How The Shade Store Can Help You Hack Window Treatments

Window treatments might feel like just another step in completing a room, but when it comes to home renovations, the process of choosing and installing them is really more like flooring and less like painting a wall. While many consumers think the short-term savings of DIY custom window treatments is worth the risk (both in terms of design choice and likely getting up on a ladder), that couldn’t be further from the truth.

That’s why The Shade Store is the ultimate window treatment hack. They offer a way to bridge the gap between DIY and paying for an interior designer, which may be unnecessary for a smaller scale project. In fact, The Shade Store is a popular choice for professional interior designers. However, their 65+ retail locations allow consumers to have full access to both the showroom and services.

There are many projects that absolutely require an interior designer to be completed properly. When it comes to window treatments, professional measurement and installation are a necessity without question. But for the design aspects, savvy consumers need less help. The Shade Store walks customers through the entire process from free measuring services to choosing the right products for their lifestyle and finally to installation.

It’s also fair to say this is part of a larger retail trend. Stores like Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma among others offer complimentary interior design services. In the past, the choices were going at it alone entirely (and hoping to find a knowledgeable sales associate at the store) or hiring a designer. Furthermore, with online interior design services like Havenly and Modsy, the trend is heading toward the democratization of design.

But while furniture comes and goes, window treatments have an impact beyond the aesthetics of a room. It’s not a grandiose claim to say that window treatments can actually change lives. Yet many homeowners are reluctant to realize this.

Blackout Shades Can Improve Your Health

Having blackout shades should really be considered part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Here’s why—everyone knows that a good night’s sleep can improve your health, give you energy and increase the quality of life. While there are many reasons for sleep issues, blackout shades can be part of the solution.

They are also a must for new and likely sleep-deprived parents. Installing blackout shades in a baby’s room can aid with sleep training. The longer baby sleeps, the more parents rest.

But, traditionally blackout shades have been something between a pain point and an eyesore. Many of us probably grew up with a heavy vinyl roll shade that had a piece of string attached. Pulling it down to retract likely made the entire thing shake.

“Blackout shades were meant to be tucked away when not in use,” explains Ian Gibbs who is the co-founder and creative director of The Shade Store.

But things have changed. First of all, pull strings have given way to motorized shades that can be battery-operated or plugged in. Blackout shades have also evolved significantly from a design standpoint. “We are increasingly using them in a decorative way so they can stay drawn and look beautiful when paired with drapery panels,” he says.

A great example of this is the brand’s collection with designer Alexa Hampton. These shades give the modern style window treatments a more sophisticated and a bit of a traditional look. Alexa’s patterns reflect the classic motifs that the acclaimed designer is known for.

Solar Shades Can Reduce Your Energy Bills

UV-blocking solar shades are another game changer. They can help save money on energy bills during the summer months. In warmer climates, solar shades can likely end up paying for themselves over a period time. Another way these shades help save money is by preventing sunlight from prematurely fading upholstery, carpet, and other textiles as well as pricy artwork.

The Shade Store’s recent collaboration with Sunbrella has been a popular choice for customers. Sunbrella fabrics are the gold standard in UV-resistant textile design. There are three different Sunbrella collections offered with various levels of opacity. “They are also a great solution when someone is looking for privacy,” adds Gibbs.

Solar shades also pair nicely with sheer drapery panels, to create a light, airy effect that is also ultimately very functional.

Patterns Are Trending

Patterns have been one of the most prevalent window treatment trends in recent years. There are several reasons for this. This style is a great way to offset the look of solid colored furniture or mix things up with a variety of textures. While they are a bold choice, patterned window treatments can also feel like less of a design risk because there are many subtle options available. The AERIN For The Shade Store line is an example of this. Aerin Lauder’s contemporary yet classic style is available for light filtering roller shades, roman shades, as well as for drapery and cornices.

Designer Collaborations

The Shade Store’s design partners are another way the brand democratizes the design process “When we partner with a designer on a collection, we are looking for a point of view that we can offer our customers that enhances our existing line of products. Our designer partners are known for a signature look,” Gibbs explains.

The Shade Store offers collections with over twenty of the biggest names in design including Jonathan Adler, The Novogratz, Chilewich, Dwell Studio, One King’s Lane, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Lilly Pulitzer. This streamlines choosing the right window treatments to go with existing pieces or the general style of a room. Eliminating the guesswork and stress from the design process isn’t something to throw shade at.

This post first appeared on Forbes.com. To see the original, click here.