Warmth & Cold

Speaking of our local climate, we have an interesting situation here in our southern BC area. Although we would be considered a cold climate compared the rest of North America, we have very warm summers. Many of our buildings have low emmisivity glass called Low E glass. It’s great in the winter but not in the summer.

This glass actually does not let heat escape easily and traps heat inside. I have first hand experience living in a condo on the 3rd floor with SE exposures. It’s difficult to cool down the interior once the heat has come in.

Therefore window treatments to reflect out the sun’s hot rays are essential to staying cool indoors. They can also add a nice cozy layer of insulation from cold glass in the winter.

Start with a blind or shade

This is a pleated paper shade that has insulating properties.

This wood slat blind that is room darkening and adds stylish architectural detail.

A rollarshade gives the option of hanging outside or inside the window frame. Rollarshades come in room darkening and many solar reflective meshes. They have several levels of privacy, as well decorative patterns.

The Second Layer

Now for the second layer.
A simple hand drawn panel will stay neat looking (top photo) when custom pleated and hung with rings and hooks.
Off-the-shelf treatments do not stay as neat but cost only a fraction of custom pleated drapes.

There is a huge selection of fabrics available for drapery. That said, custom drapery is constructed from bolts of fabric ordered from fabric suppliers and many come from many miles away.

I like to use locally made blinds and simple fabrics that stand the test of time.

Window Treatment Tips

1) Check what kind of glass you have. http://www.vitrowindowglass.com/window_glass/about_lowe.aspx gives you a simple test to see if you have e-glass. Then you can gage how much extra insulation you need in the shades and drapery.

2) Large window treatments are heavy! Use motorization to operate blinds when ever possible. It’s powered by plug-in or battery operated controls. Motorization is easy and worth the expense.

3)You can start with blinds and add the second layer layer later but make a plan with pen to paper, figure out the best treatment to enhance the interior design. It’s amazing how many great ideas happen at the drafting board.

4)Be prepared, custom blinds can cost around $45 to $90 a square foot. But know there is something for everyone

5) Use two treatments on your windows,
One to reflect heat away from the window, and one to provide room darkening, sound dampening and further room insulation.

Please contact me on your window treatment questions and let me help you coordinate them with the rest of your home.