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Common Window Treatment Questions

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The window treatments in your home or commercial business can say a lot about your space. At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’ve helped hundreds of clients throughout the Los Angeles area find the best window coverings for their space. As one of the top window treatment companies in California, many people come to use with questions regarding the best type of blinds, shades, and draperies to use in their home. In this article, we’ll discuss some common window treatment questions to help you along your window treatment journey.

If you live in Los Angeles and you’re looking for custom blinds or shades for your home, be sure to schedule an appointment with one of the experts at Arjay’s Window Fashions. In addition to our window installation services, we can help you find the perfect shutters and draperies for your home or business. Contact us today!

What Are Window Blinds?

Blinds are a wonderful window covering that can be added to virtually any room in your home. Also known as hard window coverings, blinds are composed of slats or vanes that can add a decorative element to your bedroom, dining room, and family room. Many homeowners love these window treatments because they provide the user with a good amount of lighting control. These blinds are available in both vertical and horizontal designs, and a window treatment professional can even create a custom blind design for your home.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we’re proud to offer our customers with some of the most high-quality blinds available on the market. Whether you’re shopping for Roman blinds, faux wood blinds, or vertical blinds, we can help you find the best window coverings for your windows.

Are There Different Kinds of Window Blinds Available?

dreamstime_3822818As you begin shopping for blinds, you may be surprised by the variety of styles and types available. Each blind style will offer a unique decorative element and functionality, and working with a window treatment expert can help you narrow down your options. Let’s take a look at some popular window blinds below.

Venetian Blinds – If you’re looking for horizontal window blinds to install in your home or business, venetian blinds make an excellent addition to any room. Generally constructed of plastic, wood, and even metal, these blinds move in a synchronized motion when they are pulled with a cord. The cording system allows these blinds to fully close, partially open, or fully open, depending on how much light you are looking for.

Roller Blinds – If you have a movie room in your home or you’d like to install blinds to block out the sun in your bedroom, roller blinds may be a great option for you. These blinds feature a simple, one-piece design that is specifically built to block out light when closed. These blinds look great behind a decorative curtain or drapery as well.

Wood Blinds – Wood horizontal blinds are a favorite among Los Angeles homeowners, and for good reason. Not only do these blinds offer a timeless appeal, they can be painted with different finishes to match the interior decor of your home. Not only do these blinds look fantastic, they are very easy to maintain as well.

Should All Windows In My Home Have The Same Treatments?

While you may feel tempted to coordinate the window treatments throughout each room in your home, this is not completely necessary. You don’t have to adopt a uniform look when it comes to your windows, and just because you have drapes in one room doesn’t mean you can’t put wood shutters in another.

If you’re having a hard time narrowing down the window treatments for your home, be sure to contact the experts at Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners find the best window coverings for their home at an affordable price, and we would love to help!

Are There Energy-Efficient Window Treatments?

Yes! There are a variety of energy-efficient window treatments that you can choose to install in your home or business. Installing these window treatments can help to reduce the energy consumption of your residential or commercial property, which can lead to lower energy and heating bills. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that consumers can reduce their solar heat gain by over 70 percent in the summer, and heat loss by 25 percent in the winter, just by installing energy-efficient window treatments. Speak to a window treatment expert to learn more about these options!

What Kind Of Window Treatment Should I Install In My Kitchen?

erick-lee-hodge-199317Your kitchen is likely in a centralized area of your home, and choosing the right window treatment can make a huge difference when it comes to your lighting and environment. When it comes to installing a new window treatment in your kitchen, you may want to consider decorative shutters. These window coverings can be easily adjusted to let in or block out natural light during the day, and they also allow for a solid flow of ventilation. If shutters aren’t necessarily your preference, you may want to consider blinds.

What Window Coverings Will Help Me Block Out Noise?

