A: The best window treatment for blocking light is a blackout roller shade with a side track system for blocking light gaps at the sides and bottom of the shade. (Our favorite: Norman Soluna Roller Shades with the Lightblock 360 system ) This can be inside or outside mounted and can be motorized.

A: These terms sometimes are used interchangeably. Some manufacturers like to stick with “room darkening” when referring to any shade that blocks light because the “fit” in the window will determine whether a shade blocks a little light or a lot of light. Usually the light is not coming through the shade itself, but around the edges when mounted inside or on top of a window casing.

A: Yes. Room dimming is a term used to describe a shade that has light dimming properties such as a thicker weave or darker color.

A: A more simple solution is a cellular shade which provides a moderate to high level of light blocking without a track system and is available with a top down/bottom up feature.

A: There are several options that integrate two shades in one headrail. The one that has the least amount of depth is a cellular shade that can have a light filtering or sheer top and a room darkening bottom allowing you to use either over the entire window, or have both pushed to the top of the window when not in use. 

Other options include dual roller shades that stack two different shades within the same headrail, or the innovative “ Duolite ” shade from Hunter Douglas that integrates a room darkening liner behind another shade such as a Silhouette or a roller shade. All of these options can be motorized with size restrictions.

A. A roman shade is another good option for blocking light because, like a cellular shade, it fills the space better than a roller so the light gaps are smaller. This could be a natural woven material or a fabric. Both can be made with blackout lining that doesn’t allow light to come through, and the options for color, pattern and texture are endless! A special mention is the Hunter Douglas Vignette Modern Roman Shade which has limited style and fabric options, but can come Top Down/ Bottom Up and has no visible cords on the backside for a cleaner look from the outside.

A: There are several options for a slider. If you like to be able to stack the treatment off to the side (a vertical orientation), a basic option is a vertical blind which will allow you to turn the vanes at an angle best suited for light and privacy or push the vanes all to one side when not in use. 

Another option is a drapery, or sheer drapery that has a softer, more “finished” look. Our favorite is the Norman Smart Drape for its simplicity, cleanability and durability. This is great for high traffic areas such as kitchens or family rooms. One other mention is a vertical natural woven drape which provides a more casual look, a superior stacking profile and many color and texture options. Our favorite is the Horizons Averte Natural Fold Drape.

A: All window treatment types can be motorized. Some have size restrictions and some have limitations on how they operate such as a wood blind that can only open and close louvers with the motorization.

A: Yes. Norman Window Fashions has a motorized shutter that allows you to use a remote or app on your phone to control the louvers.

A: Yes. All products that can be motorized can have either an internal or external battery option. With the ever changing landscape in motorization, it is best to consult an expert when deciding whether you should opt for motorized or non-motorized window coverings.

A: Pros: An easy way to open or close all windows in your home at the same time. Schedules can be set to time of day or be operated remotely from outside the home. Voice activation can be achieved with connection to a system like Alexa or Apple Home kit. Hard to reach shades can be operated easily without cords or poles. 

Cons: Battery operated shades need to be charged every 6-12 months. If electricity is not available the shade can not work manually. Most manufacturers are only offering a 5 year warranty on the motorization due to the ever changing specifications in motorization.

A: A cellular shade which has pockets of air in between layers of fabric, or a roman shade with a liner are the best options for insulating against heat gain, but any treatment you put on a window that blocks UV rays will significantly reduce the heat caused by the “greenhouse effect” of UV rays.

A: A cellular shade which has pockets of air between layers of fabric, a roman shade with a liner, or draperies are the best options for keeping cold out because of their insulating properties.

A: Anything that folds or collapses such as cellular shades or roman shades can be opened from the top of the window or the bottom. (some restrictions apply to fabric roman shades). Our favorite: The Alta Hybrid pleat cellular shade with 2” pleat gives a feel of a roman shade with the clean look of a cellular shade.

A: A motorized shade is best, but if motorization is not an option, most manufacturers offer an extension pole that can operate the shade if it is out of reach. The pole can be stored out of the way in a closet or garage for easy access when needed. This includes skylight shades.

A: Consider a dealer with a good track record, established customer base and personalized service. Consider that if anything goes wrong with your shades you will most likely only be able to get support from the dealer that you purchased the shade from. Manufacturers do not deal directly with the consumer and will always refer you back to the dealer. It is important to know that a “limited lifetime warranty” is only good if you are able to work with the dealer who will work with the manufacturer to resolve any issues. 

Also take into consideration the sales help. A good salesperson or “designer” will be able to guide you to the best solution for your windows taking into consideration form and function as well as color and design based on your needs and design aesthetic.