Each year, styles in window treatments come and go. Trends that were hot last year may carry over to the new interior decor season or may be replaced by something new. In 2024, we are looking at a delightful set of trends in blinds, shades, and curtains that embrace the developing attitudes and popular colors that are already giving the year a unique stylistic personality. At Just Blinds, we are delighted to keep up with the trends, helping homeowners, designers, and property managers to create stunning spaces that align with the latest in window treatment trends. The Hot Trends of 2023 Blinds and Shades Last year in 2023, we saw a great collection of trends, many of which have evolved and strengthened with the new year. 2023 explored the innovations of cell shades and honeycomb shades for the benefits of insulation and light control. Motorization gained a prominant place in both home and office design, and decorators discovered the dynamic possibilities of shades that operate from both the bottom and the top on floor-to-ceiling tracks. Texture saw a real debut with natural colors like wood finishes, linen, dusty rose, and moss green. Though bold patterns also had their day in the sun. The Trending 2024 Window Treatments In 2024, you may recognize a few trends still going strong from the year before, which is good news for those who decorated last year because your style is likely still right on-trend. But we are also seeing new trends developing with elegant enthusiasm. Smart Home Blinds The trend for motorized shades has naturally evolved to favor smart home controls. With a simple voice command, you can take control of all the motorized shades in a room, in your entire home, or set each shade to exactly the height and opacity you desire. Warm Neutrals and Bold Natural Colors Color trends favor a more natural palette. Neutral colors are warmer, even the grays and charcoals have a honey undertone, while natural colors like mossy and forest green are growing stronger in hue paired with a jewelbox of flower petal colors. If you're following the Colors of the Year, you may have also noticed an adoration of ocean blues, and you can match those blues with slightly darker or lighter blinds for beautiful effect. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Materials Natural materials and textures were popular in 2023, and 2024 takes this trend even further. Blinds made out of recycled materials are now on the rise alongside the growing popularity of blinds made from super-sustainable plants like bamboo, hemp, jute, and grass cloth. These offer natural colors, dynamic textures, and the delight of eco-friendly design. Gauzy Sheer Elegance Sheer curtains and semi-sheer blinds are also in fashion; a classic style that has been floating near the top of popularity for literal centuries. Sheer curtains and blinds maintain privacy while allowing sunlight into the room in a gently diffused glow. They also layer excellently with more robust window treatments. Creative Window Treatment Layering Speaking of layering, we are seeing an enthusiastic embrace of creatively layered styles. Wooden shutters, gauzy curtains, and black-out blinds are among the most popular layers, but decorators are getting creative with how they choose to to layer their window treatments, using both multiple fabrics and structures at the same time. Find the Blinds that Best Suit Your Needs How can you choose fantastic and on-trend blinds that perfectly suit your design needs? Fortunately, the diversity of this year's trends leave room for almost any personal sense of style and the individual needs of each room's windows. Start with the size of your windows and your room's existing color palette. Decide if you want to match, accent, or contrast the colors of the room. Then choose the opacity, privacy, and level of motorized control you desire. This should guide you toward a specific selection that will work well for your room. From there, it's a matter of specific features and your personal sense of style. Reach Out for Expert and On-Trend Advice If you are getting ready to decorate a room and want the perfect window treatments for 2024, we are only a phonecall or a visit away. Give us a call for expert advice in the right blinds or shades for each window in your home. Our on-trend window treatment experts will be glad to help tailor your window treatment design to your personal tastes, the latest trends, and the style of each of your rooms.

