Sunshine can fill any room with a warm glow. It provides natural light and can even lift your mood. But there may be some rooms where you want both privacy and sunshine at the same time. You shouldn't have to block out the light to enjoy private rooms in your home. For these moments, having the right blinds or drapes can make all the difference. The answer is in sheer privacy, sheer and semi-sheer materials that let in the light without allowing others to see through your windows. This is your guide to private sunshine: how to enjoy your privacy and warm natural light in any room. Why Sheer Privacy Matters There are many situations where sheer privacy is ideal. Bedrooms are warm and welcoming when filled with natural light, but privacy is paramount. Sheer window treatments can also bring sunshine into your living room without broadcasting family activities to the neighborhood. And if natural light helps you stay focused in your office, you can maintain professional security without worries by hanging sheer blinds and drapes so your computer screen is never visible through the window. How can you achieve this perfect balance of sunshine and privacy? There are several types of blinds and drapes that can meet your needs. Woven and Fabric Blinds The right fabric or woven blinds can provide the perfect balance between light and privacy. Woven and fabric blinds are rarely completely opaque. Depending on your choice of material and weave, you can determine both how much light shines through and the level of visibility in your sheer material. Fabric blinds use woven fabric to block visual access through your window while also acting as a diffuser for the sunlight. Woven blinds are made of grass or reeds and provide a similar effect. This can be used to cast gentle glowing light into your room at slightly dimmer-than-normal levels while showing silhouettes or less. Slatted Blinds and Plantation Shutters The most traditional answer is slatted blinds and plantation shutters. These methods use opaque angled slats that open to allow in some light without creating an easy line-of-sight from anywhere that a person outside might reasonably be standing. Slats pointed up or down welcome sunshine from various angles during the day but cannot be seen through until the slats are nearly horizontal. Slatted blinds hang from the top, and the angle of the slats is controlled with a cord system. Today, pull cords and hanging loops are no longer used. Instead, a control wand or motorization is used to enhance home safety and convenience. Plantation shutters are wood structures that are permanently installed or fold out over your windows. The slats are structured and controlled by pushing a ridge bar on the back of the shutter slats themselves. Honeycomb Blinds Honeycomb blinds are a type of fabric blinds that use honeycomb cells to provide greater insulation. Honeycomb blinds are not just energy-efficient, they also provide greater privacy by implementing layered fabric to create the honeycomb air pockets. At the same time, the fabric used can bring in sunshine and act as a diffuser to spread gentle sunshine through your room. The honeycombs themselves also diffuse any silhouettes or shadows that might be seen through the fabric of the blind for greater privacy inside your rooms. Semi-Sheer Drapery If you prefer drapes, you can also select a sheer fabric as the innermost layer for your draperies. The fabric and the folds of the drapes combine to provide both a diffuser for sunshine and privacy. Drapery is the most likely to reveal shadows and silhouettes, but a style with more folds when the sheer layer is closed can obscure shapes and activities within to provide the privacy you need. Private Sundrenched Rooms with Just Blinds If you are looking to enjoy diffused sunshine and keep your rooms private at the same time, Just Blinds can help. Contact us today to explore your options for sheer privacy design with custom window treatments.

