Styles & Designs

News & Blog

A modern living room with grey roller blinds.

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.

A living room with modern furniture and a large window.

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....

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...

Blinds Vs. Shades: Shedding Light on the Differences

March 27th, 2020

Blinds, Comparisons & Buying Guides, Roller Shades

Some people use “blinds” and “shades” almost interchangeably. But they’re very different window treatments that have very different pros and cons. Your chosen treatment will profoundly affect your home decor, lighting, and energy bills. So, what exactly is the difference between blinds and shades? And how do you know which...

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...

A bed in a room with a large bay window.

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...

Why Cordless Blinds Are Safe for Your Kids & Pets

March 6th, 2019

Blinds, Legal & Safety Guidelines, Roller Shades, Styles & Designs

Safety should be paramount in your home, especially if you share your space with children or pets. Blinds, an essential element of home decor, pose particular risks and can lead to unfortunate accidents.

Cordless blinds mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer environment for your vulnerable loved ones.

An old window with wooden shutters on a brick wall.

What to Do with Old Blinds: Recycling, Reusing & Upcycling

June 18th, 2018

Blinds, Environmental Impact, Venetian Blinds, Vertical Blinds

But now comes the sticky problem: what to do with the old blinds. Do you toss the old blinds in the trash? The thought may rankle you if you save every scrap for recycling. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are recyclable (with caveats), but what about wood? Faux wood? Fabric? You...

A street in a town with many shops and restaurants.

Shades of the Past: Exploring 19th-Century American Awnings & Their 21st-Century Resurgence

September 15th, 2017

Awnings, Styles & Designs

Awnings were a prominent feature in the cities and towns of 19th-century America. There was no conditioning or tinted glass. “Insulation” was little more than wadded newspaper stuffed into the walls. Victorian-era Americans, especially women, wore a lot more clothing. One of the few ways to stay cool was to...