Why White?
Should Your Window Coverings Be White?
By Jay Steinfeld, No Brainer Blinds and Shades
From the January 1999 edition of our FREE Ezine, Brainwave

Should you choose white as your window covering color?
Most do.

For the last 15 years I have consulted with people in their homes, helping them choose the right window coverings. Choosing the right color is a topic that comes up almost every time.

There are so many color options, but white and off-white remain the clear leaders, just like vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor. White is such a tasty choice for several reasons. First, most people have off-white walls and want to blend the product with the wall. This is especially desired when you are adding a valance above it. When the blind or shade blends in with the wall, the valance becomes more of a focal point.

When your trim is white, wood blinds should match the trim just like a wood shutter might. That way your window blinds will more closely emulate a shutter. Of course there are many exceptions. For instance, some kitchens have stained cabinets, so you might consider stained window blinds or shutters to match the cabinets. It's usually a warmer, richer look with stains. If your trim is stained, usually a stained window covering is better.

Another reason people choose white is for better resale. Neutral window coverings are generally more universally appealing. The front of your home should be considered, too. White products are less noticeable than those that are colored, and seem to blend better with draperies (with white lining). If you must have a black blind for your teenager, consider getting a Duotone blind, that has white on the back of the slat. Most honeycomb shades have white to the street side, even when they are colored to the inside.

Do not get too crazy about matching everything. Add color as you like. It's YOUR home, and you know what you like more than your neighbor (and better than I).