Every year, the leading paint and decorator brands release their Color of the Year. Each organization theorizes which colors will be at the peak of interior design trends for the next 12 months, and the 2025 Colors of the Year have been released. If you want your interior decor to match the mood of the year with the latest magazine-spread designs and eye-catching arrangements, now is your chance. 2025: A Year of Bold and Somber Tones 2025 rings in a year of regally subdued tones. They are at once both bold and somber, creating relaxed yet elevated living spaces through strong colors and muted hues. This is a marked contrast from the light and airy palette created by the colors of the year from 2024 featuring soft pinks, warm honeys, and renewing blues. This year, the leading tones are dark red, deep purple, and dusty neutrals that make a space feel at once both cozy and formal. Stately Reds If you love dark reds from brick to mohogany, then this is your year. Both Behr and C2 have named dark yet natural-tone reds as their colors of the year. They are perfect to make a room feel luxe and stately without the overwhelming quality, making these reds the perfect base color for walls and a great accent in an elegant room. Rumors by Behr - A dusty red that is both light and dark at the same time. This muted town is a smooth, creamy rendition of faded brick that looks perfect with warm colors and red-hued wood furniture. Raku by C2 - A bold, dark mahogany red that looks great for interiors and exteriors inspired by the ancient Japanese tea ceremony. Regal Purples Purple is back in bold refrain for 2025 interior design. Between Violet by Minwax and Purple Basil by Glidden, you have an incredible palette to create the most regal of interiors, from primary colors to accents that pop. We love these rich tones that make any room stand out from the typical warm tones and neutrals that have ruled the roost for a decade. Violet by Minwax - Violet by Minwax is not your typical violet. It is a deep, rich aubergine, the color of royal robes and the most luxurious paint. This majestic color will stand out no matter how you use it. Purple Basil by Glidden - Purple Basil is a dusty reddish lavender that shares tones with charcoal and plum. It is somehow both somber and cheerful, warm yet subdued. Purple basil is a wonderful color for both primary walls and bold trim without overwhelming the space. Relaxed Blues Last year, blues were bright and full of energy with an aqua-green undercurrent. This year's blues are more relaxed, blending well with neutrals whether you're looking for a chill space or a summer tone. Quietude by HGTV / Sherwin Williams - Quietude is the eggshell of blues. It is soft and faintly blue in hue while still giving the light neutral feel of a nearly-white painted room. It has the faint hues of a lightly cloudy sky. Encore 8002 by Valspar - Encore 8002 is a bold, rich blue on the cheerful side of royal blue. It's deep but not dark, embracing what makes blue such a great color for decor. Mapped Blue by Dutch Paint Boys - Mapped Blue reflects green-blue theme of last year but with this year's dusty trend. It's soft and comforting but with a touch of surprise that's not your everyday medium blue. Subdued Neutrals While red, purple, and blue may be our boldest tones, it's neutrals that rule the 2025 Color of the Year list. From deep yet soft Truffle to warm almost-pink cinnamon, you will find a surprisingly gorgeous palette of neutrals to work with as primary, accent, and rich detail tones in any room design. These colors can fall into the background or make your room pop. Truffle by Stainmaster - Truffle is the darkest of the 2025 neutrals, blending honey with charcoal for a warm bold tone that looks amazing in boho or minimalist styles. Mochi by Little Greene - Mochi is a warm medium neutral that naturally supports wooden furniture of all hues. It has undertones of milkey coffee but reflects light in a way that still brightens a room. Caramelized by Dunn-Edwards - Caramelized is a tone that approaches boldly from the cheerful side, reminding us of dessert landscapes and faintly orange sunset skies. Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin - Cinnamon Slate is a soft neutral that is just this side of dusty pink. It's described as a dreamy, velvety purple and brown that can add subtle richness to any space. Mocha Mousse by Pantone - Mocha Mousee is a sophisticated neutral that reminds us of soft earth and smooth wood. Using the Colors of the Year to Inspire Your 2025 Interior Design These colors aren't just for paint, they can be used to enhance every element of your space. One of the best ways to introduce diversity and annual color trends into your home is through blinds and drapes. Choosing the perfect blinds can update your style to magazine-worthy arrangements for every year and season. Find the latest colors and styles at Just Blinds today.

It's hard to believe, but the Christmas season is already officially upon us, which means it is time to start decorating for the holiday. When it comes to decor, it might be about personal preference and what makes you feel nostalgic, but it is also important to pay attention to this year's top Christmas decorating trends. Let's take a deeper look at the 2024 trends that will help you create a festive holiday atmosphere. Christmas Tree Alternatives Traditional trees will always be in style, but this year, why not try a more unique option? Beaded trees, twig trees, and birch trees are among some of the most popular of the season and are a great choice for those who live in smaller spaces or those who have pets in the home. You can be as simple or elaborate as you like with this type of tree. Choose just one for an elegant, whimsical look, or put up several - either in a group or throughout the entire house. Non-Traditional Colors There's really no reason to stick to classic red and green only. You can actually choose any color palette that you like to bring new life to your Christmas decor. Experiment with shades of blue and darker reds, or even a floral theme added to the traditional holiday colors that you've used in previous years. The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing a color scheme for Christmas, so don't shy away from your favorite shades of yellow, purple, gray