With so many options to choose from, shades can be a versatile addition to office settings. Whether you like a simple, pull-down shade in different colors or patterns, you want a natural shade that lets light filter through, you appreciate the soft, voluminous folds of a Roman shade, or you’re keen to keep the sun out without obstructing your view, there’s a shade that perfectly suits your purposes. Before you can choose the right shades to complement your office interior, however, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider.
Light control. In all fields of design, the guiding principle is “form follows function”. In other words, you need items that work first, and then you can beautify them. When discussing window treatments for the office setting, the main practical concern is light control.
When choosing shades, you need to understand how much light they will let in. Different materials and styles could yield varying levels of translucency, including complete opaqueness (i.e. blackout conditions). Privacy isn’t necessarily a factor when it comes to commercial settings, but using opaque shades in a conference room, for example, will make it a lot easier to deliver a PowerPoint presentation on a bright, sunny day.
Shades with some amount of translucency, on the other hand, are better suited to office areas that house employee workstations (offices, cubicles, etc.). These shades allow for filtered light even when closed, providing an influx of soothing natural light while stopping the sun’s harsh rays from blinding employees trying to work.
Easy-to-adjust shades can be opened wide to increase natural light and eliminate the need for costly electric lighting. Don’t forget, you can always layer multiple shades (roller and vertical, for example), or add drapes or other window treatments to enhance your options for light control.
Design style. You naturally want to choose the shades best suited to your design style, including building architecture and interior design. Even if you hope to make a statement with the style of shade you choose, you don’t want it to stick out like a sore thumb, which is why it’s so important to select window treatments that complement existing architecture and design and become part of a cohesive whole.
Aesthetics. Selecting décor that suits your building architecture is just one piece of the puzzle. From there you have to make aesthetic choices that define your corporate style. Business owners need window treatments that not only complement office décor, but represent their brand image and what they want to convey to employees and clients. Whether you’re running a fun and creative tech startup or a trusted family law firm, your image will play a role in dictating the shades you choose.
Energy efficiency. Whether all of your design choices rely heavily on environmental concerns or eco-friendliness is an afterthought, you’re almost certainly in favor of saving money with your window treatments. You may want to consider the many benefits of solar shades, which not only keep the sun’s damaging rays from heating your office interior and bleaching surfaces, but also offer levels of translucency that allow for a great view without compromising energy-efficient advantages.
With experienced professionals to guide you, you’ll have no trouble selecting the best shades for your every need. Contact the experts at The Blinds Side today at 410-402-5158 or [email protected] to learn more.