smart-pnw

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency This Summer

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:56:33 GMT

During hot summer afternoons, many homes in the Pacific Northwest trap heat like a parked car in the sun. Brightness streams through windows, floors warm up quickly, and the air conditioner unit keeps kicking on as indoor temperatures climb.

However, it doesn’t have to be like this all the time. Our team at Smart PNW helps homeowners customize luxury window coverings that keep rooms cooler during the hottest time of year, thereby improving your home’s energy efficiency.

How Do Energy-Efficient Window Shades Reduce Summer Heat?

Windows affect indoor temperatures more than many realize. Direct sunlight coming through uncovered windows can heat up living spaces quickly, causing your cooling systems to work harder throughout the day.

Energy-efficient window shades serve as a supplemental insulation, forming a protective barrier, and block, redirect, or filter sunlight. While some shade materials reflect solar heat, others reduce glare on screens. Properly fitted shades can also regulate room temperatures, especially in rooms with large south- or west-facing windows.

Automating Your Energy-Efficient Shades

Motorized features like PowerView® Automation can further improve efficiency by allowing you to program specific shades to close automatically during peak sunlight hours. And if you’re at work or out running errands, your rooms will be more comfortable when you return.

Hunter Douglas Energy-Efficient Cellular Shades Put in the Work

Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades are our top-selling window covering for homeowners who want improved insulation during summer. Their horizontal honeycomb-shaped pockets trap air in the shade, reducing heat transfer and creating a cooler indoor environment.

Because these energy-efficient cellular shades also soften incoming sunlight, they make bright rooms feel more comfortable without blocking natural light entirely. They also fit closely within window frames, creating a polished look without adding visual clutter.

Energy-Efficient Roller Shades Work Hard and Look Great

Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades combine the simplicity of roller shades with the engineering of cellular window shades. Their curved fabric design features pockets that reduce solar heat gain in fine style. Hunter Douglas offers these shades in fabrics ranging from semi-opaque to room-darkening.

Additionally, many homeowners and our window fashion experts both like how these energy-efficient roller shades work in living rooms, kitchens, and open-concept areas, as they provide high-end style and no bulky layers. The softly filtered daylight keeps interiors bright without producing intense glare or excessive warmth.

More Ways to Increase Summer Energy Efficiency at Home

Energy-efficient cellular shades and roller shades can be part of your cooler home interior strategy for the summer. But if you have ceiling fans, keep them running to improve air circulation without overworking your AC system.

You can also lower indoor temperatures by switching to LED bulbs.

Shop Cooling Window Shades Near Tacoma, WA

Hot summer afternoons place extra strain on cooling systems, but our team at Smart PNW helps our clients design window treatments that stand up to the challenge. Visit our showroom in Tacoma, WA, contact us online to schedule a consultation, or call us at (425) 448-3279 .

Smart PNW serves Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, Ocean Shores, Puyallup, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

5 Signs of Window Treatment Wear and Tear

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:51:01 GMT

Homeowners often keep their existing window treatments up long after those coverings have seen better days. But even if you’re thinking, “they still look fine,” you may be losing out on energy efficiency benefits and other advantages that come along with replacing them. Our Smart PNW team can help you choose the best new blinds, shades, or shutters for your home based on your interior design style and your home’s needs.

To help you determine whether replacement is in your future, we’re sharing the five main signs of window treatment wear and tear, along with the advantages of removing old ones and installing new ones.

1. Discolored Fabric and Materials

Color fading or yellowing is one of the most visible signs that your window treatments could use your attention. Prolonged sun exposure causes fabrics and materials, like wood, to fade, yellow, or streak, and no amount of cleaning will help.

Light-colored shades are especially vulnerable and can take on a dingy, yellowish cast over time. That discoloration doesn’t look great and can affect the way a space feels.

2. Warped, Bent, or Broken Slats

Damaged slats are a reliable sign that window treatments, especially blinds, are past their prime. Wood blinds can warp from humidity, while faux wood versions can succumb to constant heat, especially in areas that get intense afternoon sun year after year.

Additionally, outdated aluminum slats can buckle under pressure and abuse from pets and small children, and even a single broken slat can throw off the whole mechanism.

3. Frayed Cords and Edges

Frayed cords can be a symptom of internal mechanism failure, and damaged cords increase the risk of blinds dropping down suddenly. Even more worrisome, exposed cords are a choking hazard for small children and pets.

Frayed edges on roller shades or Roman shades point to another issue, such as the treatment may be too wide for the opening, causing it to scrape against and damage the frame every time it moves.

3. Frayed Cords and Edges

Frayed edges on roller shades or Roman shades point to another issue, such as the treatment may be too wide for the opening, causing it to scrape against and damage the frame every time it moves.

4. Difficult Window Treatment Operation

Blinds that stick, snap, jam, or move awkwardly are inconvenient and frustrating, and it can happen over time, as daily use gradually wears down the mechanisms. And when cords become hard to pull or shades roll up unevenly, the internal components are likely on their way out.

In some cases, overtaxed blinds may fall out of their brackets entirely.

5. Worn-Out Style and Poor Performance

Many window coverings show their age through outdated styles and poor functionality that never worked well to begin with. For example, a clunky set of dining room vertical blinds installed on a sliding glass door that hang awkwardly and don’t open or close smoothly.

What Are the Benefits of New Window Treatments?

Energy efficiency is one of the strongest reasons to upgrade. For that, our Smart PNW team recommends Duette® Cellular Shades that reduce heat loss through windows in winter and cut unwanted solar heat gain in summer. They can lower your overall energy costs throughout the years.

Safety is another advantage of investing in new window treatments. Modern cordless and motorized options minimize the risk of strangulation posed by dangling cords for pets and kids.

Moreover, improved light and privacy control come with an upgrade: Top-Down/Bottom-up Roman shades and sheer window shades with integrated, adjustable fabric vanes offer modern flexibility and beautifully filtered and redirected light.

Shop Vinyl Window Treatments Near Tacoma, WA

When you’re ready to trade your outdated window coverings for something fresh, at Smart PNW, we’re here to help. We feature Hunter Douglas window treatments and Carole™ Fabrics with personalized guidance from selection through professional installation. Contact us online or call (425) 448-3279 to get started!

Smart PNW proudly serves Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

Enhance Your Home’s Media Room With Hunter Douglas

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:25:05 GMT

Modern home media rooms are the ideal way to escape into your favorite movies or television shows. You can enjoy comfortable seating, have the volume just the way you like it, and appreciate the easy access to all your snacks and beverages. While you may have the perfect vision of this space, it might feel more difficult than you thought to bring it to life. And that’s where we come in!

Our Smart PNW design team can help with design advice, including audio equipment and window treatments from top brands like Sonos, Hunter Douglas, and Carole™ Fabrics.

Let’s Get Started With These Essential Media Elements

After installing a new television or even a projector screen, a successful home media room needs components that work together to create an immersive experience. Here are a few ideas you can focus on in your home's media room:

Consider acoustic design : Prioritize proper speaker placement and sound-absorbing materials to minimize echoes and optimize audio clarity.
Invest in ergonomic seating : Position them at the correct viewing angles and distances to keep everyone comfortable for hours.
Think about the temperature : The media room may get too warm or cold, so set the temperature at the right level. Window coverings, which provide insulation, will also help.

Light Control for Cinematic Excellence, Courtesy of Hunter Douglas

Natural light streaming through windows creates glare on screens and washes out picture quality, making it nearly impossible to enjoy media during the day.

