Whether you're moving into a new home or undertaking a renovation, there's a wide range of window coverings to choose from. Finding the right style for your space involves careful planning, with budgets and home decor ideas to consider.
“The process of planning window coverings for your home encompasses several key steps to ensure the harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics,” says Safia Haythorne, general manager of soft furnishings at Guthrie Bowron.
“With their wealth of experience, our consultants are poised to offer personalised advice on the most suitable window coverings for each space in your home. Whether your requirements are enhancing natural light, ensuring privacy or contributing to the overall aesthetic ambience of a room, our windows consultants will work with you to ensure your goals are met.”
Haythorne recommends scheduling an in-home or in-store consultation with one of Guthrie Bowron’s dedicated windows consultants, or sending the team drawings of the space so they can evaluate your specifications and can provide a quote for the most suitable window covering solution based on your requirements.
The latest innovations in window coverings
When selecting window coverings, it’s important to understand the innovative features available, says Haythorne.
Smart home integration
Like many features of the home, many window coverings are now motorised – allowing for remote control or integration with smart home systems. This feature enables users to open or close blinds and shades with the touch of a button or with voice commands, ensuring convenience and energy efficiency.
Guthrie Bowron offers Somfy RTS technology by Luxaflex and Automate by JD Blinds, which can both be automated through a wireless controller, or integrated into a smart home system or voice-controlled smart devices.
“Smart Sensors are also available with some window coverings, adjusting based on external factors such as sunlight, temperature, or the time of day,” says Haythorne. “Window coverings can be programmed to open or close automatically, optimising energy efficiency.”
Another benefit of automated window coverings with timers is being able to create the appearance of an occupied home, enhancing your home security.
Roller blinds by JD Blinds.
Energy efficiency with insulating materials
To help homeowners, designers and architects achieve more energy-efficient and passive home designs, numerous window coverings – such as Luxaflex Duette Shades – are made with insulating materials. Duette Shades feature a cellular honeycomb design that traps air and acts as a buffer against temperature extremes.
Heavy and dense fabrics, such as thermal fabrics, can also provide effective insulation, says Haythorne: “Reflective coated window coverings feature coatings that bounce sunlight away, reducing indoor temperatures and the need for air conditioning.”
Luxaflex Duette Shades are made of two or more layers of pleated, reinforced fabrics bonded together and joined at the pleats to form compartments of trapped air. The overall effect is to help keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Daylight management
The Duette Shades also feature a top-down/bottom-up functionality that allows users to adjust the position of the window covering from both the top and bottom, providing flexibility in controlling privacy and natural light levels.
Luxaflex LumiShade and Silhouette Shadings from Guthrie Bowron are also recommended for light control, and sheer fabrics or translucent materials can be used to diffuse light and provide a softer and more evenly distributed illumination while maintaining privacy.
“Some window coverings are also designed to block harmful UV rays, assisting in the prevention of furniture and flooring fading over time,” says Haythorne.
Luxaflex LumiShade is a contemporary take on a classic window covering and offers the perfect balance between versatility and elegance.
Aesthetic design
It’s important to seek designer tips for home decorating, especially with the wide range of products available – including window furnishings.
“As window coverings are becoming increasingly customisable, the selection becomes broader,” says Haythorne. “Layered treatments combining curtains with blinds or shades offer ranges in colours, patterns and textures to match your interior decor.”
Luxaflex PolySatin shutters are made from an advanced polyresin compound, making them suitable for areas prone to high humidity and moisture.
Guthrie Bowron window consultants can offer expert advice on colours, patterns and textures to ensure window coverings enhance the overall aesthetic of a space. Image features Kyoto, colour Grain, by James Dunlop.
Durability and easy maintenance
Moisture-resistant materials such as faux wood Venetian blinds or PolySatin shutters are available for those areas prone to high humidity and moisture. Some window coverings are also designed with materials that are easy to clean, making maintenance hassle-free.
Noise reduction
“Using acoustic fabrics can assist in reducing external noise, creating a quieter and more comfortable living space,” says Haythorne.
Planning ahead
Window coverings are often one of the final touches to a room, bringing together a design vision, and it's important to plan ahead as the required timeframes from ordering to installation vary for different window coverings.
“Window covering selections will determine your lead times,” says Haythorne. “Guthrie Bowron will provide you with insights into the process, ensuring a smooth transition from selection to enjoying your newly-adorned windows.”
Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of curtains, the versatility of blinds, or the modern touch of the innovative products available today, the team at your local Guthrie Bowron store can help turn your vision into reality.
Begin your journey to perfect window coverings today with Guthrie Bowron.
