The Benefits of Sustainable Window Coverings
In the world we live in today, sustainable living is no longer a trend, but a necessity. And when it comes to creating an energy-efficient and stylish home that is both beautiful + functional, the choice of window coverings is an important one.
Sustainable window coverings can not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also provide actual benefits in terms of energy efficiency.
But more often than not, when it comes to selecting window coverings, many people are so overwhelmed by all the design selections they’ve already made that they end up stuck. Either they’re unsure what materials are safe for their home + also good for the environment or they have paralysis by analysis for what function window treatments actually play in their space.
So, we’re here to make understanding the benefits of sustainable window treatments easy for you, friend.
Ready to dive in?
The Environmental Benefits Of Sustainable Window Coverings
Well, let’s be honest here. Sustainable window coverings are still beautiful — in fact, they’re often so gorgeous that they can literally make a room feel complete with that “cozy feeling.”
What Are Sustainable Window Coverings
Sustainable window coverings are simply made from environmentally-friendly materials, such as linen, bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton.
What Materials Are Sustainable Window Coverings Made From
These materials are renewable and biodegradable, making them a much more eco-friendly alternative to window coverings that are made of synthetic fibers and then chemically dyed.
How Does Selecting An Eco-Friendly Fabric Make My Window Coverings Sustainable
By choosing sustainable window coverings, you are reducing the demand for materials that harm the environment as well as contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
Additionally, sustainable window coverings are manufactured using processes that have a lower impact on the environment. They often involve fewer chemicals and less energy consumption compared to conventional manufacturing methods.
By considering sustainable window coverings vs those made with synthetic materials, you are reducing your carbon footprint and supporting companies that prioritize practices in alignment with your core values.
In fact, embracing sustainability in designing your home is the epitome of being a conscious curator.
Energy Efficiency Advantages Of Sustainable Window Coverings
Not gonna lie friend, sustainable window coverings have a ton to offer when it comes to energy efficiency.
Because you’re considering sustainable materials from the beginning, you’re also considering the functionality of the window treatments themselves. And often, these window coverings are designed to provide better insulation to your home by preventing heat transfer through the windows.
Sounds technical. We know. But it’s really actually quite simple *wink*
All this means is that during the hot summer months, sustainable window coverings can keep your home cooler by blocking the heat from entering. And, during the cold winter months, they can help retain warmth by preventing heat from escaping.
Remember when we said window treatments can make a space feel “cozy?” We meant it :)
Sustainable Window Coverings Regulate Heat
The key to the energy efficiency of sustainable window coverings lies in their ability to regulate the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home.
For example, if you were to select bamboo shades for your home, they have a natural filtering effect, allowing light to enter but diffusing it enough that they reduce the amount of heat gain in your home.
This means that you not only have significant energy savings but get to actually enjoy the natural light filtering without the need for excessive artificial lighting to fill the space or air conditioning to cool it off.
See, sustainable window coverings are simply beauty that is kind to the planet.
Types Of Sustainable Window Coverings
There is a wide variety of sustainable window coverings available, each with its unique features and benefits.
Linen
Derived from the flax plant, linen is a natural fiber that has been used for years due to its durability and versatility. Besides its aesthetic beauty, linen is also biodegradable and requires fewer pesticides and water to produce, making it a sustainable choice for conscious homeowners.
Why We Love Linen
While we love linen for its sustainable qualities, we believe linen window coverings offer a timeless elegance, bringing a light, airy feel to your home.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Why We Love Organic Cotton
Window coverings made from organic cotton are incredibly soft, luxurious and they have a wide range of textures and weaves which allows us to customize your home while also adhering to sustainable practices.
Bamboo
In the world of sustainability, bamboo is a step above the rest. Bamboo not only grows fast but it also thrives without pesticides which makes it a highly renewable resource.
Why We Love Bamboo
Bamboo window coverings bring a touch of natural elegance to your home. While beautiful, they also have excellent insulation properties, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home year-round while reducing energy loss.
