at The Blind Guide has worked to help our customers with their window treatments. Call us when you’re ready to improve your rooms and lower your energy costs.