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blackout shades

Blackout Drapes Or Blackout Shades. Which Is Better?

Blackout Drapes Or Blackout Shades. Which Is Better? wjfigw4q3

Sleep. You can’t really function well in life without it. This time of year can be tricky, as the longer days offer the illusion that it’s your normal timeframe, even though your body is convinced it’s wind-down time. And sleeping in on the weekends is a distant memory as the sun’s rays are shining minutes earlier each day. Does the increase in daylight hours have you searching for room darkening window coverings? While there are a lot of options, the biggest question you might be asking yourself is: Blackout Drapes or Blackout Shades, which is better for me? Much of it will depend on the ‘look’ you want to achieve in the particular room you are darkening. The soft flow of fabrics might entice you, bringing patterns and prints you love into the space. With blackout shades, the designer look is easily attained in textures and colors that will complement your decor. The fabrics and materials are available in a range of soft, flowing layers, to sleek low-profile design. The best way to know which window treatments are right for you? Talk to one of our design consultants for advice, inspiration and our incredible selection of possibilities!

Blackout Drapes

Southbank Penthouse

Many of our clients ask for the custom drapery look and feel that they’ve experienced when staying in their favorite hotels. They want the soft look of custom drapes that add beauty and style to their bedroom as well as the superior blackout qualities that have allowed them to get a relaxing night’s sleep. Blackout drapes are constructed not only with your beautiful fabric selection, they have an additional blackout liner to keep as much light out as possible. However, not all blackout liners are created equal. When you’re considering blackout curtains for your home, you need a trusted source. Plenty of our clients have come to us with one story or another of blackout drapes that didn’t do their job. And what about energy efficiency? You want to keep your bedroom at a comfortable room temperature–and with summer coming, the thermal insulation on your blackout curtains will be important. You need a good night of sleep–in other words, a bedroom that is dark and comfortable.

Blackout Shades.

blackout curtains blackout shades roman shades

The beauty of window shades offers you a vast range of decor and style possibilities for your home. And depending on your home’s unique characteristics, you’ll be able to outfit your bedrooms with blackout shades that offer every convenience and comfort of modern innovations. Blackout shades–like blackout drapes–are not all created equal. Quality matters. Energy efficiency matters. Light gaps–or the lack of them–matter. Blackout shades are often chosen because the fit of custom shades is made for your windows–and they should be. Reducing the light gaps to the smallest increments, as well as choosing the best blackout fabrics, is what you deserve. And there’s a shade for every style. Choose from the sleek, low-profile design of blackout roller shades, the waterfalling layers of roman shades, the organized efficiency of honeycomb shades–even blackout options for sheer shadings. We’ve got the solutions you need for a good night’s sleep.

It’s All About Layers

blackout curtains blackout shades silhouette

Do you love the look of layers at the window? We do, too! Not only for decor, but layers offer a range of light control options for your family. Love the look of draperies, but don’t need blackout curtains? Drapery side panels can help keep the smallest amount of light blocked along the edge of the window. Top treatments added to blackout shades can bring in your favorite fabric prints and patterns. How about blackout shades with sheer window treatments? Doesn’t that sound like a dream come true? One of the latest innovations adds a second shade–a blackout shade–that operates in place behind your sheer window treatments. This gives you layers for levels of light control, privacy and energy efficiency–meant to fit your lifestyle.

Blackout Drapes or Blackout Shades: Which One Do You Love?

We know you need a good night’s sleep. When you’re trying to decide whether you want blackout drapes or blackout shades, we can help. The design consultants at Metropolitan Window Fashions will listen to you, helping you create the atmosphere that will fit your family and your lifestyle so everyone is getting a better night of sleep. Contact us to visit you for a free, in-home consultation.

Hunter Douglas shades on sale!

The Top 5 Bedroom Design Features

The Top 5 Bedroom Design Features wjfigw4q3

Fall is in full swing. The days feel shorter, the darkness longer. Have these seasonal changes got you thinking about your bedroom design? Does the gloominess of autumn and increasing darkness make you feel like you need to spruce up your space? You’re not alone. This is a time when we’re all getting ready to cozy in for the chilly months ahead. And we all want to do that in a bedroom that feels gorgeous and design savvy. We’ve got the top five bedroom design features you need to consider when you’re ready to make changes to your home.