and even orange. Bows and Ribbons Christmas ribbon is available in plenty of colors and patterns, so embrace the opportunity to get as creative as you want. You can put some festive bows in your windows or on the tree in place of Christmas ornaments. Tie some ribbon around champagne or wine glasses at your holiday party, tie a piece around candlesticks, or even use it to decorate your table by wrapping a pretty ribbon around the table legs or backs of the chairs. Use Wrapping Paper as Decor Instead of grabbing some of last year's leftover gift wrap, and then buying even more that doesn't complement the first pattern, coordinate your gift wrap to use as decor. Choose about four or five coordinating - not necessarily matching - types of paper and ribbons to wrap all your gifts with and place strategically under the tree. You can even wrap some empty boxes and place them strategically throughout the house. Try one or two on your coffee table, set up a small countertop display, and arrange a few on the mantle and along windowsills. Take a Maximalist Approach The more, the merrier, especially this year! Don't choose just a few of your favorite decorations to display....bring out everything and then some. According to interior designer Melissa Oholendt, maximalism is definitely the trend for 2024. She says, "Grandma's Santa Cookie plates? Yes, please! Vintage glass ornaments on the tree? Perfect. A stair banister drapery in layers and layers of lush greenery with ribbons tied into bows? Into it". Have a Quirky Christmas  This is a great way to add to the fun. Add some random and unexpected items to the traditional Christmas decor for a unique touch and a way to incorporate your personality into your holiday display. Try putting some dinosaur toys among your nativity scene, or experiment with unusual themes and colors. You can even make some of your own creations to hang on the walls or in windows...doing a snowflake display in one window? Do a beach theme in another one! Decorate with non-traditional ornaments on the tree. There's no limit to what you can do, so let your imagination guide you. At JustBlinds, we know that your decor is important, whether it be for the Christmas season or year-round. When it comes to choosing the perfect window treatments, we are here to help. To get started, contact us today. https://www.thespruce.com/2024-holiday-decorating-trends-8726133 https://www.fizzbox.com/blog/posts/deck-the-halls-trending-christmas-decor-ideas-to-try-this-year

Winter is almost here, and with it comes low temperatures and freezing rain...not to mention high heating bills. Keeping your home warm can make you more comfortable, but it can also save money.  Here are some tips to stay warm without having to crank up the thermostat: Maintain Your Heating System A well-maintained heating system will keep your home warm for less energy. Having your heating system professionally serviced each fall will pay for itself...changing filters, checking for safety issues, etc. If your heating system is old, it might be time to price out replacing it, and in our relatively mild climate, a heat pump is a great investment. Identify Drafts Drafts and leaks typically happen where two different materials meet, especially around windows and doors. You can look for gaps or run your hand around the edge of the window and door. Then apply weatherstripping or caulk gaps as needed. Reverse Your Ceiling Fan If you have a ceiling fan, it can help in the winter too. Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch . The blades rotate counter clockwise in summer, but clockwise in winter. Clockwise blades create an updraft, pushing the warm air that rises to your ceiling back down. Keep the fan at low speed. Harness Sunlight On sunny days, open your window coverings on south-facing windows. Motorized window coverings make this easier. You don't have to clamber around furniture or reach and lean. If you have smart home technology, you can integrate motorized blinds so you can just tell them to open or change. You can even get sun sensors that automatically open your south-facing blinds when that wall detects direct sunlight. Protect Doors By their nature, exterior doors can't be sealed the way many windows can. You need to be able to open them. Installing a door sweep helps keep cold (or hot) air from getting into your home under the door. Draft stoppers are more popular in Europe, but are easy to acquire or make, and come in bright and cheerful designs such as snakes or Dachshund dogs. Both of these options will also keep out things like pollen and smoke. Leverage Window Coverings Choose the right window coverings to keep heat into your home. Honeycomb shades are primarily used to keep heat out but work in both directions, and are available in all kinds of colors. Traditional drapery also works well for adding insulation to your windows and gives a classic appearance. Even better, pair drapery with roller shades for a layered look and extra privacy. Cellular blinds are well known for improving the overall energy efficiency of your windows. By covering your windows on cold, gray days you keep heat in. Or cover just the north, east, and west windows, and let the sun in on the southern side. Best yet, window treatments are easy to install. Close Off Unused Rooms If you have an empty guest room, or a room that's only used by your child when they're home from college, keep the doors shut and close the vents. You don't need to waste money heating space you aren't using. You can also use zone heating to use minimal heating in these areas, so you can warm them up quickly if you have an unexpected guest. Unblock Vents Make sure you don't have anything covering your vents. Furniture, rugs, dog beds, etc. If you have small children or larger pets you may have to check your vents frequently to make sure toys, blankets, etc, haven't been pushed or dropped onto the vents. Any vent blockage will cause uneven heating and put strain on your system. One of the best ways to stay toasty this winter is window treatments. Choose honeycomb shades or cellular blinds, or heavy drapery to help keep heat in, and opt for motorized options so you can take advantage of south-facing windows on sunny days. To get more help choosing the right window treatments for your home, contact Just Blinds today.