Hemp
Like bamboo, hemp is a significant resource in the world of sustainable materials because it requires minimal water and no pesticides to grow it. Hemp is also an extremely durable material, which ensures that your window coverings will stand the test of time.
Why We Love Hemp
Hemp window coverings offer a natural yet sophisticated aesthetic that adds a ton of warmth and earthy-vibes to your home.
Considerations For Sustainable Window Coverings
We’ve written a lot about how an interior designer selects window coverings for your home.
That said, there are several considerations specific for selecting sustainable window coverings.
Consider The Size + Shape Of Your Windows
What’s the size + the location have to do with sustainability? Glad you asked *wink*
Not every window covering solution is going to work for every size + shape of your windows. For instance, if you’ve got an oversized sliding glass door, a nano wall, or a uniquely shaped window each requires a specific type of window covering that may (or may not) limit the materials that are accessible.
Consider The Location Of Your Windows
One of the other factors, which we’ve talked about a bit already is how sustainable window coverings help with energy efficiency so you want to consider the climate you live in as well as the location of the windows or doors in your home.
For instance, if you live in a hot and sunny area, you may want to opt for window coverings that provide better temperature and light control. On the other hand, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to choose window coverings that offer better insulation.
How Sustainable Window Coverings Enhance The Aesthetic Of Your Home
With natural and organic textures, colors, and patterns, sustainable window coverings add warmth and character to your home. They create a cozy and inviting ambiance that truly is Elegant Simplicity®
Functionality Precedes Aesthetics, Until Aesthetics Deliberately Embody Function.
Once functionality is determined for your window coverings (i.e. the size, shape, and all considerations are made for location), we can now begin to consider your personal style and what makes sense for the window treatments given that functionality.
And really, because sustainable window coverings come in a wide range of materials, colors, patterns, and textures there is infinite possibility.
Many of our clients tend to lean towards window coverings that subtly add to the overall emotionality of the space we’re designing for them. That said, your window coverings could follow the same aesthetic direction as that or become a focal point of your room.
As we mentioned previously, bamboo adds a touch of elegance and natural aesthetic to a room, hemp creates a grounded earthy aesthetic, while linen can create a cozy yet minimalist feel to a home.
Sustainable Window Coverings Are An Investment
Sustainable window coverings often have a higher upfront investment than their synthetic counterparts. However, the benefits to the environment as well as the potential energy savings that come with selecting sustainable window coverings, in our opinion, offer long-term savings.
Not to mention, sustainable window coverings made with natural materials are often more durable and longer-lasting. Synthetic materials are not only, often wasteful in their manufacturing, but the chemical dyes used often fade over time increasing the odds that you’ll need to replace them faster.
Now the suns intense *wink* so it can fade even sustainable materials over time but they are made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring that you won't need to replace them as frequently.
And as we’ve mentioned, this not only saves you the expense of redoing window treatments but in the long run it also reduces waste and the environmental impact.
Maintenance And Care Of Sustainable Window Coverings
Since we’re on the topic of longevity *wink*
To ensure sustainable window coverings last as long as possible, it's important to follow proper maintenance and care guidelines. Most sustainable window coverings can be easily cleaned with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner attachment that avoids any abrasiveness.
We don’t recommend using chemicals to clean the drapery, as chemicals often damage the natural fibers or finishes of the window coverings.
While not incredibly common, it's recommended to once a year or so — inspect your window coverings for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any fraying or loose threads you may want to address those issues sooner, rather than later, to prevent further damage.
Ultimately, when it comes to creating a home we’re focused not on simply doing less bad (for our own health or the environment) but on actually doing more good. Making decisions with clarity and understanding in why sustainability is important and if it’s aligned with your intention.
For more on sustainability, we’ve talked about selecting sustainable materials, selecting sustainable furniture, as well as the importance of sustainability in designing + organizing your home.
And there you have it...everything you need to know about sustainable window coverings! And don’t forget, if you’re in the preliminary planning stages of your next project, let’s chat.
P.S. If you loved this article then you’re going to really enjoy the 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home.