Different Style Coverings to Decorate Your New FHIA Windows

You’ve just had your FHIA impact windows installed and now what? Now, it is time to decorate your new windows and we are here to make the overwhelming choice simple. Check out the different styles and options that are available for your home!

Plantation Shutters – When making your choice between plantation shutters, there are a variety of finishes and features to choose from. There are multiple colors including white, cream and stained wood and numerous styles. Plantation shutters can increase property value and add curb appeal to your home.

Roller Shades – Roller shades are the most popular window covering right now. With a variety of swatches, styles, and the option to make them automatic, you can see why people are opting for this look. When choosing roller shades, you’ll have the choice for light filtering roller shades, black out shades, or a combination of both, to provide privacy but still let in light.
Natural Shades – These earthy shades are woven together and create a relaxing ambiance. They come in various materials including bamboo, reeds, jute, and grass. Natural shades can be rolled up during the day and lowered to provide privacy at night.
Traditional Blinds – Most homes come with the traditional blinds and are usually the cheapest option. Traditional blinds come in aluminum, vinyl, faux wood, and wood and there are multiple sizes, textures and colors.
Solar Shades – If energy efficiency was the #1 reason for switching your windows to impact windows, then solar shades are for you. Solar shades help your home by minimizing glare and blocking out the light. The darker the shade color, the more impact it has on blocking out heat. By blocking out light and heat, solar shades will prevent your furniture and carpets from fading.
Cellular Shades – These honeycomb-shaped air pocket shades are a great option for providing energy efficiency in your home. The shape of the blinds allows for an air pocket between the heat coming in through the window and your living room or bedroom. They aren’t the most fashionable shades, but between either the single or double cell blinds, they will control the heat and can decrease your electric bill.
Layered Shades – Layered shades gives you the best of both worlds! These shades are made up of alternating strips of opaque fabric to block out light and provide privacy and sheer to allow filtered light in. Layered shades provide a modern look and make a statement in your home.

What Window Style is Right for You?

When it comes to finding the right windows for your home, there are plenty of factors to consider before making a decision. Windows ideally should accent your home’s architectural style, secure ventilation, block the sun out or let it shine, and complement the interior for each room. Most homes feature more than one type of window, so it’s important to consider the pro’s and con’s of each option to ensure your space reflects your needs and personal style.

Bay and Bow Windows

Bay or bow windows are a fantastic way to add some unexpected space to your home. Usually, bay and bow windows feature three or more panes of fixed or operable windows joined at equal angles to give a rounded effect. These windows usually stick out from a home’s exterior, which offers a great opportunity to add a reading nook with a view or to showcase your decorations during the holidays.

Casement Windows

These sophisticated windows are a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a great view with fresh air to match. Casement windows offer top-to-bottom ventilation, thanks to their side hinges and convenient crank handles. Casement windows feature a single pane of glass so you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of your beautiful landscape as you sip your morning coffee or watch your children play in the backyard.

Picture Windows

Picture windows are great for people who don’t want to fuss with opening and closing windows or worry about air leaking. Usually fixed permanently into the wall, these windows don’t open. Picture windows are usually dedicated to spaces that have great views or want extra natural light to shine through.

Storm Windows

For unpredictable weather conditions, storm windows can offer peace of mind. In temperamental coastal areas like Florida, adding an extra layer of security is a must-have for many homes. Whereas standard or tempered glass windows can shatter due to extreme weather and flying debris, impact windows won’t! Even as the hurricane or tropical storm rages outside, your family will stay safe and well-protected. Storm windows are not only great for harsh weather, but they’re also excellent energy-savers!

While your first instinct may be to renovate your bathroom or kitchen, don’t overlook replacing windows as an essential renovation project for your home! There are many different styles to choose from that can upgrade the appearance of your home, raise resale value, and help save on energy costs.

For more information on window styles and other tips check our other blogs. Interested in other ways you can improve or update your home? Follow us on Facebook or get more inspiration from our Pinterest!

The Five Best Window Privacy Ideas

Most people appreciate their privacy, especially within their own homes. In order to maintain your privacy in your home, consider these options for window coverings. Here are our recommendations for the best five-window privacy ideas.

Curtains

Curtains are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to cover your windows. With so many colors, fabrics, and thicknesses to choose from, curtains are easily customized to your unique space. If you are looking for a window covering option that can be changed out seasonally, curtains are a great choice

The benefit of curtains is easy installation and simple maintenance. A traditional curtain rod can be screwed into the wall above a window to hang the curtains. Tension rods are also available if you are looking to hang a light-weight curtain without causing and damage from screws or nails. If the fabric of your curtains is machine washable, you can simply take the curtain off the rod and put it in the washing machine to remove dust and lint.

When you are home and you want privacy, you can pull the curtains together to block outsiders’ views into your home. If you want to see out the window or allow in natural light, curtains can be pulled back and secured with decorative ties.

Blinds

Blinds are a common option for window privacy. With so many styles, colors, and sizes to choose from, blinds can enhance any space.

Some of the most common styles of blinds are Venetian blinds, mini blinds, and vertical blinds. Blinds are a good choice if you want to be able to decide how much light you want to be let inside of your windows. Blinds can be pulled up or over all the way to fully expose the window. The slats can also be tilted to allow in some light or completely closed.

Unlike curtains, blinds are permanently installed. Blinds need to be dusted frequently to avoid the buildup of particles.

Shades

Shades are a soft window treatment made from fabric that can be retracted and released vertically. This is a good option for people who want both privacy and light-blocking qualities from their window coverings.

The most popular styles are pleated, roller, Roman, and cellular shades. Unlike blinds, shades do not have individual slats, so you cannot change the level of light that comes through your windows. However, when you select your shades, you can choose the opacity of the fabric.

Cellular shades have the added benefit of providing increased energy efficiency along with privacy. The honeycomb-shaped air pockets of cellular shades provide more insulation than other fabric or wood window treatments.

Privacy Film

Privacy film for windows is a simple and cost-effective way to protect your privacy. You can have privacy film professionally installed, or you can opt to go DIY for this window privacy idea.

Privacy film can be stuck to your windows to filter light that comes in and out of your windows. The film will distort what outsiders can see from your windows while allowing most sunlight to still come in through your windows.

Many privacy films have a decorative design that can enhance your space. A downside to privacy film is that you will not be able to see clearly out of your window. If you are not worried about sacrificing a view, privacy film is a great option. Privacy film is also easy to remove if you change your mind.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass windows are the most permanent of the window privacy options we are sharing with you. These windows come with glass that distorts the view inside and out of your windows. The texture of the glass allows some light to come in while providing you with privacy.

If you choose to have frosted glass windows installed, you should be prepared to lose the view outside of your window. However, if you would prefer to have a window without any curtains, blinds, or shades to your view, frosted glass is the way to go. These windows are also easy to keep clean and its sun filtering ability can help preserve the vibrancy of your furnishings over time.

No matter what option you choose to cover your windows for privacy, you should be mindful of your personal taste and style. Are your current windows doing the most they can for the spaces in your home? We are here to make the window replacement process go as smoothly as possible! If you feel like your home would benefit from a window makeover, start by requesting a free quote online today.