Exterior Shades vs. Retractable Awnings: Which Is Better for Your Outdoor Space?

Fabric Roman shades are great window dressing to combine personal expression with other benefits, such as privacy and taking up less space than traditional drapes. Choosing the right one can be complicated, especially as they come in many fabrics, textures, and patterns. You don't just want to pick "good" Roman shades, but rather the right ones for the specific room you are putting them in. Here are some tips on how to choose Roman shades for every room in your house. Living Room Your living room is where you spend a lot of your waking hours and often invite friends. For the living room, you want Roman shades that coordinate with your furniture and express your personality. It's also a higher traffic area, so you want to choose durable fabrics that are easy to clean. Bold prints or textures will draw the eye to your windows, but if you have, say, a lot of nicknacks, you may want to go with solids for a neutral background that helps your interior decor pop. If you have a home theater, consider blackout liners to reduce light when watching movies. Layer with drapery for a cozier look. Bedroom Roman shades are not always the best choice for your bedroom, depending on the style of your window. Make sure that your shades will fit snugly, blocking light. A blackout liner is a good idea, especially if you work shifts or enjoy naps during the day. You can also extend the overhang to keep out more light. The need for a blackout liner may reduce the available styles, but you should definitely coordinate with bed linens as much as you can. This is another great place for layering with curtains, both to keep out the light, and to present a relaxed appearance. Dining Room For your dining room, you may want to maximize natural light in the summer. Sheer shades can block glare and keep the room cool, while allowing plenty of light in. They can also diffuse light from annoying street lights or your neighbor's bright patio light...or even your own bright patio light. In general, go for lighter fabrics, but not too delicate. While candlelit dinners are great, so are summer meals with the sunset streaming in. Home Office This is a lot like the dining room - you are most likely wanting to preserve natural light while preventing glare. Screen glare from your windows can really impact your productivity. Choose sheer, delicate fabric that allows plenty of light through. You can also apply a bit of color theory. Blue is great for productivity and focus, while purple helps creativity. Consider what colors help you personally focus and get your work done. \ Nursery A lot depends on the age of your kids. But fabric Roman shades are available in cute patterns ideal for younger children...you can get floral or teddy bear prints, for example. Keep the trim inside the window...that way your kids are less likely to pull on the drapes. They are great window coverings for any kid's room . If your child finds it hard to sleep in total darkness, Roman shades are a great option to dim the room without completely excluding light. Alternatively, blackout or light-filtering shades help with daytime nights. Older kids should get a say in the patterns they want...dinosaurs? Superheroes? Their favorite book series? Bathroom Bathrooms have a particular concern: Moisture. Because of this, you need special waterproof fabric that is designed to handle being splashed and exposed to high humidity. Privacy is also a concern for many bathrooms, so you want to use a thicker shade that blocks any view of activities within. For smaller bathrooms, choose a lighter color that opens out the space. Kitchen Kitchens also warrant waterproof fabric because of high levels of moisture, but you typically want a lot of natural light while baking or doing meal prep during the day. Choose waterproof fabric that lets more light in if you can find it. And consider subtle patterns that invoke your cooking style, such as herbs or flowers. For any room, think about how the shade pattern fits in with your overall sense of style. Choose colors and patterns that blend in with your home. If you're not sure where to start, contact Just Blinds to talk about our custom Roman shade designs and what might work for your room.