Hunter Douglas offers sophisticated solutions to this problem, including:

1. Room-Darkening Roller Shades

Designer Roller Shades feature a single fabric panel that you can close to block light. Their streamlined, modern aesthetic complements media room designs without adding visual bulk. Choose from more than 350 fabric options, including opaque textures.

For even more light and privacy control, choose the optional enhancements for the Dual Roller design or Duolite® system. You can even try the Hunter Douglas Blockout System, which turns them into the ultimate room-darkening roller shades.

2. Modern Curtains

This second window treatment option is a call back to traditional movie theaters, but uses contemporary practicality. You could choose velvet fabrics for a luxurious touch with drape options from Carole™ Fabrics .

We often suggest layering these modern curtains over other window treatments for maximum light control.

3. Cellular Shades

For light blocking and energy-efficient insulation, consider Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades in room-darkening fabrics. The Duette® LightLock® system minimizes light gaps, with U-shaped side channels that prevent light from entering rooms.

Our Smart PNW recommends mounting these window treatments outside the window frames to block more light.

Visit Our Window Treatment Store in Tacoma, WA

Smart PNW is your resource for interior design guidance, audio systems, and custom window treatments from Hunter Douglas. We’re familiar with media room design, and our expert team can’t wait to help you create your in-home cinema.

For more information on how we can bring your media room visions to life, request a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 . At Smart PWN, we proudly serve our surrounding neighbors, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

What Is a Vinyl Window Treatment? (With Benefits)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:38:53 GMT

Vinyl window treatments have come a long way, and today's styles are a far cry from those of the past. Those early versions struggled constantly, warping from moisture, developing cracks, and earning a reputation for their generic aesthetic.

But now, modern vinyl styles deliver real durability, fetching looks, and impressive design flexibility. At Smart PNW , we demonstrate how much this material has improved and why it’s a smart choice for the busy home.

So, What Is a Vinyl Window Treatment?

Simply put, a vinyl window treatment is any window covering made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a proprietary vinyl-based compound. That covers everything from types of vertical blinds to interior shutters. Today’s materials resist heat, moisture, UV exposure, and physical stress, so they hold up much better than their predecessors.

Additionally, vinyl doesn’t absorb moisture, nor does it shift with temperature changes, which is why we recommend it for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where humidity and moisture live.

What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Window Treatments?

There are several advantages of investing in vinyl window treatments, including:

Resisting Moisture and Mildew : Vinyl has a non-porous surface that acts as a barrier against steam, splashes, and condensation, so it won’t swell or support mildew growth.
Adding Durability : Withstands prolonged sun exposure without fading, cracking, or discoloring.
Decreasing Chores : The low-maintenance upkeep means a quick wipe-down is really all it takes to keep them looking fresh.
Increasing Home Value : Investing in high-quality vinyl window treatments that last for years while looking great adds value to your home.

Types of Hunter Douglas Vinyl Window Treatments

Here are some excellent vinyl window treatment styles from Hunter Douglas that may enhance your home:

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters

Hunter Douglas constructs Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters with its proprietary Polysatin™ compound, a material that makes the window treatments water resistant.

The interior aluminum bracing and resin blocks also provide these shutters with superior structural strength, while the Palm Beach Promise™ protects against warping, cracking, fading, chipping, peeling, and discoloration.

Hunter Douglas Somner® Vertical Blinds

If you’re looking for something other than shutters, we suggest Hunter Douglas Somner® Vertical Blinds. These window treatments offer a vinyl style, along with your choice of colors and textures. With the patented headrail, you’ll enjoy smooth movement at your patio and sliding glass door.

Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds Vinyl Options

For a cleaner, more classic look, Vertical Solutions® Vertical Blinds deliver timeless simplicity in a vinyl option. A patented headrail provides smooth, quiet operation, with left, right, split, or center stacking. The understated color palette keeps the focus where it belongs: on the room’s other elements, like art and furniture.

Shop Vinyl Window Treatments Near Tacoma, WA

At Smart PNW , we offer a wide selection of Hunter Douglas window treatments and look forward to walking you through the options. When you contact us or call (425) 448-3279 , you can find out first-hand why our customizations, the top window treatment brand collection, and our expertise make all the difference.

Smart PNW serves Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

How to Hang Drapes (With Other FAQs)

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:28:41 GMT

A DIY drapery installation can feel like a triumphant job well done when all is said and done, but following specific steps is critical. Otherwise, your custom drapes may hang unevenly, might be at the wrong height, or look awkward in other ways.

At Smart PNW , our experts help homeowners near Tacoma, WA, get these details right, down to the drapery rod and other hardware, whether you're handling the project yourself or prefer to work with our professionals.

What Tools Do I Need to Hang Drapes?

If you're comfortable using a drill, are confident in your measuring skills, and have successfully completed similar home improvement projects, hanging drapes yourself is manageable. To begin, you'll need a drill, level, measuring tape, and wall anchors suited to your surface.

It’s helpful to know that drywall, plaster, and concrete each require different hardware.

When to Invest in Professional Drape Installation?

However, many homeowners underestimate the challenge it can sometimes become when hanging drapes. For example, brackets that look level to the eye often aren't, leading to unevenness and extra holes that need patching.

Professional installation prevents these headaches, especially with complicated window shapes or heavy fabrics. Window treatment installers regularly handle a variety of materials and work with unique shapes like bay windows and vaulted ceilings.

How to Select the Right Drapery Hardware?

Good drapery hardware does two jobs:

Holds up your custom drapery.
Looks right in your space.

Drapery rod materials range from wood to metal to composite, each with its own strengths. Metal rods handle heavy fabrics without bending or sagging over time, while wooden rods can be classic or rustic. Composite options split the difference while adding durability.

As for drapery brackets, wall-mounted options work for most windows, but ceiling-mounted hardware makes rooms with lower ceilings feel taller by drawing the eye upward.

What Length Should My Drapes Be?

Custom drapery length changes how a room feels. For a classic look, the panels should just touch the floor or float about half an inch above it to prevent the material from dragging on the ground.

Puddling, where fabric pools on the floor, adds formality but means more frequent cleaning. A modern alternative is the "break," in which drapes bend slightly at the floor for a polished, dust-resistant look.

Additionally, it’s vital to avoid hanging drapes too short. Panels that stop several inches above the floor shrink your windows visually and make ceilings feel lower. When choosing between standard lengths, our team recommends sizing up.

How Far Past the Window Should the Drapery Rod Extend?

Now, how far past the window should your drapery rod extend? It’s best practice to extend your drapery rod about 4 to 8 inches beyond each side of the window frame so the drapes can stack beside the glass when open.

You may also mount the rod 4 to 6 inches above the frame to make the ceilings look taller. This strategy creates a tailored look and improves energy efficiency by letting the drapes cover more wall area.

Find Custom Drapes and Professional Installation Near Tacoma, WA

Our experts at Smart PNW bring years of experience to every window treatment project, combining design and flawless installation. Leave the hard work to us when you contact us online or call (425) 448-3279 to learn more about our professional drape installation near Tacoma, WA.

Smart PNW serves Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

Effective and Chic French Door Window Treatments

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:20:52 GMT

French doors have that “je ne sais quoi,” to them, an indefinable, sought-after quality that’s impossibly chic. Though their architectural beauty speaks for itself, the right window coverings amplify that allure and solve practical challenges that many homeowners encounter.

If you’re looking to achieve that standard, our team at Smart PNW helps clients select stunning, practical French door window treatments near Tacoma, WA.

