Window Treatments Archives - Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta

Everything You Need to Know About Window Treatments

Written by admat on July 26, 2020. Posted in Window Treatments.

How your windows look can make or mar your home. Suitable treatments can go a long way to beautify your house and give it an alluring appearance. Window treatment involves a set of decorations, modifications, or covers used to regulate the extent that a window performs its functions.

Window treatment originated from Egypt, Persia, or China. Since 3100 BC, the Egyptians invented curtains made from papyrus. The main aim was to protect them from the desert heat and provide privacy.

During 1100 AD, the Persians invented the Venetian curtains. The Europeans adopted it in the 1700s. Gowin Knight has the patent for the first dwarf Venetian blinds.

The ancient Chinese made window blinds using bamboo. Since the origin of window treatment, it has evolved over the years.

As Avalon Management in Canton explains, windows treatments add style to the room, camouflage unpleasant views, control the amount of light entering the room, control room temperature, provide insulation, control air circulation, and offer privacy.

Before you choose a window treatment, you should ask yourself the following questions:

What function will it serve?
What options do I have?
What are the measurements of my window?
Will it be aesthetically pleasing?

What functions will it serve?

When choosing a window treatment, first and foremost, you should know the functions you want the treatment to perform. If you know this, you will be able to get the right type of treatment for your home.

If you want your window treatment to regulate the temperature in your room, you should choose cellular shades because they have excellent insulating properties.

If you want to protect your fabrics and furniture from sunlight, solar shades are a good option. They prevent damaging sunlight from entering your home but allow you to see through them.

What options are available?

If you have visited a home improvement store, you will be dazzled and overwhelmed by the different options of window treatments that are available. The spectrums available include blinds, drapes, shades, shutters, curtains, valance, swags, screens, pelmets, and cornices. Each of these has different subtypes.

Shutters are costly, and a few finishes and sizes are available. Making your shutters custom fitted for your windows gives it a better appearance.

Blinds are the most affordable. They are made of woods or plastics arranged into slats. When mounted outside the frame, blinds make small windows look more massive. Inside mounted blinds make your windows have a clean look.

Shades are a little more expensive than blinds. They are made of fabrics and are available in different levels of opacities. Varieties of shades are roman, rollers, and honeycomb.

Drapes have flexibility in price depending on the material, pattern, size, and color. They are hung on a rod above the windows.

What are the measurements of my windows?

When you decide on the type of window treatment for your home, the next step will be to take the measurements of your windows.

For inside mounted blinds and shades, take measurements of the narrow widths at the top, middle, and bottom of the window. Also take measurements of the length from the right, middle, and left sides.

For outside mounted blinds and shades, add 1½ inches to the width and the length.

Shutters use a similar measurement process with blinds but add ⅛ inch to the longest width and ¹/6 inch on both sides to the narrowest with.

If you choose to use drapes, you will need to know the length of your rod. To do this, measure the width of your window and add about 3 to 8 inches on either side.

Another thing you should know before using drapes is the length. You can get it by measuring the distance from the point where the rod will be hung up to 1 inch above the floor.

Will it be aesthetically pleasing?

When it comes to window treatment aesthetics, your preference matters. But the following tips are useful and should be considered.

Drapes and shades: Choose a neutral shade or something close to the room’s dominant color. This will make your window treatments blend in. Contrasting shades can be used to highlight window features too.
If you choose to use shades that have patterns, ensure to match one of the colors to your accent color.
Shutters: if you are using shutters, the woodwork in your room should match your shutters.
Blinds: Pure white blinds are beautiful. But if your room has a neutral shade as the dominant color, you should match it.

The bottom line

Window treatments cannot be overlooked because they enhance the beauty of your home, regulate temperature, and provide you with privacy.

Before you choose a window treatment, there are pertinent questions you should answer. Answering these questions will help you choose the right window treatments for your room.

shutters for sliding doors Atlanta, Georgia

4 Window Treatment Ideas For Atlanta Patios

Written by admat on June 30, 2020. Posted in Patio Shades, Window Treatments.