#1 Your Personality.

Luxury Master Bedroom

When you consider your bedroom design, the most important feature is that it speaks to your unique personality. One of the best ways to create the perfect space is to choose the colors and specific style you love. Are you most comfortable in the farmhouse style of cozy chic quilts and linens? Or do you love luxurious patterns in rich colors? Custom bedding and accents are a perfect way to achieve the look that you’ll love. With coordinated fabrics, paint colors and accents, your bedroom will be the sanctuary you’ve always wanted. Let your personality shine.

#2 Layout.

Brambleton Master Suite

The general rule, when arranging furniture in your bedroom design, is to stand in the doorway. Most of the time, you’ll want to enter the room looking at the bed on the opposite wall. While that might not be the case in every room, the most important aspect is to create a “flow” throughout the space. It shouldn’t feel disjointed and cramped–with the wrong layout, this can happen no matter the size of the space. You shouldn’t have to walk around furniture to get to other parts of your bedroom. You might have to think outside the box and try out some different arrangements to see what works best. Changing up your bedroom design can add a whole new feel to the space, and you might be surprised at what looks best.

#3 The Perfect Accent.

Contemporary Bedroom

A focal point, a dramatic statement piece…this is what can make your bedroom design look put together and polished. In bedroom design, there are a number of ways to do just that. The focal wall of your bedroom could be an accent wall of vibrant color, elegant wallpaper or textured material. You could choose a custom headboard that fits your style. Artwork can be selected to add inspiring design and color. When choosing elements of your bedroom design, adding stunning pieces that fit your style is key to creating the perfect space.

#4 Organization.

Parkwood Road Residence Master Bedroom 2

Your bedroom should be a peaceful place where you can relax. But, that means something different for everyone. Do you love to sit and read? Is your bedroom the area of your home where you spend time with a cup of coffee in the morning? Is it your getaway from the household chaos so you can pay bills and online shop? Organization is key–no matter what. Make sure you have furniture, built-ins and closet space that adds function to the bedroom design. It will help you feel refreshed to have everything in its place, and you won’t spend all of your time cleaning it up.

#5 Darkness.

features for bedroom design

How would you rate the ability for you to get quality sleep in your bedroom? Sleep allows you to be productive and happy–a good night’s sleep can help you boost immunity and reduce your stress levels. Your bedroom should be outfitted with the latest features in window treatments. Have you seen recent innovations? Room darkening fabrics can block the incoming light. A second, blackout roller shade can be added to sheer and light filtering window coverings. Lowered in place, your bedroom will be completely dark–even during the day. When raised, you can enjoy the soft glow that comes in through sheer fabrics.

Need Help with Your Bedroom Design?

That’s where we come in. Our design experts, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, can help you create the bedroom design that only dreams are made of! Whether you need advice on starting a small project, like updating upholstery, or you want someone to help you oversee the makeover of your bedroom, we’re here for you. Come visit us at one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries to get inspired and see all that’s possible in fabrics and window treatments. Or, invite us to your home for a free, in-home consultation. Contact our team to get started today!

Window Solutions: 4 Life Changing Features

Window Solutions: 4 Life Changing Features wjfigw4q3

With the change in seasons, do you feel like your home is ready for a change, as well? While the autumn light this time of year seems to glow, there’s just not enough of it anymore. The daylight is fading into earlier twilight each evening. And the weather? Well, the range in temperatures can be vast from day to night, and even day to day. Seasonal changes often make us feel like we need to shift things around. Are you wondering what real life window solutions are out there to meet seasonal needs? We have four features in window solutions that will help you transform your home and help you create the perfect atmosphere this autumn–and year round!

