Stanley Shade

Did you know that pleated shades offer 75 to 95 percent UV protection, thereby protecting your interior furnishings and fabrics? You can also choose metalized fabrics, which increase energy efficiency as well.

What do shade trees have to do with window treatments on interior windows? Shade trees can block much of the sun’s rays, while interior window treatments can block what little gets through from heating up your home in the summer. The combination can lead to a savings on your monthly utility bills.

Lightweight and beautiful, real wooden blinds create a warm and inviting atmosphere while blocking a significant amount of sunlight simultaneously. One of the only drawbacks is that, when raised, the stacked blinds can block your view.

Fun window coverings for nurseries are balloon valances. True to their name, balloon valances line the tops of windows with puffy poofs of decorative material often made from lightweight cotton. They can also fit just about any size window.

Before the advent of blinds, what style of window shade was popular across the U.S.? If you guessed the roller shade, you're right. Although the popularity of the roller shade began to wane in the late 1970s, today there's a resurgence of interest in this type of window treatment.

The window valance was a concept adopted from Europe that became popular in America during the Victorian period in the early 19th Century. This window treatment covered the top part of the window, concealing the drapery hardware, and is available in many different styles.

Cloth style Roman shades look elegant and create the appearance of soft, diffused light. For enhanced light blocking capacity, try lined Roman shades. They drape nicely while blocking light from sunny windows.

Are you aware that your drapes should extend no more that 3 inches inside the window's frame when fully opened? That way, your window treatments won't cast shadows into your interior spaces.

Renovating a building that has historical status requires careful planning when it comes to blinds and window treatments. Preservation societies insist that these features be true to the building’s design, yet still incorporate modern energy-efficient characteristics.

If you’re decorating a kitchen, try window treatments that let the sunlight inside. If your kitchen isn’t that large, experts say the combination of lighter, cooler colors with some sunlight gives the appearance of a larger space.

If dust on your existing blinds is a problem, banish that fuzzy gray with -- a dryer sheet. Have your blinds professionally cleaned first, and then go over the slats with a simple dryer sheet once a week. The residue will repel dust and keep your blinds looking cleaner (and newer) longer.

If you love the traditional or period styles, you can actually get this look inexpensively with fabric such as a calico and by adding fringing or tassels. If you rather a country cottage style, just put frills on the edges of your curtains.

The window treatments you select should match the design and purpose of the window. Sliding glass doors need a different style of shade or blind than casement or bay windows need. Match the treatment to the architecture.