Embracing the New Regulation in Window Covering Safety Window coverings are an essential part of interior decor, light control, and comfort. Blinds and shades allow you to define your style and set the mood. They protect indoor materials from fading in UV rays, and they are a part of every home and office. Naturally, the design of your window coverings should be elegant, convenient, and safe. Safety is the primary focus of the most recent regulations regarding window covering design. As of June 2024, all manufactured and custom-made blinds will avoid or minimize cord-based controls. The Importance of Blinds Safety Blinds are part of every room in your home and any residential space. From your child's bedroom to the rooms of every hospital, blinds make a space more comfortable both in terms of aesthetic design and light control. This means that blinds must be designed in a way that not only enhances not just comfort, but also safety. Blinds are used in the bedrooms and living spaces of our most at-risk family and community members, from the very young to the very old. The design of your blinds must be both easy to operate and absolutely safe. To achieve this goal, it is sometimes necessary to update design standards to eliminate risks that have existed with previous design standards. That is what the new window safety regulations seek to correct this year by eliminating corded blind controls. Why Are Corded Blinds Unsafe? The centuries, blinds have been controlled by pull cords, either separate or looped cords. These controls make clever use of loop and pulleys to control either the slat direction or the raised level of the blinds. Unfortunately, both pull cords and loops have been found statistically to pose a health and safety risk, especially for very young children. Corded blinds pose a strangling risk for toddlers and young children who might get tangled in the cords, which are mounted high above their heads. Cords also pose a potential risk for pets and for members of the community with limited dexterity or mobility, such as those who are disabled or elderly. The 2024 Cordless Blinds Regulation The 2024 Revised Window Safety regulation focuses on eliminating or drastically reducing the use of cords in blinds controls. This regulation covers Separate cord controls Continuous cord loops Gathered multi-cord controls The aim is to prevent the distribution of all free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector. This regulation applies to all stock window coverings and custom made-to-order window coverings to ensure a universal increase in household safety. Blinds will either need to be cordless or have inaccessible helper cords that cannot be reached by children. Modern Blind Control Alternatives The good news is that this regulation is perfectly timed to align with recent innovations in blind control technology. While blinds relied on cords for centuries, this tradition is no longer necessary. Smart blinds, self-adjusting blinds, and advanced control blinds make it possible to leave cords behind. Not to mention a few tried-and-true cord alternatives like control wands and tension mounting. Smart and Automatic Blinds Automatic blinds are a popular alternative to manual cords. They respond to a wireless signal to raise or lower, and to open or close the slats. This removes the need for pull cords and loops that might pose a home safety risk. Many automatic blinds also conveniently integrate with your smart home for voice controls and routines. Wand Controlled Blinds Slat control has been possible using a turning wand for decades, but wand control has also been evolving. More advanced manual and automatic blinds can now be controlled with a safe hanging wand instead of cords. Automatic blind control wands may have button or directional push controls as well as the manual twist. Self-Adjusting Blinds Self-adjusting blinds use a tension and spring loaded mechanism that allows you to raise or lower blinds by pushing up or pulling down on the rigid lower bar. These require no electric parts and no cords while still giving you responsive control over the level of your blinds. Beautiful and Safe Window Coverings with Just Blinds  If you are looking for elegant new blinds for your home that meet your aesthetic tastes, desire for light-control function, and offer the latest in home environment safety, Just Blinds is here to help. We offer stock and custom blinds that elegantly comply with the new cordless safety regulations through a variety of innovative manual and automatic blind control options. Contact us today to make your home beautiful, functional, and safe with cordless custom window coverings.

