Window Covering Guide This will be fun Window coverings are a big part of the mood and beauty of your home. They really give you a chance to express yourself and establish your personal style. And being able to show your creativity is what makes choosing window coverings such a great experience. This design guide from Shade-O-Matic ® is the perfect place to begin your quest for window coverings that do everything you want them to while also capturing your personal style. And don’t forget, your Shade-O-Matic ® authorized Window Covering Specialist is happy to work with you to find the best solutions. With their help, you can be extra sure that your made-to-order Shade-O-Matic ® window coverings will be exactly right for your home. The Shade-O-Matic ® Plus System There are four key things to consider when choosing window coverings. Just think PLUS. P rivacy How much do you want to see out? How much do you want people to be able to see in? Does that change from daytime to nighttime? L ight Control Are people sleeping, watching TV or using a computer inside? Do you have furniture, artwork, carpets or other valuable possessions you want to protect from UV rays? U sability Will it be easy to open and close both your window coverings and your windows? Are they safe for kids and easy to maintain? S tyle How does this fit in with your decor, furniture, fabrics, carpets and wall colours? How does it enhance the room and make the most of your windows? The first three, Privacy, Light Control and Usability, are the practical considerations of which you should take note. Figuring these out will ensure that your window coverings do everything you need them to do. And then there’s Style. This is the part that lets you express yourself through colours, fabrics, textures and decorating ideas. Getting the Privacy and Light Control You Want These two considerations usually go together. Here are some ideas to ask your Shade-O-Matic ® authorized Window Covering Specialist about: > R oller or Roman shades provide complete window coverage in sunscreen, room-darkening or decorative fabrics. > C ellular and Pleated shades come in non-sheer materials with versions that provide a soft light by day and privacy by night, and a daytime/nighttime option. Woven Wood Blind > H orizontal blinds, vertical blinds and shutters allow as much or as little light as you like. > W oven wood blinds are made of natural materials and filter the light, adding a dramatic look to your decor. Cellular Shade Assessing Your Usability Needs Here are some things to look for: > W ill the window treatment you select allow the window to be fully functional and easily cleaned? Be sure that blinds mounted inside the window frame won’t interfere with windows that tilt or crank inward to open. > A re you interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency? Shutters, Cellular Shades, Pleated Shades and Roller Shades will help. > D o you have children? All our window coverings have child safety features designed to help protect your children. > Is your window location hard to reach or are you covering an overhead skylight? Automated blinds are a user-friendly solution. > A re your windows in a bathroom or kitchen where humidity can be a problem? PVC, poly-satin, faux wood or aluminum are good choices here. Muskoka Wood Horizontal Blind > A re you concerned about your indoor environment? Look for our GreenProtect™ symbol. Roller Shade Setting Your Personal Style What’s your personal style? Here are the leading style trends and the window coverings that go with them. Style Solutions Casual > Shutters > Lasting Impressions® Pleated Shades Comfortable, warm and inviting are the key characteristics. It’s best kept simple, but include a few antiques or unique pieces to add charm. Window treatments should allow for soft, natural lighting. > Regency Roller Shades > Woven Treasures Woven Woods Shutters Formal Symmetry is key with furniture and accessories arranged in pairs or around a focal point. Rich colours, lacquered wood and metal furnishings add warmth and luster. Window coverings should be elegant, with beautiful woods and decorated fabrics. Contemporary Clean lines and bold colours dominate this style. Monochromatic white or black designs are popular, but use bold colours to create interest. Window coverings should be simple. > Shadow Magic ® Horizontal Shadings > Moodscapes® Cellular Shades > Romanelle ® Roman Shades > Visionelle ® Sheer Vertical Wrap Roman Shade > Romanelle ® Panel Track Systems > Moodscapes® Cellular Shades > Moderne Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds > Collection of Colours Vertical Blinds > Aluminum Horizontal Blinds Cellular Shade Traditional Homey and classic, this style is understated and orderly. Use soft, muted colours and floral fabrics. Sofas and chairs are comfortably upholstered, but not oversized. Window coverings should be simple and in neutral colours. > Visionelle ® Sheer Vertical Wrap > Muskoka Wood Horizontal Blinds > Lasting Impressions® Pleated Shades Pleated Shade Country/Cottage Relaxed and natural, country style brings in the beauty of the outdoors. Use earthy colours and natural, durable fabrics. Choose mismatched furniture rather than a complete set. Window coverings should allow for plenty of natural light. > Woven Treasures Woven Woods > Muskoka Wood Horizontal Blinds > Shutters > Moderne Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds Woven Wood Blind Designer Tips There are many ways to approach your style decisions, so here are a few to consider: > C hoose Shade-O-Matic ® window coverings that establish your overall decorating theme and then build on this look throughout the room. The Shade-O-Matic ® Window Covering Collection > E nhance a current decorating scheme with fabrics and colours that complement those already found in your room. Then add a dash of spice with contrasting borders, cording or fringe. > B e dramatic: make your windows the focal point of the room. Consider a complementary colour, unique finishes or contrasting borders. > M ake your window coverings and the surrounding walls the same colour and present your windows as a study in architectural detail. Horizontal Blinds Crisp, clean lines, elegant detail and full control over light make horizontal blinds a favourite. Combine these features with an impressive number of styles, finishes, colours and slat sizes, and you have the perfect starting point for almost any room in your home. Blinds: > Muskoka Wood Horizontal Blinds > Moderne Faux Wood Horizontal Blinds > 2” Grande ® Aluminum > 1” Appeal ® Aluminum > 1” Elements® Aluminum Muskoka Wood Horizontal Blind Shades and Shadings Shades: The ultimate in window covering sophistication, shades and shadings can transform natural light into a warm, luminous glow. They add classic beauty and sophistication to any room in your home. Available in a wide range of colours, textures and designs, they can be easily adjusted to control the amount of light or privacy required. > Shadow Magic ® Horizontal Shadings > Moodscapes® Cellular Shades > Lasting Impressions® Pleated Shades > Regency Roller Shades > Woven Treasures Woven Woods > Romanelle ® Roman Shades Vertical Styles Blinds: Vertical window treatments are an attractive addition to any room, and particularly striking on patio doors, large window expanses, and bay or bow windows. You’ve got so many fashionable choices here. They offer total light control and allow you to let in as much or as little light as you like. > Collection of Colours Vertical Blinds Shutters Roller Shade > Visionelle ® Sheer Vertical Wrap > Romanelle ® Panel Track Systems > Moodscapes® Cellular Vertical Application Vertical Blind > Various shutter styles are available Shutters are a timeless way to add drama and elegance to any room. Our beautiful variety of colours and styles transforms windows into stunning works of design. Even arched windows can be part of your seamless look. Shutters FOR HEALTHIER LIVING Like you, we believe that we are all responsible for preserving our environment. GreenProtect™ represents our commitment to this important goal, both in how we make our products and how we conduct our business. If you’re concerned about your indoor environment or have family members who are sensitive to certain substances in fabrics, look for our GreenProtect™ symbol. Fashionable. Affordable. Remarkable. Shade-O-Matic ® is Canada’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-fashion, high-quality window coverings. We continue to add more styles and options for you to choose from, yet one element remains the same: all of our products are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit each and every time. It’s easy to see why we can provide the perfect solution for every window in your home. All Shade-O-Matic ® products are proudly manufactured in Canada with child safety features and are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. Cert no. XXX-XXX-000 Printed in Canada SAM535 Made in Canada Child Safety Features Shade-O-Matic ® Head Office 550 Oakdale Road Toronto, ON, Canada M3N 1W6 P 416.742.1524 Toll-free (Canada) 1.800.387.2879 F 416.742.4872 www.shade-o-matic.com