Can I mix different window treatment styles in the same room?
Mixing styles works well when colors, mounting heights, and hardware finishes stay consistent. A common combination pairs shutters on lower windows with shades above, or layers draperies over a shade so you get both softness and precise light control.
What is the difference between blinds and shades?
Blinds use individual slats that tilt to direct light, while shades are made from continuous fabric that raises and lowers. Blinds give finer angle control, and shades generally offer softer texture, better insulation, and a cleaner look when fully raised.
What should I consider for a seasonal cottage that sits empty part of the year?
Unoccupied cottages benefit from coverings that protect interiors and look lived in. Motorized shades on a schedule deter prying eyes and limit sun damage, while durable materials resist the humidity changes that come with a closed, unheated lake house.
Do window treatments add value when selling a home?
Quality window treatments can strengthen a listing because buyers notice finished, coordinated windows in photos and showings. Plantation shutters in particular are often viewed as a permanent upgrade, since they mount to the frame and stay with the house after closing.
What window coverings work best for bedrooms?
Bedrooms usually call for room-darkening or blackout options that block early sunrise and streetlight glow. Blackout cellular shades, lined Roman shades, and draperies with side returns all work well, and layering two treatments closes the light gaps around the edges.
What should I look for in a window treatment warranty?
Read what the manufacturer covers, how long coverage lasts, and whether it includes operating systems, fabrics, and motors. Every product we install carries its manufacturer warranty, and M22 Blinds & Window Treatments explains those terms clearly to every Traverse City, MI client.
How do I clean and care for custom window treatments?
Most blinds and shutters need only regular dusting with a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment. Fabric shades prefer gentle vacuuming and spot cleaning, while draperies may need professional cleaning, so always follow the care instructions for your specific material.
Can arched, angled, or oversized windows be covered?
Yes, specialty shapes like arches, trapezoids, and very wide spans can be fitted with custom-made products. Shutters and certain shades are built to follow unusual angles, and oversized windows often use motorization so heavy fabric panels stay easy to operate.
When should I order window treatments for a new home?
Plan your selections during construction, then schedule final measuring once the windows, trim, and paint are finished. Measuring too early risks an inaccurate fit, while starting the conversation early keeps your treatments on track for a timely move-in date.
How do I coordinate window treatments with paint colors and flooring?
Start with the elements that are hardest to change, usually flooring and cabinetry, then choose fabrics and finishes that complement them. Viewing samples in the actual room is essential, because daylight changes how colors read from morning to evening.
Why do custom window treatments fit better than store-bought options?
Store-bought products come in a handful of fixed sizes that rarely match real window openings exactly. Custom treatments are built to measurements taken at your windows, which eliminates light gaps, uneven overhangs, and trimming shortcuts that leave coverings looking unfinished.
Can I control window treatments throughout my whole house from one app?
Yes, motorized systems like PowerView let you group windows by room or floor and run them from one app. You can set scenes for morning and evening, and connect them to Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for voice control.