Is your AC bill keeping you down this summer? Is your home too hot? Window treatments can help cool your home, but you need to choose the right ones and use them correctly. Not all window coverings are made equal. Here are some of the best options to help keep your home comfortable and reduce costs this summer: Cellular or honeycomb shades. These are specifically designed to provide a high level of insulation that keeps the heat out of your home. They also don't block the view when completely drawn. As a bonus, you can get them in a wide variety of colors and patterns to match your home and in both top-down and bottom-up configurations. Drapery. Old-fashioned curtains can be surprisingly effective. Choose a medium color and have us add a white plastic backing to reflect heat out of your home. You can also use drapes to block some of the heat without excluding much light, allowing you to enjoy natural light flowing through your drapes. Fabric Roman shades. These are a distinctive option that really dresses up a room, and if you choose the kind with several layers they will definitely help keep the heat out. We have light filtering and blackout options and everything in between. Why Should You Use These Types of Shades or Blinds? The two reasons are to save money and help protect the environment. Good shades keep your home cooler and this means your air conditioning systems don't have to work as hard and use as much energy. In the northern hemisphere, it's most important to have heat-reducing treatments on your southern windows and you can allow more light in through windows that face north. Both cellular and Roman shades can also be motorized and even put on timers to close the shades when you are not there and then let light in when you return. The small amount of energy used by motorized shades is much less than that lost through naked windows. All of these shades can also add to the aesthetics of your room. Cellular shades are great to add a pop of color or a subtle pattern. Both drapery and Roman shades give a soft feel to your windows that then spreads to the rest of your room. What is the Best Choice? The best choice of the three depends on your personal aesthetics. Our designers can help you make the right choice. If you want motorized shades, cellular shades are the lightest and thus use the least energy, and can roll all the way up and down, leaving your windows completely unrestricted. Roman shades are more visible, but can be used to add fabric and color to a room. Many people still love the look of traditional window drapes. Note that you can also combine shades and drapes for the effect you want, both in terms of reducing heat loss and in terms of aesthetics. How Much Can I Actually Save? The amount you save depends on the kind of window covering you use and how much thermal gain your house typically experiences. The larger your windows, in general, the larger the benefit, especially south-facing windows. For example, medium-colored draperies with a white plastic backing can reduce heat gain by as much as 33% for that window. Most window treatments, though, reduce overall heat gain by about 10%. This can significantly reduce your bills, by $100 to $200 a month during the summer. Using the right window treatment can make your home more comfortable in the summer and save money while preserving the environment. For advise on which window treatments to choose for your home and to see our selection of blinds and shades, contact Just Blinds today.

The South is known for its distinct charm, warm hospitality, and of course, its unique climate. However, homes in this region face an exclusive set of challenges when it comes to window treatments. Southern summers can be brutal, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits and the sun beating down relentlessly. The solution? Blinds. They create a shield against the sun's harsh glare and help keep your home comfortably cool. While the South leans more toward classic aesthetics, functionality is just as important. Our top three blind choices that match perfectly with the quaint Southern-style architecture include faux wood blinds, cellular shades, and woven wood blinds. Here's why: 1. Faux Wood Blinds They are popular window treatment options that mimic the look and feel of real wood blinds but at a lower cost. They are typically constructed from durable PVC materials, which makes them more moisture and warp-resistant than their natural counterparts. This also allows them to be used in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms, where real wood blinds may not be apt. Faux wood blinds are a perfect choice for the South, as they offer the timeless elegance of real wood with the added benefits of durability and moisture resistance. They come in numerous colors, finishes, and slat sizes to complement your existing decor, plus they easily tilt to adjust light and privacy levels. In addition, they are incredibly easy to maintain, thus making them ideal for a busy Southern household. 2. Cellular Shades Also called honeycomb shades, cellular shades are window coverings with a distinct pleated cell design that resembles a honeycomb. They are typically made of soft, durable polyester fabric. This honeycomb structure creates air pockets that act as insulation to keep cool air inside during hot weather and prevent warm air from escaping when it's cold. In a southern home, where air conditioning is heavily used, cellular shades reduce the energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature substantially, which leads to lower energy bills all year round. Such innovative shades further come in a variety of fabrics and opacities that offer light filtering options for a gentle glow or blackout capabilities for a restful night's sleep. 3. Woven Wood Blinds If you want window treatments that add warmth, a touch of natural beauty, and texture to your home, consider woven wood blinds. Made from sustainable materials like bamboo, reed, or grass, these blinds offer a light, airy feel while still providing sun control. Their open weave design makes them perfect for Southern homes where heat can be a concern because they allow for ample light filtration and air circulation. Additionally, woven wood blinds provide some insulation to help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. They also come in multiple natural tones that effortlessly blend with the Southern aesthetic and lend an organic touch to any room. Embrace the Sunshine, but Control its Power with Just Blinds At Just Blinds, we know that your blinds are more than just window coverings; they're an extension of your unique style. That's why we offer numerous customization options, including accessories such as valances, decorative tapes, and motorized controls to help personalize your blinds and create a truly distinctive look. Our design team is here to help you with the selection process to ensure you find blinds that fit your needs and budget. We also provide in-home consultations, where our designers will assess your space, take measurements, discuss your preferences, and guide you toward the perfect window treatments befitting of a Southern haven. Call us at (334) 454-3796 or fill out our Online Contact Form to schedule a free consultation today. Let us help you in your decision-making process.