If you’re looking for window coverings to block out exterior noises, there are a variety of options to choose from. If you live next to a noisy outdoor area or highway, you may want to consider installing a window treatment that features heavy fabric such as drapes. For an additional layer of sound protection, you can double up on your window covering materials.

Should I Work With A Window Treatment Expert?

When it comes to finding the best window coverings for your home or commercial business, we always recommend working with a professional. An experienced window covering expert will be able to listen to your unique needs before recommending the best blinds, drapes, and shades for your home.

If you live in Los Angeles and you need assistance choosing the best window coverings and treatments for your space, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today!

The Art Of Window Draperies

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Draperies are a wonderful way to add elegance and style to virtually any room in your home. With the large selection of full-length draperies available, this window treatment is one of the most popular among California homeowners. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand that trying to pick out window coverings on your own can be a hassle. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to helping our clients find the perfect window coverings for their unique needs and budget. In this blog, we’ll discuss the art of window draperies and some creative ways you can use them in your home. If you’re in need of window treatment assistance, be sure to contact our professionals today!

Draperies Can Be Used To Set The Scene

Contrary to popular belief, draperies can be used to do more than just frame windows. While many window treatments are specifically designed to adorn the window panes in our home, this is not always a functional necessity. Draperies are also a wonderful way to decorate large archways or hallways in your home. Whether you choose luscious silk draperies or heavy velvet ones, hanging them above an entryway or archway can do wonders for the interior decor of your home.

Utilize Draperies As A Starting Placedreamstime_xxl_11857429

Did you know that decorative draperies can be used for the initial inspiration of a design in your living room, bedroom, or dining room? While the use of draperies is not set in stone, these window coverings are often a great place to start when trying to decide how to paint or decorate a room in your home. Many interior designers suggest starting with one element that you love, such as a flashy fabric or detailed rug, and letting this serve as the attention-getting statement piece in the space.

Customize Your Space

If your home features a room with two or more windows, this is a prime opportunity to pick out some patterned or solid draperies to display in multiple thin panels. When a room has multiple side-by-side windows, the window treatment possibilities are seemingly endless. Whether you choose to display extravagant draperies or you opt for neutral colors that blend into the background of the room, you really can’t go wrong with adding drapes! Some things to consider before you purchase your draperies include:

  • Have a material in mind that you’d like your draperies to be. Most window treatment stores offer a variety of materials from cotton to printed polyester, silk, velvet, and wool.
  • If you’re looking to block out sun in those west-facing rooms, consider looking into panels that are designed to block light.
  • If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider investing in unlined panels. While these tend to have a smaller price tag, they can be semi-transparent at night when your interior lights are on.

As you can see, there are many different ways to use drapes inside your home. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re ready to adorn your windows with drapes, blinds, or curtains, contact the professionals at Arjay’s Window Fashions today!

 

Common Window Treatment Terminology You Should Know, Part One

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If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to give the rooms in your home a whole new look, you should consider investing in different window treatments. From decorative shutters to glamorous drapes, there are a variety of ways to spruce of your home’s interior. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some common window treatment terminology you should know before you start shopping for new shades, drapes, or shutters.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect window treatment solution for their needs and budget. Whether you’re thinking about installing energy efficient treatments to keep those heating and cooling bills down, or you’re interested in learning more about the motorization of your blinds, our professionals can help. Check out our website to view some of our recent window treatment projects or contact us today to schedule a complimentary appointment with one of our specialists!

