To Have or Not Have Blinds?

Margi Kyle, the Designing Doctor, shares her favorite design options.

I am often asked the question, “Margi, Do I need blinds on my windows?”

Windows are one of the last elements of design that goes into a home.

Ask yourself:

• How long have you had the blinds in your home?
• Are they dirty and outdated looking?
• Do they have any of the hanging cords on them? (If yes, they need to be replaced. See more details below.*)

Blinds alone on a window are sometimes not enough

They are great for light control and privacy. If you are feeling the blinds are just not enough — get a yard of fabric you love and hang it next to the blind. If it finishes the window treatment, then perhaps your just need to finish the window in the room that is bugging you the most.

Window treatments

A few more things to consider:

• Do you want the window to carry a vertical or horizontal line? It is especially true with blinds. Vertical adds height to a room. Horizontal brings the ceiling down in the room. Remember, any vertical product can’t totally disappear — horizontal blinds they can be totally pulled up.
• Do you need for them to be energy efficient? Give privacy? Room darkening or simply finish the space? 
• Do you want motorized windows?
• Would you like your windows automated with timers?
• What is your budget?
• Are you planning to install them yourself? (Not recommended, improper measuring or installation can be costly.)
• Not every window needs to be treated. If you have a beautiful view, perhaps a valance will do.

*A word of caution:

Any blinds that have cords on them are not legal anymore and needs to be removed or replaced. We lose one child a month to say nothing about our animals to cord strangulation. Mommy puts on pearls and daddy wears a tie. Children watch and put the cords around their neck. As a designer, that is my fiduciary duty to inform you of the new laws.

Today, we have so many options

I’ve worked for Hunter Douglas for over 15 years. I always say “You get what you pay for.” No truer words were ever spoken when I recommend blinds.

Don’t skimp on window blinds

Too much can go wrong and it can be a real hassle. Buy quality and wait for a sale. When it comes to blinds, it is a package deal. Get a professional installer to install them. You won’t be sorry.

I want to show you some of the products that I love and tell you why

First is the Hunter Douglas Duette®Honeycomb Shades.

They are affordable, come in many colors. White on the back side. Good insulation, and privacy. They can be pulled up and totally disappear. A clean, classic look that will work with every style and design in a room.

My next favorite Hunter Douglas Blind is the Silhouette®Window Shadings.

A very elegant shading and can have room darkening as well. If you want a formal finished look that is very sophisticated – this is your shade!

The next favorite Hunter Douglas Blind is the Luminette® privacy Sheer.

Carries a horizontal line. Gives the feeling of a sheer and is beautiful. I can pull to one side or the other, or center split. It too can be room darkening and give you privacy.

The Furniture of the window industry — wooden shutters

There is no wrong choice — they are all beautiful

Look at your needs and narrow the selection that way.

Review and photos by Hunter Douglas and Margi Kyle

Article and designs by Margi Kyle, Managing Editor
Photo courtesy of Deborah Young Studio

Do you have a Design Dilemma? Building a new home or renovating an existing one? We’ve got an expert here at LKNConnect — Margi Kyle. A professional Interior Designer for over 50 years, Margi has an extensive portfolio, a brilliant vision for color and style, and a willingness to help the design-deprived among us! If you have a Design Dilemma, write to Dr. Margi at [email protected] and ask your question. Include pictures and details, and Dr. Margi will respond to your Design Dilemma with a perfect solution!

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