The surging popularity of woven shades is a testament to their beauty, practicality, and durability. Homeowners increasingly gravitate towards these natural and organic window coverings because they seamlessly infuse any space with a timeless rustic charm. Dig in as we detail why woven wood shades are popular and how to effortlessly use them to turn your home into a sustainable paradise. Why are They so Popular? Woven shades are popular because they're beautiful, practical, durable, and embody sustainability. They boast a distinct earthy look and are made from sustainably harvested natural materials such as bamboo, reeds, grasses, jute, and rattan. The rich textures and warm and inviting tones create a connection with nature by adding a hint of the outdoors into your living space. By combining a unique natural appeal and textured look, woven shades create a dazzling interplay of shadow and light, adding depth and visual interest to your windows. Woven wood shades also come in different design options—colors, opacity levels, and weaves—to infuse your home with warmth and character. Unlike traditional blinds, woven shades perfectly balance your lighting and privacy needs. Thanks to their excellent light filtration, woven shades gently filter sunlight, allowing soft, diffused light into the room without compromising your privacy needs. Some models feature adjustable liners for increased energy efficiency while providing additional UV protection to keep your floors, furniture, and art from fading. These dynamic window coverings pair effortlessly with other treatments, such as drapes or curtains, to give your home an airy feel or a dark, dramatic look. Woven wood shades also stand a cut above the rest due to their simple maintenance needs . You only need to dust them with a duster (preferably microfiber) or vacuum them with a brush attachment to keep them spotless. Since they're made from durable natural materials, these shades hold up to daily usage even when you have pets and kids. Where do They Look Best? What Style of Home?  Woven shades are versatile window coverings that bring out the best in every room. You may use them to add a natural elegance to your traditional or contemporary living room, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The exceptional privacy and light control make woven shades an ideal choice for the bedroom. They'll gently filter the sunlight to create a soothing ambiance that turns your bedroom into a cozy environment to let you enjoy quality sleep. You may use the natural hues and organic textures of woven shades to create a calming and inspiring environment in your home office. Since they're naturally moisture resistant, will not harbor mold and mildew, and are easy to clean and disinfect, woven shades made from reeds, bamboo, or jute are ideal for the bathroom. While you may use woven wood shades to complement a diverse range of home styles, their effect truly shines with some themes. The earthy tones, and organic textures lend a natural, beachy vibe to homes with a coastal theme, creating a serene, relaxed atmosphere. Woven shades align perfectly with the free-spirited and eclectic nature of a bohemian-inspired home . The artistic patterns and the earthy-colored materials will add depth and visual interest to your boho spaces. Additionally, woven shades effortlessly blend with the organic elements of a nature-inspired home or one designed around sustainability. Just Blinds Offers an Endless Array of Woven Shades Made in the Highest Quality At Just Blinds , we carry a diverse collection of high-quality woven shades to suit your needs. Our options comprise sustainability harvested bamboo, jute, reeds, and rattan shades in different design styles, colors, and weaves to elevate your living space. We offer diverse materials, colors, and patterns to let you customize the shades to complement your personal style and preferences. We offer different lift options, including cordless, traditional cord lock, motorized, and cord loop for matchless light control convenience. At Just Blinds, we're committed to your success, and our skilled team is on hand to help you through the entire process. We offer FREE on-site consultation to help you make informed choices and transform your home into a beautiful paradise. Ready to upgrade your home? Contact us today !

What's Trending in 2023?