Window Treatment Terminology

  • Blinds – Blinds are a type of window treatment that is made from horizontal or vertical slats. They are kept in place with a string, cord, or fabric tape. Materials for blinds often include plastic, metal, wood, and heavy fabric.
  • Curtains – Not to be confused with drapes, curtains are unlined, stationery window coverings that can be hung over a window using a curtain rod or decorative pole. Some curtains can be held back with tiebacks or holdbacks to let some light in as well. They are often constructed from lightweight, sheer, or semi-sheer fabric.
  • Draperies – These are window treatments that are often made from heavier fabric. They can be both stationary and mobile, and they can be used with fabric tiebacks or fixed holdbacks mounted on either side of a window. Draperies can be lined for the sole purpose of insulation or light blocking, and they can be used with a variety of curtain rods. They are available in a variety of hanging styles and common materials include brocade, chenille, suede, and velvet. These window treatments often stretch from floor to ceiling, giving them a more formal look for your dining room, family room, or bedroom.
  • Rod Pocket Curtains – Also called pole top curtains, rod pocket curtains have a horizontal sleeve stitched across the top that you can slide a decorative rod through. This allows the curtain or drapery to be arranged in a soft, gathered look.
  • Shades – The term ‘shades’ can refer to a variety of things. From blinds to pleated shades and roller shades, shades are unique window coverings that can be adjusted to fully or partially expose or cover a window.
  • Sheers- Sheers are lightweight, translucent and finely woven fabrics that can be used to obscure a view while letting plenty of light in. They are often used under draperies to create a uniform layered look.

Once you’ve decided whether or not to go with blinds, draperies, shades, or a combination of a few window treatments, it’s time to look at the different styles that are available. Window treatments can range from casual to formal and traditional to modern. You can choose a style based on your unique needs and budget. Let’s look at a few terms to help you understand the different styles available!

  • Ascot Valance – This is a triangular window treatment that is normally used between matching panels. A double rod is often used here, with the panels on the inside of the rod and three ascots on the outside for a finished appearance. You also have the option to insert an ascot between the panels on a single rod.pexels-photo-462197
  • Blackouts – If you’re looking for a way to block out the sunlight in your bedroom, blackout draperies may be a great solution for you. These draperies are lined or coated window hangings that are made from different heavyweight fabrics. Blackout draperies are specifically designed to block out light and insulate windows so that warm and cool air can’t escape the room. Blackout draperies are also a great way to reduce exterior sounds coming from outside your home.
  • Balloon Valance – This is a straight-across valance that is sewn on as a pocket that can be filled with tissue paper for a full and puffy look. If you choose to leave the pocket empty, you can achieve a more tailored appearance.
  • Cafe Curtains – Also called tiered curtains or kitchen tiers, these short and straight curtains often cover the lower half of a window. Cafe curtains are usually paired with some sort of top window treatment, like a swag valance.
  • Cellular Shades – Most known for its distinctive “honeycomb” fabric construction, cellular shades are very popular across the Los Angeles area. These multi-layered, pleated shades are known to trap air, providing the homeowner with a high level of window installation.
  • Grommet-Top Curtains – Also known as eyelets, grommets are metal, plastic, or rubber rings that can be used to reinforce a hole in fabric curtains or draperies. Grommet-top curtains are hung using these grommets, with the help of a decorative rod that can be threaded through the curtain.
  • Pinch Pleats – A pinch pleat is a three-fold, stitched pleat at the top of a formal drapery panel. These drapes are often hung on a traverse rod using hooks that are inserted into the back of the pleat.
  • Roller Shades – These are flat fabric or vinyl shades that roll up into a cylinder. With most roller shades, the shade can be drawn up and down with the help of a spring. Roll-up shades, on the other hand, can be drawn up with cords or a string.
  • Roman Shade – If you’re looking for a window treatment that will give you a tailored, flat look, you’ll love roman shades. The classic roman shade features a flat face fabric that forms to pleats as the shade is raised. The pleats are made with rings that are threaded with cords on the back of the fabric. This allows the shade to be raised or lowered.
  • Swag – Also known as a jabot, a swag is a decorative window top treatment that features a soft, curving semicircle that is centered on the window with fabric that hangs down on both sides. For a highly decorative top treatment, consider using multiple swags at a time. Longer swags offer a simple window embellishment, and they can be made from virtually any fabric.
  • Thermal Backing – Thermal-backed draperies are specially designed to block out light, heat, drafts, and sounds. They offer an extra layer of insulation that most draperies do not have.

