As the year comes to an end, our team at Aero Drapery & Blind has loved exploring what mattered most to Minneapolis-St Paul area homeowners over the past year. It’s our way of connecting our past with our future, since so much of what we see is familiar from year to year. We also love when new trends and innovations come onto the scene, and even more so when old favorites evolve to stay on the annual list. We’d love to work with you on your next project. Take a look at what the Twin Cities communities have been loving–and see which ones should be on your radar!
The Top 10 Most Requested Window Covering Features
We all have different styles, but the truth is, when it comes to the windows, many of us have the same challenges to solve! As the Twin Cities experts in all things window coverings, we will help you create both beauty and function at the window–no matter which issues your windows are facing.
1. Motorized Window Treatments
Convenience and control at the touch of a button? Of course it’s kicking off this top 10! Hunter Douglas PowerView® automation continues to wow homeowners with the ease and simplicity it creates in your daily life. Instant adjustments, scheduled settings, saved favorites and lifestyle scenes where everything moves into place–motorized shades provide light control, privacy, energy efficiency and comfort.
2. Energy Efficient Solutions
Living in Minnesota, we know the wide range of temperatures we face over the course of the year. That means, we need serious solutions for energy efficiency, and the windows of your home are the number one culprit when problems arise. Energy efficient window treatments, like Duette® Honeycomb Shades, insulate the window and block intense sunshine to reduce heat gain. Eliminate the drafts of winter and the exhausting heat of summer, all while saving on those monthly utility bills.
3. Room Darkening Blinds
A good night’s sleep play a huge role in your family’s health and happiness. It’s no surprise that room darkening window treatments stay at the top of everyone’s priority list. Going to sleep easier, staying asleep through the night, and sleeping longer in the morning are all results of adding room darkening fabrics at the window. Need blackout shades instead? We can frame side channels into the window to seal out the light.
4. Light Filtering Shades
Sunshine can have lasting effects on your daily mood and productivity. It makes sense that Minneapolis homeowners would want natural light entering their homes. But, with sunshine comes glare, direct light (& UV rays!) and heat gain. The desire to filter light has grown, especially as product collections have expanded the offerings. We offer both sheer shades for view-through and light-filtering shades that soften light without showing off the view.
5. Top Down Bottom Up
While some homeowners are just beginning to discover our next favorite, others have been embracing it for years. Top down bottom up shades lower from the top of the window while the rest of the window remains covered. Light flows in, streaming across the ceiling–which results in brightening the space. Enjoy the privacy you need and the temperature that makes you comfortable, while cutting the glare and preventing too much light from entering. This feature can also have a tremendous effect on energy efficiency.
6. Cordless Safety
At Aero Drapery & Blind, we take the safety of our clients and families very seriously. That’s why we love the cordless lift systems and cord-safe options from Hunter Douglas. Discover the best cordless shades that lift with a gentle push or pull on the bottom rail, to retractable cords that are never long enough to dangle–and stay well out of the way of danger. Our motorized shades are another way homes can stay safe for children and pets–no cords, no hassle.
7. Controlling the Light: South & West Facing Windows
You might not realize which way your windows face, but I’m sure you know which rooms get constant sunshine and which ones don’t. It’s all about the position of the sun in relation to your home. The windows that get sun all day? Those are South-facing windows, and as the sun moves across the sky, it also finds its way into your windows from sunrise until sunset. These windows need specific solutions to help keep constant glare out.
When it comes to West-facing windows, those are the ones where the setting sun shines into your home. Typically, those windows get brutal sunshine from late afternoon until sunset. Rooms that receive intense afternoon and late day sun can get really hot in the summer months, finding you desperate for solutions. Your window covering specialist will be able to guide you to the ones that fit your style, while upgrading the comfort and control of your home.
8. Large Window Solutions
Your largest windows offer a stunning view, architectural design and beautiful light. And then, they leave you feeling uncomfortable from the lack of privacy, exhausting temperatures, relentless glare and faded furnishings. How can you get the right balance of what you love and what’s making you miserable? The right window covering features! We have an amazing variety of options to cover the largest windows in your home.
9. Layered Window Coverings: Drapery + Shades
When fabrics are introduced to a room, it immediately creates a design statement…warmth, softness, sophistication & beauty. Custom drapery enhances the look of a room with patterned fabrics, textured textiles and gorgeous colors. Aside from a style statement, drapery offers an incredible range of solutions for light control, privacy and energy efficiency. And then, add your favorite shades to the equation to layer like a pro! You’ll enjoy protection from the elements, privacy and create an incredible focal point to the room.
10. Dual Functioning Options
A wide range of lighting–from filtered light to room darkening bliss–can make it hard to pinpoint exactly what you want in each space. With dual shades, you no longer have to choose. Two shades, one headrail–it can take your space from softened natural light to darkness, depending on the circumstances. The light-filtering or sheer shade portion can lower into place for reduced glare, outdoor views and soft light. Then, when the light becomes too much, or it’s time for sleeping, use the secondary room darkening portion to create the ideal environment.
Which Ones Are On Your List?
Which of these window covering favorites do you identify with? When it comes to Minneapolis-St.Paul, we understand outfitting your home with blinds, shutters, drapes and shades is more that just a style statement. Allow us to design a plan for your home that incorporates lifestyle solutions in addition to style and function. We would love to earn your business. Contact us for a FREE in-home consultation or better yet, come visit one of our showrooms and see first hand why people trust us with their window coverage projects.
