Pet Friendly Renewal by Andersen Replacement Window Treatments

What do pets have to do with replacement windows on Long Island? So, you’ve decided to adopt a pet. If you’re like most new pet-owners, you’ve checked out the local pet stores looking for bedding, toys and training gadgets. Most likely, you have either already visited the vet – or you’re looking for a vet – to take care of your new family member. Have you thought about the curtains in your home, yet? “What?” you might ask.

Whether you’re still in the research and design phase of selecting your beautiful new replacement windows or you’ve had them for a while and are thinking about adopting a pet, there are some important things New Jersey homeowners should consider before introducing a four-legged family member to your home.

Many homeowners think that indoor pets – more specifically cats and dogs – and beautiful window treatments simply don’t go together, but it is possible for stylish window treatments to survive even the most inquisitive pets – with a little planning. In fact, owning a pet might get you to rethink your views about decorating with color choices, fabrics, textures, and yes, window treatments.

Create Interest in Your Windows with Texture

If you’re considering custom drapes, the textile industry has some great news for you. Some textile companies offer lightweight upholstery fabrics with some very appealing features for pet-owners. Curtains and drapery constructed with Crypton fabric resists stains, mildew and odors that penetrate most commercial drapery products.

If you’re planning to buy off-the-shelf, or you have a sewing machine and want to make your own curtains, professional designers suggest sticking with fabrics that are easy to wash and sturdy enough to stand up to sharp claws. Think corduroy, faux suede, heavy cottons and washable polished poplin.

Instead of tone-on-tone fabric with intricate stitching embellishments, add visual interest with printed fabrics that won’t attract loose hair and fur. Skip the velvet and pricey chintz, unless you want to send your draperies out to the dry cleaners once a month.

Shades and Blinds for Your Replacement Windows

Shades and blinds are great choices for New Jersey homes with indoor pets because blinds are typically sized to fit the window height and width rather than pooling on the floor or hanging down below the sill – both tempting details for curious pets. Outdoor noises often compel indoor animals to push or claw low hanging blinds to look outside and this can be disastrous. Here are a few other tips about blinds and shades.

• Sheer blinds can’t stand up to cat claws, but if you have a short-haired canine pet, the slick surface makes it easy to remove loose hair with a lint brush or upholstery attachment and your vacuum.
• Always opt for styles with retractable cords or order child-safe cord savers to protect your pets from getting tangled in dangling cords.
• Faux wood blinds don’t absorb moisture like real wood and they’re easy to clean with a damp sponge without even taking them down.
• New washable roller-blinds and roman shades come in literally hundreds of colors and unique textures. Plus, many shades today are made with moisture resistant fabric.
• Choose window treatments with wide, sturdy slats over narrow, flexible slats, if possible.

Replacement Window Curtains: Color is Your Friend

When it comes to choosing pet-friendly window treatments for your New Jersey home, the colors and prints you choose will make the difference in how much time you spend “keeping your home presentable”.

Printed fabrics hide many soils common when living with indoor pets if you choose a color that closely matches your pet’s fur. Even short-haired animals that rarely leave tufts of hair behind leave an oily residue when they brush against low hanging window treatments. So, whether you have casement windows or sliding glass doors, if your pet can reach it, choose a complementary color for your window coverings.

Keeping Your Pet Safe and Your Home Beautiful

If you’re willing to put a little forethought into your window treatment design, you’ll find a plethora of decorating options that work well with indoor pets. For your pet’s safety, avoid foam and plastic lined draperies – especially if you have a puppy that is still in the chewing-on-everything-stage. Some commercially made draperies have chemical treatments that could trigger an allergic reaction when swallowed or licked by pets.

Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey Cares About Your Pet

We know that dressing your replacement windows is important to you and at the same time, you want to create a beautiful environment that is safe for your whole family, including your four-legged family members.

At Renewal by Andersen of Central New Jersey we sell replacement windows, but we value the relationship we have with our customers long after the installation is complete. If you have more questions about window treatments or need help choosing installation hardware that won’t void your warranty, give us a call at (866) 609-5033.

Check out this post for more information on decorating your windows.