While many of us made temporary adjustments so we could work from home others embraced it as the new way forward. Now after a second lockdown working from home is part of the new normal for just about everyone who used to work in an office full time.
We talked to Amanda, our Showroom Manager to understand how window treatments are a great place to start when designing the perfect home work space. “Creating the right mood in your home office can have a big impact on your comfort and productivity, says Amanda. Three important considerations for a great home office are light, privacy and style and your choice of window coverings are integral to this.”
Light
Creating a light and bright space plays a major role in achieving productivity. Several studies have confirmed links between exposure to natural light and improved work performance. Utilising natural light also allows you to reduce costs, as you aren’t relying on electricity for lighting or heating.
Of course, the problem with natural like is that it also leads to screen glare, which is not ideal, especially for video calls. “An effective way to combat this is to use light-filtering material such as a sheer curtain or sun filtering blinds. Both reduce heat and glare while still allowing light into the room,” explains Amanda. Venetian blinds or shutters are another option that also offer precise light control.
Privacy and Distractions
While windows fill a space with natural light, in a home office they leave your important and often confidential work exposed, plus changes in natural light can be a distraction. “With the right window treatments, you can protect yourself and block out external factors which can disturb or distract you.” explained Amanda. “By covering windows with sun filter blinds or sheer curtains, your privacy can be maintained during the day. If you are more of a night owl and work late into the night with the lights on, shutters or venetians are a better option.”
Style
“Aesthetics are just as important in the home office as in any other room in the house and creating beautiful spaces that you enjoy working in is motivating,” explains Amanda.
Amanda suggests opting for a window treatment that blends into the rest of your scheme, if you’re after a calming and cohesive feel. “If you like a pop of colour, a Roman blind is ideal as it stacks neatly and you can layer a venetian or roller blind behind it for light control. When they’re pulled down Roman blinds take up less room than curtains making them a perfect option for small rooms.”
Luxaflex blockout and sun filter roller blinds are a great choice for a professional and sleek look. “They’re easy to operate and available in so many fabrics and textures they’ll match the style of any home,” says Amanda. If you want to keep things sophisticated, white wooden blinds or shutters are the way to go. Layering your window treatments can offer the best combination. A blockout roller blind paired with light-filtering roller blind gives you both light control and privacy without sacrificing style.
Alternatively for a softer look pair a sheer curtain with a blockout blind or a sun filter blind paired with a blockout curtain. “Both work and can look stunning, says Amanda. It’s all about making your space both practical and beautiful so you have an environment for maximum productivity.”
As Auckland’s only Luxaflex Gallery Store we have an exclusive range of blind fabrics to choose from. Our experienced team at Lahood are always happy to work with you to find the right solution for your home.” says Amanda. “
