Sunnyside Up:

Just as the rays from the sun can be harmful to skin, they can also damage your furnishings. Mini, wood, or vertical blinds allow you to channel light - - a little or a lot, whatever you prefer!

If you would like your room to be completely protected from light and sun, just add panels. These panels are hung on curtain rods to cover the sides of the blinds.

Tip: Any blinds hung inside the window frame will leak a line of light along the sides. For absolute control, outside mount it or cover up the "leak" with panels.

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Climate Control:

The window coverings which are most energy efficient, in order are;

· honeycomb pleated shades

· lined draperies

· vertical blinds

· mini blinds

· sheer curtains

Other tips for energy efficiency include;

· Layer your coverings. Extra insulation is provided when the glass-side layer is well fitted. The better the fit, the better the efficiency; therefore if your budget allows, have your coverings custom made.

· Few natural materials insulate as well as wood. Where climate is extreme wood blinds topped with extra-full, lined draw draperies are the solution.

· The best reflectors of the sun include mini and aluminized blinds. Also, any window covering which is white on the glass-side is better than coverings with another color.