In part two of this blog, we’ll discuss some more common window treatment terminology you should be aware of. If you live in Los Angeles and you’re ready to improve your window treatments, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today!

Drapes: What, When & Why

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Arjay’s Window Fashions is known for having a wide selection of window treatments to choose from. This is always a fantastic situation to run into because the last thing that you want when trying to shop for window treatments are too few of options.

Our blog post today is going to provide a deeper look into a popular window treatment: drapes. Today we’ll be covering that what, the when and the why behind this treatment so that you can move forward with your window treatment pursuit with an overall better idea of what it is that you’re looking for and how to better determine if this is an option that will actually suit your needs.

What

Blinds are one of the few window fashions that will cover more than just the window. These treatments are made from material and, more often than not, will hang below the lowest part of the window; most commonly to the floor. Because of that factor, these window treatments are one of the most frequently chosen window treatments when styling and aesthetic are the top priorities.

As we just mentioned, this window treatment is made from fabric, which is beneficial for more than just one reason. First off, curtains allow for you to throw them in the washer when they’re even the slightest bit dirty. That goes for dusty, too! If you’re tired of having to figure out a logical way to dust off your window treatments, this is absolutely a great alternative. You can still receive the same amount of control over the lighting, benefit from the energy efficiency, and much more, all with this window treatment.

The second reason that we’re going to cover as to why this window treatment is so beneficial, is that since they are made from fabric, there are so many different options that you can choose from. From solid colors to a wide span of prints, you are able to select a set of curtains that best matches your personality, the styling of your home, and the overall look and feel that you’re trying to go for.

Many window treatments will also provide you with fairly low maintenance, energy efficient tributes, and a selection to choose from. That being said, curtains are also a great way to compliment window treatments that you may already have. We love seeing them paired with plantation shutters or some sturdy blinds.

When

Because curtains are made out of material, they offer a very flowing and soft feel to a room. This is one of the reasons that they make for a great window treatment within a home. That’s not to be said that they can’t be used in office spaces or other options of the sort, but it is something that you will want to take into consideration when choosing the final treatment that you’ll go with.

If you are running a business or styling a room where feelings of softness or emotions are not something that you want to be the primary or firstly noted attribute, then sticking with a harder window treatment – like wooden blinds – would be a better option.

Some of the places that we most frequently see these types of window treatments in are bedrooms, living rooms and sliding glass doors. These are all areas where one wants their guests and family to feel welcome, and they’re some of the most vulnerable and most used rooms in a home, so it makes sense that a soft feeling would be the first choice when choosing a window treatment.

Why

If you’re struggling to determine why these are a window treatment that you would be interested in adding to your home, then there are a few different things that you may want to review before taking the plunge. For the most part, you should really focus on what it is that you’re hoping to get out of your window treatments.

If you’re wanting to have window treatments that you don’t have to do much with, and that you don’t really care about the appearance of, then sticking with a standard blind would be plenty for you and your room. However, if you are hoping to create a feeling in your space, add a touch of personality or style, and have something that’s lower maintenance, but not difficult to maintain when needed, then some high-quality curtains are right up your alley!

Ultimately, the why will always come down to what it is that makes window treatments appealing to you in the first place.This is one of the attributes that we as a team can not pin down for you, but we can help you better understand so that you can make the best decision.  If you are struggling between two different styles, a member of our team would be more than happy to help you determine which type of window treatment is really going to meet your needs.

The team at Arjay’s Window Fashions is built on professionalism and knowledge, all so that we have the ability to help our customers find the treatment that they need. If you’re in the market for a new window treatment, or you could use the assistance of a professional to make your final decision, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, today. We would love to be the ones that help you make the final touches on your home.

As always make sure to keep up with our blog, as we will continue to cover topics that will hopefully be beneficial to you and answer any questions that you may have.