What are Motorized Blinds? When shopping for window coverings, blinds are always a fantastic choice. They add style and curb appeal to your home while protecting your privacy and controlling how much light you let in and out. They come in various colors and materials to match every home's aesthetics. If you love traditional blinds' clean charm, you will love motorized blinds. Motorized blinds encompass everything you love about traditional blinds while adding innovative automation. With just a click of a button, motorized blinds can be opened or closed from anywhere in your home, and for even more convenience, motorized blinds can be set on a timer to open and close when needed. Why You Should Choose Motorized Blinds You might wonder what benefits motorized blinds add and why you should invest in them. Motorized blinds are more than a cool party trick. Here are just a few of the benefits of motorized blinds : Improved Sleep: Setting a timer that will open blinds thirty minutes before you wake up is a fantastic way to improve your health and sleep quality. Waking up gradually from sunlight is easier on your heart , and morning sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle, ensuring you get the quality rest your body needs. Save on Energy Costs: Motorized blinds can be opened and closed manually or on a timer to help you insulate your home or let in natural light when desired, saving you energy costs. Safety: Using a timer to open and close blinds when you are out of town makes your home appear occupied. Also, motorized blinds are cordless, leaving no loose cords for children and pets to get entangled in. Save Time: Motorized shades can be opened and closed with a simple click of a button. Better yet, you can close all your shades simultaneously, adding convenience and saving you time. Increase Home Value: Buyers want more technology, and appraisers adjust your home's worth accordingly. Smart home features increase a home's value by as much as 5% and this number will only increase. Questions to ask When Choosing Motorized Blinds Once you have decided to install motorized blinds in your home, there are some questions you should ask when shopping for them. What Smart Home Systems are the motorized blinds compatible with? If your home already has a Google or Apple smart home system, you will want to make sure the blinds are compatible. How are the blinds powered? Some motorized blinds are battery-operated, while others are hardwired. If they are battery-operated, ask what the average battery length is, as this will influence the cost of use. What are the overall fees? Often, there are other expenses besides purchasing motorized blinds. You may have to pay to have them installed and maintained, and some have an ongoing subscription fee. How are they Controlled? You will want to know if your blinds have a remote or smartphone app or are voice-activated. What warranties and ongoing support do you offer? Updating your home is an investment, and you must ensure your investment is protected. What Else Can Be Motorized? Blinds are just one of the things in your home that can be motorized. If blinds aren't your window covering of choice, most other window coverings can be motorized as well, including: motorized shades motorized shutters motorized drapes Who You Choose Matters  Motorization is a great way to save you time and money while simplifying your life. They are an investment you will not regret. Of course, who you choose to install your blinds matters. If you want variety, quality, and expertise, Just Blinds, Inc. is the best option in the Birmingham and River Region. They have over 35 years of experience installing custom window coverings for contractors and homeowners, ensuring your project will be seamless. Best of all, all of Just Blinds, Inc.'s blinds can be motorized, leaving you plenty of options so you can have the style and decor that perfectly matches your unique taste. For more information, stop by our showroom or contact us today !

Roman shades are more than just window coverings; they are a statement piece for your home decor. These versatile window treatments offer a unique blend of functionality and style, allowing you to showcase your personality while providing privacy and light control for your home. They can be customized to fit your specific needs and design preferences. You can transform your windows into stunning focal points that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Types of Roman Shades to Choose from Roman shades come in varied styles, each with distinct features and advantages, from traditional flat-fold designs to modern teardrop configurations that add elegance and sophistication to any room. They offer endless customization possibilities, whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist look or a bold, vibrant pattern. You'll be spoiled for choice from a wide range of material options. Fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen allow for a soft and luxurious feel, whereas wood or bamboo can provide a more natural and rustic look. Consider the level of light control you want and the room(s) where you plan to install the Roman shades when selecting the material, as explained next. Material Considerations for Roman Shades Roman shades are a type of window treatment made of soft, pliable materials. When in the lowered position, they lay flat against the window pane; when rolled upward, the fabric forms either draping folds or defined gathers. They are available in both functional and non-functional styles. Functional shades can be raised, lowered, and positioned anywhere along the window for adjustable light and view control. The fabric you select can make or break the look of your Roman shades. Therefore, consider how the fabric will suit your home's personality and needs in terms of: How much light you need to block out: Heavier, thicker, or darker fabrics offer more coverage than sheer options. Who will use the shades: Durable, easy-to-clean fabrics work well for high-traffic areas, whereas delicate fabrics are better for low-use spaces. The statement you want the fabric to make: Bold prints or textures can become a focal point, while solids provide a neutral backdrop. Where Do Roman Shades Look Best? If you have sizable windows in your family room, den, kitchen, and dining area, consider Roman shades. Their classic look and customizable nature make them a popular choice for these areas, letting you achieve both style and functionality. However, high humidity levels in bathrooms can cause the fabric to lose its crispness, potentially leading to mildew problems. Although adding a blackout liner and extending the overhang to your shades is an option, Roman shades may not fit a bedroom window snugly , thus allowing light to filter in. Mounting Option for Roman Shades There are two ways to mount Roman shades: inside the window frame or outside. Inside mounts preserve the window trim for a sleek, clean look but may leave small gaps. The latter gives better light control and is ideal where space is limited, or when you want to pair Roman shades with other window treatments like roller shades. Think about your specific needs, the amount of light control needed, and the overall design vision when deciding on the best mounting option for your Roman shades. Bring Out Your Inner Designer The great thing about Roman shades is their endless customization options. Personalize yours with specialty fabrics, unique colors, patterned linings, trim styles, lift systems, and more. You can even add extra features like blackout linings, side channels, or motorization .  Roman shades become a true design statement in your home by simply choosing details that match your style. Ready to transform your windows? Call Just Blinds at (334) 454-3337 or fill out our Online Contact Form to get a free estimate. A professionally trained consultant will help you browse our catalog and choose Roman shades that make a bold style statement.