Sliding glass doors are often the preferred choice when it comes to opening the home to the patio area. Although it’s great to be able to view your yard and gardens from inside all year long, you still want to fit these doors with treatments that shade you from the sun and afford you a little privacy. When you are looking at window treatments for your patio entrance, keep these ideas in mind.

Shutters. You may think this sounds like a rather unconventional idea for a sliding door, but they are a classic choice that provides excellent energy efficiency. There are many options available today, including non-wood possibilities that are low maintenance and add value to your home, as they are permanent fixtures. Atlanta shutters also create a lovely beachy look, as they are a traditional window treatment in many areas near the water.

Privacy sheers. These products are designed for sliding glass doors and offer a sort of hybrid, with features of vertical shades and sheer drapes. This treatment is composed of soft fabric vanes with a sheer face fabric. They diffuse natural light when tilted open and come in a room-darkening option as well. The variety of privacy sheer styles available gives you many opportunities to create ambiance while providing a perfect transitional area to your patio.

Motorized outdoor shades. This trending Atlanta window treatment idea is perfect for the modern home. The outdoor shades enclose your patio while allowing you to open it up to the great outdoors with ease. Patio screens of all kinds are available to help you design the perfect patio that suits your style while increasing the comfort of your home by shielding you from the sun and keeping out bugs.

Vertical blinds. There is a reason that this window treatment option is one of the most common choices for patio doors. They come in a range of styles, textures, and colors that nearly every homeowner loves. Their contemporary style is popular among modern homeowners and will enable you to adjust your view and privacy easily.

No matter what Atlanta window treatments you choose, the desired result is the same—protection from the sun and your neighbor’s prying eyes. As you select from these window treatment options, always keep your tastes in mind, as this is a part of the home you will look at every day.

Can Draperies Be This Simple And Yet Look So Elegant?

Written by admat on April 16, 2020. Posted in Window Treatments.

This weeks installation took place in Chateau Elan in Braselton, Georgia. Keeping with today’s theme of “Farmhouse Plus”, these 100% linen panels are the perfect finishing touch. Manufactured by Fabricut, these panels were sewn with a 3 finger pinch pleat.The panels take on a sleek, tailored look that is modern but sophisticated and warm to the eye. Linen = COZY!

The Dining Room has a Duo-Drape where approximately 3/4 up from the bottom is a deep blue to add a little pop to the room. Notice the placement of all the rods which was done strategically to keep the illusion of height in tact.

The hardware is a simple 1 1/8″ diameter rod by Kirsch Hardware in a oil rubbed bronze finish. The ends are decorated with simple blunt end caps.

Custom draperies can be installed in approximately 4 weeks from date of order. 1,000 of colors and patterns are available! Contact Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta today @ (770) 664-0027.

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Make Your Atlanta Plantation Shutters Look New Again

Written by admat on April 6, 2017. Posted in Plantation Shutters, Window Treatments.

Plantation shutters are a gorgeous and popular option for Georgia interior and exterior windows. They are easy to use, effective at blocking sunlight, and much more efficient than traditional blinds with strings and attachments that break easily. Plantation shutters are the perfect window treatment in many homes – except when it comes time to clean them. Removing dirt and dust from the separated slats can be tricky and time-consuming. Luckily, there is an established way to clean plantation shutters of all materials for the simplest, fastest, and best-looking finished product.

Cleaning Wooden Shutters

If you have wooden plantation shutters, keep the cleaning process as dry and natural as possible. Using harsh cleaning chemicals can harm the wood or ruin the paint on the wooden surface. Here is what to do:

Use a vacuum’s brush attachment to run over the shutters. The vacuum picks up most of the dirt and dust from the surface of the shutters.
Take a small dusting brush or dusting cloth and clean small spaces the vacuum could not reach. Pick up any dust and dirt particles the vacuum missed.
If you notice marks or dirt on the surface of the shutters that the vacuum and dry cloth/brush could not remove, use a slightly damp small brush, such as a toothbrush, to scrub the dirty area. Wet the brush with water or a mild cleaning solution. Gently scrub the area until clean.
Dry the wet area as soon as possible to prevent water damage or wood warping.
For an extra sheen, use wood polish, such as Pledge spray, and wipe down your plantation shutters.