The Just Blinds Difference: Transforming Your Home with Style and Precision Just Blinds has carved an over-35-year-long niche in the window treatment service community through top-notch quality and personalized service. We provide an unsurpassed range of window treatment products along with a customer-centric approach and tailored solutions. Here's what makes Just Blinds stand out: A Diverse Range of High-Quality Products Just Blinds provides an extensive selection of window treatments, including plantation shutters, wood blinds, shades, custom drapery, and motorized solutions. Each product is designed with attention to detail, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. Plantation Shutters: We offer classic window treatments in wood and faux wood. The shutters offer excellent light control, privacy, and energy efficiency. Shades and Blinds: Options range from roller and honeycomb shades to wood and woven wood blinds. Each style of blinds caters to style preferences with close attention to functional needs. Custom Drapery: Our custom drapery service provides an elegant touch of luxury. Choose from a wide range of fabrics, colors, and styles that enhance the home's decor. Undecided? Consider the Just Blinds Difference Shopping for home improvement services and products can be overwhelming. Look for these tiebreakers: Better Business Bureau Membership. Just Blinds has been a proud member of BBB since 1999. Maintaining our A+ rating is a result of our commitment to transparency and integrity. Expert Advice. Wondering what the best blinds and window treatments meet your home's special requirements? Our window treatment experts are available by chat, email, or phone. Positive customer reviews. With nearly 200 five-star Google reviews and consistently positive customer comments on Facebook, hundreds of customers have complimented Just Blinds as the leader window treatments. Bringing the Showroom to You--Personalized Consultation One-on-one in-home consultations is the key to the Just Blinds personalized service. The consultation ensures that window treatment solutions meet the unique needs of the customer's home. Our expert representative brings the showroom to our Montgomery, Prattville, Birmingham, Lake Martin, and Auburn (and more) service areas. Expect the best advice and product demonstration while in the friendly confines of the home. Expert Measuring and Professional Installation Precision is key. To achieve the perfect fit for window treatments, Just Blinds provides expert measuring services. The Just Blinds professional installation team guarantees that every product is installed flawlessly, based on laser-accurate measurement for that stress-free polished look. Embracing Modern Technology with Motorization Our motorized window treatments can be controlled with the touch of a button. Integrate those motorized controls with smart home systems to add functionality to our window coverings. Motorization is especially handy in operating hard-to-reach windows and for customers needing convenient, effortless control. Commitment to Customer Satisfaction and Support Customer satisfaction is at the heart of the Just Blinds difference. The Just Blinds mission is building lasting relationships. We strive to accomplish that mission by providing exceptional service and high-quality products. Competitive Pricing and Attractive Financing Options We understand that window treatments can be a significant home improvement investment. With competitive pricing and attractive financing options, Just Blinds makes it easier for customers to improve their homes without financial undue strain. Choose Just Blinds to Make a Difference in Your Home Improvement Options Choose Just Blinds for quality, precision, and exceptional customer service. Personalized consultations and expert measuring and a diverse range of high-quality products and modern motorized solutions provide a complete and satisfying window treatment experience. Transform your home today with Just Blinds and see the difference for yourself. Let's Talk About Your Home Decorating Needs Call, email, or send us a message on our contact webpage. Check us out on our Facebook account . Contact us . We'd love to hear from you.

Drapery is Back! Drapery has been considered an elegant way to shade your windows for centuries. In fact, it's one of the oldest window technologies in the world. Drapes originate from tent design. Hand-woven fabric was then used for centuries to protect both windows and doors from cold drafts, and to provide privacy. Drapes were even used around beds to keep them warmer. Drapes have been used to divide large rooms and as decorative insulation in stone buildings. When plate glass was invented, drapes became decor that could be seen from the outside as well. When industrial fabric production was introduced, drapes became popular in all homes, not just the palaces and estates of the nobility. Today, draperies still provide insulation and beauty, often in layers of different fabric weights to create the perfect balance of light, privacy, insulation, and elegance. Why Should You Hang Drapes? Drapes provide a variety of benefits depending on which layers you choose. Simple curtains provide privacy and light control, but layered drapes allow you to shape the light and temperature environment of any room. Light, Darkness, and Diffusion The weight of each fabric allows you to take control of the light in the room. Light and filmy curtains can diffuse sunlight rather than blocking it, making the light more gentle and potentially blocking harmful rays. Medium fabric can darken a room without blocking all the sunlight, and heavy drapes or blackout curtains can make a room theater-dark on command. Insulation in Summer and Winter Heavy drapes provide valuable insulation in both summer