Eco Friendly Window Treatments

“Going Green” with Your Window Treatments

Eco-friendly window treatments are considered “Green” as they are made with materials that are sustainable, recyclable and made from natural elements to reduce harm to the environment in which we live and thrive.

Eco-Friendly Window Treatments

Some window blinds, shutters and draperies can be made with synthetic materials made from chemicals that can harm the environment and they may be harmful to people too. Consider using items that are good for the environment and good for your health and the health of your family as well.

Natural Wood Products

If you choose blinds or plantation shutters for your window treatments, you can rest assured that they will not be harmful to the environment or your health if you choose all natural hard wood products. Hardwood blinds and shutters are made from sustainable products such as basswood and poplar trees. These types of trees protect the water, the old forest growth and maintain a natural forest cover without having any hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process. You can also request stains or sealants that contain no or low-VOC so that toxic fumes are not applied to your beautiful window treatments. Some people are very sensitive to these types of chemicals and they can cause allergic reactions such as asthma.

Durable Custom Draperies

There are so many fabrics and textiles available for draperies and each one has its own characteristics. Do you ever stop to think if the fabric used is actually good for you? And not just for you, but for the planet? When you choose to have custom draperies made of fabric, you can also choose to go green, as there are several types of fabric that are all natural. Linen is ffathe oldest known fabric and its derived from the flax plant. It resists sunlight, is washable, taut and non-allergenic. Cotton is the most versatile fabric and its breathable, durable and easy to care for and it’s soft and hypoallergenic. Hemp is derived from the cannabis plant. Its characteristics include a very strong and durable product that holds it shape well and is naturally resistant to mold. Silk is a protein-based fiber that is naturally spun by silkworms. Its strong and drapes very well, is breathable, hypoallergenic and has a beautifully natural luster. Cashmere is derived from cashmere goats. Its luxurious, soft, smooth, silky and very warm. Wool is a protein-based fiber with long and shiny fibers that are spun to make strong and coarse threads. Its 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Bamboo are fibers from the bamboo plant that grows very fast, Its soft and breathable as well as durable and easy to care for. Mohair is from the Angora goat and it’s very soft to the touch with a high sheen and luster. Leather is from animals with high tensile strength, resistant to tear, durable, smooth and strong. Another great idea is to choose custom fabrics that are lighter colored and have less dye in them to be environmentally conscious.

Saving Energy for You and the Environment

Energy efficient window treatments not only save you money, but they are also good for the environment. One of the most efficient types of window treatments are cellular shades or honeycomb shades as they are often called. They are made up of tiny cells shaped like honeycombs that hold the air next to the window in your home to better insulate your spaces from outside temperatures. It helps you to use less electricity to heat your home in the winter and less electricity to cool your home in the hot, scorching summers. This is turn allows you to lower your electricity bill and conserve electricity all year round with the addition of window shades. Cellular shades also have a benefit of dampening noises from outdoor sounds too. You can choose versions with an R-Value rating from 1 to 5 with 5 being the best insulator. These types of window coverings are also available in blackout versions, which are great for bedrooms especially if you work nights and need to rest in the daytime. You can also get the same great insulating properties in light filtering shades to diffuse the bright sunlight and block out the heat while still allowing a soft glow into your home.

Fabric Roller and Roman Shades

If you want a clean and crisp appearance in your home, you can utilize a roller shade or a Roman shade made with sustainable fabrics. These types of window treatments hang inside of the window frame for a neat and tidy appearance and the great part is you can choose any fabric you wish. The tightness of the fabric’s weave will determine how much light and heat are blocked from entering a room from the windows. Even if you absolutely love a lighter and airy fabric, you can simply have a custom liner put on the rear of it and it instantly gives you much better insulating properties without changing the appearance. You can customize your roller or Roman shades with any type of trim that you can imagine to make a single color fabric really pop with a bright blast of color or a coordinating pattern.

The beauty of choosing custom window treatments is that you have so many different choices and you get the help from a highly experienced designer to choose the best options for your particular situation. Your designer can guide you in your quest for the perfect window treatments that are also eco-friendly and serve every need you may have while showcasing your home.

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