Enjoy your clean shutters! Wooden shutters are a bit more work than other materials, but they are a beautiful and durable way to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Cleaning Polywood Shutters

Some plantation shutters are made with polywood, a synthetic material made to look like wood. If necessary, you can use harsher chemicals on polywood shutters. The material will not damage as easily as real wood would. Start with the same dry-cleaning methods as the wooden shutters – the vacuum brush attachment, dusting cloth/brush, and small brush. If you see marks, stains, or dirt that cannot be cleaned or removed with dry methods, use cleaning solutions and a scrubber. A mild grease-cutting dish soap and warm water mixture is often effective for polywood or vinyl shutters.

Cleaning Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters can be difficult to reach. Safely use a ladder (with someone supervising) or step stool to reach higher shutters. Begin by pressure washing your exterior blinds to remove most of the built-up dirt and debris. Get a brush or cloth and a bucket with a cleaning solution. The soap and water mixture for polywood shutters should work well. You may want to mix in bleach or use a bleach cleaner to remove mold, mildew, and stubborn stains. Scrub shutters clean with the brush/cloth and cleaning solution of your choice.

Cleaning your plantation shutters regularly will make the process easier each time. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your shutters, don’t hesitate to contact Atlanta’s window treatment experts, Peachtree Blinds.

Window Treatments for Uniquely Shaped Windows

Written by admat on October 26, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Treatments.

Large and uncommonly shaped windows bring a unique look into your home. These windows allow maximum natural light and, in many cases, added ventilation, making them a valuable addition to any room. However, there is one challenge that uniquely shaped or exceptionally large windows present. Finding window treatments to fit these windows can be difficult and expensive. At Modernize, we know curtains are an important aspect of completing the style of your home. In addition to this, window coverings can block drafts during the winter and the heat from the sun during the summer, increasing the energy efficiency of your home. Continue reading for five window treatments that you can use for your uniquely shaped windows.

Custom Atlanta plantation shutters

Plantation Shutters

Shutters from Peachtree Blinds can be custom made from real wood components to perfectly fit the special shape windows in your home including arch-top windows. Additionally, the bi-pass shutter tracks allow for use of plantation shutters for large windows and doors. These shutters allow for maximum control of light in privacy and are easily operated to open or close.

Window Tint or Window Film

Covering large or uniquely shaped windows provides a unique problem of blocking light from entering the home. Window tint or film can be cut custom to fit your window, and it blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering your home. Known for reducing energy costs by up to 40 percent and providing added security, window tint is become the standard in new home construction.

Custom Drapes

Drapes serve two purposes in every home. First, they block out light, increasing energy efficiency and protecting you from UV rays. Secondly, they provided an aesthetically beautiful and customizable look for your home. Custom-made drapes from PeachTree Blinds can be created to fit the unique windows in your home.

Remote Controlled Shades Atlanta

Custom Panels

Panels hang from above your window, straight to the floor. Their uniquely uniform shape allows them to be placed strategically to cover windows of all shapes and sizes. When panels are not being used, they can be pulled to the side and secured, allowing for light to enter the home. Custom panels can be created from various textiles, allowing you control of the design and light block capacity of the fabric.

Motorized Window Treatments

In many homes, large windows are difficult to cover and overcover because of the size of the window treatments. Motorized window treatments are easy to use, darkening a room or allowing light in with the push of a button. The motorized window treatments at Peachtree can be customized to fit various window sizes.

