Blog – Page 4 – NU-View Custom Window Treatments, Inc.

What Are Energy Efficient Window Treatments?

Due to climate change, we can anticipate hotter and more humid summers every year, as well as colder and more severe winters. It’s become clear that we need to be more efficient with how we utilize our energy and resources. So why not start with your home? You can immediately save energy by purchasing energy-efficient window coverings.

How energy efficient window treatments work

Energy efficient window coverings provide insulation by blocking out the solar heat gain. Direct sunshine during the summer may raise your home’s temperature by 33%. However, you may substantially reduce this by utilizing drapes or any other energy-efficient window coverings. In colder regions, you can also reduce heat loss through windows 10% by using energy efficient window coverings.

Some of these energy-efficient window coverings use triple weave materials to keep heat in during the winter and cool air inside throughout the summer. Other, such as honeycomb shades, use air pockets to block the heat or reduce heat loss during the winter by restricting outside entry. On a scorching day, some utilize a fabric that absorbs or reflects solar radiation, keeping the room temperature cooler.

Who should get energy efficient window treatments?

People with Larger Windows

Large windows provide a beautiful view of the outside world. They also allow a lot of energy to escape through them. As a result, huge windows raise the room temperature considerably. Window coverings that are energy efficient are essential for large windows.

People with High Energy Bills

If your energy bills are driving you crazy, it’s time to switch to energy-efficient window coverings. It’s because more heat insulation on your windows might result in less reliance on air conditioners for maintaining a pleasant temperature.

People Who Experience Extreme Weather

Weather is becoming more and more extreme, be it summer or winter. Energy efficient window coverings help to tackle this issue to some extent. They help keep the extreme heat out and reduce energy loss during winters.

Are energy efficient window treatments worth buying?

Yes, window coverings can be energy-efficient in many cases, especially if utilized correctly. They are a cost-effective investment that will improve your quality of life while also making your house more pleasant to live in.

There are many different window coverings to look at. If you’re still undecided about which sort of window coverings to select, Nu-View Custom Window Treatments will be delighted to assist you! Contact us today for more information about the different custom blinds and shades we offer!

The Best Window Treatments for a Vacation Home

When you decide to convert your property into a vacation home, you want the window coverings to be beautiful yet durable enough to survive frequent use by several people. Otherwise, much of your time and money will be lost from continual repairs and replacements. Here are some affordable and stylish options:

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds give a high-end appearance and are also extremely long-lasting. Most importantly, they’re constructed of polymer materials, which make them resistant to UV radiation. This feature not only saves energy but also prevents your furniture from sun damage.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are the solution if your property has sliding doors! These provide privacy and light control, and still allow a full view outside. They are sturdy, so they can withstand heat and humidity in hot and humid places. Vertical blinds come in a wide range of colors and materials, making them an affordable yet efficient window covering for a vacation house.

Roller Shades

Roller shades are a cost-effective and attractive window covering. They come in a variety of colors and designs, as well as with full personalization options. Because of this, they’re the finest low-cost window blinds for a rental. Roller shades are simple to operate and provide excellent light control. They’re also available in cordless form, which makes them safe for children.

Polywood Shutters

Polywood shutters are a great choice for a rental because they resist a variety of threats compared to other window coverings over time. They are resistant to moisture, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and insects. This means you won’t have to worry about splitting, fading, or discoloration regardless of the weather that they’re exposed to.

The right window coverings can make your vacation home look amazing. The Nu-View Custom Window Treatments team can help you find the best window treatments for your rental property. Contact us today for more information about the different custom blinds and shades we offer!

The Pros and Cons of Blackout Curtains

Do you live in a place where there are many street lights or the light reflects straight to your bedroom at night? One way to make your bedroom darker is with blackout curtains. Here are some pros and cons to know about before you decide to buy.

What Are Blackout Curtains?

As the name suggests, these curtains are used for blocking out light. Blackout curtains still come in varying degrees of light filtration or complete light blockage so it’s important to check the labels thoroughly.

The Pros of Blackout Curtains

Falling asleep is easier in a dark bedroom. Blackness stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that aids in sleeping habits.
Your eyes get some rest too. Just like any other part of the body, they need rest. Sleeping in a dark bedroom helps your eyes rest and get enough protection.
It lowers the risk of depression. When your circadian rhythm gets messed up, it can cause mental imbalance and may lead to depression. So by sleeping in a dark place, you’re less prone to become depressed.

