Palladium Shelf & Energy Effiecent Shadings

Q: We have two 2 windows in our master bedroom approx. 54 x 72 and each window has a half circle window on top. We recently had all new trim in the bedroom and it is beautiful. Now I want to put blinds or thte like up so the trim can be seen. Since the windows are east facing I would really like to have something that will cut out the light and reduce the heat in the summer. Is there anything out there that would work for us? -Shona, Milwaukee

A: Yes, we have many options to cover the windows. First, we would start by installing a palladium shelf between the bottom window and the arch. The palladium shelf, made by LaFayette Interior Fashions, will be installed where the arch window meets the bottom window. By installing the shelf, we will then be able to install your shades with an inside mount. That way we will not cover up any of your wood work.

With the east facing window, I would recommend going with a shade with a high R-value. All shades have an R-value ranking. The shade with the highest R-value is the Hunter Douglas Duette Architella shade. The Duette Architella shade is literally a shade within a shade. When you look at the picture to the right, you can see the three distinct airpockets that the shade has. These three airpockets trap the air in the blind to provide the highest possible insulation on your windows. The graph on the bottom shows how high the Architella shade rates R-value wise compared with other window shadings. For a reference, an R-value of 4.00 will prevent up to 75% heat loss through the window. The shade comes in a variety of brilliant colors. It is great to help keep the heat out in summer and the cold out in winter.