As the winter season approaches, it’s important to ensure your home remains warm and cozy. One effective way to do this is by investing in custom window treatments.

Window treatments enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces and provide insulation to protect your home from the chilly outdoor temperatures. From drapes to blinds to shutters and shades, there are limitless options for your windows.
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What are some more benefits of having custom window treatments during the winter season, and what options are available to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient?

Benefits of Custom Window Treatments
Besides the gorgeous aesthetics they can bring to a room, custom window treatments provide:

Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Windows provide ample opportunity for heat loss during the winter. Custom window treatments offer an additional layer of insulation, preventing cold air from getting into your home and warm air from escaping. This added insulation not only keeps your home more comfortable but also reduces energy consumption, leading to cost savings on heating bills.

UV Protection
Going custom for your window treatments can provide enhanced protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun’s rays can fade paint, wood flooring, carpets, and furnishings, so blocking the sun’s rays during the harshest hours of the day can protect your interior. Then, when it’s time to take advantage of the sun’s light and heat, you can simply open the shades manually or automatically, depending on the style you choose.
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Privacy and Light Control​
Depending on the style and fabric you choose, window treatments can provide privacy without compromising natural light. For example, Hunter Douglas Sheer Shades enhance light and allow for privacy control in over 80 different fabric and color choices. Controlled visibility ensures that you enjoy both privacy and a well-lit space during the day—perfect for the most-used rooms in your home.

Types of Custom Window Treatments
There are a variety of custom window treatments available, each with its own insulation properties. Some of our most popular options include:

• Blinds. Aluminum, wood, vertical, and sheer blinds are all options and can be combined with drapes to create an energy-efficient, gorgeous addition to any home.
• Drapes. Heavyweight fabrics offer excellent insulation, creating a barrier against drafts and cold air. They can be layered or paired with blinds or shades for added insulation. We work with Lafayette Interior Fashions to provide child-safe drapes in your choice of over 2,300 fabrics with motorization options available.
• Shades. You have the option of sheer, roller, cellular, Roman, woven, and vertical shades from Hunter Douglas or Lafayette when you work with Color Wheel. Each shade comes in your choice of color with light and privacy control to keep your home warm while letting in natural light.
• Shutters. Many people don’t realize that shutters are a great way to reduce heat transfer, leading to a cozier home when it matters most. Wood, vinyl, and composite shutters are all options to create the perfect design for your home.

Design Your Custom Window Treatments With Color Wheel
Custom window treatments are a practical and stylish solution when it comes to protecting your home from the winter cold. They provide insulation, reduce drafts, conserve energy, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living spaces.
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By investing in these window treatments, you can create a warm and inviting environment while keeping your heating bills in check. Stay cozy and comfortable this winter by designing your custom window treatments with Color Wheel!

Fall is here! Say hello to pleasant temperatures, mild weather, and stunning foliage. But did you know that fall is also a great time to tackle exterior painting projects?

While many homeowners think spring and summer are better for outdoor painting, fall offers unique benefits that make it the perfect season to refresh and protect the exterior of your home.

Let’s talk about why fall is the right time to paint outside and review helpful tips for a successful fall painting project.

Mild Temperatures
One of the main advantages of fall painting is the mild temperatures. Unlike the hot summer months or the freezing winter, fall offers a comfortable environment for painting.

High temperatures can cause paint to dry too quickly, causing uneven finishes and bubbling or cracking. On the other hand, cold temperatures can hinder paint from drying properly.
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In fall, the moderate temperatures allow for optimal paint application and drying, resulting in a smooth and long-lasting finish.

Stable Weather Conditions​
Fall typically brings more stable weather compared to other seasons. With less humidity, rain, and fluctuating temperatures, you can have more consistent conditions for painting.

More consistency in the weather allows you to tackle larger painting projects that may take several days. It also allows paint to adhere well to surfaces and dry evenly, preventing the need for touch-ups or repainting due to weather-related issues.

Paint requires sufficient time to dry and cure properly for maximum durability and longevity. During fall, the lower humidity levels allow for faster drying times compared to the more humid summer months. Lower humidity ensures that paint has ample opportunity to bind to surfaces and create a strong, protective barrier against the elements.

Preparing for Winter
Painting your home’s exterior in the fall serves as a proactive step to protect it from harsh winter weather.

As temperatures drop, ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on the exterior surfaces of your home. Applying a fresh coat of paint before winter creates a protective layer that seals and shields the underlying materials, helping to prevent moisture infiltration, wood rot, and other damage caused by winter weather conditions.

Depending on where you live and the temperatures this season, it’s generally a good time to paint your home from early to mid-autumn.

Tips for Successful Fall Painting
How can you prepare for your next painting project? We have some helpful tips for successful fall painting here!

• Check the forecast. Choose a week with consistent mild temperatures and no rain to prevent interruptions and ensure proper paint adhesion.
• Prep the surfaces. Thoroughly clean and prepare the surfaces to ensure optimal paint adhesion. This includes repairing any damaged wood or siding on your home.
• Get the right paint. Select high-quality exterior paint in your color and finish of choice to ensure your home will look great for years to come.
• Take safety precautions. Use appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles and masks, if working with chemical cleaners or sanding surfaces.
• Work during daylight hours. With the shorter days in fall, make the most of daylight hours for painting and allow sufficient drying time.

Get Your Fall Painting Supplies at Color Wheel
Fall provides the perfect opportunity to embark on outdoor painting projects. By scheduling your project in the fall and following the above tips, you can enjoy a refreshed and protected home for the upcoming seasons. Are you ready to grab a paintbrush and make the most of this ideal time to paint outside? Stop by Color Wheel to get all your fall painting supplies!