Why Do I Need French Door Shades and Blinds?

French doors have multiple glass panels, creating an elegant link between rooms or leading outdoors to your patio or deck. Custom French door shades and blinds work best because they fit each door's dimensions, mount in ways that don't interfere with using it, and complement the charm of the architectural details.

Big-box store options rarely account for hardware placement or the need for treatments that move with the door itself. For example, have you ever seen a loose window treatment moving around on a door as it opens or closes? That’s the lack of customization of French doors with blinds and shades that we’re talking about.

What Are the Advantages of French Door Window Treatments?

In Tacoma, WA, homeowners appreciate how the right French door shades and blinds provide privacy control without sacrificing natural light. In the evening, for instance, uncovered glass doors create transparent walls that expose your home's interior to outside view. Custom window coverings let you enjoy sunlight during the day and protect your privacy long after the sun sets.

Additionally, these treatments may improve energy efficiency by providing extra insulation at your windows and help regulate indoor temperatures. They also manage light effortlessly, filtering afternoon glare or creating room-darkening conditions for home theaters and bedrooms with doors.

Styles for French Doors With Blinds and Shades

Hunter Douglas offers several styles that provide French doors customizations, including:

Vignette® Roman Shades : Available in full or flat folds with many fabric selections and opacity levels, these shades embody sophisticated style like your French doors.
EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds : These durable alternatives to traditional hardwood offer classic appeal and enhanced resilience, withstanding humidity and resisting fading or discoloration from direct sunlight.
Sonnette® Roller Shades : This hybrid design combines the peak energy efficiency of a cellular shade with the sleekness of a roller shade.
Aria™ Soft Blinds : Crafted from luxurious, textured fabrics, these lightweight horizontal blinds offer practicality and elevated aesthetics through intuitive tilt-bar operation.
Silhouette® Sheer Shades : Featuring distinctive S-shaped vanes suspended between sheer panels, these chic treatments diffuse daylight beautifully with adjustable privacy and light control.

Shop French Door Window Treatments Near Tacoma, WA

Our dedicated and resourceful Smart PNW team is here to help you reach your design goals through shades, blinds, and shutters, including French door window treatments near Tacoma, WA. We can provide in-house samples so you can evaluate materials, fabrics, and operating systems to suit your practical and aesthetic needs.

Contact us online or call (425) 448-3279 to speak with our team about ideas for your French door shades and blinds. Smart PNW proudly serves our local neighbors, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Our Favorite Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas This Season

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 15:11:48 GMT

Any Tacoma, WA, homeowner knows just how chilly fall and winter nights can become, not to mention the strong, early morning sunlight that follows and wakes them up too soon. Our Smart PNW team knows that cold air and brightness don’t need to affect your shuteye.

With the right bedroom window treatments, you can create a cozy, dark environment that promotes restful sleep.

Essential Features of Quality Bedroom Window Treatments

The best bedroom window treatments possess specific characteristics that enhance comfort and reduce energy costs. First, light and privacy control come through fabrics and materials that darken rooms and obscure views from the outside.

Next is energy efficiency, with engineered designs that regulate room temperatures. The last feature? A pleasing, luxurious appearance, of course.

5 Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas That Create Sleep Sanctuaries

Our design experts have selected five custom styles for you to consider as your bedroom window treatments, and each one meets those essential features we mentioned.

1. Duette® Cellular Shades

Duette® Cellular Shades have a honeycomb construction that traps air within individual cells, providing exceptional insulation. Not only do these bedroom window treatments absorb up to 70% of sound energy, for added peace and quiet, but they also feature room-darkening fabrics.

Your sleep schedule and utility bills will thank you when you invest in features like the Duette® Architella® Cellular Shades for increased energy efficiency, and the LightLock® blackout system, which absorbs or deflects nearly all incoming light through its side channel.

2. Sonnette® Roller Shades

Sonnette® Roller Shades are a hybrid design that combines the benefits of roller shade construction with those of honeycomb design. They showcase elegant, curved fabric folds that add dimensional interest to window surfaces with room-darkening opacities.

Additionally, you can add on the Kickback™ feature for optimal privacy and light control or a front-rolling fabric if your bedroom windows have handles or cranks.

3. Vignette® Roman Shades

Vignette® Roman Shades feature a modern design with timeless sophistication and cascading fabric folds that stack when raised. Hunter Douglas offers these bedroom window treatments in a 4" full or 6" flat fold, as well as a stacking or rolling profile.

These bedroom window treatments have room-darkening opacities, which can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, the Top-Down/Bottom-Up design or the Duolite® system includes a built-in room-darkening back panel.

4. Parkland® Wood Blinds

Parkland® Wood Blinds deliver natural warmth and classic appeal to any space, including bedrooms. Their 100% hardwood basswood slats bring an organic texture to your bedroom environment.

You can adjust their horizontal slats for precise light control as needed.

5. Carole Fabrics™ Custom Drapes

Carole Fabrics™ Custom Drapes are a sophisticated bedroom window treatment idea, either on their own or layered with other coverings, like Parkland® Wood Blinds. This respected brand offers its drapery in over 4,000 fabrics and color choices, available in both stationary and free-flowing designs.

These custom drapes also feature room-darkening opacities and liners, making them the ideal addition to any bedroom.

Shop Custom Room-Darkening Shades Near Tacoma, WA

At Smart PNW, our team brings the finest bedroom window treatment ideas from Hunter Douglas directly to your home with personalized consultations and expert installation services. We’re here to help answer all your questions and guide you in making beneficial design decisions, including style and practicality for your bedroom.

Contact us online or call (425) 448-3279 to speak with our team today. Smart PNW proudly serves our local Tacoma, WA, community, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

What Is the Difference Between Drapes vs. Curtains

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 15:06:43 GMT

When you hear the words “drapery,” “drapes,” or “curtains,” do you assume they’re all the same thing? The average person usually does, which makes sense! But they’re not exactly alike. Both are soft window treatments that hang on windows, yet have different design profiles and functions.

Our experts at Smart PNW can explain what sets these styles apart and help you select casual fabrics, formal ones, or materials that fall somewhere in the middle.

Curtains Are on the Casual Side

Typically, curtains have lighter fabrics and simpler construction methods. They usually hang from rings, tabs, or rod pockets for a more laid-back appearance. You can find these in cotton, linen, and lightweight synthetic materials. The installation process is straightforward, using basic hardware like rods.

We recommend curtains for informal kitchens, children's bedrooms, or casual living spaces. Their lighter weight makes them easy to open and close throughout the day. Many curtain styles allow natural light to filter through, for a bright, airy atmosphere. For bedrooms, you can add a liner to darken the room when needed.

Drapery Dresses Up Rooms

Drapery takes a more formal approach to window treatments. These coverings might have heavier fabrics like velvet, silk, tweed, or thick cotton blends. You’ll also see more detailed pleating techniques like pinch pleats, box pleats, or goblet pleats. Proper drapery installation is more involved because the fabrics are heavier than those in casual curtains.

The formal aesthetic of drapery makes it suitable for dining rooms, primary bedrooms, and living rooms where sophistication matters. The heavy fabrics are more insulating, regulate room temperature, and reduce energy costs. Drapery hardware must be sturdier, with heavier rods and hardware to manage the thicker fabrics.

Drapes vs. Curtains: Delving Deeper Into Differences

Both window treatments come in standard sizes, including 63, 84, 96, 108, and 120 inches. Custom options are also available, like floor-to-ceiling draperies for a dramatic effect.