#1 Need Energy Savings?

energy efficient window solutionsOne thing is for sure. Autumn is a brisk reminder that winter is on its way. There’s a chill in the air, and it’s bound to get colder. Nip those temperature changes in the bud with energy efficiency! We have window solutions that will help you maintain the comfort of your home, no matter what’s taking place outside. Do you know you could be facing up to 50% energy loss out your windows? It’s time to say, “Enough is enough.” The best part? Our energy saving window solutions work year round. Next summer, when it’s hot outside, you’ll still be reaping the benefits of a comfortable home.

#2 Need Better Sleep?

blackout window solutionsThis time of year, natural light is welcomed…right? That depends. Like any time of year, light is convenient when we need it, but when we don’t? It can be the biggest frustration. With the impending time change, it may feel like your evenings are limited on light, but the mornings? You’re going to want to embrace that extra hour and try to sleep in–especially on the weekend. And if you have children? Let’s just say that blackout window solutions are going to be your only hope of sleeping past 5am.

#3 Need Convenience?

motorized window solutionsWho doesn’t? Fall is probably one of the busiest times of year. You need window solutions that will give you the convenience of one less thing to worry about. Or five less. Motorized window solutions let you…

  • Adjust with a simple tap on your remote or favorite device.
  • Save favorite settings. You know your home best. One touch of a button and you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Schedule adjustments to light your home when you’re there, automatically using less electricity.
  • Program shades to close when you’re not home, making sure the inside of your home is private and protected.
  • Control them from anywhere. The comfort of your bed? Yes. Your hotel room halfway around the world? Absolutely.

#4 Need Privacy AND Light?

privacy window solutionsSometimes, you want it all. And, you should have it. Energy savings? Sleep solutions? Convenience? Yes, all of it and even more. You want to feel comfortable in your own private space, but you can’t live with the world blocked out. You need to enjoy natural light coming into your home–but not too much. Top down bottom up is one of our favorite features because it gives you everything you want! Let in light across the ceiling, adjusting the top down just enough for your liking. You can harness that gorgeous autumn light that we like to call Daylighting. At the same time, you can maintain comfort and privacy by keeping your shades far enough up that no one can see in. And, with the majority of the window covered, you can protect the temperature and atmosphere of your home as well.

Need Real Life Window Solutions?

Do these window solutions sound like they could be the answer to your needs? The struggle is real–but it doesn’t have to continue! At Metropolitan Window Fashions, we have a range of window solutions to bring you life-changing results! Visit one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries to see what we can do. And then, we’ll be glad to visit you for a shop-at-home appointment where we can help you find just what you’re looking for! Contact our team today!

Light Filtering, Room Darkening…Or Both?

Light Filtering, Room Darkening…Or Both? wjfigw4q3

Is light filtering important to you? What about room darkening? What if we told you that you could have both? When it comes to your home–and your windows, you want to get the most features possible to add extreme function and smart design. In today’s busy world, in the rooms of your home where your family spends the most amount of time, you need upgraded features that let you have it all. The latest innovations in window treatments let you have both of these sought-after features, and more. Take a look at the incredible function of what we’re going to call Dual Function Shades. Versatility is key to perfecting the atmosphere of your home. Take a look at how Dual Function Shades can upgrade your home and your life!

 

The Perfect Balance

duolite room darkening We’re all searching for balance. When you achieve it in home design, like in other areas of your life, things just go better, don’t they? With Dual Function Shades, you can create the perfect balance in your home. Duolite is a unique features that pairs two shades, seamlessly connected, for a range of function. The top shade offers levels of light filtering to meet the personal preferences of your home. The bottom shade of this dual system can feature room darkening, allowing you to adjust your window shades all the way up, or all the way down–and anywhere in between. You decide the ideal room settings for your home, based on the way you use the space.

 

A Stunning Backdrop

pirouette room darkening In rooms within your home where you spend a majority of your time, you’re going to want to change the atmosphere throughout the day. Most of the time, sheer fabrics that offer light filtering and a dynamic view-through may be your preferred setting. But when you really need it, room darkening is priceless. Pirouette window shades offer this extreme range of function, from the soft sheers that bring light filtering qualities, to the closed fabric vanes for room darkening. Simply stunning in design, these shades will take your breath away in the value they add to your lifestyle, as well.

