Shuttters are still in!

What goes around stays around, and that is true when it comes to window treatments that have survived the test of time. From blinds and shades to shutters, curtains and draperies, people keep gravitating to window treatments from the past. Many classic window coverings have been rejuvenated with new looks and functionality, making them even more appealing. Stop by our showroom in Estero, serving the Bonita Springs area, to see full size displays of our wide variety of window treatments.

Shutters Started It All

Back in the 1500’s window glass was very expensive and hard to get, so outside wooden shutters were used to block out light and heat. Later on, the additional of louvers were added to allow air and sun to enter the room. Throughout the years, shutters moved inside, evolving from functional to fashionable with a purpose. Still made from genuine wood, hybrid and poly vinyl materials have entered the market allowing shutters to be used in virtually any room of the house.

Today’s shutters are so well manufactured and stylish that they’re often referred to as “furniture for your windows.” Hunter Douglas offers an extensive line of shutters to meet today’s demands from tilt-bar, no tilt bar systems, hinged, bi-fold, and bypass track systems to motorization. Shutters are also available for specialty shaped windows and are an excellent choice for child and pet safety. Our most popular brands include:

• Heritance® Genuine Hardwood Shutters
• NewStyle Hybrid Shutters
• Palm Beach Polysatin Shutters

Curtains and Draperies – Alone or Layered With Other Window Treatments

Curtains and draperies have a long history as a popular window covering. First used to cover doors rather than windows, curtains were made from heavy tapestry fabrics. When window curtains were used, they were found only in the most important rooms of the house to keep out the cold.

Today, custom curtains and draperies have evolved with easy to care for fabrics that come in endless colors, patterns and textures ranging from sheer to opaque. The addition of distinctive drapery hardware, trims, fringes, borders, cornices and valances finish the look. Curtain and draperies add interest to the window and either alone or paired with a blind or shade, they will showcase your decorating style.

Roman Shades Started in Rome

It is said that the Roman shade was created by the Roman Empire to prevent dust, sunlight and hot air from entering their homes by dropping and raising cloth with cords. A classic Roman shade or “flat fold” is made with panels of horizontally seamed fabric about 8-10 inches apart that allows the pleats to stack concisely. Made from a single piece of fabric, these shades fold up accordion style when raised, creating a valance look at the window. From the outside, the cords and cord rings are visible.

No longer considered “old-fashioned,” Roman shades continue to be a popular choice in window coverings and can be made from a wide variety of fabrics from natural fibers to bold or muted colors and patterns. Hunter Douglas offers the classic Roman shades, as well as a revolutionary twist on how Roman shades operate. Add motorization and you can control your Roman shades with a remote control or mobile device.

Once considered just a functional window treatment, Roman shades have become a decorative focal point in a room. Popular Roman shade styles include:

• Designer Studio™ Roman Shades – Available in four distinct styles, in a variety of fabrics like linen, cotton and silk and can be customized with tapes and trims
• Provenance Woven Textures – Available in five styles, hand-woven light-filtering reeds, grasses and woods create a design statement.
• Vignette® Modern Roman Shades – Available in different fold styles, sizes, and a horizontal or vertical orientation. Features consistent folds and no exposed rear cords so your shade looks beautiful from the inside and out. When completely raised it folds up into the headrail, so it is completely off the window.

Venetian Blinds – Mini Blinds – Aluminum Blinds

The origins of the Venetian blind is unknown, however, the creation came from the need to provide a more economical window treatment as an alternative to curtains and draperies. In the 1930’s, most Venetian 2” blind slats were made from wood or metal. Today’s horizontal blinds offer a much different window covering than the blinds of the past. They are made from strong material and excellent constructions, making them durable as well as stylish. Motorization options make these blinds the perfect window covering for hard to reach windows, and specialty shapes, too.

• Some of our most popular horizontal blind styles include:
• Reveal® with MagnaView® Aluminum Blinds – Designed to allow slats to nest together, providing twice the view-through as a standard 2”-slat blind.
• Decor® Aluminum Blinds – The most traditional aluminum blinds in ½” & 1” feature standard cord holes and a contoured designer headrail
• Celebrity® Aluminum Blinds – Back to basics, 1” slat blind offering a wide selection of colors and a beveled headrail
• 2” Macro Aluminum Blinds – A dramatic look for large windows offers a wide view-through with standard de-Light™ feature that hides cord holes and blocks light for better light control.
• Parkland™ Genuine Wood Blinds – Crafted from finest North American hardwoods, includes oak, cherry wood that display natural grain and color variations
• Everwood® Wood Blinds – Alternative wood blind offering white finishes and faux wood-grains in 4 distinct colors. Great for rooms with heat and humidity.

Regardless of your décor style, window treatments from the past with all the innovative technology improvements will add warm, style and charm to any room in your home.

Window Coverings Blinds in Bonita Springs, FL

Visit our showroom in Estero, FL, serving the areas of Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples and Ft. Myers. Contact us today for a design consultation – we’re looking forward to serving you!