When buying a home, one of the biggest factors of consideration that has come into play nowadays is the eco-consciousness and energy efficiency of a living space. More and more homeowners as well as architects, have become increasingly aware of the need for a greener lifestyle, laying focus on the planet and our future. Such thinking has increased immensely over the years and industries in almost every sector have jumped on board the eco-train to do their part in making sure that the Earth is livable for many more years to come. From home appliances, solar panels and flooring, your whole house can now be equipped for a way more eco-friendly lifestyle from floor to ceiling. Not many of us know this, but we can take it a step further by looking into the window treatments that we use in our spaces. Before, blinds were merely used to keep the sun out and provide a bit of shade on sunny days, moments of privacy and of course for home décor purposes, That all still applies when shopping for blinds but now, greater technology is used in the manufacturing of window treatments and we are now able to purchase shades that not only add a dash of style and charm to our living spaces but also give you a bit of pride knowing you are doing your part to save the planet.
Here are our top 5 Eco-friendly window treatment options for all you Eco- Friendly heroes out there.
Cellular Shades
Also known as Honeycomb shades because of the design. These modern-looking shades are engineered to reduce energy consumption by adding a layer of insulation, aiding you by allowing more control of kitchen temperatures and keeping you comfortable year long. Cellular shades have a sheer effect and are great at blocking light and were the first window treatment designed with the specific purpose of insulation. They work well in both the warmer and colder seasons by reducing the transfer of heat and cold air which directly translates to you saving a little more money on an electricity bill. Every cellular shade has an R-Value rating between 1 and 5 with 5 being a blackout shade and the best choice for insulation. Cellular shades ensure greater control of temperatures in your living space therefore the more you have the greater your potential for energy conservation.
Roman Shades
Roman Shades are a classy window treatment option, whether your home interior is modern or a more traditional look, you will be able to find a suitable pattern or color that fits your home. These shades are made to be more eco-friendly by the addition of a light filtering or blackout liner. Even if you think your windows are well insulated, the best way of ensuring cooler temperatures in the hotter seasons is by keeping the heat out. By adding a blackout liner to your shades, you can be sure that sunlight won’t enter your home thus eliminating the harshness of the sun and its damaging uv rays. The thicker the fabric, the better the insulation. Perfect for all temperatures year round, make sure you choose a style such as the top-down, bottom-up for better control of the light that entering. You can’t go wrong with a classic Roman shade.
Wooven Wood Shades
Woven Wood Shades are made from natural resources such as bamboo and reeds, they are incredibly durable and add warmth and texture to the look and feel of your living environment. Highly effective at blocking out the light when used in conjunction with a blackout liner, which will offer some insulation as well, these shades are made from materials straight from the earth aiding in the reduced use of synthetic materials, making these recyclable when wanting a change
Solar Shades
Made from a fine and tightly woven, coated material. Solar Shades offer phenomenal light and sun blocking benefits, hence the name. They are also an ideal choice when it comes to insulation. With the many advantages that these shades bring, there is very little doubt that less energy will be used in the home, saving you more money on your electricity bill. Be sure when purchasing, that you are buying shades made from certified non toxic materials. The light filtering fabrics come in an array of openness factors form around 1% to 14% which will determine the amount of insulation and uv protection provided by your shades.
Roller Shades
Very similar to Solar Shades in terms of design and benefits, these shades come in an array of light-filtering fabrics and are considered by many to be the most eco-friendly in treatment options. They also come in a solar shade style. Roller Shades will produce the same insulation benefits as Blackout Solar Roller Shades but the regular light filtering fabrics will not do much for insulation. Depending on the type of fabric you choose, Roller shades will aid you in your pursuit of a more eco-friendly home.
So there you have it, those are our top five window treatments for a greener, energy efficient home. As with anything, depending on the materials, the price may vary for each product. Many local window treatment companies will offer these options at an affordable price. In this case and in my experience, I find that paying a little bit extra for something like window treatments, can go a long way in terms of quality, style and durability. The best part of it all is knowing that you will be doing your part for the environment and if you’re willing to do that, you might as well do it in style. Green is glamorous.
Jason F.
www.shadesnyc.com
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