How To Select Your Window Coverings
The details behind selecting window coverings is very technical. This blog will discuss some of the reasons for the way that this job was created.
The primary reason for the shades we installed for this client was sun control. Being on the lake, they get direct sun into the space as the sun hits the right trajectory. Because it is a lakefront home, the sun is also reflected off of the water, causing an amplification of the light that comes in. They wanted a shade that would protect the finishes in their new remodel.
These screen shades provide the control of the damaging rays of the sun. The percentage of the openness of the screen is dependent on a few different factors. These customers were guided to choose the best choice for their needs. You will notice that the color they selected was in the white tones. If you are looking at doing screen shades, please be aware of the difference between light and dark colored fabrics. It is a topic that we will cover in a future blog.
We had discussed, privacy, insulation, room darkening and other factors, but this type of shades matched the needs of this particular client. The selection of the screen shades was relatively simple, but the mechanism choice took quite some time.
The View Through A Screen Shade At Tahoe
Choices of Motorization vs. Manual Operation
The first question is how you will be able to use these window coverings. Motors or manual operation? Both work, but there are many reasons to choose one over the other. I will offer this viewpoint: Almost everyone will choose Motorization unless cost is an issue. In reality, in the not too distant future, I would not be surprised if the majority of shades we install will be automated or motorized.
Some of the details in shades would be ignored by many, but they are critical. I will give one example. One of the shades we installed was over 12 feet wide and 7 feet tall. So, first, you need a fabric that can work for 150 inches of width. There are tricks that work! Then imagine how much sag these tubes would have at that width. We had to take special notice of this issue and come up with a workable solution. We did. What size motor did we have to choose? All part of how to select window coverings.
Motor Options for Roller Shades
Was the motor going to be hard-wired? If so, would it be 110 power or low voltage? In the past, shades this size would need power from wiring attached to the house. But, technology has improved so greatly that we were able to do all of these with batteries. Unlike the typical battery packs that are so common today, these batteries are inside of the roller shade tube and not removable. They are made with Lithium Ion Batteries. They have great power and incredibly long life. There are countless sizes and brands of motors available and it takes a professional to determine how to blend all of these factors together.
Remember that we spend our consultation time helping you to know the details that will matter to you. Your circumstances are probably different from these clients, but you will get the help you need to make the best choices of window coverings.
About Us
Kempler Design is located in Reno NV and serves the northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions with a mobile design showroom. Paul Kempler, its founder is considered a window fashions expert. Kempler Design has been featured in many prestigious projects, including the HGTV dream home in Lake Tahoe. Kempler Design works with homeowners as well as interior design firms looking for a local contact in the Reno/Tahoe area or is available for travel.