The Cons of Blackout Curtains

There is minimal natural light in the morning. After we get our 7-9 hours of sleep, there is a portion of time where we benefit from natural light in to our bedrooms.

Having a good night’s sleep is essential since it helps you to be more focused, energetic, and ready to tackle the next day’s tasks. It’s well worth having blackout curtains in your room for maximum performance from a decent night’s sleep.

With Nu-View Custom Window Treatments, we’ll help you find the right kind of window treatments for your home. We offer a wide selection of window treatments to choose from and also offer customization to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today for your free consultation!

Essential Tips for Picking Curtains For Your Basement Windows

There’s a lot to consider when choosing curtains for small basement windows. If you’re unsure of where to start or how to pick the right options, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover the perfect window treatments for your basement windows with these simple tips:

Maximize your windows

Basements have notoriously small, unconventional windows. One option is roman shades since they fit inside the window frame and maximize coverage and style. Another option is drapes since they can make a small window appear larger.

Maintain your privacy

If you’re looking to keep out any prying eyes, you have plenty of choices. Cellular shades work well and can give a modern look while still maintaining privacy. Blackout curtains and shades are another good choice since they offer total darkness.

Add some style

No matter what kind of window treatments you choose for your basement, you should always let your personal style show through! Go for a material with bright colors and patterns, or even finish your custom window treatments with a unique trim to give it something extra.

With Nu-View Custom Window Treatments, we’ll help you find the right kind of blinds for your windows or doors. We offer a wide selection of window treatments to choose from and also offer customization to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today for your free consultation!

The Most Popular Window Treatments Trends You’ll See in 2022

With 2021 happily behind us, many homeowners are looking forward to the new year with wonder what homelife will look like. Last year, families spent a lot of time at home, causing many to rethink the design, décor, and layout of their homes. Here are some design trends you can expect to see for the new year:

Earthy neutral tones

Natural hues will be taking over the color palette for many homes this year. Shades of greens, beige, and greys with warm undertones will blend well with another popular trend of lighter wood tones.

Family-friendly options

Since the whole family has actually been home more, including the kids playing inside, homeowners are making sure their furnishings are comfortable and durable. Composite shutters are a great kid-friendly option that’s easy to keep clean and roller shades are cordless making them good for pets too.

Convenience and comfort

Another trend you’ll see in 2022 is a shift towards automation and making things more convenient. Motorized shades and custom drapes are the perfect option here. Custom draperies can help block heat, light, and sound, to make your home more peaceful. Plus motorized shades can open or close with a remote or smartphone app.

The Nu-View Custom Window Treatments team can help you find the best window treatments for the new year. Contact us today for more information about the different custom blinds and shades we offer!

Are Plantation Shutters Right for You?

Choosing the right kind of window treatments can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. We know how important it is to find the right fit for your home, so we’ve put together a list to help you decide if plantation shutters are the solution.

Good light control

With plantation shutters, you’ll have full control over the amount of light you want in a room. Since shutters allow you to easily regulate the distribution of light throughout a room, you won’t need to use as much artificial light, which saves you money in the process.

Timeless design

Plantation shutters are a beautiful and classic style that will always stay in fashion. If you want a modern design or to complement period features, these shutters can match a wide variety of interiors.

Easy to maintain

Another major benefit of having plantation shutters is that they’re easy to maintain and clean. You only need to wipe down the slats with a damp cloth once a week. Since upkeep is so minimal, you’ll have more downtime to relax and enjoy the view.

Adds home value

Installing plantation shutters is a great way to add a little curb appeal and value to your home. While you probably won’t be able to take them with you if you move, these shutters will definitely be a valuable asset when it’s time to sell.

With Nu-View Custom Window Treatments, we’ll help you find the right kind of plantation shutters for your windows. We offer a wide selection of window treatments to choose from and also offer customization to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today for your free consultation!

Best Window Treatments for Pet Owners

There’s nothing worse than installing new window treatments only to have your pets destroy them a day later. Choosing the right pet-friendly window coverings can seem like a daunting task, especially with puppies and kittens. Here’s what you should know:

Blinds

Wood blinds are sturdier than vinyl or aluminium and the large slats allow for a viewing area for your pet.
Vertical blinds can allow pets to easily slip through and they’re not as fun to chew on. They’re better on larger windows, though, or even covering sliding doors.