Are you in the mood to refresh your home and infuse it with a renewed sense of style? If the answer is yes, then consider the transformative influence of custom drapes and window treatments. These understated elements hold the key to reshaping your living space. In this article, we'll delve a bit deeper into the impact that these unpretentious additions can have on uplifting the overall look and feel of your home, creating an ambiance that exudes warmth and comfort. How do you match the drapes and the window treatments? Understanding the Purpose and Functionality First things first, let's understand the roles. Drapes are for controlling light, privacy, and adding a touch of beauty. Window treatments, like blinds and shades, offer various options for light control and energy efficiency. Contemplating Decor Styles and Personal Preferences Consider your style preferences. Do you lean towards modern vibes or classic elegance? Think about your favorite colors and overall decor style – this will guide your choices. Teaming Up Fabrics and Hues Now, let's talk about fabrics and colors. Choose fabrics that complement each other and match your room's style. Play with textures and patterns to add character to your space. Highlighting Key Areas Think about the best features of your room. Do you have a great view or stunning windows? Use custom drapes and window treatments to highlight these areas and enhance your room's look. Asking the Pro's Opinion Feeling a bit lost? It's okay! Consult with an interior designer. They can provide valuable insights on choosing the right window treatments for your space, ensuring a cohesive and beautiful design. What should you look for in fabrics? Style and Look Consider your taste and home decor. Are you into a fresh, simple style, or do you prefer a more ornate look? Make sure your fabric aligns with your decor. Controlling Light and Ensuring Privacy Different fabrics offer different levels of light control and privacy. Choose sheer fabrics for a gentle glow or blackout fabrics for a darker room. Consider solar or cellular shades for efficient light management. Resilience and Upkeep Think about durability. Fabrics with a high thread count or weaving are usually tougher. Also, check how easy it is to care for the fabric – some may need professional cleaning, while others are easy to handle at home. Matching the Climate and Insulating Correctly Consider the climate of your room. Thicker fabrics like velvet or heavy brocade can add warmth in colder seasons. For changing temperatures, opt for fabrics that provide thermal insulation. Selections: Should you hire a designer? Advantages of Hiring a Designer for Special Drapes and Window Fixes Designers bring expertise and a world of choices. They can guide you in choosing the best fabrics, styles, and patterns that match your taste and fit your room perfectly. Drawbacks of Getting a Professional for Personalized Drapes and Window Dress-ups  On the downside, hiring a designer comes with a cost. You might have less control over the final look, and the process may take longer due to more discussions. Custom drapes and window treatments have the remarkable ability to turn your home into a stylish haven without turning it into a construction zone. Achieving a beautiful and cohesive look is as simple as carefully matching drapes with suitable treatments, selecting fabrics that resonate with your taste, and seeking professional advice. If you're ready to upgrade both the style and utility of your home, explore the possibilities offered by custom curtains and window decorations available at Just Blinds. Contact us today to transform your space effortlessly today and witness the impactful difference that personalized window enhancements can make to your home's overall aesthetic.

When it comes to curtains, the hardware you choose is just as important as the fabric itself. You want to find hardware that will enhance your curtains and make them look their best. There are many different types of hardware available, so it can be tough to decide which type is right for your home.