Blinds & Shutters

Demand has increased for blinds, shades, and shutters as window treatments have become simpler, according to experts. They agree that the trend toward de-cluttering  and paring down is at least in part behind the move away from extensive window treatments.

In addition, the growth of media rooms has created greater demand for room darkening control, one of the attractions of blinds and shades, with or without automation features.

Popular window treatments recently have featured the roman shade, a simple and functional choice, according to Amanda Sweeney-Davis of Just Design This. “Fancy draperies with trim and tassels are no longer in great demand and can date your space,” she says.

Gail Adkins of Change Magic Interior Redesign says, “With the recent emphasis on de-cluttering and paring down, it follows that clients are embracing simpler window treatments—shutters, woven shades, simple panels, and streamlined hardware.

Blinds offer privacy, light control, and even offer energy savings, according to Bohnne Jones of Decorating Den Interiors, who also pairs blinds and shades with panels for a simple window treatment.
According to Kathy Case of Advantage Shutters, “There really is no ‘rule’ for decorating. It’s more about what pleases the eye of the customer."

Customers who have more contemporary taste may prefer large single-shutter panels with larger louvers up to 4.5 inches with the tilt rod hidden behind the shutter for the most streamlined look, as well as the best view and greatest light.

Horizontal arch and sunburst arch treatments are also available, Case says.

If a homeowner prefers a traditional or historic look, they may choose a small louver size with double hung shutters that bi-fold open on the top and bottom separately.

Cottage style homes lend themselves to the traditional two-panel shutter look with a divider rail horizontally in the center,  Case says. “More elegant rooms may call for clean lines with no divider rails and maybe a beautiful fabric treatment over the shutter. The options between are really limitless and can be totally customized to each client's needs.”

"Shutters are amazing for keeping the cold out/heat in in the winter or cold in/ heat out during the summer just by a small adjustment in the louvers," she says. "Shutters are easy to open and close, so making these adjustments during the day is simple and useful."

Case adds that a popular trend with current customers is woven wood shades that are made from reeds, grasses, and bamboo. “These shades have every color option one can imagine and also several privacy and light filtering options,” she says. “The patterns and textures add depth and interest to windows and often bring out colors in a home’s wood floors, rugs, and furniture.”

There are a number of sources for blinds and shutters in the Greater Nashville area including:

Advantage Shutters
Nashville
615/ 833-3425

Change Magic Interior Redesign
Nashville
615 275-9514

Decorating Den Interiors
Nashville
615/ 469-7334

Just Design This
Nashville
615/ 578-4738