Linings are more commonly used in drapery to add body and improve light-blocking capabilities. Drapes are often left open for design appeal, but closing them is fine, especially to keep out the cold or heat. Homeowners frequently layer drapery with other window treatments, like horizontal blinds, cellular shades, and interior shutters.

Drapes vs. Curtains at Smart PNW

We feature Carole™ Fabrics and Hunter Douglas window treatments, designer brands offering every imaginable drapery style. Our Smart PNW team can show you the complete selections, but here are a few favorites to get you started:

Carole™ Fabrics offers custom drapery and stationary side panels with more than 4,000 fabric and color choices. Both categories provide pleated, non-pleated, and Ripplefold™ options, premium hardware, and top-quality materials.
Luminette® Sheer Panels have a drapery-like effect for a sophisticated and innovative look. This hybrid design has light-diffusing vertical sheer panels with integrated soft vertical vanes, so you can choose from over 80 fabrics and colors.
Provenance® Woven Wood Shades offer an artisanal vertical drapery style made from natural materials and several color choices. You can add a sheer or opaque independent liner for better light and privacy control.

These custom styles offer different control options, including PowerView® Automation, wand control, and manual cord control.

Shop Custom Drapery Near Tacoma, WA

At Smart PNW, we specialize in the collections of Hunter Douglas and Carole™ Fabrics to offer our clients the finest window treatments and exceptional client service. Let us show you how custom curtains and drapery can beautify your home.

Contact us for a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 to get started on creating the custom drapery of your dreams. Smart PNW is located in Tacoma, WA, and proudly serves Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

What Are the Different Types of Window Blinds?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:55 GMT

If you’re in the market for new window treatments, whether you’re renovating your current home or looking for the perfect match for your new space, you have seemingly endless options. With many types of window blinds, knowing which one you need to strike the right balance between aesthetics, privacy, and light control can feel challenging, so we’re here to help!

At Smart PNW, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions when choosing between different types of window blinds from Hunter Douglas.

What Are Window Blinds?

Window blinds have horizontal or vertical slats that you open, close, or tilt to control light and privacy. They mount inside or outside the window frame and have headrails up top. Blinds are one of the most popular window treatment choices for homeowners.

Their adjustable slats let you direct light up or down, for ambient lighting and privacy. That functionality, combined with their wide range of materials and styles, makes them suitable for most decor styles.

Types of Window Blinds From Hunter Douglas

Let’s take a deeper look at the main styles of Hunter Douglas blinds:

Wood Blinds

Classic horizontal Parkland® Wood Blinds have genuine hardwood slats. They work particularly well in family rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas where you prefer a sophisticated atmosphere.

The natural grain patterns in real wood blinds add texture and visual interest. However, wood blinds are unsuitable for high-humidity spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, where moisture causes warping or cracking.

Faux Wood Blinds

Horizontal EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds have the handsome look of real wood but with added durability. They’re made with composite materials and durable finishes to maintain their shape and color even in humid conditions. We recommend these Hunter Douglas blinds for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

They're also easy to clean, requiring occasional dusting or wiping with a damp cloth.

Metal Blinds

Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds deliver a sleek, modern appearance. They’re lightweight yet durable and resist fading, cracking, and moisture damage. This Hunter Douglas style suits home offices, modern kitchens, and kids’ rooms.

The slim profile of metal slats maximizes your view when fully opened and offers excellent privacy control when closed. Many metal blinds have special coatings that reflect heat and UV rays, protecting furniture and flooring from sun damage.

Fabric Blinds

Aria™ Soft Blinds are lightweight horizontal blinds from Hunter Douglas with luxurious textured fabrics. They work like other horizontal blinds, but you operate them with a tilt bar instead of a wand.

This elegant style offers a light-dimming shade option with two opacities in one.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds, in general, have long, hanging slats that move side to side instead of tilting up and down, making them ideal blinds for large windows. Hunter Douglas offers this traditional design with fabric, vinyl, and aluminum vanes.

There are also hybrid vertical blinds, with soft fabric vanes integrated with sheer panels. Another choice is sleek, vertical panels on a track that operate with an interlocking bottom weight.

Shop Our Custom Blinds Shop Near Tacoma, WA

Our window fashion experts will help you choose the ideal blind style, material, and color to complement your home’s interior design style. Contact us online or give us a call at (425) 448-3279 to learn more or begin finding the best types of window blinds for your lifestyle.

Smart PNW proudly serves our surrounding areas, including Seattle, North Seattle, Gig Harbor, Belleview, North Tacoma, Silverdale, Olalla, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

Dial Down Summer Heat With Solar Window Screens

Fri, 16 May 2025 20:42:33 GMT

The typical Tacoma, WA, homeowner looks forward to summer without worrying about sun glare and heat making their homes uncomfortable. The design experts at Smart PNW have a secret weapon that minimizes those worries: solar screens for windows from Hunter Douglas.

These practical yet luxurious window coverings manage heat and light while maintaining your views and boosting your home's aesthetic appeal.

What Are Solar Window Screens, and How Do They Work?

Solar window screens aren’t actually quite screens. They’re special window treatments that block heat and harmful UV rays. Unlike window screens that keep insects and debris out, solar screens have tightly woven mesh materials that filter sunlight and reduce screen glare. Depending on the chosen opacity level, the fabrics can block anywhere between 75% and 95% of the sun's heat and glare.

These shades work on a simple, effective principle: they reflect and absorb solar energy before it can pass through your windows. But don’t worry, because their appearance is far from utilitarian.

The Energy-Saving Benefits of Solar Screens for Windows

By blocking heat at the window, your home's most vulnerable point for heat transfer, these screens can lower your indoor temperatures by up to 15 degrees. Pretty impressive, yes?

Energy sustainability means your air conditioning system won't need to work as hard, potentially cutting cooling expenses by 25-30%. If your home gets significant sun, solar window screens can pay for themselves within a few cooling seasons through energy savings.

For colder weather, these screens add a layer of insulation to your windows. This insulation feature retains heat inside and can even reduce your heating costs.

Design Considerations for Solar Window Screens

Hunter Douglas Designer Solar Shades come in over 130 fabric and color choices, so you needn’t be limited. They feature sustainable fabrics from the brand’s GreenScreen® Sea-Tex™ fabric collection and five different opacities.

Here are a few tips to help you narrow your selections down:

Opacities : Lighter fabrics allow clearer views, while darker fabrics provide better glare control and room darkening .
Color choices : Darker colors absorb more heat but provide better visibility, while lighter colors reflect more heat.
Operating systems : Operating options range from standard manual controls to motorized systems you control and program with a remote, app, or voice commands.

The right choice depends on your needs, your window’s orientation to the sun, and your light, privacy, and style needs. Additionally, we can enhance your solar window screens with custom drapery for a richer, textured look and added insulation at the window.

Shop Our Window Treatment Store in Tacoma, WA

Comfortable living shouldn't come at the expense of sky-high energy bills or sacrificed views. Our Hunter Douglas window treatment specialists will help you select the perfect solar window screens for your home during a hassle-free meeting. Request a consultation online, call us at (425) 448-3279 , or visit our showroom at 2525 North Proctor Street in Seattle, WA .

Smart PNW proudly serves clients in Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Ideal Hunter Douglas Blinds and Shades for Bedrooms

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:05:05 GMT

A bedroom’s primary purpose is encouraging restful slumber, but sometimes, the wrong window treatment can sabotage sleep. That’s why the Smart PNW design experts encourage homeowners to clarify their window treatment goals before choosing a style.

