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Window Furnishings - Your Alternatives

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Window furnishings increase the privacy of your home and many are designed to increase your homes security. They provide noise and light reduction and can insulate your home against the heat of summer and the cold of winter. This article explains the different types of window furnishings available normally available in Australia and lists the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Window furnishing alternatives (most common)

Window with bars and grill

Bars and grills

  • Bars and Grills
  • Blinds
  • Louvres
  • Awnings
  • Roller Shutters
  • Curtains
  • Window Tinting

Bars and grills

Window bars/grills are an external window furnishing usually made of steel with a baked on powder-coated finish. Bolted to the outside of the window, they have been a very popular alternative in past years for elderly people, or those who live in neighbourhoods with higher crime rates, due to the strength and protection they provide.

Advantages:

  • Very hard for intruders to break in
  • Hard wearing and long lasting

Disadvantages:

  • Not a large benefit in terms of privacy unless coupled
    with an internal furnishing
  • Not generally considered a modern or attractive alternative
  • No other benefits e.g. noise reduction, light reduction or insulation
Blinds and curtains

Curtains & blinds

Blinds and curtains

Blinds are an internal window furnishing which are available in a huge range of different styles and operation types. Different blind alternatives include vertical blinds, Venetian blinds, roller blinds, Roman blinds, panel glide blinds, cellular blinds and drapes. These alternatives are generally made from polyester, aluminium or timber laminate and although they look different general serve a similar purpose.

Advantages:

  • Increased privacy
  • Provide excellent light control
  • Provide some sort of insulation
    against heat and cold
  • Available in an enormous range
    of colours and styles guaranteed
    to suit any home

Disadvantages:

  • Generally no added security provided from these types of window furnishings
  • Insulation benefit not as large as other alternatives
Louvres

Louvres

Louvres

Louvres are an alternative to standard glass windows, so in essence they are both an internal and external window furnishing. Louvres comprise of thin horizontal blades which can be adjusted anywhere between opened and fully closed. These sheets are generally made from timber, glass or aluminium and come in a wide range of colours and styles. They are also available in a wide range of operations including manual and motorised.

Advantages:

  • Increased privacy
  • Light control
  • Aluminium alternatives provide noise reduction
    and insulation benefits
  • Wide range of alternatives in relation to material,
    colour, style and operation
  • Increased security within the home
  • Seal tight to reduce noise and disturbance from bad weather

Disadvantages:

  • Can be a costly alternative
  • Glass and wooden louvers do not provide a security benefit
Awnings

Awnings

Awnings

Awnings are an external window furnishing which have been popular for many years now. Generally made from canvas, acrylic or aluminium, awnings come in a wide range of styles and colours. Awnings also have a large variety of operation types including rope, tape, automatic, crank or motorised options.

Advantages:

  • Privacy
  • Light reduction
  • Considered aesthetically pleasing by some
  • Wide variety of materials, styles and operations
  • Moderate insulation benefit

Disadvantages:

  • No added security
  • Can be inconvenient and obstructing
  • Noise/light reduction and insulation benefits not as large as some other alternatives
Roller shutters

Roller shutters

Roller Shutters

Window roller shutters have been an Australian favourite for many years. Usually made from insulated aluminium roller shutters come in a wide range of colours and styles. Roller shutters also have a large range of operation methods including winder, strap and motorised electric options.

Advantages:

  • Privacy
  • Light control
  • Noise reduction
  • Insulation against heat and cold
  • Security benefits
  • Wide range of colours and styles available

Disadvantages:

  • Not considered attractive by all
  • Can be a costly investment
Tinted windows

Tinted windows

Window Tinting

Window Tinting has become a more popular alternative during recent times. Window tints come in a variety of types such as reflective, coloured reflective, silver reflective, bronze reflective and non-reflective.

Advantages:

  • Reduce glare into homes and offices
  • Reduces UV rays
  • Provides some insulation against heat and cold
  • Increase in privacy

Disadvantages:

  • No security benefit
  • No noise reduction

Summary

  Bars and Grills Blinds and Curtains Louvres Awnings Roller Shutters Window Tinting
Privacy

X

Security

X

X

X

Noise Reduction

X

X

X

X

Light Control

X

Insulation

X

X

Wide Range

X

X