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How to Choose Shades for your Living Room

How to Choose Shades for your Living Room

Imagine your living room as a canvas where the art of relaxation and socializing is allowed to unfold. Now, picture how the simple addition of shades or blinds can be like adjusting the lighting in a photo—subtle, but transformative. The right window treatment can be the unsung hero of your space, influencing your living room’s overall aesthetic in a way that is as functional as it is stylish. Opting for breezy, sheer curtains can infuse a sense of airiness and natural light, making your living room feel like a sunny haven on a lazy Sunday afternoon. On the flip side, choosing darker, textured blinds can bring a cozy, intimate vibe, perfect for movie nights or a quiet evening curled up with a good book. With the best types of blinds for your living room, it's a bit like having a remote control for the atmosphere and ambience, all within the frame of your windows.

Beyond the mood-setting magic, shades and blinds play a practical role in controlling light, privacy, and even temperature. They're the multitaskers of the interior design world, letting you adjust the ambiance to suit your mood. Whether you prefer the soft glow of dawn, the brightness of midday, or the dim, soothing twilight, your choice of window treatment can make it happen. So, when it comes to elevating your living room aesthetic, don't underestimate the power of these often-overlooked design elements—shades and blinds are the quiet conductors orchestrating the symphony of your space.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ambiance Control: Shades and blinds are not just décor; they're the remote control for your room's ambiance, allowing you to effortlessly shift from bright and lively to cozy and intimate.
  • Functional Style: The right window treatment can be a seamless blend of functionality and style, impacting both the visual appeal and the practical aspects of your living space.
  • Multitasking Marvels: Shades and blinds are like multitasking superheroes, managing light, privacy, and temperature to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.

Shades, Blinds or Curtains for the Living Room

Choosing between shades, blinds, and curtains for your living room is a bit like deciding on the perfect outfit—it all depends on the occasion and your personal style. If you're after a versatile and sleek option, shades might be your go-to. These window coverings are super adaptable, offering a clean and contemporary look with various styles such as roller shades, Roman shades for living rooms, or even cellular shades. They're excellent at controlling light and privacy, and their minimalist vibe makes them a great choice for those who want a modern and uncluttered aesthetic.

On the other hand, if you're into the classic elegance of flowing fabric, curtains might be your style statement. They bring a touch of softness and drama, framing your windows with a variety of textures and patterns. Curtains have a way of making a room feel cozy and inviting, adding a layer of personality to your living space. Blinds fall somewhere in between, offering the practicality of adjustable slats for light control while maintaining a structured and tailored appearance. In the end, the choice between shades, blinds, or curtains boils down to your taste, lifestyle, and the overall look you're aiming to achieve. However, if you're leaning towards a contemporary vibe, shades can steal the show, effortlessly complementing the clean lines and modern aesthetics often found in today's living rooms.

Designer Banded Shades
Designer Banded Shades

Modern Shades for the Living Room

Regardless of the type of shades you prefer - whether you like Roman shades or simple roller shades - you’re bound to find at least one option that effortlessly complements a modern living room aesthetic. Shades are great at controlling the influx of natural light, letting you control the ambience and energy of a room with the simple twist of a control.

Decorative Shades for the Living Room

Elevating your contemporary living room from stylish to downright stunning is as simple as introducing decorative shades into the mix. These aren't your grandma's window coverings; they're the fashion-forward accessories that transform your windows into a canvas of creativity. Bold patterns, subtle textures, and a pop of color—all meticulously come together to complement your modern decor. Decorative shades, whether in playful prints or sophisticated designs, inject personality into the room, turning your windows into an artful focal point.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, decorative shades serve as dynamic design elements that tie the room together. They effortlessly integrate with sleek furniture and contemporary accents, adding layers of visual interest without overwhelming the space. Whether you choose floral prints for a touch of nature or geometric patterns for a hint of avant-garde, these shades are the secret ingredient that takes your contemporary living room from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a harmonious and visually striking atmosphere that reflects your unique style.

Skyline Gliding Window Panels
Skyline Gliding Window Panels

Living Room Shades for a Minimalist Aesthetic

If your motto is “less is more,” then living room shades are your made-in-heaven design sidekick. Minimalist shade options bring a swagger and simplicity that can put cluttered curtains and fussy blinds to shame in the right settings. They let your furniture and other decor hog the spotlight while letting in as much or as little light as you like.

