The Best Way to Hang Curtain Panels

The Best Way to Hang Curtain Panels

It’s crucial to have great window panels in your home. They can block light, they can keep prying eyes out, and they can give a little bit of color to a room that needs it. Face it- curtains are great! But the real downside is that they can be difficult to hang. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with a quick guide to hanging curtains for your home. 

A Few Calculations

Before you even start thinking about hanging your new curtains, you must know how long they are. If your curtains are too long for your windows, they’re going to just pool onto the ground and look messy. If your curtains are too short for your windows, you’re not going to get the full privacy of having windows. 

Additionally, if your curtains aren’t wide enough, you’re going to get a not so nice wake-up call from some sunlight far too early in the day. The best width for your window panels would be about 2 times the width of the window, and their length should hover just above the floor.

Rods as Opposed to Panels

When you have your curtains all measured, you also need to measure your curtain rod. The curtain rod should generally be wider than your window, and if you’re looking to make your space look bigger, they should be up to six inches wider than the window. If your room won’t allow for that extra space then it might be easier to bring in a tighter look, especially when you have several windows close together. 

Hanging

When hanging your curtain rod, you should mark where you want it on the wall before you actually hang it up. It’s good to keep the rod off of your window frame, and it’s usually placed just slightly above to help display your windows best. When marking this space out, it’s great to grab a friend or a member of your family to help you hold it straight. Snap a couple of pictures to decide on the best spot, and then you can choose where you want your curtains to hang!

Installation

When installing your curtains, the curtain rod may have come with an instruction guide- and that’s good! If you’ve got an instruction guide, you’ve got all the help you need to finish off your room and make it look great. If you don’t, the rest is simple- screw the curtain brackets into the wall, thread your curtains onto the rod, and then place the rod on the brackets. 

Contact Gallery of Shades at 480-643-0014 for more information on custom curtains and we offer professional installation as well.

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Why Should You Choose Grass Weave Shades?

Grass Weave Shades Gallery of Shades Scottsdale

When you’re looking for your new blinds, it’s important to choose the ones that go best with your room. Grass weave shades are a great choice for many different reasons,  but maybe one of the most important is that they’ll look great wherever you put them in your home! 

Defining A Look

Natural wood shades are oftentimes seen in island-themed environments, but in recent years, they’ve been growing in popularity all throughout the world. They can also be called matchstick shades or natural shades, and they’re great to insert under curtains or even just as a standalone piece on your windows. These stylish woven shades can be made of bamboo, jute, rattan, or even natural grasses to create a great look in your home!

The Natural Choice

While they do look great in your home, grass weave shades are also very eco-friendly. Since they’re made of natural materials like bamboo and grasses, they’re sustainable and help our environment. Plastic shades can cause harmful chemicals to go into the air and water supply when they’re made, which can damage our environment and hasten global warming. If you opt for a grass weave shade, too, it guarantees that fewer trees will be cut down to form blinds. Grasses are a great and fast-growing resource to use in your home’s decor.

Let There Be Light

If you’re looking for natural sunlight in your home without the advantage that the neighbors can see your every move, natural grass weave shades are a great choice. Depending on the weave and thickness, they can let in a lot of light into your home, while still protecting your privacy. The thinner the weave, the more light it can let in- while still closing your neighbors out.

Lots of Options!

The best thing about these stylish woven shades? The options! All of the materials come in a variety of colors because they’re all-natural. These bamboo and grass weave shades can come in a variety of browns, tans, and grays, as well as any size and shape! Even if your windows are very wide, very tall, or even arched, you’re sure to find a shade style that fits your needs.

Contact Gallery of Shades today to schedule a free consultation at 480-643-0014. 

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When is the Right Time to Buy New Window Treatments?

new window treatments Gallery of Shades

How long have you actually had your window shades? Are they like an old mattress and you’ve reached a point where you really need to replace them?  Actually, yeah, there are several signs that you need to replace your shades with new window treatments. Take a look at a few now.

