What’s New and Trending in Window Fashions Now?
bwsit • August 22, 2017

Looking to change the look of a room or two for the cooler fall and winter months ahead? Your windows are a great place to start, and the latest trends in window fashions do not disappoint! Designers have some very definite ideas for freshening up your windows as the season changes from summer to fall …

“Zebra” (Transitional) Shades

No, it’s not the black and white zebra print you’re imagining, although they do give a nod to those wild creatures of the Serengeti. Zebra or transitional shades, as they’re also known, are a chic and contemporary way to control light and add a little fun to your windows at the same time. The concept?  Alternating bands of solid and translucent fabric  make these a cross between a traditional blind and a roller shade! Once you see them, you’ll fall in love!

Neutrals

Grays and beiges  are coming on strong this season — in a soft, neutral sort of way, of course! These are the colors of calm and serenity, traits we can all use a little more of in our hectic lives! Both shades can contain little hints of color, too, as in rich blue-gray or beige with a touch of green. Whether you choose wooden blinds — which are now showing up with gray stains — warm, energy-efficient cellular shades, or traditional draperies or roman shades, you can’t go wrong with these soothing go-with-everything neutrals.

Cellular Shades

It’s no accident that cellular shades begin to trend when the seasonal change involves going from warm to cool. Cellular shades are insulating — just what you want to stay warm and cozy as the nights grow longer and the days grow chillier! And oh, by the way, they’re  great looking  too! With real functional value plus style and a variety of colors from which to choose, how can you go wrong?

Roller Shades

We’re noticing a trend toward shades — and we’re not just talking about the cellular variety.  Roller shades  are clean-looking, functional and available in a variety of colors and patterns. What’s not to like?

Silk Panels

While silk is a pricier option than some fabrics, there’s nothing like it for adding an air of elegance, sophistication and luxury to a room.  Nothing drapes quite like silk , and nothing warms up a dull room better, either!

Organic Materials

Woven woods are big right now, and that’s a good thing since window treatments like bamboo blinds work with any decor from ultra-modern to formal to rustic and  everything in-between. That versatility is what keeps them from ever really going out of style. They’ve been a designer favorite for years for that very reason. They also have a clean, yet warm look that doesn’t completely block your view of the outdoors, provide soft, diffused light, and yet offer more privacy than just a bare window.

A Move to Automation

In this age of electronic technology, it makes perfect sense to automate your window treatments to make opening and closing them as easy as pushing a button. And with today’s larger and/or  taller windows , they’re essentially a necessity! Motorized blinds or curtains also make sense from a child safety standpoint because they eliminate dangerous looped cords which have caused injury and even death in both toddlers and pets. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that automation only works with high-tech looking window fashions. You can still go as warm and traditional as you like, and layering with high thread count cotton fabrics or luxurious silks and velvets is one currently trendy way to do just that!

Made in the U.S.A.

Yes, made in the U.S.A. is in vogue again, and you’ll find plenty of options for window treatments made with the attention to detail and quality that are the hallmarks of American manufacturing.

Just Blinds  in Montgomery, Alabama has been serving Central Alabama clients for more than three decades. Why have we been around for so long? Simple. We offer the latest styles, technologies and trends, and we care about providing the kind of service every customer wants and deserves!

Contact us  to learn more about our extensive line of window treatments with some of the best names in the industry, and find out for yourself what makes our customers come back whenever they’re looking for the latest styles and the very best quality around!

 

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.