 

Two Shades in One

silhouette sheer room darkening If you love the room darkening of Designer roller shades, but also wish you had options for filtering direct sunlight and harsh glare, A Deux is here. This two-in-one shade system gives you both. Two shades provide the entire range of window treatment needs from light filtering to room darkening. The soft, filtered light of Silhouette shades and Nantuckets offer glowing light and maximum view throughout the day. As soon as you want to block out the outside world? The secondary blackout shade rolls into place. These shades operate independently of each other, which means you have complete control at your fingertips.

 

Room Darkening or Light Filtering. How About Both?

Some window shades give you one option. You have to choose what’s most important. And you know what? In some of the rooms of your home, that’s exactly what you need. But in rooms where the circumstances may change, you need choices. That’s where Dual Function Shades come in to give you a range of features, from light filtering to room darkening. Want to know more? Visit any one of our exclusive Hunter Douglas galleries, where you can check out displays of these upgraded features. Or, relax in the comfort of your home with a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers. You’ll be glad you did! Contact our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions today to get started!

Get Set for a New Year: 5 Back to School Tips

Get Set for a New Year: 5 Back to School Tips wjfigw4q3

Have you been inundated with back to school ads and commercials? It’s practically impossible to escape the endless pitches for sales and savings. Even though there’s a whole month of summer vacation left, back to school season is definitely in full swing. You know, though, advertisers are on to something. It does take time to prepare for the first day, and starting early has its benefits. Besides not having to comb empty shelves and racks days before your kids head back, getting ready for the new school year now makes the transition much easier for everyone. So, we have five back to school tips that’ll have you and your family all set for when the first day finally does roll around.

#1 Get Back On Schedule

back to school tipsIt’s so nice to go with the flow in the summer. What kid doesn’t love being able to snack in front of the TV, stay up late, and sleep in if they’re tired? But those days are quickly coming to an end. As we all know, school means schedules. Your children will need time to get back to a regular routine. We know it can be a challenge for the whole family to switch over to three meals a day, a strict bedtime, and waking up earlier in the morning. That’s why it’s #1 on our list of back to school tips. In order to start the school year off with success, you need to ease your little ones into a schedule that will work with their school lives. If you start now, you can put them to bed and get them up a little earlier each week until you reach your ideal bedtime and morning wakeup time. You can also start phasing out snacking. Trust us, if you do these things gradually, it’ll be much easier on everyone.

#2 Sleep Well

back to school tipsYour kids need to be well rested in order to do their best in school. Having a regular bedtime is a great start to helping them get a good night’s sleep, but it doesn’t end there. Your children’s bedrooms need to be places that promote quality sleep. So, next on our list of back to school tips is to evaluate the sleeping conditions in your home and make any changes now. Bedrooms should be dark and free of even the smallest amount of light. Glowing and flashing devices are some of the biggest culprits for engaging the brain and interrupting sleep, so cover them or keep them out of bedrooms altogether. Noise can disrupt sleep too. If you live in a busy neighborhood or have a light sleeper, a sound machine can help your kids stay asleep and prevent multiple night wakings. Lastly, consider comfort. Could everyone use a new set of sheets and pajamas? What about a high quality pillow? Is the temperature just right?

#3 Get Organized

back to school tipsWhen school starts, you instantly have a lot more to do and a lot more stress. The last thing you need is to be frantically searching for missing backpacks, misplaced shoes, and lost lunchboxes as you try to get your family out the door in the morning. That’s why number three on our tips for back to school list is to get organized. Setting up an organizational system now will save you a ton of time and cut back on your stress when the school bell rings. The best system will be one that your children can manage on their own. Shelves, cubbies, bins, and hangers are all possibilities for helping your kids to see that everything has a place and for teaching them to put everything in its place.