Finding the perfect window treatments for your special shape or large windows is possible, you simply need to exercise a little creative and know exactly where to look. We love Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta because of their versatile inventory of window coverings and the assistance they provide in their free shop-at-home appointments. While a do-it-yourself window treatment may be possible, the ease and time-savings provided by a professional installer can’t be beat.

*Mary Sauer is a writer for Modernize.com a home improvement website based out of Austin, Texas that focuses on design ideas.

Professional Made Curtains, Atlanta Georgia

Add That WOW Factor To Your Atlanta Home’s Interior With Professional Window Treatments

Written by admat on May 8, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Interior Design, Window Treatments.

Window treatments are easily overlooked yet they are an important part of any interior scheme. Not only can they add interest and texture, but they can also help regulate the temperature of your home. Tailored styles of window treatments work well in larger rooms and formal settings. These more structured designs will often feature valances that cover the poles or tracks and can be covered in matching or contrasting material.

Other formal styles add details such as swags and tails or pole drapery which add richness and flourish to the design.

An Atlanta professional curtain maker will ensure a crisp and neatly tailored design, whatever the style and dimensions of the window. If you are looking for a softer, more relaxed look, layered curtains are a huge trend now. Sheer or lightweight fabrics in varying tones or contrasting colors provide warmth, softening the light as it enters the space while keeping the overall appearance light and airy. This style is also a great way to mix prints in to your room without overwhelming your scheme.

When hanging a layered window treatment, it is important to invest in a multi-channel track or multi-rod curtain rail so that there is not too much bulk at the top of the window. Layered looks are easily achieved with ready-made curtains from the shop shelf.

When choosing fabric for your window treatment, it is also important to consider how much light enters the room. Lighter colors are generally more resilient to sun damage, but will benefit from blackout lining if used in bedrooms so that you can darken the room for sleep. If your room gets a lot of sun, lining the curtains will also help them to last longer, and will help to regulate the temperature within your home. Lined curtains help to keep the sun out in the summer while keeping the warmth in during the winter months.

Another option is wooden shutters. Not only are they the perfect choice for the allergy prone as they are easy to wipe clean, there is also a huge range of styles suitable for any type of home. These range from solid panels to louvered blades and half-height, cafe-style shutters that are a great option for privacy while allowing maximum sunlight to flow into the room. A great tip is to choose a slightly thicker louvered blade because these are great for the Atlanta climate as they let in more air and block out the hot sunlight.

How To Clean Your Blinds and Shades

Written by admat on April 6, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Roman Shades, Window Blinds, Window Treatments.

Dusting your shades and blinds is not a fun chore to do and you probably do not attempt it very often. Many times window treatments do not get cleaned because homeowners are not quite sure what to use or how to clean them. But it really only takes around 30 minutes to an hours, depending upon number of windows, to clear your conscience and your view. Below is a list of common window coverings and how best to clean them. *Important Note: for shades with delicate fabrics such as silk, you should contact the manufacturer for instructions on proper cleaning. A professional cleaner may be needed in this case.

Faux and Wood Blinds

Faux-wood blinds are one of the most popular types of window coverings. If your faux-wood blinds are just dusty, using a vacuum with a dust brush attachment can make cleaning them a breeze. Simply close the blinds all the way, hold the bottom rail, vacuum one side, then turn the blinds the other way and vacuum the other side. When using the vacuum, make sure that the suction is on its lightest setting to avoid twisting or warping the slats. Handheld dusters like a Swiffer can also be effective here.

If your faux-wood blinds are in the kitchen however, they may have collected some grease and grime in addition to dust. This calls for a bit more thorough cleaning, but nothing that can’t be handled with some good ol’ white vinegar. Simply fill a small bowl with a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water, and then use a clean sock or microfiber cloth to dip in the bowl. Turn the blinds one way and wipe them while holding the bottom rail, then turn them the other way and clean the other side. The vinegar will take care of the grease and grime, and your blinds will be looking as clean as the day they were put up!

