Styles & Designs

News & Blog

Home Curtains: Your Handbook for Refined Window Dressings

October 11th, 2023

We know what you’re thinking: “Curtains are so yesterday.” Admittedly, off-the-shelf curtains can be dull and downright unsatisfying. But in the hands of a skilled designer, curtains can transform a room into a stylish and surprisingly modern space. So don’t write off curtains just yet — our guide will take...

9 Charming Antique & Vintage Window Treatments for Your Home

October 2nd, 2023

Decor & Design, Styles & Designs

In this blog, we’ll discuss window treatments that were popular in the past and still work well today. Did you know that the ancient Greeks and Romans used wooden shutters? Or that the first patent for Venetian blinds was filed in 1769? Our window treatment forefathers clearly understood a thing...

The Benefits of Laminated Windows: Security, Privacy & Light Control

March 25th, 2023

Decor & Design, Energy Efficiency, Materials & Fabric, Window Tinting

Laminated windows have two or more layers of glass bonded with a durable interlayer, typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) resin.

This construction creates a sandwich-like structure that makes laminated windows significantly stronger and more secure than standard single-pane windows.

Do Shutters Insulate? Keeping the Heat Out or In

January 22nd, 2023

Energy Efficiency, Shutters

Window shutters date back thousands of years. Shutters protected the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans from the elements, regulated light and airflow, and provided privacy and security. Mediterranean cultures greatly influenced their design and use. The traditional shutters of Italy, Spain, and France have fixed louvers angled to let in...

A modern living room with gray roller shades

From Drab to Fab: Top 11 Alternatives to Vertical Blinds

October 12th, 2022

Blinds, Styles & Designs, Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are simple to operate, easy to maintain, and relatively cheap.

The cons? They can be downright boring. They don’t age well and lack privacy and insulation.

But there are plenty of great alternatives to replace those fusty vertical blinds, and they don’t have to cost a king’s ransom.

How to Give Your Room a Natural Look with Woven Wood Shades

November 2nd, 2021

Decor & Design, Styles & Designs

When designing your home, your window treatments can make all the difference in adding warmth and personality.

Woven wood shades are a popular option for creating a natural aesthetic in your space. They have a unique texture and rustic charm from bamboo, reeds, and grasses.

11 Benefits of a Backyard Awning for Your Patio or Deck

April 8th, 2021

Awnings, Decor & Design

Awnings were more than a fashion statement in the years before affordable air conditioning. America’s asphalt-paved towns and cities could reach air temperatures above 100 degrees F. Pavement could exceed 160. Shade offered a welcome respite from the sweltering heat. Today, awnings are making a comeback in Southern California homes....

A living room with a large sliding glass door

Privacy & Panache: The Best Sliding Glass Door Coverings

March 10th, 2021

Decor & Design, Styles & Designs

Sliding glass doors often get the vanilla treatment. Nothing unusual, nothing to entice the eye. Just plain old off-white vinyl vertical blinds. The biggest window in the house is also the dullest. It’s easy to see why — vinyl blinds are cheap and ubiquitous. They’re a safe choice, if uninspired....

A kitten steps through the slats of Venetian blinds

6 Easy Steps to Untangle Venetian Blinds: A Hassle-Free Guide

April 5th, 2020

Blinds, Styles & Designs, Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are among the most popular window treatments, and it’s easy to see why. They’re stylish, modern, affordable, and offer great control over privacy and light filtering. But one of the most common issues with Venetian blinds is tangling, which may reach a point where it seems impossible to...

An awning on a patio with a view of a lake

Awnings Vs. Canopies: Which Is Right for You?

February 12th, 2020

Awnings, Comparisons & Buying Guides

Awnings are generally smaller and more compact. The building they’re attached to dictates their size. However, some awnings can stretch across broad outdoor seating or dining areas. Canopy sizes vary dramatically. They can be as small as a 10x10ft tent for personal use or large enough to cover an outdoor...

Sleep-Smart Kids’ Bedrooms: The Duette Shades Solution

December 1st, 2019

Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades, Room-Specific Coverings, Styles & Designs

Choosing the right shades for your child’s room can be challenging. So many options are available on the market, but not all are right for a kids’ bedroom. You need to find the right balance between form and function while being easy to clean for those days when your child...

Reviving the Room with Designer Bay Window Curtains

November 22nd, 2019

Curtains, Decor & Design

Bay windows are a beautiful feature in any home, offering stunning views and ample natural light. However, many homeowners may not know how to dress them up. This is where designer curtains come in. Not only do they add a decorative touch, but they also provide privacy, insulation, and light...