Plantation shutters are a great statement. They help your home stay cool in summer and warm in winter, while maintaining a southern style that speaks to Alabama's traditions. They're still a solid option for many homes, adding an air of elegance, lowering energy bills, and supporting not just privacy and light control, but also noise control, especially if you live near a highway...or a neighbor who insists on using one of those leaf blowers. But you might be asking how best to clean and maintain plantation shutters, especially traditional wooden ones. What Do Plantation Shutters Need? The short answer is: Not much. They need remarkably little maintenance . In fact, the biggest problem people have is over-cleaning their shutters and causing damage. What they do tend to do is attract dust. Use a feather duster to remove obvious dirt, running it between each blind and making sure to hit the tops and the bottoms. A clean, dry cloth works too, but a feather duster is much easier. Alternatively, put the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner and run it over the shutters. Either way, consider vacuuming the carpet around your shutters to pick up any dust you dislodged while cleaning. Then, run a dryer sheet over your shutters. This helps reduce the amoujnt of dust that sticks to them. Do this about once a week. Some people also use a microfiber cloth. What If They're Super Dirty? Obviously, the goal is not to let them get that way. But if you have kids or pets, they can get quire grimy. In that case, use a clean sock or cotton glove and dip it in white vinegar. Place it over your hand and run it over each blind slowly to remove dirt and stains. You may need to use more than one sock or glove. Many people find cotton gloves easier if they have them. You should keep going until you don't see any dirt on your sock after cleaning...then just toss the sock in the laundry. This can take a couple of hours, so be ready. If you have vinyl plantation shutters you can use warm water and a mild soap solution in a spray bottle. Don't forget to clean the shutter frame and hinges. For wooden shutters, you can also use a wood-safe cleaner on a barely damp cloth. If you do use water, dry your shutters thoroughly to avoid mold growing. What Not To Do That's what to do, but here's what not to do so as not to damage your shutters: Use water. If you have faux wood shutters, this might be fine, but expensive wooden shutters can warp if they get wet - remember that plantation shutters are interior window treatments and not set up to handle getting wet repeatedly. Never, ever soak the slats. Use liquid cleaners routinely. Only use vinegar when your shutters are particularly dirty, use the smallest amount you can, and never use bleach, ammonia, or other harsh cleaners. Use abrasive pads, as these can damage the stain or paint on your shutters. How to Protect Your Shutters So They Last Longer Stained shutters should be treated with a compatible conditioner or polish every three to six months. Painted wood shutters should be repainted every three to five years, but if you have paint damage you can do it sooner. You can also repaint them to change the appearance of your room. If you have vinyl shutters, you need to use exterior acrylic paint, even though they are indoors. Other paints will not adhere to the vinyl and will peel. If you have composite shutters, check with the manufacturer.  But the best way to preserve your plantation shutters is to dust them every week so they stay clean and fresh and don't need heavy cleaning. If you're looking into plantation shutters for your home, contact Just Blinds - we have a great selection and can advise on the best options for every room.

Black window frames create a stunning statement, whether you're using them as part of a darker room or an accent. When the time comes to choose window treatments, you want to keep showing them off. However, whether you want to contrast with your black frames or use them as part of an overall darker system for the whole room, it's important to choose an option that fits your style, your room, and your expectations. What to Consider When Selecting Window Treatments The first thing to consider when selecting window treatments is the purpose of the room. If it's a bedroom, for example, you may want to be able to block out light or create privacy. In a media room, you may want the option to block out light completely--while in your living room or kitchen, you may want to let in more light to brighten up the room. Next, evaluate: The size of the room. All-black window treatments in small rooms can shut down the overall size of the room and create a heavier appearance that may not fit your needs. The lighting in the room. Dark window treatments block much of the light coming from the windows. If there isn't much artificial lighting available in the room, you may not be able to get the visibility you want and need. Maintenance. Some types of window treatments, including drapes and curtains, are easier to maintain than others. Consider how much time you have to put into that maintenance process before making your purchase. These first steps can help you select window treatments that both complement your black window frame and fit your lifestyle and the purpose you have in mind for the room. Window Treatment Options for Black Frames Once you have considered how you intend to use the room and how window treatments may combine with your black frames, take a look at some of these options for your space. Solar Shades Solar shades help filter sunlight and block UV rays while still letting in some light. They also allow enhanced visibility, which means they will still highlight your black window frames and ensure that you can show off your home decor choices. Hneycomb Shades These beautiful shades can help decrease sun exposure and, in many cases, brighten the room. Honeycomb shades offer an energy-efficient option that can decrease direct sunlight exposure and lower energy costs, making them an ideal choice when your room sits in direct sunlight. Wood Blinds If you're looking for an option to maintain warmth and polish, wood blinds can help create exactly the atmosphere you're looking for. If you'reinstallin gwood blinds with black window frames, make sure your room has plenty of natural or artificial lighting available so that you won't darken the room too far. Drapes Adding drapes to your windows--regardless of the color of their frame--adds a touch of elegance and comfort. With so many design choices available, you can choose the option that best fits your room and your needs. Opt for light colors and flowing textures in rooms where you want to draw in light and darker, heavier fabrics in rooms where you want to create a warmer feel or block out the light. Let Us Help You Find Your Ideal Window Treatment At JustBlinds, we understand the many factors that go into choosing the ideal window treatment for every window in your home, whether you're trying to find a solution for a room with dark window frames or you're looking for window treatments for more of your windows. Contact us to let our experts assist you in selecting the ideal window treatment for your needs.

