Window Coverings: What Type Should I Choose?
BWS Design • June 2, 2016

Deciding what type of window coverings to use in your home can be a challenge. You want privacy, energy efficiency, and of course, they have to appeal to your sense of style. The truth is, there are several types of window covering, and each offers a unique advantage. In this product highlight , we’ll discuss custom blinds, shutters, shades, curtains and draperies, and how each is different. You’ll also learn about the benefits that each offer so you can make the right choice for your home. 

Custom Blinds

The beauty of window blinds is that they are very simple in design. This is beneficial because they won’t compete with other design elements. It makes no difference what your design aesthetic is, custom blinds will satisfy your window covering needs. Off-the-shelf blinds that are the right size can be difficult to find, especially for custom-built homes. However, custom blinds are made to fit the exact dimensions of your window, regardless of size. There are a variety of styles of blinds, including horizontal and vertical versions and those with thin or wide slats. What’s more, they come in a variety of materials, colors and textures making it easier to match any décor.

Window Shades

When you think of shades, you probably envision those old white pull-down shades that hung in your parents, or grandparents house. Shades are still made in a similar fashion, meaning they’re a single piece of material that covers the window. Custom window shades are made to fit your windows precisely and the highest quality materials are used. Matching your décor is easy with materials such as designer fabrics, and harder materials like bamboo and wood. You can also choose styles such as roman shades, roller shades, cellular shades and pleated shades. Other options are also available, including motorized and top down options that allow for maximum convenience and privacy.

Custom Shutters

If you’re looking for a window covering that is truly unique, consider custom shutters for the interior of your home. They are a more permanent option than draperies, blinds and shades, since they don’t need to be replaced as often. Louvered shutters allow you to adjust the amount of light that comes in, and they also allow for air-flow control. Their insulating capabilities help keep your home cool in the summer and warmer in the winter months. You can choose from a variety of stained and painted finishes in endless colors to match your interior design. A major benefit of these shutters is that they look great, no matter what style décor you have, from rustic to modern.

Custom Draperies

If you’re looking for a softer look for your window coverings, custom draperies are a good option. As with the previous window treatments, drapes are created using a variety of materials. Choose from heavier fabrics that block out light, or lighter, airy fabrics that encourage natural light to come in. One of the biggest benefits of heavier draperies is that they also help to keep the temperature in your home regulated. When they are closed, they help hold in warm, or cool air, and when open, they allow air to flow through with ease. When drapes are paired with blinds or shades, the energy saving effects are even more noticeable.

When it comes to window treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Every home, and every homeowner are unique, which is why custom window treatments are so popular. If you’re interested in learning more about custom blinds, shades, shutters or draperies, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you decide what option is best for you. We offer free in-home consultations, expert measuring and professional installation so you can rest assured you’re getting the best product for your needs.

