You may think you’re done after you install your new replacement windows, but you’re not. Once your home’s replacement windows in Costa Mesa, CA are installed, you get to choose and install window treatments. One common type is shades. Window shades offer lots of benefits from convenience and look to energy efficiency. They can be mounted outside or inside the window line, drawn with a spring or a cord, and inhibit or allow light from entering your home. There are two main kinds of window shades: roller and cellular. While both are great choices, they offer different benefits that might make one or the other better for your home.

Cellular Window Shades

Cellular window shades are built from a honeycomb structure that not only blocks light but also traps air between the window and the rest of your house. Cellular shades are made up of honeycomb-shaped cells, and these cells form small air pockets. Each air pocket is another small bit of insulation between the Colorado air and your air-conditioned house. That trapped air adds extra insulation and is one of the best cellular shade features as extra insulation means a more energy-efficient home.

Cellular window shades come in lots of different fabrics for varying degrees of light filtration. You can choose a more sheer material to let light in, or a thicker one for a blackout effect. Blackout fabrics also add a bit more insulation. While cellular shades are effective, they might not match your style. There are not as many color or style options for cellular window shades; fairly often what you see is what you get.

Roller Shades for Windows

Roller window shades are simply a piece of fabric mounted on a rolling mechanism so the fabric can move up or down to cover your window. They are very popular in both commercial and residential properties as they are easy to clean and streamlined in appearance.

Roller shades have a smooth, modern look and are perfect for large windows. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and fabrics so you can easily customize the look to match your décor. They also come in both blackout and light-filtering options. These fabric options can also sometimes block UV rays, glare, and unwanted light to protect your furniture and TV time.

However, roller window shades do not offer much in the way of insulation. As they are only one piece of fabric, they have almost zero effect on solar gain and heat conduction.

Questions about Window Shades

• What’s the average cost of window shades?

  • When considering window treatments, many homeowners automatically default to curtains or blinds. However, shades are a viable alternative that can provide numerous benefits. In terms of cost, shades tend to be more affordable than both curtains and blinds. When it comes to installation, shades are also relatively easy to install and can often be done without professional help. In terms of operation, shades are available in a variety of styles, including manual and cordless options. And when it comes to maintenance, shades typically only require occasional dusting or vacuuming, making them a low-maintenance option. For all these reasons, shades are an increasingly popular choice for window treatments.

• How do I choose a shade for a replacement window?

  • While it may seem like a daunting task, choosing the right shade for your replacement window is actually quite simple. The first step is to determine the purpose of the window. If you are looking for a way to add privacy to your home, then a darker shade would be best. However, if you are hoping to let in more light, then a lighter shade would be a better option. Once you have decided on the purpose of the window, you can begin to narrow down your options. If you are still unsure, there are many websites and magazines that offer helpful advice on choosing the perfect window shade. With a little bit of research, you should have no trouble finding the perfect shade for your replacement window.

• What shades provide privacy at night?

  • When it comes to choosing window treatments, many people focus on how the treatments will look during the day. However, it is also important to consider how the treatments will affect the privacy of your home at night. While light-filtering shades can help to reduce the visibility of your home from the outside, they will not provide complete privacy. If you are looking for window treatments that will provide privacy at night, you should choose blackout shades. Blackout shades are designed to block out all light, ensuring that your home is completely private after dark. In addition, blackout shades can also help to reduce noise levels and keep your home cooler in the summer months. As a result, they are an ideal choice for bedrooms and other rooms where privacy and comfort are a priority.

Cunningham Doors & Windows, located at 1940 E Edinger Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705, can offer you extra help with choosing the best shades for your new replacement windows. We can also help you choose your Costa Mesa, CA replacement windows. Give us a call today at (714) 258-2500 to learn more about what we can do for you.