One of the best options for beach front homes is honeycomb shades.

Window dressings can help tie together a room. One option people don't think about enough is banded shades . These shades provided enhanced light control and privacy, and can look good in any room. They also fit various window sizes and shapes. So, what are banded shades, and when should you consider using them? What Are Banded Shades?  Banded shades have two layers of fabric, each one alternating between sheer and solid segments in horizontal stripes. This allows you to adjust your shades between totally opaque to black out light or totally sheer. Or you can have visible stripes for style. This gives you a lot of control over exactly how much light and heat enters a room. Using banded shades on south facing windows allows you better temperature control without completely excluding light. You can also switch the shades to opaque mode if you have specific privacy concerns (such as contractors working outside) or to dim the lights in a home theater on long summer days. Banded shades are also called zebra shades, dual shades, or layered shades. Banded Shades vs. Roller Shades Banded shades are sometimes confused with roller shades. However, roller shades typically have one fabric that is either opaque or sheer. Banded shades are still "roller shades" in the sense that they roll up or down, and can be rolled all of the way up if you want the window fully open. They can also be motorized and, if needed, cordless, making them a great option for people with children or pets. The difference is the two layers of fabric that allow for improved light control. Where to Use Banded Shades Banded shades work well in any situation where you may need natural light and privacy in the same room at different times of the day. They work well for living rooms, allowing you to exclude glare when watching a movie as well as protecting your privacy at night. They also work well for bathrooms, where you can adjust the bands to guarantee your privacy without completely excluding natural light. You can also move them to sheer mode when doing makeup before going outside, letting you check your look in natural light. Another place for banded shades is dining rooms, especially if you have a window that faces west and tend to get a lot of sun glare while eating dinner. You can adjust the bands to precisely block the glare without, again, completely excluding light. Home offices can also benefit for similar reasons; if you get glare for part of the day you can take care of it without having to work in the dark. Aesthetic Options with Banded Shades Many of the images you'll see of banded shades shows plain opaque bands. This doesn't have to be - banded shades come in a variety of colors and patterns to match the rest of your room. The stripes often draw attention, and a good pattern will make them even more striking. The sheer option can be any light color or can be nearly transparent to allow a better view of the outside. Our banded shades also have a fabric wrapped headbox that matches the shades, keeping the aesthetics consistent. You can also choose different band widths, both for precise light control and for the appearance you want. Banded shades can easily be cut to fit any window style. They're considered a modern style of shade and go well with modern furnishings and looks, and can match any color scheme. Precision Light Control But the real reason to get banded shades is for the precise light control they offer. Motorized shades are even better. You can program your shades to turn opaque at the time you need them to, such as when you know the sun, at that time of year, is shining straight at that window. They can then be made cordless, protecting young children and pets. And we can integrate them with smart home technology, which allows you to save specific band combinations for the exact light control you need. Intrigued? Contact Just Blinds to talk about your new window treatment and how banded shades can balance light and privacy for you and your family.