#4 Post a Family Calendar

back to school tipsAfter the lazy days of summer, the flurry of activity that surrounds school can be overwhelming. You suddenly find yourself running kids to and from practices, trying to fit in homework, and scrambling to get some food in everyone before they head to bed. If you’re lucky, you can all sit together at the table, but there’s probably more than one occasion where dinner happens in the car or in the bleachers. Then, as if that’s not enough, there’s appointments, school activities, and birthday parties. You need a way to keep it all straight. A family calendar is perfect for that. Posting a calendar in a central location and updating it regularly with everyone’s commitments is essential for your sanity when the school year begins. Once everything is noted, you can decide if it’s manageable or if you need to cut back.

#5 Build a Smart Home

back to school tipsWith all the running around that happens once school starts, wouldn’t it be nice to know your home is comfortable and secure no matter where you are? The smartest tip on our back to school tips list is to build a smart home. This way, you can have touch-of-a-button control of your home from anywhere in the world. Installing motorized shades and blinds will change your life as you experience convenience like you never have before. Forgot to close your living room shades in the hectic morning rush? Tap a button on your favorite device and down they go. No more worrying about the sun heating up the room or your dog going nuts with all the foot traffic outside. Better yet, you can set and save scenes–like “bedtime” and “evening privacy”– and schedule your window coverings to adjust themselves based around your family’s schedule. Then, you won’t have to give your shades another thought. They’ll always be in position to create the ideal atmosphere. Integrate them with appliances, lighting, heating, security systems, and more with Logitech’s Harmony, The Nest, or many other home automation systems, and it’ll be the best start to a school year yet!

As you shop, schedule, and plan for the new school year, remember to throw in some fun. Summer vacation isn’t over just yet. There’s still time to visit an Ample Hills Creamery location for an outrageous ice cream cone and to spend this month’s Saturdays at the Summer Streets celebration. When you do get started on our back to school tips, if you need help, we’re here for you. With blinds and shades that offer incredible function and amazing solutions, we can help you find just what you need to get your home and life in order. Start the school year off right by contacting our team at Metropolitan Window Fashions for a free, shop-at-home consultation.

Room Darkening with Custom Draperies

Room Darkening with Custom Draperies wjfigw4q3

The beauty of design, combined with the function of room-darkening…it’s just what you need in your bedroom. Stylish features add to the overall look, as the custom draperies frame your windows. But when you need the feature of blackout or room-darkening, where do you turn? Is it possible to have it all? We think so. Our design consultants have a variety of options for you to achieve the perfect atmosphere for high-quality sleep and privacy in your bedroom with custom draperies. Layering is the essence of style at the windows, and with custom draperies, you’ll find function as well as fashion. Matching your personal preferences is essential, so take a look at the choices you have for layering custom draperies, and then give us a call. We’d love to help you with the design and function of your home.

Layers of Fabrics with a Blackout Liner

Creating a picture perfect look at your windows, the frame of custom draperies makes your view the beautiful artwork you see, setting a dynamic backdrop for your home. Closed drapery panels offer the design features you’ll be proud to showcase, while enjoying the privacy and light control you need. Adding a blackout liner to your custom draperies allows you to tailor the light control experience in your home. Ideal for your bedroom, adding a layer of blackout liner fabric will not take away from the look–only adding to the function. Open your custom draperies to see the view when you want, and close them easily for the function you need.

Layers of Design with Window Shades

custom draperies window shades

Levels of light control are blended with beautiful fabrics and materials as layers of custom draperies and window shades come together for dramatic appeal. You have incredible options with this layering. Your drapery panels can stay as a frame for the window, showcasing the stunning combination of fabrics, while the window shades also provide the privacy and room-darkening features you need. The fabric of custom draperies complements the decor with window shades providing choices for light control.

Layers of Light Control with Power

custom draperies with layers

Power and technology come together to make your life easier. Why not use these options at the window to add function for high-quality sleep? Custom draperies add stylish sophistication to your home, but your design choices don’t need to feel stifled based on the look you want. Sheers with the capability of room-darkening? No problem. With PowerView motorized shades, you can layer exactly the custom draperies you want with motorized shades for the ideal function. Set schedules, save your favorite settings and control them from anywhere in the world. Thinking about adding window tint to your windows to increase the range of function? We can help with this instantaneous control.