Shades

Roller shades are another good choice as they don’t have gaps between the slats. This way pets can slip behind them without causing damage.
Roman shades also work as they can be made without any cords, and are one piece of fabric. So there aren’t any slats to stick heads, paws, or bodies through.

Drapes

Generally drapes and curtains are a no go, especially if you have a cat or two. Cats might want to climb up them, and they’ll attract a good deal of pet hair.

The Nu-View Custom Window Treatments team can help you figure out the best options for your windows. Contact us today for more information about the different custom blinds and shades we offer!

What Are Cellular Shades?

If you’re looking to upgrade the look of your home’s interior, new shades or blinds are a great place to start. They can give any room a new texture and color! But with so many options to choose from, where should you begin? Here’s what you should know about cellular shades before you buy:

Cellular shade, or honeycomb shades, are composed of fabric cells that expand and contract like an accordion when you raise or lower the shade. The cells are designed to trap air, provide great insulation, and help to lower energy bills.

Single cell or double cell?

The energy efficiency from cellular shades comes from how they’re constructed. Cellular shades are available in single cell, one air pocket, or double cell, two air pockets. If you live in warmer climates, double cell shades are recommended but they are more expensive than single cell.

Shade opacity

Cellular shades are unique in that they are available in sheer, semi sheer, semi opaque and opaque opacities. Because of this, they’ll work well in any room in your house. Sheer cellular shades will let in the most amount of light while opaque shades will give that room darkening effect.

Different options

When it comes to raising or lowering cellular shades, you’ll find them available in three options: top down/bottom up, cordless, and motorized. The first option lets you lower the shade from the top and raise it from the bottom, cordless means you won’t see anything hanging from the window treatment, and motorized comes with a remote control to do the work for you.

At Nu-View Custom Window Treatments, our experts will help you find the most attractive and affordable window treatments for your home. Contact us today and learn more about cellular shade and all of the other options we can offer you.

When Should You Use Vertical Blinds?

With so many kinds of window treatments on the market, making the right choice for your windows can be a bit challenging. When it comes to vertical and horizontal blinds however, they differ in terms of their characteristics and the environments they’re best suited for, making your selection easier. Here’s when you should use them:

When to use vertical blinds

As you would expect from the name, vertical blinds have vertical slats and slide sideways along a track, while horizontal blinds slide up and down with a cord-and-pulley system.

Horizontal blinds are good for smaller and narrower windows, but the long slats of vertical blinds are often suited to broad windows and doors with a wide expanse. These are some of the common place you’ll see them:

Large French doors
Window treatments for sliding glass doors
Wide windows
Bay windows
Uniquely large-sized window
Patio doors
Large windows or doors in a sunroom

What to remember

One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for the right set of vertical blinds is the size of the window or door you intend to treat. If you want to treat a large window or door, a wider slat width is best.

Blinds vs. Shades: Which Is Better?

If you’re looking to buy new window coverings, the first step is choosing between blinds or shades. While both cover your windows, blinds are hard coverings made with horizontal slats, while shades are made of fabric. So which do you pick? Here are some features to help you decide:

Cleaning

Blinds can be wiped down easily with a soft cloth. But if shades get dirty, you’ll need to use a vacuum, or gently spot clean with warm water. And any serious grime will require professional cleaning. So if your window treatments are going in a high traffic area, blinds might be the better choice.

Privacy + Light Control

Blinds have slats that can tilt for adjustable light control. Shades on the other hand, only have two options, open or closed. So the choice between blinds and shades should be fairly clear, depending on how much control you want on letting in light.

Durability

Since blinds are made from hard materials like wood, pvc and aluminum, they hold up better to and tear. If you want to use shades in a high traffic area, you should consider if they might be snagged by passers-by.

Customization

Shades are much more customizable than blinds. You can find them with upgraded fabric collections, fabric wrapped valances, fabric fold styles, fabric liners and lift systems. The most customization you’ll see with blinds is how much light you can let into a room.

Since 1986, Nu-View Custom Window Treatments has provided the Chicago metropolitan area and upper Midwest with attractive and affordable window treatments. Contact us today and we’ll help you find the best window treatments for your home.