If you run a business, you're probably looking for ways to increase productivity and save money. You might be surprised to find out that solar shades can do both of these things. So, let's talk about solar shades and why your business should use them. What Are Solar Shades? Solar shades are used to reduce heat and UV transfer into a room without blocking the view. They filter the light rather than blocking it, and thus you still get plenty of mood- and productivity-enhancing natural light, but less heat. You can get them in a variety of colors and weaves - a 1% weave blocks 99% of UV rays, while 90% blocks 10%. However, 1% weaves do block the view significantly, and this is also a consideration. (If the shades block the view, employees are more likely to roll them up). How Solar Shades Help Your Business The primary way solar shades help your business is by blocking UV and heat, but still allowing your employees full access to natural light. Solar shades also: Reduce energy costs by reducing heat transfer through windows. This keeps your office cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Protect art work, interior decorations, and upholstery from UV fading. Reduce glare on computer screens without making the office darker Protects employees from damaging UV rays A pleasant, modern appearance What Solar Shades Do Not Do Solar shades do not prevent people from looking into your office at night. In fact, at night they block the view out rather than the view in. If you have concerns about night-time privacy (people seeing that only one person is working, etc) you may want to pair your solar shades with opaque shades. They also do not block all light. You may also want to install second opaque shades in conference rooms and viewing rooms where you want to dim the lights to make a presentation or video clearer. Even tight weave solar shades will not significantly darken the room. Do Solar Shades need Maintenance? Yes. The weave of solar shade fabric can become clogged with dust and debris, and your solar shades should be cleaned regularly. Consider this when choosing material and make sure that your office cleaners or janitors know the correct way to clean the shades. Solar shades typically last five to ten years before needing to be replaced. Choosing Solar Shades First of all, for businesses, we always recommend motorized shades that can be controlled using a remote and integrated with smart building systems so the shades can be opened or closed as needed. When it comes to choosing fabric, solar shades range from 10% weave to 1%, with 1% being the tightest. 10% weave allows in the most natural light and allows for views outside. 1% blocks much of the view. If your office has great views, then consider a looser weave so employees can appreciate them. If, on the other hand, you have a lot of glare and nothing outside worth looking at (maybe it's just the building next door), you might want to go closer to 1%. The weave is a balance between UV protection and view. \Remember that a tight weave and a good view will likely result in employees opening the shades, negating their benefit. You can also choose a variety of colors to match your office's deco. Light, neutral colors are typically best for offices, but choose something which complements your furniture and interior design. Remember that darker colors will make your space seem smaller; it's typically best to go with something like a light beige or gray, especially for tighter weaves.  If you're interested in finding out more about how solar shades can improve productivity and lower energy costs, contact Just Blinds today.

Outdoor shades are wonderful additions to your home. Not only do they allow you to enjoy mornings and evenings on your porch or patio in comfort, but they also protect you from some of the harshest side effects of the sun, including excessive UV exposure , which can lead to serious health consequences over time. If you have exterior shades installed, one of the best ways to protect your investment and ensure that your outdoor shades stand the test of time, protecting you and your family over the long haul, is to institute a routine cleaning and maintenance plan. How Often Should You Clean And Maintain Your Exterior Shades? Because needs will always vary by season and climate, it's best to visually inspect your exterior shades once a month. If you see any buildup of dust or pollen, or any obvious maintenance issues, address them immediately. At least once per quarter, you should also schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance check. Every three months, around the time the seasons change, schedule a day to clean and thoroughly check your blinds for any routine maintenance. Particularly if you live in the Southeast, we recommend scheduling thorough cleaning and maintenance in January, April, July, and October. 3 Steps to Cleaning Your Home's Exterior Shades First, start by thoroughly cleaning your exterior shades. Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need the following: A bucket and a mild cleaning agent A hose and water supply A soft brush or broom A soft cloth When it comes to your cleaning agent, be sure to avoid any solutions with harsh chemicals. If you haven't received information on any manufacturer-specific suggestions, we recommend using a mild dish soap diluted in water. Step 2: Dust away dirt and debris. Using your soft brush or broom, gently remove all excess buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. Make note of any trouble spots that will need more extensive cleaning. Step 3: Thoroughly clean your exterior shades. Begin by testing your cleaning solution in a small, hidden area. If you see any strong reaction, including erosion or discoloration, stop immediately and seek more information. Only if your shades respond well should you proceed with a full cleaning. Start by using your hose to gently rinse your exterior shades from top to bottom. Next, using your soft cloth, clean the shades, removing all accumulations of dirt and grime. After a final rinse with the hose, allow the shades to air dry in the sun. If necessary, repeat this step until your shades are fully clean. What Routine Maintenance Issues Should You Check For As You Clean? As you clean your exterior shades, keep your eyes peeled for any routine maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. Trouble spots to watch out for include the following: Fading color. Though color fading in itself is not an emergency, it can show that your exterior shades are beginning to show wear and tear. Assess the extent of the damage and consult with Just Blinds to evaluate the projected longevity of your current shades. Sagging shades. Sagging shades don't necessarily need to be replaced, but they may need to be re-tensioned. Check the external hardware and see if anything needs to be tightened up or replaced. Rips, tears, gaps, or holes. No matter how small, these issues need to be addressed immediately. Addressing these issues early can prevent the damage from growing, preventing more costly repairs down the line. Buy a patch kit and follow the instructions for sealing up any trouble spots. Just Blinds Is Here to Help  To hear more about how to maintain your exterior shades, or to learn more about how outdoor shades can add value to your home and help you better enjoy your outdoor living areas by reducing heat, offering increased privacy, and lowering your UV exposure, feel free to contact us . We look forward to serving you.

Kids' rooms can be a challenge to decorate, especially with younger kids who might not have developed their own taste yet. Window coverings are an area many parents neglect, but you can do some really fun things with them. So, here are some tips to make a kids' room interesting with blinds, shades, drapes, and other window dressing ideas. Safety First Before we get to the fun, though, we need to talk quickly about safety. Particularly, if you have young children, you should not use corded window coverings . Children can easily become tangled in the cords and may end up being strangled. This is particularly important when decorating rooms in which a child might spend time unattended. Also avoid putting cribs, playpens, beds, etc near windows. Use cordless blinds and shades instead. A perfect choice is cordless roller shades, that also don't have any cords between slats. They're also easy to clean. Light-Filtering Young kids often nap during the day. If their room gets a lot of light, consider blackout or light-filtering shades that you can close when they nap to help them get some sleep. You can also use these shades to keep the room from becoming glare central. White blackout shades can become invisible when not in use, so you can get the look of an undressed window. Glow-in-the-Dark On the other hand, many kids aren't hugely fond of total darkness at night. Glow-in-the-dark shades can help chase away the shadows and look cool. They typically fade after about thirty minutes, but usually kids are asleep by then. You can coordinate with other glow-in-the-dark accessories, such as ceiling stickers, for a particularly starry effect. Include Their Favorites These days, you can get all kinds of printed blinds. Does your little one love dinosaurs? You can get blinds with dinosaurs. Superheroes? Not a problem. If you can't get the exact fabric you want, it's not hugely difficult to buy the fabric and make blinds yourself...just make sure they're kid safe. As your kid gets older, they can pick out their own prints. Match Designs and Accent Colors Match blinds with lamp shades or curtains with accent colors to tie the room together. Your kids will start to develop a sense of style and adults often spend quite a bit of time there too. You can also put curtains over bookcases or toy storage to match the window decorations and make the room look less cluttered. You can, of course, always go with the classic of matching curtains and carpet, or choosing wooden blinds (for older kids) to go with wood flooring. Also, you can match curtains or blinds with your child's bedding for a coordinated look. Add Window Decals You want natural light during the day, but you also want something pretty? Window decals are a great answer and they come in a variety of kid-friendly designs. Teddy bears? Dinosaurs? Puppy dogs? Whatever your child wants, you can probably find it. Putting them behind curtains with a similar design means that day and night complement one another. Floor Length Curtains Small kids love floor length curtains...they can hide behind them. Choose designs that match something else in the room, but also bear in mind that a cool pole lets in light; you may want to layer blinds behind them to make sure you can get the room dark enough for your child to sleep. Bright prints and primary colors work well here. Let Them Have Fun And for one last fun idea...get transparent curtains or plain roller blades and let the kids decorate them with stickers, finger painting, felt, or whatever you have at hand. This gives your kids the ultimate personal look for their room...although they might get embarrassed by it in a few years! Parents should, of course, supervise and help and it may be best to do the decorating and then hang so kids can get to the top.  Decorating a kids' room is challenging...but also a lot of fun. The right window treatments can make a huge difference. Choose child-safe treatments, but also consider these ideas...and contact Just Blinds for even more suggestions.