  1. Physical Damage: Lots of things can happen to shades over the course of time. If they’ve been physically damaged, it might be time to replace them with a new option. Whether it’s a rip in the shade itself or some other type of damage, they’re not going to help make your windows look amazing until you replace them.
  2. Difficult to Raise: Having trouble getting your shades to go all the way up? They won’t stay down any longer? If your window shades have become difficult to raise or lower, replacing them with something newer is an absolute must. The mechanism could be damaged, and it could even fall out of your window, damaging the window itself, your furniture, or even your flooring.
  3. Discoloration: The Scottsdale sun can do a number on window shades if they’ve been there for a few years. Often the UV rays will begin to discolor shades, leaving you with something that doesn’t look quite like it did when you bought it. New window shades, though can fix this problem quickly!
  4. They No Longer Match Your Décor: Part of any home should be stylish window treatments, and if you feel your window shades no longer fit with the style of your home, it’s absolutely time to replace them with something that does! It will make your whole room look better.

Is it time to get rid of your old window shades? At Gallery of Shades, we can help you find new custom window shades specifically designed for your home. Give us a call today to learn more about our custom window treatments in Scottsdale and our free in-home design consultation!

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Buy Solar Shades for Their Energy Efficiency and Beauty Too!

Did you know that UV rays can fade the furniture and flooring INSIDE your home? The sun’s rays can also increase the temperature inside your home, pushing your air conditioner to work a lot harder during the Scottsdale summer months. Fortunately, there is something you can do to put a stop to both problems – buy solar shades.

What Are Solar Shades?

Sometimes called UV solar shades, these unique window coverings are made with a fabric that is tightly woven enough to keep out the sun’s UV rays. Despite that tight weave, though, you can still see through it, creating the perfect view from your windows. Once you have solar shades installed in your home, you’ll reduce the heat inside your home and keep the sun from fading your furniture and your flooring. They really are the ideal window covering when you’re looking for an energy-efficient choice that helps to protect your home. 

Don’t Sacrifice Options for Protection

Worried solar shades aren’t right for you because you were hoping for a window treatment that looked great in your home? Luckily, today’s solar shades can do both. There are lots of fabric choices available and a number of different opacities, so you can completely customize your solar shades to meet the needs of your home. From a variety of colors to a difference in privacy options, you’ll have plenty to choose from when you start shopping for solar shades.

Gallery of Shades – Scottsdale Solar Shades Design Showroom

Think solar shades might be the right choice for your home? We can help you find the perfect window treatment options. We’ll even do a free in-home design consultation so you can find the perfect option to meet your needs for your whole house! To learn more about solar shades and how we can help you find the perfect window coverings, contact us today.

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Which Room Darkening Shades are Best for a Kids Room?

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You’ve worked hard to make your child’s bedroom look amazing. The last step? Fantastic shades. But what’s going to look great and still be safe in a child’s room? What about nap time? Which type of room darkening shades will work best? There are lots of window shade options that will reflect the style you’ve created while still maintaining your child’s safety and comfort. Take a look at two of the most popular options now.

Roller Shades

This choice has been used in children’s rooms for generations, and for good reason. Their simplicity will compliment your child’s room no matter what décor style you’ve selected, and they’re incredibly versatile. Room darkening shades are available with this type of window covering, so your child can nap during the day or even sleep in a bit after the sun comes up. Most options are cordless, too, which makes them incredibly safe for your child. They’re even easy to clean. Once open, just wipe them down with a microfiber cloth to collect all of the dust and debris. Available in a wide range of color options, this could be a great choice for your child’s room.

Roman Shades

Roman shades come in lots of different styles, and they can be made out of almost any fabric. That means they’re the ideal choice in your child’s room. They offer complete privacy, and they’re energy-efficient, as if properly lined, they’ll keep your child’s room the perfect temperature. They’re incredibly affordable too! It’s important to note that in some cases Roman shades come with a cord, so you may want to look for a cordless option for your child’s room.

The good news is that you can pair both of these with cute window sheers to further accent your child’s room. No matter which ones you select, they’ll make your child’s room look fantastic.

Need a bit of help making a decision? Contact us today to book a free in-home consultation!