It’s all about layering, and you have an amazing amount of choices to meet your style preferences. Whether you choose layers of fabric for your custom draperies with a blackout liner, window shades or power options, the beauty and function will come together to meet your needs. Our team, at Metropolitan Window Fashions, would love to help you with a design to complement your style, featuring function to upgrade your home. Contact us for a free, in-home consultation.

Hunter Douglas on sale!

Sleep Solutions Just for You

Sleep Solutions Just for You wjfigw4q3

Your home. Does it sometimes feel like Grand Central Station? The continuous go-go-go of your life can be fun and exciting, but also exhausting. Plagued by daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability, you hide under-eye circles behind a giant mug of coffee. You don’t have to suffer! We have sleep solutions that will make the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep more than just a dream. Are you dreaming of better sleep? Our Season of Savings promotion offers some of Hunter Douglas’ most popular window shades with amazing benefits and savings for you! Here’s how to get some glorious shuteye amid the constant energy, motion and busyness of your everyday life.

Clean Up Light Pollution

sleep solutions

While manmade light sources offer convenience, they disrupt the natural rhythms of nature. From the blaze of streetlights, billboards, and passing traffic, to your TV, smartphone, and iPad, light litters your bedroom. Being exposed to light at bedtime can make falling asleep–and staying asleep–tough. It’s time to clean up light litter! Turn off or cover the glow of devices–or consider keeping them out of your bedroom altogether. Install window shades that feature blackout and room-darkening fabrics. They will add an element of style while helping to create the necessary darkness that will turn your room into a sleep sanctuary.

Turn the Sound Off

sleep solutions
Along with light, sound may be making a mess of your sleeping habits and patterns. You may not even realize just how much noises are reducing the restorative power of your rest because sounds don’t have to jostle you awake at night to be a problem. Noises can simply arouse your brain and prevent you from going into deeper stages of sleep. So, if distant sirens, grumbling planes, beeping automobiles, and vigilant dogs are the quartet that plays your nightly lullaby, window coverings that absorb sound are a must-have in your home. They will be sleep solutions you relish!

Rest and Relax

sleep solutions
Easier said than done, right? Demanding and hectic days get the best of everyone. It can be so hard to unwind, and some of your usual attempts may actually be interfering with getting quality sleep. Late-day exercise and TV before bedtime can wake you up, and a nightcap can leave you floating in a light stage of sleep. Instead, spend fifteen minutes enjoying a calming activity–such as listening to quiet music, reading by a soft light, or stretching. Then, head to bed. Also, make sure that your home is a comfortable, consistent temperature. Being too hot or too cold can make it impossible to relax–which is already hard enough. Energy-efficient window shades can be a big help with this. Their insulating properties work to maintain a stable temperature regardless of whether snow is flying or the summer sun is scorching outside. With these sleep solutions, you’ll be relaxed and ready for dreamland in no time!

Surround Yourself with Convenience

sleep solutions
Does your home boast a desirable panoramic view? Seeing the skyline, or overlooking your own beautiful landscape from floor-to-ceiling windows is a treat like no other. Managing glare and privacy, however, can be a time-consuming challenge. Not with the intelligent technology of PowerView automation, though. Select and save the positions of the window coverings throughout your home that provide just the right amount of light, privacy, and room ambiance for different times of day and occasions. Then program them to occur automatically or control them from your favorite device with the PowerView App. Setting the scene for your next dinner party has never been easier. Plus, you can schedule your window shades to enhance your sleep patterns. Set them to rise and let the sun peek in to wake you up in the morning and then to lower while you start your relaxing bedtime routine. Your window shades will work for you morning, noon, and night while you rest easy! PowerView provides convenient and innovative sleep solutions you shouldn’t live without!

You’re busy all day long being your best–you should have the best sleep! It’s time to discover sleep solutions that will boost your productivity, mood, and health. If you are ready for the features of window coverings to turn your nights of tossing and turning into nights of celebrated slumber, we would love to help. And right now, you have an opportunity for amazing savings on Hunter Douglas’ most popular window shades with our Season of Savings! Contact our team at Metropolitan Window Fashions for your free, in-home consultation.