and winter, but are favored in winter. The fabric prevents temperature changes from being conveyed between the window glass and the room. Shaping the Room's Style The length and style of your drapes becomes a powerful element of your interior design. Floor to ceiling drapes make a room feel taller, heavy fabrics add a timeless elegance and gravitas, while shorter and lighter drapes create a more airy and contemporary style. What Types of Drapes Should You Look For? How should you build your drapery designs? Drapes often look best when built with layers that create the effect you desire. The common drapery layers include: Filmy DrapesFilmy drapes provide light diffusion and privacy, allowing a room to be gently drenched in sunlight without those outside seeing into your room. They are often used as the innermost layer of drapes, facing the window. Black Out CurtainsBlack-out curtains are a popular middle layer, allowing you to completely block light from the room separate from the decorative drapery layers. Pleated DrapesPleated drapes are particularly rippled and look best when pulled back, but hold their shape when closed. Flat or Printed DrapesHeavy drapes can be flat yet richly textured fabric, embroidered, or printed. Printed drapes add a subtle visual texture, while flat drapes are solid splashes of color in your interior design. 2024 Drapery Trends What trends are leading the return of draperies to intrior design? 2024 has enjoyed several delightful drapery trends that you can explore for yourself. Two-Tone Drapes Two-tone drapes are drapes made of two fabrics sewn together, one facing the outer window and one facing the inner room. The outer fabric provides a lovely accent for the inner fabric when the drapes are pulled back. Bold Colors Bold drapes of strong colors are the perfect way to add a splash of personality or coordinate with your chosen accent color contrasting with the paint colors in each room. Sheer Curtains Sheer curtains without additional layers have become a popular way to diffuse light into a sunny room, providing privacy and an ethereal glow of natural sunlight during the day. Explore Drapes at Just Blinds At JustBlinds, we're glad to introduce the latest in drapes, from trendy drapes with a lot of personality to classic drapes that bring elegance to any home design. We're experts in drapes as well as blinds, shutters and shades. Give us a call for a consultation.

Southern summers are hot and humid. Unfortunately, the air inside your home could be just as muggy and oppressive as the air around it. Although heat pumps and air conditioners provide combined temperature control and moisture regulation, they're rarely enough on their own for optimum comfort. In the interests of curbing your carbon footprint and your home energy bills, the following are several easy and efficient ways to keep cool this summer, both indoors and out. Tips for Staying Cooling Indoors You can limit the work that your cooling system has to do by creating a naturally cool and naturally cooling environment. Not only will this lower your HVAC-related energy use, but it will also reduce stress on your heat pump or air conditioner. You'll have fewer performance issues like icing, short-cycling, and overheating. Maintaining an efficient home could even extend the lifespan of your cooling equipment. Leverage Your Window Treatments Wisely Keep your blinds, curtains or other window treatments closed throughout the hottest portion of the day. However, for this tactic to work, you have to close them before your home has already taken in solar heat. It's always best to have light-blocking, heat-blocking, or blackout window treatments rather than lightweight sheers. Adding plantation shutters to the exterior of the building will tighten your home's envelope, keep more of your conditioned air inside, and greatly improve your home's curbside appeal. Seal Up Air Leaks Weatherstripping isn't just for preventing heat loss in the winter. It can also keep your living space cooler and drier in the summertime. Add weatherstripping to your windows and doors and seal up air leaks in general building materials. If you haven't done so in a while, you can also add more insulation to your home or upgrade to insulating materials with higher R-values. Having an efficient and tightly sealed home envelope will allow you to create and maintain the indoor climate you want irrespective of what's happening outside. Keep Hydrated Don't wait until you're thirsty to reach for a cool drink. According to Harvard Health, thirst is one of the first signs of dehydration . Staying hydrated is easier when you take small sips of water throughout the day rather than gulping down large quantities at once. Wear Loose, Breathable Fabrics When properly hydrated, the human body is effective at cooling itself. It does so by sweating. Wearing light, loose, breathable fabrics supports your body's natural cooling abilities. For the highest level of comfort, choose natural fabrics like linen or cotton that wick moisture away from the skin. Set Your Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in the summer months. Doing so will push a cooling breeze down and make your living space feel much colder than it actually is. Hit Your Hot Zones With Cool Compresses Cool down fast by applying cold compresses to your hot zones. Try placing one on the back of your neck, on your forehead, or in your armpits when overheated. You can even put your sheets or your pajamas in the freezer for several minutes just before going to bed. Consider the Need for Additional Humidity Control Heat pumps and ACs extract excess moisture during each cooling cycle. They convert this into condensation and route it out of homes via attached condensate drains. However, this is largely done to optimize operating conditions