Most wood blinds are treated with a special finish to repel dirt and stains. Wood blinds can be cleaned with a good quality furniture polish and a soft cloth or clean sock. Spray the furniture polish on the cloth and wipe each slat individually. Avoid touching the cords.

For heavier cleaning, you can use plain water, but be careful not to saturate the wood. Wipe excess water immediately to prevent spotting, discoloration, or warping.

Insulating Blinds

Dust these with a hand-held vacuum brush on a low setting and spot-treat dirty areas with lukewarm water and a mild dish detergent. Dab, don’t rub, the fabric.

Panel Track Shades

These durable panels for large windows or doors are low-maintenance. Just glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over the panels to keep them fresh.

Roller shades

Roller shades now comes in a wide range of textures and fabrics. Give them a quick once-over with your vacuum’s soft brush tool and maybe a little spot cleaning. To clean classic vinyl roller shades, use a well-wrung cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water and wipe the shade in sections. Start at the bottom, and continue working (washing and rinsing) upward until the entire shade is clean. Leave the shade fully extended to dry.

You can also give really dingy vinyl shades a bath. Cover them in warm water in the bathtub and add several squirts of mild dishwashing soap. Using a soft brush, clean the shades on both sides. Rinse, allow to air-dry, and re-hang.

Cellular Shades (honeycombs)

Cellular shade window treatments are a hot pick for their energy efficiency, but they have a secret cleaning advantage, too. Just use the dusting tool on your vacuum. Give them a once-over on low suction, and you’re done. After dusting, most stains can be lightly blotted with a sponge, lukewarm water, and mild dish detergent.

Roman shades

Roman shades, whether they’re flat, pleated, or draped with swags need to be cleaned with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction. If necessary, spot-clean any stains with a cloth dipped in mild suds. Do not saturate; rinse and blot dry.

Sheer shades

Sheer shades can be adjusted to diffuse the light. These trendy translucent window shadings look delicate but are fashioned from sturdy, knitted polyester. Vacuum with the brush attachment on the lowest suction setting.

Window Treatments & Energy Efficiency – Atlanta, Georgia

Written by admat on March 30, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Treatments.

Windows have a huge impact on how our homes look, feel and function, so we want to get them right. But even the best windows have a hard time doing everything we want them to do — let in light and views, keep out the cold, etc. Happily, homeowners can make their windows perform better by choosing energy-efficient window treatments such as insulated curtains and blinds.

You can find some great solutions for how to make windows more energy-efficient, and your home more comfortable, without spending a lot of money. You can even make some insulated window coverings yourself.

Windows are often described as “holes in the wall” for good reason. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that windows typically account for 25 percent of annual heating and cooling costs in older houses, and can even be responsible for as much as 40 percent.

Even those of us whose homes have high-performance windows want them to work better. “It doesn’t matter whether you get the best window in the world. The first thing that anybody is going to do is change the way it works,” says Peter Yost, vice president for technical services at the publisher BuildingGreen. These changes take place with the addition of blinds, insulated shades, thermal curtains or other coverings.

So how do we make window treatments work for us, and still be efficient? To get the most out of our windows, we need them to be adjustable. Depending on the season and time of day, we may want to let in as much light, heat, fresh air and view as possible, or do our best to keep those things out, in the name of comfort, energy efficiency and privacy.

Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta has a complete range of energy-efficient, adjustable window treatments such as roman shades, plantation shutters and blinds and custom draperies. We are the home for Atlanta Hunter Douglas products.

Choose Quality When Purchasing Window Blinds for Your Atlanta Home

Written by admat on September 1, 2014. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Blinds, Window Treatments.

In the minds of many consumers, all blinds are created equal. To these individuals, blinds are blinds. Why bother worrying about who makes them? Who cares where they come from in the end? If you feel this way, you may want to rethink your stance. There are quality blinds, and there are flimsy and cheap blinds. Do you want something that looks good and lasts for years? Blinds made with care are the answer.