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Will Custom Patio Shades Be the Right Fit For Your Backyard?

custom patio shades

Outdoor living areas are more popular than ever. In fact, a recent study by the American Institute of Architects found that 69% of homeowners increased their outdoor living options over the past few years. Nowhere can this trend be seen more than in Arizona.

Patios and poolscapes abound today, along with gorgeous outdoor kitchens, dining, and living areas. Unfortunately, all of that outdoor space can come at a price here – the price of punishing sunlight and heat, making those outdoor living areas virtually unusable during parts of the day. Fortunately, there is one option that can help – shades for outdoor space. Sometimes called custom patio shades, these can give you the help you need during the heat of the day.

What are Outdoor Patio Shades?

If you’ve heard the term but you’re unfamiliar with them, patio shades are created from a solar screen fabric, then strategically placed to help block the sun from your outdoor living space. They can be motorized or they can be manually retractable. Either way, the entire point of outdoor patio shades is to keep your space cool and comfortable throughout the day, even in Arizona.

Are They Right for Me?

If you’re thinking “shades for a patio, what’s the point?”, you’re not alone. Outdoor shades are just becoming popular in many locations, but once you see them in action, you’ll realize they offer the perfect balance of allowing you to enjoy your space without fighting the heat throughout the day. Some studies have found that they can reduce the heat by 65 to 90% during the hottest part of the day. In fact, they can even reduce the heat inside your home when placed near a window.

Patio shades offer more than just cooler temperatures, though. They can also help to protect your furniture. Many people have gorgeous outdoor furniture on their deck or patio, but the reality is that over time, the sun can fade that furniture. If you have an outdoor rug or even outdoor cushions, the sun will take its toll on those items too. Outdoor patio shades can help to protect all of that from the UV light, which means that if you love your outdoor furniture, you can keep it safe for years longer than you might be able to without the patio shades. They can even help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays while you enjoy your space.

In addition to UV protection, patio shades can also offer you a little extra privacy. Whether you live on the edge of a golf course or you just have a neighbor or two you’re concerned about, installing patio shades could mean a chance to enjoy your gorgeous outdoor space without others peeking in.

Worried those shades will prevent you from looking out over your beautiful property? Don’t. Patio shades are designed with varying levels of opacity. For you, that translates to the fact that you can see your property without dealing with the glare, the heat, or the neighbors.

If you’re searching for custom patio shades that might look great in your outdoor living space, look no further than Gallery of Shades. We offer a free in-home consultation so we can custom-design the perfect patio shades for your space, giving you exactly what you want. Learn more when you contact us today.

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soft roman shades Gallery of Shades

Your window coverings can make or break a room, and selecting the right option from the hundreds available today can be difficult. Soft Roman shades, a centuries’ old choice, are making a comeback, though, and they might be the perfect option for your home. Wondering why? Take a look.

Versatile

Looking for kitchen shades? These are a great choice. Need bedroom shades? Yep, these again. Hoping for bathroom shades that mean added privacy and beauty? It’s Roman shades to the rescue again. Because they’re available in so many different styles and types, these window coverings meet the needs of almost every room in your home. They’re a beautiful accent no matter what the décor, style, or window type. You might even be surprised at the sheer number of options you have when you start shopping Roman shades.

Energy Efficient

Looking for a window covering that will help keep the air conditioner from working too hard? Roman shades win here again. The fabric literally covers the window when fully extended, and that means you can keep the hot Scottsdale sun out and your cool air conditioning in. They could even lower your energy bills significantly.

True Privacy

When options like wood blinds are closed, often there’s a small gap that could compromise your privacy. When Roman shades are closed, though, your window is completely covered. If you’re looking for a choice that means absolute privacy in any room of your home without the weight and bulk of draperies,

Roman shades are one of the few window coverings that will give it to you.

Think you’re ready for Roman shades? Scottsdale homeowners just like you have been coming to Gallery of Shades for years to get the perfect custom Roman shades for their homes. To see our showroom or for a free in-home design consultation, contact us today.

