If there’s one thing we can be sure of in 2020, it’s that Autumn and Winter will bring colder weather. And while this may not be entirely welcomed for many of us, it still provides a sense of stability and focuses with which we can begin to redesign our homes. The space where we are spending so much time at the moment is becoming more and more important. And, even as we come out of lockdown, many of us are trying to find ways to make the most of the space we have.
One way to ensure longevity when it comes to interior design is to focus on practicality. What do you need the new pieces you bring into the home to do? What issues are you facing and how can you best solve these. During Autumn and Winter, a key issue is heat and light. And specialist window blind fabrics are there to help combat these issues without compromising on the style you’re able to create. In this blog, we’re going to look at how to turn your home into an autumn haven with the right window blind fabrics.
Why are window blind fabrics important?
The fact that window blinds are primarily used for privacy is common knowledge. In the same manner as curtains, they have become an essential addition to our homes. And as technology continues to advance and progress, so do the capabilities of these functional home accessories. Window blinds serve two main purposes – light control and privacy.
Technology has now advanced to give us materials that can offer these two benefits and so much more. While window blinds are generally a low-cost investment in your home, they should also serve a purpose and benefit the needs of your family. Choosing ones made from the right fabrics will ensure this and make sure you’re investing your money wisely.
What window blind fabrics should I focus on for Autumn and Winter?
Firstly, we need to establish the main types of issues faced by homeowners during these colder months. These are primarily:
Heat loss through windows
Excessive Winter sunlight
Privacy due to artificial light
No matter the size of your home, it’s likely that one or all of the points raised above apply to you. And, the good thing is that choosing the right window blind will help to combat this quickly.
Heat loss through windows
An unprotected double-glazed window will, on average, allow up to 40% of household heat to escape. When you’re spending money pumping out your central heating system to no avail, the likelihood is you’re dealing with a heat leak or draught. Standard window blinds will provide a physical barrier which reduces this loss. However, there are more tailored and effective solutions out there too.
Thermal window blinds are specially designed to significantly reduce the amount of heat lost in this way. They are an insulated covering which uses an intelligent white backing on the reverse. During Summer, this reflects harsh sun rays and excessive temperature out of the house. And, in contrast, it can also reflect the heat you’ve produced inside back in. The blinds create an insulated barrier which prevents heat from passing through and coming into contact with the cold glass panels.
The beauty of this technology is you can benefit from the functional features without limiting yourself in style. Thermal window blinds come in a wide variety of styles and colours – each one of which is made-to-measure to suit your window exactly. Thermal window blinds such as the Mirage Solar Cream option are just as effective at its job as the Blackout Thermic Black window blinds are. They all help you to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home and one which invites your guests in and encourages them to stay for longer.
Excessive winter sunlight
While it’s true that we don’t get as much sun during Winter as we do in Summer, there are still at least 8 hours that we need to account for. Especially if you’re dealing with a south-facing window, all you need is for a cloud bank to pass by and Winter sun will likely stream into your home. Natural light, on its own, is definitely a benefit. It allows you to use a space without putting a strain on your electrical system and can make space feel much bigger. However, the UV rays have the potential to cause fading for soft furnishings and carpets. Equally, Winter sun sits lower in the sky and passes through your windows at a different angle. This can increase the risk of glare on computer screens or televisions – either hindering your productivity or invading your relaxation time.
There are a number of ways to deal with this. Sheer and voile window blinds allow you to mute out excessive rays while still benefiting from the light and brightness. They are manufactured using a woven material which allows a certain percentage of light to pass through. However, harsh glare or excessive heat is kept at bay. These window dressings are available in the same multitude of colours as our other collections – from Voile White through to Marcy Oak Striped.
Privacy due to internal light
With mornings and evenings becoming exceedingly dark, we rely much more heavily on artificial light at this time of year. Many window blinds will maintain your privacy throughout the entire day. But with us likely to switch on lights earlier in the evening, there are others that will hinder this. Sheer and voile blinds, like those we mentioned above, go transparent under these conditions. A dark external environment and bright lights inside provide the perfect setting to illuminate your family’s goings on to everyone that walks past. During Autumn and Winter, it’s best to avoid this style or use curtains alongside them to reduce this risk.
Another option is to opt for blackout blinds instead. Made using an opaque internal layer, these room darkening blinds will block out all light while also creating an entirely private environment inside. They are ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and offices but are also commonly found in living rooms, kitchens and cinema rooms alike. When rolled down, they will near-on eliminate any external light and provide a solid barrier to prevent peeping toms from looking in. Again, the variety of colours and styles is limitless, from Bedtime White Roller Blinds through to Shower Safe Flame Blackout Vertical Blinds.
Your window blinds are much more than just functional accessories. When used correctly, they can transform the everyday workings of your home and provide you with a space to truly cherish. If you would like more information about our range of autumnal window blinds, get in contact with the team here at Lifestyle Blinds today.