Living Room Shades for a Contemporary Aesthetic

Say goodbye to clunky, outdated window treatments and hello to a breath of fresh air with contemporary-style shades. These sleek and chic window coverings are like the fashion-forward accessories of your living room, instantly upgrading the entire look with a modern flair. Picture clean lines, minimalist designs, and a palette that speaks the language of today’s aesthetics. Whether you opt for cellular shades that provide a clean and uniform appearance or roller shades with bold patterns for a touch of personality, contemporary shades effortlessly infuse your space with an unmistakably modern vibe.

The beauty of contemporary style shades lies not just in their appearance but also in their versatility. They are the chameleons of window treatments, adapting seamlessly to various design elements. Their unobtrusive nature allows other statement pieces in your living room, be it that vibrant artwork or funky furniture, to shine without overwhelming the visual space. So, if you're ready to bid farewell to the past and embrace a living room that feels like it stepped out of a design magazine, contemporary shades are your go-to secret weapon for an instant modern makeover.

Luminette Privacy Sheers
Luminette Privacy Sheers

Complete Your Living Room Design with Avalon

Shades control how much light enters your living room and can either complement or clash with your other design and décor choices.. We’d love to have a chat about how we can help make your dream home a reality. If you'd like some help choosing the best window treatments for your next design project, find a location near you to set up an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Window Shades

How do you measure for window shades and blinds?

Answer: Measuring for window shades and blinds is a breeze with a few simple steps. Start by using a metal tape measure for accuracy. For inside mount, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the window and use the narrowest measurement. Measure the height on the left, center, and right, selecting the longest measurement. For an outside mount, measure the width and height at the point where you want the shade to cover, adding extra for overlap. Always double-check your measurements to ensure a perfect fit, and if you're unsure, many manufacturers provide online guides or offer assistance to make sure you get it right the first time.

What are roller shades?

Answer: Roller shades are the modern marvels of window coverings. These sleek and versatile shades consist of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down around a tube, allowing for easy adjustment of light and privacy levels. They come in a variety of materials, from light-filtering to blackout, and can be customized with a range of colors and patterns to suit your style. Roller shades are not only functional but also add a contemporary touch to any space. With their clean lines and straightforward operation, they are an excellent choice for those who appreciate simplicity without compromising on style.

How do you install window shades?

Answer: Installing window shades is a DIY project that can be tackled with confidence. Most shades come with easy-to-follow instructions and the necessary hardware. Start by gathering your tools, including a drill, screws, and a level. For an inside mount, attach the brackets to the top of the window frame, ensuring they are level and secure. Then, simply snap or slide the shade into the brackets. For an outside mount, install the brackets on the wall or trim above the window, following the same level and secure principles. Once the brackets are in place, attach the shade, and you're done! Remember to refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, as installation methods can vary depending on the type and style of the window shade.

Brick, NJ

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Avalon, NJ

2209 Dune Drive
Avalon, New Jersey 08202
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Deptford, NJ

1420 Almonesson Road
Deptford NJ 08096
(856) 812-6120

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MON: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

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Cherry Hill, NJ

2030 Springdale Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

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Egg Harbor Twp, NJ

3157 Fire Road
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 08234
(609) 641-2770

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King of Prussia, PA

316 S. Henderson Road
King Of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 233-3100

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Langhorne, PA

2343 East Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
(267) 580-412

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Manahawkin, NJ

651 Route 72 East
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
(609) 978-9700

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Manalapan, NJ

29 U.S. 9
Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
(732) 812-6500

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Ocean City, NJ

1158 Asbury Avenue
Ocean City, NJ 08226
(609) 525-0400

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Ocean Township, NJ

1500 State Route 35 S.
Ocean Township, NJ 07712
(732) 380-5640

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Philadelphia, PA

48 Snyder Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(267) 236-1600

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Rio Grande, NJ

1111 Rte. 47 South
Rio Grande, NJ 08242
(609) 465-3051

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Shrewsbury, NJ

89 Newman Springs Road E
Shrewsbury, NJ 07702
(848) 300-4400

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Toms River, NJ

2323 Route 37
Toms River, NJ 08753
(732) 929-8300

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Warrington, PA

644 Easton Road
Warrington, PA 18976
(215) 491-3700

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Wilmington, DE

5510 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 757-7500

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