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Buy Roller Shades for an Amazing Alternative to Blinds

buy roller shades Gallery of Shades

Roller shades were once the darling of the window treatment industry. Along came the mini blind, though, and suddenly roller shades for your home were no longer fashionable. Unfortunately, they’ve gotten a pretty bad reputation, but today, you can buy roller shades that look absolutely amazing in your home.  Wondering why you should consider the best roller shades available today? Take a look.

One reason so many people consider this option is that they can be incredibly affordable. Keep in mind that roller shades are really simple in terms of design and that helps to keep costs in check. As a result, even if you’re on a fairly tight budget, you can find the designs you need.

Another reason so many people consider roller shades is that they help to offer complete light and privacy control. While some window treatments only offer some level of control over those features, roller shades mean completely blocking the light, keeping your space wholly private. You’ll never have to worry about privacy or light issues with roller shades in a room.

The last reason many people consider roller shades is that they’re easy to maintain. While other window treatments like blinds mean lots of individual pieces to clean, shades mean a simple wipe-down, if that’s even required. Because of the way they’re made, they’re not likely to really collect or attract dirt and dust.

At Gallery of Shades, we offer custom roller shades and many other great options. You can choose from many different materials, styles, and colors to meet your needs, and we have them in almost every price range, so no matter what your budget, we can help. Give us a call today for a free in-home consultation so we can discuss what might be right for every room in your home.

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Many Different Types of Shutters for Your Home

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Shutters – they’re the one window treatment that looks amazing in any home. From shutters for doors to shutters for complicated window styles, there are many different options to consider if you think this window treatment might be right for you. Take a look at the various types of shutters you can consider for your home today.

  • Plantation Shutters: When you think of shutters, you likely think of plantation shutters. Available for a full window or in a café style, these have tilted louvers that you can open or close like you might a set of blinds. They’re fitted to the window frame, though, and they open out like doors might. These often increase the value of a home, and they’re available in a number of different materials including faux wood shutters, so they’ll work well in almost any room in your house.
  • Colonial Shutters: These look a lot like plantation shutters, but the louver widths tend to be much smaller. They’re also available as a café option, and you can even use a double tier arrangement. In most cases, these are made from wood, though there are some brands that offer a faux wood option.
  • Board and Batten Shutters: These are the oldest type of shutter available, and you see them most often associated with a rustic vibe. They make a great accent and they can completely block the light, giving you total privacy. Unlike other types of shutters, there are no slats. Instead, you get one solid piece of wood you can either open or close to meet your needs. Typically these are only available in solid wood choices, not faux wood, and they’re not right for every decorating style.

Not sure about the best window shutters to meet your needs? Give us a call today. We can design custom shutters that are perfect for your home.

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outdoor shades hunter douglas gallery of shades

Your outdoor living space is just as important as your indoor space, but how can you make the most of it through a hot Arizona summer? Many are turning to custom patio shades as the answer. Not sure that’s right for your deck or patio? Check out a few of the amazing benefits outdoor patio shades can offer your home.

  • Enhanced Privacy: You love the view from your patio, but you don’t love the fact that the entire neighborhood can see your outdoor living space, right? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people are looking for a bit of privacy when they’re outdoors, and patio shades are an easy, quick solution to give you exactly what you want. Most even come in different opacities, so you may be able to see out while ensuring others can’t see in.
  • UV Protection: You love the sun, but it can do so much damage, both to your skin and your patio furniture. Fortunately, outdoor shades can solve that problem. When fully lowered, you’ll save your skin and help keep your furniture from fading. As the sun’s position in the sky changes, you can adjust your shades to meet your needs.
  • Temperature Control: This is one of the biggest reasons many people choose shades for outdoor space. Temperatures can soar as summer approaches, and outdoor shades can mean climate control. Selecting a solar screen material for your shades could help to dissipate most of the sun’s heat so you’ll experience more cool breezes and fewer of the sun’s hot rays, even in the warmest part of the day.

Think shades for your patio or deck might be the right option after all? You’ll find a great selection with us. Give us a call to learn how we can create custom shades that are ideal for your outdoor living space.

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