Our blinds shop near Tacoma, WA, features Hunter Douglas window treatments, and we’ve selected some of their most sought-after bedroom blinds and shades that promote calming nights (or days)!

Duette® Cellular Shades for Superior Insulation and Darkness

Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades have a honeycomb-like cell construction that maintains comfortable temperatures throughout the year. The design traps air in distinct pockets, lowering energy consumption and heating or air conditioning costs.

Available in various opacity levels, from sheer to opaque, these shades allow you to control natural light and protect your privacy. They also absorb about 70% of sound energy for a quieter atmosphere. For a darker bedroom, ask about feature enhancements like the Duolite® or the LightLock™ system.

Sonnette® Roller Shades for Contemporary Simplicity

Sonnette® Roller Shades combine the clean appearance of roller shades with the energy efficiency of the ever-popular cellular shades. Their slim profile complements contemporary, streamlined bedroom designs. The cellular layer hides between the shade and window, providing an insulation barrier.

These Hunter Douglas bedroom blinds roll up tightly when you raise them up for full light and unobstructed views, and their semi-opaque or room-darkening fabrics provide superior privacy and light control when you lower them. The Kickback™ enhancement creates added privacy and light control. When down, the fabric at the headrail kicks back, positioning the fabric closer to your window.

Luminette® Sheer Panels for a Radiant Glow

If you love the look of sheer drapes, consider Hunter Douglas Luminette® Sheer Panels . This distinct style combines sheers with 180-degree rotating fabric vanes. They work like vertical blinds but with a modern, more efficient aesthetic.

The fabrics and panels diffuse light gently, and you can also add a room-darkening option.

Layering with Custom Bedroom Drapes

Layering Hunter Douglas blinds like Parkland® Wood Blinds with custom drapes creates a richly textured look and ups the elegance factor. These bedroom blinds handle the light-filtering aspects, while the drapes add color, texture, and personality.

Choose from lightweight linens to luxurious velvets. We’ll help you coordinate bedroom drapes with your blinds and other furnishings.

Design Tips for Your Bedroom Blinds and Shades

Here are some design tips to keep in mind when selecting Hunter Douglas blinds and shades for bedrooms:

Choose fabric colors and materials that complement your bedroom's color scheme.
Select blinds that mount inside the window frame to maximize space for smaller bedrooms.
Consider layered treatments with bedroom drapes and blinds for a more luxurious appearance and added light and privacy control.
Prioritize room-darkening shades, especially if you’re a light sleeper or sleep during the day.

We'll guide you through fabric selections, opacity levels, and layering options to create your ideal environment.

Shop Our Custom Blinds Shop Near Tacoma, Washington

Smart PNW features Hunter Douglas Window Treatments in Tacoma, Washington. There’s no need to lose any more sleep when you invest in new bedroom blinds and shades.

Request a consultation with us online or call (425) 448-3279. We’re proud to serve our surrounding communities, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Must-Have Zebra Shades From Hunter Douglas

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 20:59:16 GMT

Some interior design trends come and go, while others have long-term staying power. Since custom window treatments are an investment, the choice is easy: Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades, also known as zebra shades, fall into that second category. They’ve been around for a while and have held their place as an efficient, effective, and attractive window treatment.

This innovative style combines roller shade and sheer fabric features with eye-catching, alternating panels of sheer and opaque fabrics. When the panels are down, they overlap, creating a striped, "zebra-like" effect. Intrigued? Let’s look at the customization options you can get at Smart PNW.

Customizing Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades

Beyond their undeniable good looks, Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades are highly customizable. During a consultation, you can select from different control options and styles, including:

Control Options

Here are some control customizations you can choose from:

UltraGlide® Wand: This retractable cord system remains a constant length when raising and lowering window treatments.
Beaded Loop Cord: With this option, you’ll enjoy easy control by pulling the cord.
SoftTouch® Motorization: This battery-powered system has a wand for touch-and-go functionality.
PowerView® Automation: You can control your zebra shades with a remote, app, or voice commands. They seamlessly open, close, and adjust on the spot.

Style Options

Some various style customizations include:

Choose from light filtering to room-darkening fabric opacities for precise light control.
Consider recycled fabric materials.
Select the perfect pattern, texture, and color from over 90 fabric or color choices.
Add ClearView® sheers for superior view-through.
Upgrade to a fabric-covered headrail for a complete look.

Why Should I Invest in Zebra Shades?

Several advantages make zebra shades an even better choice aside from their many customization options, such as:

Increases Energy Efficiency

Zebra shades are quite energy efficient. Their dual-layer design offers insulation, keeping homes in and around Tacoma, WA, comfortable year-round.

By controlling the amount of sunlight entering your home, the shades minimize the need for daytime artificial lighting, which can also lower energy bills.

Enhances Privacy

With Designer Banded Shades, the alternating sheer and opaque panels maintain your privacy. Although you enjoy better privacy in your home, you can still revel in your outdoor view due to the sheer panels.

Improves Aesthetics

Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades have that elusive “wow” factor. Their modern, sophisticated design ignites conversation and complements various interior styles. Zebra shades have clean lines that enhance contemporary spaces.

Additionally, the sheer and solid bands adapt to casual and formal settings.

Fits Specialty Windows and Doors

Hunter Douglas also customizes them for specialty shapes like bays, corners, patio doors, sliding glass doors, and French doors.

Should I Choose Room-Darkening Shades or Blackout Shades?

f you’re still wondering, “Should I choose room-darkening shades or blackout shades,” that answer depends on the function and atmosphere you want to create in each room. Room-darkening shades are perfect for reducing glare and softening natural light without blocking it entirely, creating a cozy feel.

We recommend blackout shades for bedrooms, particularly if you need to sleep during the day, have small children who don’t sleep well, or are sensitive to light. They’re also ideal for enhancing a home theater experience by blocking most light for better viewing experiences.

Shop Our Window Treatment Store in Tacoma, WA

Smart PNW specializes in the full line of Hunter Douglas window treatments and more. Ready to have a look? Our expert design team can’t wait to show you these stunning zebra shades in person.

Request a consultation online or call us at (425) 448-3279 to learn more about Hunter Douglas Designer Banded Shades. Smart PNW is proud to serve homeowners in Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Revealing the Magic of Light-Filtering Shades

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:25:12 GMT

In the distant past, window shades could only be closed to shut out light, opened all the way for maximum brightness, or kept partially down. The invention of light-filtering window treatments was a huge step forward — today’s versions work like magic. And since Smart PNW partners with Hunter Douglas window treatments, our clients know that they're investing in the finest light-filtering shades on the market.

How Light-Filtering Shades Work

Light-filtering window treatments feature translucent or semi-opaque fabrics that diffuse incoming sunlight rather than blocking it completely. Brightness passes through, but people outdoors can’t see in when the shades are down — enjoy natural light while protecting your privacy from neighbors. The fabric weave controls how much light enters, so loosely woven materials let in more light than heavier or darker-colored options.

The Benefits of Light-Filtering Shades

Besides their pleasing aesthetic, light-filtering window treatments offer multiple benefits:

Glare Reduction: These shades reduce incoming light by 15-25%, which cuts out screen glare without over-darkening rooms.
UV Protection: Hunter Douglas light-filtering fabrics can block up to 99% of damaging sun rays, protecting furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading.

Hunter Douglas Light-Filtering Shades

There are many designer-quality options to pick from, and we’ve chosen a few of our customer favorites.