Custom Blinds Have a Longer Life than Mass-Produced Blinds

Blinds, Woodstock, Georgia You can get blinds at your local hardware store – but are you getting the best deal? Cheaper blinds may be a relief for your monthly budget, but these blinds end up costing you more in the long run. They break easily, suffer from yellowing, and warp. If your household has pets and kids, this is something to keep in mind. Consider the UV rating of blinds you want to purchase. Quality blinds made of faux wood have a 500 hour rating or greater. Feeble Chinese blinds fall short of this.

You Get More Options with Quality Blinds

When you buy custom blinds for your Atlanta home, you get something tailored to the unique needs of your home. You don’t get exactly what you want with generic blinds. You may end up with blinds that don’t fit the window properly and require labor-intensive alterations. Some material options available for blinds include faux wood, real wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Each has their positives and negatives. For example, real wood looks attractive but needs special care. If you have a theme in mind for a room, it’s possible to get quality blinds in a color that compliments it. It’s up to you and what you want to achieve. Out of the box blinds limit your choices. They leave you up a creek if you don’t like what you see at the store.

Privacy Is Always Intact

Wooden Blinds, Woodstock Cheap, light blinds make it easy for people to see the inside of your home. Slats may fall off if someone pulls at them. If you have a cat, he may put his head through the blinds and leave them stuck in an open position. When you lift the blinds, it may be difficult to lower them at a later time. If you have possessions that you wish to keep hidden, this is a hazard. Quality blinds made in the USA make it painless to keep everything you love away from prying eyes. Their structure ensures stability and durability. Give your family more control over their environment.

Still think all blinds are the same? When push comes to shove, quality blinds give you more for your money. They offer you style, comfort, and appeal. Contact Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta to find out what you can do to get blinds customized to all your needs and will last.

Window Treatment Trends to Look For In 2014

Written by admat on April 21, 2014. Posted in Color & Fabric Trends, Window Treatments.

The times they are a-changin’ – just ask anybody in the field of interior design. A color or pattern is hot one year – the next year homeowners may find it hideous. It’s hard to know what will be in demand, and some people spend much of their time attempting to keep up through whatever means necessary. Whether you care about wall accessories or couch fabrics, there is always a cycle. When it comes to window treatments, the possibilities are nearly endless. Window treatments are design elements you put on, around, or over windows. What developments can we look forward to in the year 2014?
Window Covering Trends 2014

Many homeowners are opting to use custom-made window treatments. Custom treatments ensure that you will be the only one who owns a particular item, but this option is also useful when you are dealing with an unwieldy space. If you think that custom decorations for your windows will cost you an arm and a leg, it may surprise you to learn that it doesn’t have to be that way. You can find fabrics that won’t require that you live on noodles in order to afford them, and you don’t have to sacrifice workmanship and taste. A qualified company can work with you to find what suits your preferences.

Another trend worthy of note involves the need to allow sunlight to come into the home. It used to be that people used shades and blinds that permitted complete blockage of any influence from nature. However, translucent drapes are a common want these days for people who wish to cut back on electricity costs. When you use natural light, it’s not necessary keep a lamp on at all hours of the day. Sheer curtains make it easy to gain light from the sun and privacy at the same time. Window treatments of this kind can bring benefits to tall and small windows alike.

What else is there? The vintage look is making a place for itself in the world of modern home decor. If the idea of filling your home with antiques sends you running for the door, recall that nostalgia is a powerful force in today’s world. What is old becomes new again, and you can breathe new life into your grandmother’s furniture or fine china collection. There are many items on the market that utilize the “shabby chic” trend, and there are countless window treatment options you can add to your own house.

Trends will always exist – the turning of the tide is something you can’t prevent with even the most advanced of equipment. Why not take that fact and mold it into something positive for your home? You can give your windows an original, brand-new look with the help of Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta. Our expert team can give you the window treatment advice you need and push you in the right direction. Call us to learn more.