Expert Advice by Just Blinds

What Your Window Treatment Says About You: A Personality-Based Guide

April 23, 2025
Your selection of window treatment products and services is not merely about getting a job done. Rather, if you look hard enough, you can find direct correlations between the type of person that you are and the window treatment that you select. We have created this personality-based guide to help you best discover what kind of window treatment truly matches your spirit. The Dependable Type: Wooden Blinds You are the person that all of your friends can count on. You are the type of person who truly sticks to your plans when you make them, and you are the type of person who will choose wooden blinds for your home. Privacy is important to you when selecting your blinds, and that is why you find yourself pulled into the idea of putting up wooden blinds. Besides that, they happen to be highly functional, and that's not something that you are willing to pass up either. The Planner: Blackout Curtains Those who value truly getting the most value out of their blinds or anything else that they install in their homes will think very carefully about their options. For those people, going with blackout curtains makes a lot of sense. They want to gain as much value as possible out of their options, and they know that they can significantly improve their quality of sleep and so much more when they opt for blackout curtains. These also happen to be a great option for those who work night shifts or other odd hours and yet still want to enjoy their sleep. They need blackout curtains to help increase the quality of that sleep and allow themselves to get their day started right. The Tech Enthusiast: Smart Shades They roam among us: The type of people who are quick to adopt any new technology and get to work figuring out how it can improve their lives. These people are great because they are not afraid to take a risk and because they help to move our society forward. They simply want to get more out of each day, and they often do so by adopting and using the latest technologies. These individuals will gravitate towards smart shades for the following attributes: Innovation - Who wants to stick with the boring old ways of shading one's house? Smarter options are now available, and you better believe that the tech enthusiasts among us are willing to latch on to them. Efficiency - These shades are a more efficient option for those who care about that kind of thing. They can be easily activated and set up to open or close automatically (how cool is that?!). Progressive - The "cool" factor is a big deal for people who fall into this category as well. They might not admit to it right off the bat, but they care deeply about what others think about them. As such, they want window shades that have that cool factor attached to them. The Dreamer: Sheer Curtains Finally, we land upon the dreamer. This is the person who views every day for the possibilities that it can bring. They are not scared off by those with a negative attitude. If anything, they believe that they can change those people! Instead, the dreamer wants sheer curtains because they bring in soft light, open spaces, and bring about a feeling of possibility all throughout the house. Sheer curtains are the ideal option for someone who classifies themselves in this way. They will receive plenty of compliments on their curtains, and they will appreciate how open they are to the world.  Which kind of person are you and which window treatment option makes the most sense for your personality? For more inspiration and ideas, reach out and contact us today.

5 Unexpected Places Homeowners Are Installing Outdoor Shades

March 13, 2025
We all know and understand the concept of installing outdoor shades on a patio. It is the classic way to create a cool and comfortable space for yourself and your friends to spend some quality time together outdoors. There is nothing wrong with that, but it is limiting to think that the patio is the only part of one's property where outdoor shades are appropriate. There are some surprising and unexpected places where homeowners have taken to installing outdoor shades recently. We want to take a look at some of these to provide you with ideas for your next home improvement project. 1) Balconies Some homes are built quite close together, and some homeowners naturally feel like they would like to do more to protect their privacy. Although their neighbors might not intentionally be looking through their balconies, it is easy for the human eye to drift. Thus, some city-dwelling homeowners have made the choice to install outdoor shades in this area. On top of keeping prying eyes off of your property, outdoor shades also block the sun rays from your balcony as well creating a more comfortable space to spend some time. 2) Outdoor Kitchens One of the most delightful social experiences that someone can have is to invite over a large group of friends for a meal cooked outside. It gives everyone the opportunity to share stories, laughes, and a bit of food all at the same time. Of course, this is best done in an outdoor kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen is a space where you should feel comfortable and have the ability to entertain a large group of people all at the same time. This means looking at installing outdoor shades to provide an extra layer of protection from the heat of the sun. Thus, this has become another area where homeowners are quickly installing outdoor shades. 3) Poolside Lounges Now we are really talking! Who doesn't love to kick back with their favorite cold beverage and spend some time relaxing next to the pool? That is what you can enjoy more completely when you set up a poolside lounge with outdoor shades. Poolside lounges are meant to be a place where you can spend several hours at a time. However, it can get pretty hot while doing so if you don't put some outdoor shades in place. Get those shades up so you can let all of your worries melt away as you take in the smell of pool water and sunscreen. 4) Garden Areas Do you enjoy a little gardening in your downtime? You might like it even more after setting up outdoor shades that protect you from the excessive heat of the sun. Gardening is labor-intensive work and can take several hours of diligent labor to do it properly. However, you don't want to overextend yourself and end up getting physically overworked. Keeping some of the sun away is an excellent way to ensure that you don't overdo it. Just make sure that you check up on the sunlight needs of the various plants that you intend to put into your garden before installing outdoor shades. 5) Exterior Windows Did you know that it is possible to reduce your energy bills by installing outdoor shades? It's true! If you place outdoor shades on the exterior windows of your home, you can reduce the strain placed on your air conditioning by naturally reducing the overall temperature within your living space. This means less money out of your pocket and more money for working on your next project.  There are many interesting places where homeowners are installing outdoor shades these days. For more creative ideas on what you can do with yours, reach out and contact us now.