Lake homes are among the most desired types of properties out there, and the added value that these properties can fetch is nothing to brush aside. In fact, according to HomeLight , lakefront properties consistently outperform other homes in terms of resale value: Thanks to the law of limited supply, lakefront properties generally come with a higher price tag than their inland counterparts. Although waterfront properties fluctuate in value like the rest of the real estate market, they consistently sell at a higher price than homes that are not on the water. As such, if you are the fortunate owner of lakefront property, you should do everything in your power to maintain that property to the highest standards and keep it fully equipped with the most desirable features. Among the features that you ought to include: Exterior shades! What Value Do Exterior Shades Add to a Lakefront Home? There are a lot of different things that one might choose to do to increase the value of their lakefront home, but few will provide as much benefit as adding exterior shades. Here are some reasons why you should consider this addition: Reduce Exposure to the Sun Without Hampering the View A major part of the appeal of lakefront homes is the fact that they tend to feature stunning views of the body of water on which they rest. You certainly wouldn't want to spoil that view by obstructing it. At the same time, you still want protection from sunlight streaming directly into your eyes. Fortunately, exterior shades offer the best of both worlds. They will: Reduce direct exposure to sunlight Keep internal temperatures within your home cooler Maintain that beautiful lakeside view that you desire Improve Your Property's Privacy Sure, it is nice to be neighborly when you can, but no one can fault you for also wanting a little privacy while you are out at your lakefront property. Since lakefront properties are typically situated near other homes, docks, and other areas accessible to the public, you should consider exterior shades to maintain your privacy without completely isolating yourself from the outside world. Exterior shades help reduce visibility into your home from outside docks, neighborhood houses, and more. If you want to enjoy your sanctuary without full isolation, then exterior shades are the way to go. Keeps Bugs and Grime Away Spend any time on the lake, and you will quickly realize just how attractive a body of water is to insects and bugs. Additionally, windy conditions can bring pollen, leaves, and other debris into your home. Exterior shades help to keep all of that out of your home and allows you to enjoy your lakefront home for all that it has to offer. Are There Other Reasons to Consider Exterior Shades? You better believe there are additional reasons to consider installing exterior shades. Namely, they add a lot of value to the home because they create a space that is both comfortable and low-maintenance. Many of today's buyers are looking for both of those attributes when they go house hunting. They want to see that any home that they might purchase isn't going to cause them an excessive amount of effort and grief to make it a comfortable space to spend some time. Exterior shades go a long way towards making that case. Besides that, exterior shades are highly durable and don't need to be cleaned often. They will help make your home more energy-efficient by naturally lowering the internal temperature. Plus, these shades help you to extend the portion of your home that you can use for living and recreational purposes. By providing additional shade, exterior shades can help keep certain areas cool enough to enjoy even in the heat of summer.  With all of this in mind, reach out and contact us today to schedule an appointment for getting exterior shades put on your lakefront property. It can be one of the smartest investments you ever make.