These new shades can help save money on energy bills and help save the planet from accumulating excessive plastic waste.
– Amber Hall, VP of Merchandising at Blinds.com
Window treatments are more than just a finishing touch for your home décor. The right blinds, shades or curtains can improve comfort, increase privacy and even help reduce energy use. With options now designed using recycled materials and advanced technology, today’s window treatments offer benefits that go well beyond style.
Popular Choices for Energy Savings
When it comes to energy efficiency, cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades) are one of the most popular choices. Their unique honeycomb construction creates insulating air pockets, helping to keep warm air inside during the winter and block excess heat during the summer. Customers can choose from single-, double-, or even triple-cell constructions depending on their climate and needs.
Other options like roller shades and faux wood blinds remain popular for their clean look, versatility and light control. Still, cellular shades stand out for their performance in temperature regulation and energy savings.
SimplyEco™: Made from Recycled Materials
Customers looking for sustainable materials can explore the SimplyEco Cellular Shade that’s available at Blinds.com, a subsidiary of The Home Depot. These shades are crafted from recycled plastic water bottles – about 12 bottles for one standard-size shade. With more than a million plastic bottles sold every minute, and each taking an estimated 450 years to break down, SimplyEco gives plastic waste a second life as something functional and stylish.
In addition to reducing plastic waste, these shades are designed to improve energy efficiency at home. According to the Department of Energy, tightly installed cellular shades can reduce heat loss through windows by up to 40% in winter and block as much as 60% of unwanted solar heat in summer. That means lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space year-round.
As Amber Hall, Vice President of Merchandising at Blinds.com, explains, “These new shades can help save money on energy bills and help save the planet from accumulating excessive plastic waste.” With several color options and growing customization features, SimplyEco proves that style, performance and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Other Options for Comfort and Style
While cellular shades are among the most effective for insulation, there are many other treatments to consider:
- Solar shades filter sunlight while maintaining views; available in different levels of opacity.
- Faux wood blinds offer the classic look of wood with lighter weight, greater durability and resistance to warping, making them a practical and stylish option for everyday use.
- Thermal or blackout curtains can enhance privacy and help reduce unwanted heat or cold.
- Window films and clings provide a cost-effective way to block UV rays, reduce glare and add privacy without the need for bulky treatments. They’re easy to install and replace, making them a flexible option for renters or homeowners.
- Shutters add a more premium look with added durability and insulation properties.
Smart Window Treatments
Smart home compatibility is also becoming more common, with motorized shades that integrate with hubs and apps for easy control. Cordless options are now the standard across the category, offering a safer solution for homes with children or pets.
Choosing the Right Window Treatment
One of the most common mistakes customers make is choosing based only on budget rather than function. For example, faux wood blinds may not be the best choice for south-facing windows that get constant sun exposure. When considering window treatments, think about your home’s orientation, the level of light you want to block and the insulation benefits you need.
From traditional blinds to innovative cellular shades made with recycled bottles, window treatments have come a long way in both design and performance. By choosing the right option, you can reduce energy costs, increase comfort and add beauty to your home, all while supporting smarter manufacturing practices through The Home Depot’s subsidiaries like Blinds.com.
