Home Makeover Diva

Home Design Makeover Ideas

Window Treatments To Block Out The Sun

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Today, I received the following Diva question about window treatments to block out the sun:

Dear diva, I am at my wits end. I need to find some sort of window treatments that are able to do a suitable job at blocking out the sun but am not having a lot of luck? Can you give me some ideas to help me get started?

Actually I do have some thoughts. To start with, consider window film, which is probably the most inexpensive. It can be in purchased with a variety of features as well.  You can even get film that will control glare, give you privacy, tint the light, block the heat or a combination of controlling glare and blocking heat.  They also prevent harmful UV rays from damaging your furniture or fading your flooring.  Just be careful that you won’t void your manufacturers warranty by using them on your windows.  Most can’t be used on new energy efficient windows like Low E. Window film is used in many areas of the home and has commercial uses as well.  While you might not think that this sounds all that eye pleasing, realize that this is merely something to help block the light. The actual window treatment is highlighted next.

window treatments to block the sun

Think shades – Instock Solar shades that is! Solar shades can be found at local big box hardware stores can also fit the bill. When purchased as an instock shade this also an inexpensive option.  Be careful though, as some are only good on keeping glare down and cutting down harmful UV Rays – hence the mention of using the film previously.  These solar shades basically look like a heavy duty window screen, often in brown, white, cream or black. They are prefect for areas where you want to still be able to see out your window towards a view, but needs something to protect your furnishings.  Often times used in offices to cut down on the computer glare, tv rooms, or formal living spaces.

Go custom – custom solar shades! Custom solar shades ordered at big box home improvement stores, specialty shops and online can be pricey.  It all depends on what type you are looking for.  These shades are offered in larger sizes and have more options available to you, the consumer.  Some are “screen like” and help protect against UV, and Glare — something often lacking with the instock option.  Custom solar shades are offered cordless and with cord control for maximum control.  Other custom solar shades are made out of Mylar and reflect heat, reduce glare and reduce light.  They are often long term options because of the price, but are offered in a gamut of colors and patterns.  The nice thing about window shades versus the film is that the solar shades won’t void any window warranties.

Do you have questions about the selecting or the installation of: tile, carpet wall treatments (window blinds, etc)? Then email me your tale of woe and perhaps I will be able to answer your questions right here at the Home Makeover Diva Blog!

Upgrade Your Window Treatments To Sell The House

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Selling your home? Don’t forget to upgrade your window treatments to sell the house.

An easy way to make your home more attractive to potential buyers is to upgrade your window treatments. A lot of sellers upgrade everything else but forget to upgrade their window treatments. This can be be a big mistake for some buyers, especially if you have old grimy mini blinds.

Replacing those blinds

Replacing old blinds can be done in a snap. In today’s market people are looking to see more natural light, so don’t limit 3721092146_e8f22ea87fyourself with those old dusty mini blinds. They hardly let anything in. Replace them with today’s alternative 2″ faux wood blinds. They are attractive and they let in double the amount of light as mini’s. They are very popular right now, and can be found at great prices,  especially if your sizes fall between 17″-72″ wide and aren’t any taller than 72″. You can buy those at home improvement warehouse near you and even have them cut the width to fit your windows for you. Most places don’t adjust the length for you though. But in most cases if you can read directions and are handy, as well as the time and patience you can do it yourself.

If your blind sizes don’t fit in that range then consider custom made blinds. Just remember, custom blinds take time to be made, so give yourself at least three weeks for custom orders.

Blind replacement cost

So what about cost? Every company has a starter price group that while are more expensive than stock blinds, aren’t as astronomically priced as the top of the line. The great thing about custom blinds is that they are made exactly to your size, so you won’t have to shorten the length like you will for those in stock blinds.  If your price conscious look around at who has the best deal. A lot of window treatment companies offer promos every couple of months. Bali and Levolor for instance, are two great brands that provide a good value. Often, they are well priced too, you just need keep your eyes open.

Choosing Solar Shades Options For Every Budget

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Inexpensive range:
 One option for choosing inexpensive solar shades would be the rolls of film you put on your windows. Just beware that some newer windows warranties are void if you use that film, so check with your window manufacturer first before automatically taking the easy way out for solar shade options. Now the films themselves range in color of tints (silver,gold, platinum etc) and come in different sizing. But an average sized window can usually be done in $20 bucks or less.

Today’s newer films are much easier than traditional window tinting options. They don’t require a special formula to spray on the window and while it is still helpful to use a squeegee to apply them, they don’t rip or bubble as easy as they did as recently as five years ago.

Choosing Solar Shades

Mid range:
I must admit, I’m a big fan of the big box home improvement retailers because they help cater to every price range. If you’re looking for middle of the road to mid range solar shade options, check them out. Physically drive down there to what they have in-stock. Stores like Home Depot in particular, have solar shades by Design View that comes in 2 colors and look a lot like a mesh screen.

So you can still see out of and not have to worry about the UV rays fading your furniture or new cabinets and wood floors. For their in-stock selections, you will be limited to a max size of 60″ and it’s around $60. Keep in mind that they can be cut down to just about size under 60″ that you need though, so you get the custom look without the custom price.

More expensive range:
Custom order solar shades range in price depending on style, brand, and size. Many companies have a book of fabrics to choose from. Some of these listed, look just like mesh screens, while others have patterns and even fabrics that look like woven woods. The right match for you just depends on what your taste and your budget is.

Besides, the other great thing about “special order” roller shades is they are custom made just for you and they have a lot of extras you can add. Such as, cordless or corded controls, decorative hems and tassels, delicate beading and upgraded valances. But with custom orders also come custom prices, be prepared to shell out more money to get the shades to look and function exactly how you like. Also give yourself around three weeks for a lead time. So order ahead of time if you have an special events planned. Follow this advice alone on placing special orders with any big box store is going to save you a tremendous among of stress overall.