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Transitioning Window Treatments to Fall

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As the temperatures slowly start to drop here in Ventura, the type of care that we need to be providing to our windows will shift. Of course, it’s not necessarily much different than what you’d do on a regular basis, however, the change in weather does require you to be aware of slightly different things.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we specialize in window treatments that help you make the most of your home and the beautiful windows that you have installed. Today we’re going to cover some of the things that you should be doing to both your windows and your window treatments as fall sets in.

Go Thicker

For some, window fashions are similar to articles of clothing; when one season ends, the items of clothing get put away and the current season’s clothing is pulled out. Given the functionality aspect of window treatments, this shouldn’t be much different.

Warmer seasons in Ventura require little maintenance with window treatments because we want to enjoy the sunshine. Even during the hot days of summer, we still keep the treatments light. At this point in the year, they serve more as a blockage from the sun in order to protect our furniture and less to keep our home at a certain temperature.

In the cooler seasons, however, window fashions serve as a great tool to maintain temperature and ensure that all of the work your heater is doing stays inside. That being said, one of the things that you may want to do is switch to your thicker stylings of window treatments so that you can enjoy the warmth of your home even more. Another fun aspect of thicker window fashions, like curtains, is that they add to the feel of your room; they seem to give it a feeling of fall and winter by making the room altogether more cozy.

Soft Whites

One of the many tones that are well known for fall color schemes is soft whites. This is a fantastic and easy way to add a relaxing touch to your home, and it’s one that doesn’t have to be difficult to complete. There are probably many soft white tones throughout your home, but something that you can easily do to make to make them more noticeable is to give them a good wipe down.

It’s not quite the same as spring cleaning, but a good cleaning of your home – any dusty walls, off-white blinds, crown molding, cabinets, and the like – can add much more of a touch of fall than you might realize. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your blinds, make sure to check out our blog for a few tips that can make the cleaning process much easier.

Layer Your Treatments

Another trend that we see happening in the fall is layering. This is a great way to keep warm in the fall, but it ultimately adds an extra texture while also giving that cozy feeling that we were talking about before. One of the looks that we’re crazy about is layering.

With how many different treatments are available, there are quite a few ways that you can incorporate a layering style into your home through your window treatments. One of the primary examples that we love to use is a pairing of shutters and curtains. Both offer a very different feel to a space, which makes the combination of the two an incredible look in any home.

You can also try adding blinds and curtains and really play off that cozy feel. As soon as temperatures warm up again, it’s quick and easy to take the curtains down, or switch them out for lighter ones, so that you can enjoy that light and airy feeling again while temperatures are warm enough.

Incorporate Touches of Fall

There are so many things that make fall a fantastic season, and the beginning of it is just a warm welcome to turning your home into the cozy abode that you’ve always wanted. That being said, another great thing that you can do is add touches of fall throughout your home. Some examples of these would be pumpkins, wreaths, soft candles, and the like. Each of these items adds just a hint of cozy to your home, and in doing so can help you sink even deeper into the season.

One of the ways this can affect your window treatments is by looking for themed treatments. We have plenty of color opportunities that you can choose from, but there are also a variety of designs that make for perfect additions to your home during the cooler seasons of the year. If you do have curtains, and you tie them back, switching this piece of material can also make a huge difference. There’s no doubt that switching from a formal cord to a piece of rope, or something more rustic, will add to the feel of your window treatments.

We’re sure there are plenty of other ways that you’ll be able to add to the look and feel of your home in this time of transition, but there’s no doubt about the fact that these tiny transitions to your window treatment can make an incredible difference.

Arjay’s Window Fashions brings high-quality window treatments to the Ventura area. If you’re in the market for new window treatments in your home, make sure to contact us today and we’ll help you find the best fit for your home. As always, thanks for stopping by our blog. We hope that you continue to browse the many topics that we’ll cover in our blog space.

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