Commercial window coverings can have a lasting impact on any room. They can make a space feel more comfortable and open and they can help spark creativity. But when the wrong commercial window treatments are choosing; it can have an impact on the people who need to regularly use the space.
This can mean low moods, a dip in productivity; or an increase in things like headaches for people with light sensitivities. With some help, you can be confident that you’re choosing the right window treatments for your needs, or the needs of the business you’re working with.
Continue reading to learn more about the different kinds of window treatments out there, and find out how they can help improve the aesthetics of a space, increase accessibility, boost comfort, and even reduce energy costs.
Consider the Type of Space
Depending on the type of business you’re planning to install a new window treatment for, you’ll want to take into consideration the style, brand, and aesthetic.
All businesses might just want something that is classic, simple, and easy to maintain. This means neutral colors, minimalist styles, and blinds or shades that will adequately reduce sun exposure.
If you’re planning on renovating or redecorating an office space, you’ll want to consider treatments that won’t be a distraction to employees and are also easy to control.
If you’re designing a space for a restaurant or cafe for example, then think about how often blinds or shades are going to be open and closed based on the time of day or the customer’s preference. Choosing something that is pleasing to the eye, while also being easy to maneuver, would be important to consider.
Accessibility in the workplace is particularly important, so make sure you take a look at the height of the windows you’re dealing with. Motorized blinds are a great way to make sure everyone is being considered in the decision-making process, as they are easy to use and hands-free. And the best part? Almost any style of blind or shade can be motorized!
If you’re designing or redesigning a retail space then you might look for window treatments that match the color palette and energy of the brand or company you’re working with.
Whether the style is modern, vintage, or more traditional, this will impact your decision-making. For shades and blinds, you have an array of fabrics, colors, and materials to choose from that can help you customize the space.
Take a look at the business and the specific area you’re dealing with before making any decisions and make a list of words that come to mind. If you come to the conclusion that what you’re looking for is functionality over aesthetics, then this will narrow down your search drastically. You can then choose to shop based on things like accessibility, sustainability, or sun exposure.
What Is the Objective?
It might seem straightforward to say that the objective of shades and blinds is to reduce light exposure in a room. But depending on the type of business, there are other possible factors you may need to consider.
If your space is a government office, a clinic, or any other place of business that requires privacy, you’ll need to find a window treatment that offers adequate view control. This means accounting for how certain materials react during different times of the day.
Some fabrics trick the eye and might seem completely opaque. But when the sun is giving off its strongest light, you might find that it becomes semi-transparent.
Depending on the space, you might even consider blackout fabrics, which offer 100% UV coverage, light protection, and visual privacy. They are a great solution for rooms where presentations are given, like media rooms. As they’ll block out excess light and reduce glare.
Blackout curtains are also wonderful if you’re concerned about furniture being damaged by sun exposure. Think about sun-facing rooms or times where offices and commercial spaces might be closed for an extended period of time. Blackout curtains can protect against UV rays, preventing furniture from aging.
Choosing sheer materials would of course be ineffective against reducing sun exposure or increasing privacy. But if your objective is to solely focus on aesthetics, then you can have fun with the materials. It also stays away from fabrics that are for a more heavy-duty job and might not match the decor.
It’s important to ask questions while shopping for window treatments. So you will know how different fabrics and materials will perform under a variety of weather conditions.
Consider Time and Energy
Some window treatments require more upkeep than others; those who are looking for commercial window treatments are looking for something that’s easy to maintain and requires minimal upkeep.
Looking for materials that are within your scope to clean is important when choosing the right window treatments for your space. Cellular shades and roller shades are some of the easiest window treatments to clean, as they can be wiped down with a vacuum or cleaner brush.
Vertical blinds can also be a great solution as they are one of the easiest to clean. Because of their positioning, they naturally collect less dust and dirt.
Choosing the right commercial window treatments for your space can also impact energy costs and efficiency. If this is something that is important to you or the business you’re working with; ask about insulation and light control.
Some fabrics are better than others at keeping rooms cool during the summer and trapping heat in the winter; which can drastically reduce energy bills. Consider options like blackout fabric or even eco-friendly fabric.
Eco-friendly fabric can be made from recycled materials. It does a great job at reducing energy costs by reflecting the sun’s energy. Eco-friendly fabrics are easy to clean, highly durable, and some are even flame resistant.
Find the Perfect Window Treatment
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing window treatments for your commercial space. They can impact anything from mood to the amount of privacy an office has, to energy costs. It’s not an easy decision to make and it requires time and confidence in your decisions.
Thankfully, there are tons of options available for you to choose from! Keep exploring your options and make sure to speak to a commercial window treatment specialist to help guide you through the process.
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