When it comes to choosing new window furnishings, style and look are always at the top of the list. But with energy costs on the rise, insulation performance and functionality of your window coverings are also important to consider.

When it comes to choosing the best covering for your window it comes down to asking the following questions so you can select the best one for the job. Do you like to get lots of light in during the day? Do you need a total blockout for sleeping at night? Do you want a product that provides privacy both during the day and at night?

Insulation

Window coverings can assist greatly in keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. The top performing choice for insulation are the full-length curtains with an attached blockout lining and a pelmet over the top.

The pelmet traps the airflow coming through the top of the window, and returning the curtains to the wall stops airflow leaking at the sides.

Insulation can be further improved by making the curtains longer than floor length and puddling them on the ground, however having them sit just one centimeter off the ground, which is the most popular choice, will still give you a great result.

Technology

Being able to operate everything from a remote control is a modern convenience when it comes to being able to open and shut your blinds from the comfort of your chair or at the office by pushing a few keys on your computer.

Motorised blinds, curtains, shutters, roman blinds and venetians are so popular, and have become more affordable in recent times.

Motorised window coverings are easily connected to your existing home automation system, or can be operated RTS (through radio transmission) if you don’t have home automation.

For those of you who cannot get electrical power run to your window, you don’t have to miss out, there is the option of battery operated systems for roller, venetian and roman blinds.

Environment

Over the past few years there has been a big move to ‘green building’, and this extends to window furnishings.

The blind industry has been particularly proactive releasing many fabrics approved by the Green Council of Australia, suitable mostly for roller, panel glide and roman blinds.

Quality

With both ready made and custom-made options available, you can furnish your windows according to your budget.

If you’re looking for plantation shutters, quality blinds and curtains it is recommended to ask a professional to measure up and offer you some advice.

Style – the finishing touch

Style is all about the finishing touch – with so many exciting fabrics, styles and textures to choose from, there is a lot to think about to make it the perfect finish.

Your curtains, blinds and shutters can really change the look of a room, and tie all of your furnishings together.

A window covering can either be the focal point of the room by choosing a fabric or colour with a huge wow factor, or you can opt for a selection that simply complements the other furnishings in your room.

Either way selecting window coverings is a fun part of decorating and styling your home.