Duette® Cellular Shades

This honeycomb shade provides year-round comfort and a gentle brightness, with an insulating, cellular design and unprecedented versatility. Duette® Cellular Shades offer the industry’s best selection of opacities, colors, cellular pleat sizes, and textures, with highly customizable fabrics. We enhance these shades with upgrades like the Duolite® system, which combines a sheer or light-filtering front shade with an opaque back shade, allowing both to operate independently.

Silhouette® Sheer Shades

This horizontal light-filtering window treatment is one of the brand’s most magical; the Silhouette® Sheer Shades design features soft, S-shaped fabric vanes that appear to float between two sheer fabric layers. The sheer fabrics are stronger than they look, blocking up to 88% of UV rays with vanes open and 99% when closed. The Silhouette® Halo™ and Silhouette® ClearView® options make this style even more versatile.

Luminette® Sheer Panels

With a vertical profile, Luminette® Sheer Panels have a sheer drapery aesthetic with integrated 180-degree rotating fabric vanes that work like vertical blinds. You can shift from natural light with dynamic outdoor views to room-darkening privacy by adjusting the vane position. These sheer shades are available in an impressive selection of fabrics, textures, and colors; ask about the room-darkening option.

Alustra® Woven Textures® Roman Shades

The designer’s choice, Alustra® Woven Textures® Roman Shades come in sheer, semi-sheer, and semi-opaque fabric opacities. Though it’s a woven wood shade at heart, this luxurious style behaves like a Roman shade. Its flexible light control comes from an independent liner housed within the shade's headrail; the liner operates separately to achieve varying light and privacy levels throughout the day.

Stop By and See Light-Filtering Window Shades Near Tacoma, WA

Smart PNW is a proud partner of Hunter Douglas window treatments and Carole™ Fabrics, and our team looks forward to helping you select beautifully customized light-filtering window treatments. Contact us for service in Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Make Your Living Room Dreamy With Aria™ Fabric Blinds

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:18:32 GMT

Hunter Douglas excels at product innovation, and for 2025, the Aria™ Fabric Blinds have exceeded all expectations. Here at Smart PNW , our design experts look forward to these new window treatments, and Hunter Douglas continues to outdo itself.

If you’re unfamiliar with this new dreamy style, our team created this guide to showcase this new window treatment and how well it works in homes, especially in living rooms.

What Are Aria™ Fabric Blinds?

Hunter Douglas Aria™ Fabric Blinds blend features of horizontal blinds and fabric window coverings. The design uses translucent, soft materials to filter light, and the textured, luxury fabrics create a radiant glow. These window treatments come in sophisticated neutrals, which are great for joining a room seamlessly.

The horizontal fabric panels diffuse strong sunlight, creating a warm profile that enhances the ambiance of any interior space. The first-of-its-kind design protects furniture from UV damage while maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. You can select from sheer fabrics with plenty of natural light or more opaque materials for privacy and light reduction. This flexibility makes these blinds suitable for different rooms and activities.

Features of the Hunter Douglas Aria™ Fabric Blinds

Aria™ Fabric Blinds work well with large windows and in other areas, depending on the space. To adjust the vanes, use the convenient tilt bar; you don’t have to twist anything. Hunter Douglas also offers a light-dimming shade option for these blinds, which allows you to tilt the vanes up for room darkening or down for dimming.

For added convenience, Aria™ Fabric Blinds are compatible with PowerView® Automation , a motorized window treatment operating system. It works with the Pebble® Remote Control, an app, or voice commands.

Aria™ Fabric Blinds Make the Perfect Living Room Blinds

Often, living rooms comprise the home’s largest interior space, making Aria™ Fabric Blinds a natural companion. To maximize the visual impact, choose colors that complement rather than match your wall paint. This visual interest creates depth or a stunning focal point without overwhelming the space. The lightweight fabrics contribute to airy feelings in living rooms, which homeowners love.

Additionally, you can layer these unique living room blinds with decorative drapery panels for a more refined style, added light control, and improved energy efficiency.

Installation and Maintenance Tips for Aria™ Fabric Blinds

At Smart PNW, we recommend our professional measurement and installation services for optimal performance of Aria™ Fabric Blinds. Proper fitting ensures that your window coverings operate correctly and look their best. Our Hunter Douglas-certified installers understand the requirements for these window treatments, so you won’t have to.

Caring for these living room blinds requires minimal effort. Regular dusting with a soft, dry rag or vacuum attachment keeps them looking fresh. The fabric treatments resist staining and fading, extending your investment’s lifespan.

Visit Our Custom Blinds Shop Near Tacoma, WA

Our Smart PNW team can’t wait to show you Aria™ Fabric Blinds and work with you to create the living room of your dreams with the latest and greatest window treatments.

Visit our showroom, request a consultation online, or call (425) 448-3279 for more information on our latest living room blinds and more. Smart PNW is located in Tacoma, WA, and proudly serves our local community, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island, WA.

The Differences Between Blackout vs. Room-Darkening Shades

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:27:41 GMT

Contrary to belief, room-darkening shades and blackout shades are two different types of window treatments. Although they’re closely related, they serve some different purposes.

The talented Smart PNW design team compiled a useful guide featuring Hunter Douglas window treatments near Tacoma, WA, to help you determine which style is right for your home.

Light Control Levels

The main difference between blackout versus room-darkening shades lies in the amount of light they filter and block. Room-darkening shades reduce the amount of light entering a room without blocking it completely, letting some light filter through. Room-darkening window treatments create a more controlled atmosphere than standard blinds or curtains. You’ll love room-darkening window coverings in areas of your home, such as:

Living rooms.
Dining rooms.
Kitchens.

Blackout shades strive to block most incoming light from entering a room. Comprised of heavier materials or lined fabrics, these shades create a pitch-black environment, even during the brightest part of the day, which is especially appealing to those who work at night. These benefits make blackout shades a suitable choice for rooms like:

Bedrooms.
Nurseries.
Media rooms.

Better Energy Efficiency and Insulation

Room-darkening and blackout shades offer potential benefits for energy efficiency . By reducing the light that enters a room, these shades help regulate indoor temperatures. With their thick, dense materials, blackout shades are especially effective at providing insulation. They can keep rooms cooler in the summer by blocking heat from sunlight and warmer in the winter by preventing cold air from sneaking through the windows.

Room-darkening shades help to reduce some heat and cold flow through windows, making them a more energy-efficient option compared to traditional curtains or blinds. If you're looking to maintain a comfortable temperature while enjoying natural light, room-darkening shades are a great option for living spaces where you spend the most time.

Types of Hunter Douglas Room-Darkening and Blackout Shades

There are a few Hunter Douglas semi-opaque fabrics that turn some of their styles into room-darkening shades, including:

If you want to block out as much outside light as possible, consider enhancements, such as:

Duette® LightLock® system.
LightLock system.
Silhouette® Duolite®.
Vignette® Duolite®.
Duette Architella®.

Should I Choose Room-Darkening Shades or Blackout Shades?

Visit Our Hunter Douglas Blinds Shop Near Tacoma, WA

Let us help you choose the ideal shades, whether you're after the most darkness or a more balanced ambiance. Smart PNW, your trusted shades, shutters, and blinds shop near Tacoma, WA, offers Hunter Douglas and Carole™ Fabrics products, superior design services, and more, like Sonos Audio Systems to enhance your living or media rooms further.

