French doors can pose a problem for homeowners. They cause
us to ask that age-old question: “Should I hang blinds or leave the windows
uncovered?” While they are beautiful, they let lots of sunlight in. Those harsh
afternoon rays can raise the temperature in your home up to 10 degrees, forcing
your air conditioning unit to work overtime. They will also fade and damage your
furniture, especially in the Summer.
Increasingly, bathrooms are being designed as retreats for couples with rare private time. Architects and interior designers say bathrooms are getting larger to accommodate massive tubs, double showers and huge vanities with opposing mirrors large enough that couples can stand back to back and still see each other. 
"Communing while grooming" might seem like a strange phenomenon, but according to Kate Murphy of The New York Times, for a growing number of couples, it’s an appealing way to bond. Once a privacy zone, couples now retreat to their shared baths for intimate down time. But these aren’t just the functional bathrooms of yesteryear.
Gary Carlson, a homebuilder in Scottsdale, Ariz., said, “It’s kind of like the bathroom has become the new den.” Today’s bathroom is larger and multi-functional – more of a lounge than just a place to shower and go. It’s a place for the woman to primp and share her new clothes with friends, while her husband uses the same space to enjoy watching the game and grabs a snack from the stocked mini-fridge. In The Bathroom Break, Kate Murphy explains that for many busy couples, time in the bathroom provides a restful break, a rare snippet of "alone time" in their over-scheduled lives. Murphy says it is natural that the bathroom became a shared space for the modern couple especially as the open floor plan of modern houses prohibits the privacy afforded in more traditional homes.
Though it might seem convenient to leave your windows uncovered, "naked windows" can offer more than just a good view. This summer, young women in a Seattle neighborhood accused her salacious neighbor of doing more than bird watching with his binoculars. However, local police refused to cite the man and recommended that the young woman solve the problem by fixing her blinds, The Seattle Times reported.
So you never thought of your window as being naked, just because other people have blinds or drapes. Besides they give you a great view and fit your clean modern aesthetic. But have a little sympathy! How would you feel if you were left to ward off harsh sun, pelting rain or chilling cold in your birthday suit?
Not convinced? Window coverings aren’t just stylish, they are functional. They add value to your home and can even make your home more safe. They also protect your furniture and increase your privacy. Keep reading for the top reasons to cover your windows:
Window treatments can add safety by preventing potential thieves from identifying your home as a target. Install window treatments and prevent theft as burglars will be unable to determine if you are home, or worse yet, if your children are home alone. No one should be allowed to see into your home at night, or when you are not there during the day.
* Window treatments also add value and curb appeal to your home. Trying to sell your home? Ask your realtor, window treatments are an essential part of a properly staged home. A small investment in window treatments will help you sell higher and faster.
* Window treatments like Blinds.com solar shades can dramatically cut energy costs and protect your flooring, furnishing and skin from harmful UV rays.
* You never even invited the new neighbors over to dinner! Why should they get a prime view of your bedroom? Proper window treatments provide appropriate privacy. Cellular shades with a top down bottom up feature allow you total control over your degree of privacy. Leave them fully closed, partially closed or completely open.
Love letting the sunshine in? But sick of mooning the neighbors! For most, privacy is the number one concern
when choosing window treatments for their bathrooms.
The top-down bottom-up feature is a modern choice that allows you to a varying degree of privacy and light on your cellular shades, woven or roman shades. If you are applying make-up in your robe while getting ready for work, these blind with this feature allow you to let in a large degree of light, while protecting your privacy.
Taking a bath? Of course you can close the blinds completely. Or if you like, you can still maintain some view by opening them a little at the top.
For total privacy, your top down bottom up shades can be closed completely. They are the perfect choice for creating zen-like relaxation and serenity.
