As the temperatures continue to rise this summer, so do our electric bills from running our A/C on overdrive. But did you know that window treatments can also help to keep your house cool, all while keeping your electric bill low?
And there’s a lot of choice — roman shades, roller and solar shades, woven woods, shutters, vertical blinds, and wood and metal blinds. It can feel overwhelming! So, let’s narrow the playing field. Hunter Douglas is a top of the line manufacturer offering beautiful, custom-designed window treatments for filtering or blocking light, energy efficiency, as well as privacy. This manufacturer has some new-to-market products and features that will help your home beat the heat!
Duette® Honeycomb Shades
The company’s Duette® Honeycomb Shades are the original cellular shades. Classic and contemporary, these shades are great for keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They come in a myriad of fabrics, but take a look at the new 2019 line, Apollo, Alexa Metallic™ and Calypso™. These pretty neutrals and greys are on trend, yet classic.
And this style will fit any size window, even those unusually shaped. So, if you want to diffuse the light coming in from patio doors, sliders, and skylights, this shade is the way to go.
Diffuse the Light
The LightLock™ feature helps absorb and deflect nearly all incoming light seeping into the room. So, you’ll be able to finally watch television without a harsh glare streaming across the screen.
Another option, Duette Duolite®, combines two fabrics—one light filtering sheer front panel with a room-darkening back panel that both roll on a single roller. It perfectly answers the desire for both soft, natural light or soothing darkness. This design is also available on Hunter Douglas Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, Silhouette® Window Shadings and Duette® Honeycomb Shades.
Operable Window Coverings
You can also control your shades or shutters with your voice if you add PowerView® Motorization. It works seamlessly with smart-home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. And you’ll be able to set schedules to switch shades/shutters open and closed throughout the day to maximize light and heat from the sun when you want it. Tip: To reduce heat gain, you’ll want to be strategic about which coverings you open in the morning. But, you still want natural light, so open those coverings that don’t get direct sunlight.
We’re excited that PowerView® Motorization is now available on Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Shutters. These finely-painted plantation shutters are perfect for hot and humid environments. Plus, they are guaranteed to never warp, crack, fade, chip, peel or discolor, regardless of extreme heat or moisture.
Privacy and Natural, Diffused Light
Designer Banded Shades combine alternating sheer and solid bands in a single shade. This style gives you a lot of flexibility. For example, you can align the bands to overlap for complete privacy or adjust them for natural, diffused light.
Choosing what is right for your home is a process, and it is one that we here at Saybrook Home would gladly help you with. With a top of the line Hunter Douglas showroom, and a team of Hunter Douglas trained designers, we will make the process of purchasing/installing window treatments as pleasant as a cool summer breeze!