Request a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 to begin finding your ideal room-darkening or blackout shades from Hunter Douglas. Find Smart PNW and our window treatments near Tacoma, WA. We proudly serve our neighboring communities, including Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Refresh Your Bathroom Window Treatments for 2025

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:38:47 GMT

Your home’s bathroom is an essential room that should feel inviting yet private. Refreshing your window treatments in the New Year to improve light and privacy control is a great way to give your home a fresh start, too.

At Smart PNW , we help clients choose practical, appealing new bathroom window shades and blinds; they love the results and wish they’d done it sooner.

3 Types of Hunter Douglas Bathroom Window Shades

Often, bathrooms are places where heat and humidity thrive, especially with showers and tubs. When selecting bathroom window treatments, it’s vital to seek moisture—and heat-resistant materials, and Hunter Douglas does just that with its custom fabrics.

Three popular options for bathroom window shades among homeowners include:

1. Designer Roller Shades

Available in moisture-resistant fabrics, Hunter Douglas Designer Roller Shades are beautifully suited for bathrooms. They roll up neatly into headrails and close for complete privacy. You can select from different opacities to block or filter light.

They also come in 350 colors, patterns, and textures to match any bathroom decor.

2. Duette® Cellular Shades

Many homeowners know and love Duette® Cellular Shades for their energy efficiency. These honeycomb-like shades also provide insulation for more comfortable bathroom temperatures. Their clean appearance complements modern and traditional decor.

Additionally, you won’t feel limited in the selections because you can choose from an impressive range of sizes, orientations, and fabrics.

3. Vignette® Roman Shades

Roman shades for bathrooms, specifically the Vignette® Roman Shades , add elegance and practicality to windows. They have soft 4" full or 6" flat folds and cordless options for a safe, tidy choice in smaller spaces.

Hunter Douglas offers these in over 25 fabric and color choices.

Hunter Douglas Blinds for Bathroom Windows

Blinds are an excellent alternative to shades in the bathroom. Two examples of blinds for bathroom windows include:

EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds : Made from composite materials, these faux wood blinds resist heat and moisture. They’re a fine alternative to natural hardwood blinds and resist warping, bowing, and discoloration.
Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds : We recommend these blinds for casual and contemporary bathrooms and even kids’ washrooms. They come in different matte and shiny finishes and over 70 color choices.

Going Beyond Bathroom Window Treatments

Once you’ve selected new bathroom window shades or blinds, why not make a few other changes? Start by swapping out old towels, bathmats, and shower curtains for fresh colors or patterns that complement your new window coverings. We like adding nature-inspired elements, like bamboo accessories or greenery, to create a calming bathroom atmosphere.

If your space has neutral tones, add pops of color with decorative items like soap dispensers, wall art, or vases. Changing lighting fixtures or mirrors is another easy way to modernize your bathroom. Look for finishes that complement your overall theme, like brushed nickel for a modern feel or warm gold tones for a classic aesthetic.

Shop Custom Bathroom Window Treatments Near Tacoma, WA

At Smart PNW, we help clients design stylish, durable, high-quality bathroom window shades and blinds. This year, give your bathroom the attention it deserves and incorporate custom bathroom window treatments for a luxurious and practical experience.

Request a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 to explore even more of our Hunter Douglas and Carole™ Fabrics collection. We’re located in Tacoma, Washington, and proudly serve our neighboring communities, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

This Winter, Finish Your Basement: Window Blinds and Shades

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:35:51 GMT

Are you looking for a rewarding winter project? At this time of year, Smart PNW encourages clients to upgrade their basement windows with energy-efficient window treatments. These types of blinds can regulate your home’s temperature, so you can spend more time down there comfortably. And even if you only use your basement for storage, adding window treatments makes sense because they protect your belongings from fading or discoloration.

Our collection has several high-quality window treatments for basement windows from Hunter Douglas, and our team can help you explore your options.

Why You Need Basement Window Blinds

Basements don’t usually have large windows like other floors in a home, and with limited natural light, basements can feel dark and uninviting. Carefully chosen window treatments for basement windows in bright or light colors can brighten things up and add design interest. You might even want to convert that basement from a storage room into a family room.

Basement window blinds are also a wise investment because they protect privacy and create insulation. Basements can feel downright cold in the winter, and window treatments improve energy efficiency by reducing drafts and keeping in the warmth.

Types of Custom Window Treatments for Basement Windows

There are several fantastic Hunter Douglas custom and cozy window treatments for basement windows, including:

EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds

EverWood® Faux Wood Blinds comprise composite materials that resist heat and humidity. These faux wood window coverings can also resist discoloring and fading, which works well in basements. You can even enjoy your view outside from your basement without lifting your blinds, allowing for enhanced privacy and light control.

With several style choices and colors that mimic the look of genuine wood, these blinds will look both timeless and modern.

Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds

If you like the look of sleek aluminum slate, then Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metal® Mini Blinds is exactly what your basement needs. These blinds have a streamlined style that complements casual basement decor. If your basement sees a lot of action, like serving as a play space for children, these blinds are great for high-traffic areas as they’re durable and can handle almost anything.

These modern metal blinds come in many colors and finishes, such as matte and pearlescent.

Duette® Cellular Shades

Duette® Cellular Shades , also known as honeycomb shades, are the Hunter Douglas brand’s most energy-efficient blinds, which may allow you to save on some future energy bills. Available in various sizes, colors, and textures, these shades are incredibly versatile and work well in basements.

These shades’ honeycomb design traps air, forming an insulating barrier at your window. If your basement is too cold, consider upgrading to the Duette® Architella® Cellular Shades. This upgrade features a unique honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design for added energy efficiency.

Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin™ Vinyl Shutters pair well with basement windows because they can withstand humid conditions, which basements often have, and allow more natural light to fill the space. These premium shutters are also UV- and water-resistant, thanks to their Polysatin™ material.

Artisans designed these shutters to last and maintain their appearance for years, using aluminum interior bracing and resin blocks for added strength.

Shop Basement Window Treatments Near Tacoma, WA

Don’t your basement windows deserve as much attention as the ones in the rest of your house? Hunter Douglas has stunning shades and blinds for small basement windows, and our design team can guide you through the selections.

Request a consultation online or call (425) 448-3279 to get your basement windows covered in time for the colder weather. Smart PNW is located in Tacoma, Washington, and we are proud to serve our surrounding neighbors and over the bridge, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Discover Window Treatment Ideas for Metal Doors

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:47:26 GMT

Metal doors are known for their durability and industrial appeal, but they can have windows that need covering. The sleek surface can sometimes create a stark look, so enhancing the glass panels can increase the visual appeal and improve comfort with light control and privacy.

Shop window treatments in Tacoma, Washington, at Smart PNW, where our team will help you choose from several options.

Four Window Treatment Ideas for Metal Doors

Whether you want to soften the industrial look or add a layer of insulation, window treatments like the following ideas make a noticeable improvement.

1. Hunter Douglas Roller Shades

Minimalistic, modern roller shades rotate up neatly into a compact casing at the top, complementing the already streamlined appearance. These shades come in different materials and colors, and you can match them to your existing decor. Roller shades control light well; you can adjust them to block the sun out or let it in.

If light control is a top priority, consider shades with a blackout option to reduce light exposure completely.

2. Hunter Douglas Cellular Shades

Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, provide excellent energy efficiency. Their structure traps air, creating an insulating barrier between the window and the room. The shade’s insulation helps maintain a stable indoor temperature, which is beneficial for metal doors that can become hot or cold depending on the weather. Cellular shades come in various opacities, with options that offer privacy, light diffusion, or complete blackout.