for heat pumps and ACs rather than for benefit of human users. Humid air feels hotter and heavier than dry air. If your home feels excessively humid even when your HVAC system is on, consider adding whole-house dehumidification equipment as an integrated HVAC accessory. Let Your Home Breathe at Night When the sun sets and the daytime temperature drops, open a few windows and let fresh, outdoor air flow in. This is a great way to get rid of old, stale air and the trapped contaminants it contains. Pets Matter, Too! Don't forget about your feline and canine companions. Excessive panting and bright-red tongues and gums are signs of overheating. Keep your pets' water dishes full and let them experience the rapid relief of cold compresses, too. Tips for Staying Cool Outdoors On the hottest and most humid days of the year, staying cool outdoors can be a special challenge. Fortunately, there are many innovative products and strategies that make things a bit easier. Invest in Cooling Towels Purchase a few cooling towels. These work much like cold compresses, but they're portable and perfect for wicking moisture away from the skin. Opt for Light-Colored Garments Ditch your dark-colored duds and opt for light-colored garments instead. Summer is hardly the time for an all-black ensemble. Black absorbs heat while lighter colors reflect it. Pack a Cooler Don't leave home without a few icy beverages in tow. There are many soft-sided, personal coolers that will help you stay hydrated while out and about. Bring Rechargeable, Portable Fans Along Whether solar powered or supporting USB-charging, there are lots of portable fans to choose from. You can find options that attach to your head, hang just around the neck, or clip onto books and cellphones. Know When to Say When! The best tip for staying cool in the summer months is knowing when to say when. When outside humidity and heat become unbearable, know when to throw in the cooling towel and make your way indoors. To shop a fantastic selection of light and heat-blocking window treatments, get in touch with Just Blinds today!

You may think you have decorated your nursery down to the last detail, filling it with pillows, blankets, and enough toys to keep your little one entertained. However, did you consider new window coverings to complete the look? Window coverings, also called window treatments , are a term for anything you use to dress your naked windows. For example, blinds, shades, and curtains are all window coverings. The ideal window covering fits the aesthetic of the room and helps makes the nursery comfortable for your baby. We at Just Blinds, Inc. have some advice to give you a better idea of what to look for. What Should You Look for in a Window Covering? You should choose your coverings carefully for a few reasons. The first reason is safety . The nursery should be your child's safe space, so always choose fire-safe fabrics and sturdy fixtures. Also, if you go with blinds, avoid ones that have long strings hanging down because they are a choking hazard for babies and toddlers. The second reason is that window coverings play a vital role in making the area comfortable. The right coverings allow you to control light, room temperature, and how much privacy you have. Lastly, you want a covering that will grow with your child and not feel too juvenile when they get older. Here are some ideas for nursery window coverings that will age well with your child: Colorful Curtains Curtains are great because they are so versatile. As long as you choose the right colors, they go with any room or aesthetic. Add color to a plain room with eye-catching curtains. For example, emerald green curtains make a statement against pastel pink walls. You could even paint the curtains by hand to match the wallpaper. Nursery curtains complete the look of your baby's room with ease. Shutters and Blinds Window shutters and blinds make for a classic and functional aesthetic, allowing you to control how much light you allow into the room. Cordless blinds come in different materials such as aluminum, plastic, and wood, giving you the freedom to choose the one that matches best. For example, if you have wood-framed windows, consider getting wooden blinds to match. If white is too plain, buy colored blinds or paint the ones you get. Shades Shades also help control the amount of light that comes in, but they roll down from the top of the window. Roman shades roll into themselves for a sleek look while raised. Roman shades can be available in many different colors, styles and patterns. These shades have a cord on the inside so they don't pose as a choking hazard, but if that is still a concern, you could opt for roller or honeycomb shades instead. Blackout Curtains Blackout curtains are the practical choice, blocking out all extra light so your baby can have a relaxing naptime. These curtains are especially ideal if you live in an area that stays light late. Go straight to the curtains or use a blackout liner for an additional layer. Light-Blocking Layers Who says that you have to stick to one style of covering? For example, you can use a combination of lightweight curtains and blinds to filter the light that comes through. You could also use blackout panels with a curtain layer for that soft aesthetic look while also limiting the light that comes in while your baby naps. Windows come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can make finding the right curtains at a store difficult. You might also need help measuring your windows to find the right size blinds. Just Blinds, Inc. is here to help. We specialize in the design and installation of custom blinds, shades, and more. We also provide in-home consultations to help you select the best window coverings for your space. Contact us today to learn more about our services.