Window Shades for Thermal Windows

Shades are an excellent addition to thermal windows. With them you can control the amount of natural light coming in through the window, achieve privacy, gain additional insulation, block noise, and enhance your home's décor. They come in a wide array of styles, colors, fabrics, and textures. Some materials are more expensive than others, but generally, window shades for thermal windows are affordable.

The available types include:

• Cellular, or honeycomb
• Pleated
• Roller
• Roman
• Solar

Cellular shades are the most popular for thermal windows today primarily because of their energy efficiency, with pleated shades the runner up. Next are roller, then Roman shades. Shades made out of natural woven materials--wood, fiber, paper, jute, grasses, bamboo and hemp--are hot. Also trendy for roller-less shades is the top-down/bottom-up option (both ends move independently of each other).

Because they all can be attractive on thermal windows, prioritize the factors involved when buying: look, energy efficiency, and cost. Then choose. You will need to select a type, color, any embellishments you want like fringe, and any accessories, such as a remote control.

The process of installing shades on your thermal windows involves fewer than ten steps and is do-able for a do-it-yourselfer.

To maintain your window shades for thermal windows, you should clean them regularly. Dust with a soft, dry cloth, then wash with a soapy sponge, both sides, top to bottom. Finally, wipe them with a soft clean cloth, for a rewarding reveal.