Going Green with Window Treatments

Many homeowners today are increasingly interested in maximizing the use of green design throughout their home, and window treatments are inherently green products.

For many people, the beauty that they find in a well-designed window covering is just as important as knowing that it is made using only environmentally sustainable raw materials such as bamboo, silk, linen and other natural fibers that have not been treated with any harmful chemicals. Installing window treatments are also an efficient and cost-effective way to conserve energy. Fortunately, for today’s savvy and earth-conscious homeowner, many affordable options now exist for green or eco-friendly window treatments.

Green or sustainable window treatments offer many benefits to consumers and their homes. Draperies or curtains made of natural hemp or linen for example, are harmless to the environment to harvest and are easily recycled. Fabrics made from recycled materials such as plastic bottles help to reduce non-biodegradable waste that is virtually impossible for the earth to absorb.

Also, harmful fumes that slowly emit from many materials are proven allergens that wreak havoc on those with allergies and as a solution, many window covering products exist today that are chemical free and environmentally safe. More and more fabrics are becoming available that are dye-free, have eco-safe dyes or contain no herbicides, pesticides or carcinogens in the finishing process. In addition, many homeowners are choosing to install window coverings made of non-toxic fabrics with anti-microbial and anti-fungal traits woven into the yarn. Stain-resistant, mildew and mold-resistant fabrics are also popular choices for many allergy sufferers.

Making an effort to use less energy everyday is a green-living concept as well. Today’s sky-rocketing energy costs are an ever-present reminder to reduce our consumption of electricity and natural gas as much as possible. Windows that are left uncovered or that are not energy efficient increase the need to raise or lower thermostat settings. In the warmest weather, this increases the workload of air conditioners by 50 percent. Having high-performance windows installed, applying window film or a blind or wood shutter in a window will help block the sun’s heat in the summer and reduce heat loss in the winter. This insulating effect reduces energy consumption and lowers energy bills.

Lastly, blocking out the sun’s harmful UV rays will prevent damage to furniture, flooring and other belongings which also help to reduce consumption of other replacement items.

Recommended Green Window Coverings:
    •    UV Protection Window Film
    •    Blinds, Wood Shutters, Cellular shades
    •    Lined Draperies and Curtains
    •    Bamboo or Woven Wood shades
    •    Energy-efficient window shades
    •    Light-controlled motorized shades
    •    High-performance double paned windows

For more information about Patrice Munden and her interior design services, please visit her official website.