3. Hunter Douglas Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds

Mini blinds fit well within the window frame of metal doors. These blinds have narrow aluminum or plastic slats, making them long-lasting and easy to maintain. Modern Precious Metals® Mini Blinds offer a minimalist look that complements the clean lines of metal doors.

4. Hunter Douglas Pirouette® Sheer Shades

Sheer horizontal shades add a soft, elegant touch to metal doors, softening their industrial appearance. They allow natural light to filter through while providing some privacy. Pirouette® Sheer Shades come in different fabrics and colors, so selecting an option that suits your door is easy.

Tips For Choosing Window Treatment Ideas for Metal Doors

How will you know which window treatment is best for a metal door? Consider visual appeal and functionality.

Roller and cellular shades offer modern solutions, providing light control and energy efficiency.
Mini blinds deliver a simple and effective choice if you prefer a minimalist look.
Sheers add elegance and softness, gently filtering light and privacy.
Metal vertical blinds are a stylish alternative if you want to match the metallic theme of your doors.

What Are Metal Vertical Blinds?

You can install metal vertical blinds on a nearby window to complement metal doors. Hunter Douglas Somner® Vertical Blinds offers various materials, including aluminum. They have vertical slats, making them well-suited for large glass panels and sliding doors. Metal vertical blinds are easy to maintain and offer excellent light control, allowing you to adjust the angle of the slats to let in just the right amount of light.

Shop Window Treatments in Tacoma, Washington

Whether you’re looking to add a contrast to your metal doors or embrace the industrial look throughout your home, there’s a window covering for you. At Smart PNW in Tacoma, Washington, we carry Hunter Douglas window coverings and Carole Fabrics. Our pros look forward to helping you select window treatments for your metal doors and promise the best service in the area. Request a consultation today to get started!

We proudly serve Tacoma and its surrounding areas, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Which is Better: Patio Door Shades or Vertical Blinds?

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:30:00 GMT

Glass patio doors comprise glass panels, letting in abundant sunlight. But homeowners sometimes need to filter that brightness and protect their privacy. At Smart PNW in Seattle, Washington, clients often ask us about the best window treatments to achieve these functions.The choice typically comes down to patio door shades versus patio door blinds.

Patio Door Shades vs. Vertical Blinds for Patio Doors

Window shades are fabric coverings that roll or fold up, while vertical blinds tilt or slide open.

There are many types of modern shades and vertical blinds for patio doors, each with its own advantages worth exploring to find your preferred style.

Light Control and Privacy

Shades let you control the light while preventing outsiders from looking in. For example, Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades filter light with various opacities, colors, and textures. You choose the light filtering amount needed, which is beneficial for patio doors exposed to direct sunlight.

For vertical blinds, adjust the angle of the slats for light control and privacy. Choose custom blinds and window covering measuring and installations for the best effect and minimal light gaps.

Aesthetic Appeal

Patio door shades have a sophisticated aesthetic that makes backyards inviting. Pirouette®Sheer Shades are an exceptional choice. They create a radiant glow and offer UV protection, keeping your home’s furnishings and floors from fading. Hunter Douglas Vignette® Roman Shades are another excellent example of how shades can beautify your patio doors. They offer a more tailored look with durable fabrics and gentle folds.

Alternatively, Hunter Douglas Cadence® Vertical Blinds are a fine choice for patios, especially if you want to create an elegant feel. They resemble luxurious drapery but are a modern hybrid. Other vertical blinds for patio doors offer clean lines and a streamlined appearance. Skyline®Panel-Track Blinds are gorgeous and functional. These vertical blinds cover large expanses, like patio doors, easily.

Energy Efficiency

Duette® Cellular Shades are hard to beat in terms of energy efficiency. The honeycomb design traps air in its cells, forming a protective barrier that regulates room temperatures. Roman shades also offer good energy efficiency for patio doors because their room-darkening fabric blocks heat from entering.

While vertical blinds may not be as effective as shades in insulating your space, they can still help save energy by blocking harsh sunlight and reducing heat gain.

Customization and Versatility

Patio door shades are highly customizable and versatile. Choose from countless fabric types to match your decor and different opacities for more light filtering and privacy. Many Hunter Douglas shades accommodate patio doors and French doors.

Vertical blinds also offer customization options, especially material and color. Like custom shades, you can tailor blinds to fit your patio door’s dimensions, making them fit seamlessly in the space.

Shop Window Blinds & Shades in Tacoma, Washington

Understanding the various advantages of shades and vertical blinds for patio doors allows you to narrow down your choices for your home. Get started with our interior design team at Smart PNW in Tacoma, Washington, by requesting a consultation or calling (425) 448-3279 .

Our team proudly serves Tacoma and its surrounding areas, including Gig Harbor, Seattle, Belleview, North Seattle, North Tacoma, Olalla, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bremerton, and Bainbridge Island.

Top 4 Reasons to Cover Your Windows

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:32:04 GMT

Custom window treatments do much more than complement your home’s decor and keep sunlight from waking you on Saturday morning. At Smart PNW, we’re passionate about window treatments, so we’re sharing the top four reasons to invest in custom coverings for your windows.

Reduce Glare

Natural light is fantastic. It makes your home look more attractive and spacious and has several health benefits. Unfortunately, the sun is also responsible for producing obnoxious glares that can make it hard to watch TV or see the screen of your phone or computer. Designer Solar Shades are an ideal window treatment for reducing glare. They are designed to keep glare and heat out of your home without eliminating your ability to see the outdoors. Five openness factors allow you to find the ideal combination of light and privacy.

Prevent Sun Damage

You wear sunblock outside to protect your skin, but harmful UV rays pass through your windows. This means your flooring and furnishings risk fading and discoloration from sun damage. We love Silhouette® Sheer Shades for rooms that get a lot of direct sun during the day. They gently diffuse sunlight into an inviting glow and offer outstanding protection from UV damage. The sheer material provides privacy even when the vanes are tilted open for maximum daylight.

Better Sleep

We all know how much better we feel after a good night of sleep, but getting quality zzz’s can be tricky in a room that isn’t dark enough. Even seemingly harmless amounts of light from passing cars or streetlights can affect your sleep, so it’s essential that your bedroom be as dark as possible. Custom drapery with a room-darkening liner is a surefire way to keep out unwanted light, and drapes look stunning when layered with Roman shades, cellular shades, or wood blinds. Duette® Cellular Shades are available with LightLock®, an optional blackout system that reduces incoming light by up to 50%.

Energy Efficiency

An energy-efficient home is good for the environment and beneficial to your budget. Any window covering will help lessen your energy usage for heating and cooling your home, but Duette® Cellular Shades lead the pack if you’re looking for the best energy-saving window treatments.

Cellular shades have an innovative honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design that traps air to prevent warm or cool air from passing through. This creates a superior level of insulation that will keep your home’s temperature comfortable no matter the weather. You can also enjoy the sleek, compact design of roller shades with the energy-saving advantages of cellular shades by choosing Sonnette® Roller Shades.

Hunter Douglas Window Coverings near Tacoma, WA

Smart PNW is the area’s leading Hunter Douglas Gallery dealer. We are passionate about using sustainable, eco-friendly products and practices and offer energy audits to help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Check out our virtual portfolio , and then call us at ( 425) 448-3279 to schedule your complimentary in- home consultation .

Our showroom is in Tacoma, WA, and we are happy to serve the surrounding area, including Seattle and Bellevue, Washington.