Why New Windows Are Worth It In San Francisco
Unless your windows look out onto a brick wall, most views in San Francisco are pretty to say the least, with quite a few showcasing downright spectacular scenery. Windows not only bring in the light, they literally bring the world into view. When windows are bare or boring, they seem to disappear into the room. Think of your window as a canvas and get creative. It's more than just window-dressing. It's adding personality.
Make Them Shine
The world is always brighter when viewed through clean windows. If your world has been looking pretty dreary lately, it may just be time to do some window cleaning. While one dirty window is simple to deal with, a house or apartment full of them is another story.
Fortunately, San Francisco Window Pros can do the work at reasonable rates and offers window cleaning, repair, replacement and restoration. SFWP is a San Francisco based owner-operated company with business geared to small property owners and renters, both residential and commercial. The company does professional window washing for viewing pleasure or preparing for an open house, and they are always mess free.
San Francisco Window Pros
(415) 596-5252
sfwindowpros.com
Contact SFWP for a free estimate and appointment
Frame It With Paint
Even the most ordinary picture looks better in a pretty frame. The same goes for windows. Why not embellish that window frame with a fresh splash of color and make a true picture window out of it?
A good place to make paint selections and get how-to advice on painting techniques is Cole Hardware, a popular neighborhood business in Cole Valley. The store has an extensive paint selection from quality companies, plus all the painting supplies and instruction books you will need for the job.
Cole Hardware
956 Cole Street,
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 753-2653
colehardware.com
Hours: Mon to Fri-7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat to Sun -8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
A Kelly-Moore paint store is all about paint, and the Van Ness store has great customer service from a knowledgeable staff, plus a seemingly endless selection of colors and paint types.
Kelly-Moore Paints
565 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 558-8925
www.kellymoore.com
Hours: Mon to Fri -6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat -8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun -8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blinded By The Light?
Practicality does have its rewards, especially when function meets its attractive match. The right shades, blinds, curtains or drapes will neatly let the sun in and cover it over, too. Here are two shops that offer plentiful style and beautiful fabric choices. Availability in a range of prices will please renters, while at home consultations guarantee the right fit.
Don't let the Budget Blinds name disguise the large decorator selection here. Here you'll find blinds, shades, shutters, curtains and draperies, plus rugs and accessories, too. Also view online a free Budget Blinds design guide with expert advice and consultant tips, plus photos of sample window treatments using fabrics and products from the store studio.
Budget Blinds
236 8th Street, Suite C
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 621-1676
www.budgetblinds.com
Hours: Mon to Fri -9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat by appointment
National Blinds' state-of-the-art showroom with working displays shows off their blinds and shades so you can operate them. Interior design is a specialty here, so schedule a free design consultation to discuss your window covering needs to reflect your own personal style. Design Center Program Seminars are occasional events here too.
National Blinds
778 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 863-3110
nationalblinds.net
Hours: Mon to Fri -9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat -10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun -Closed
Window Treatments
San Francisco homes and apartments have some pretty nifty window shapes. Arch, bay, circle top and rectangle are popular, and sliding glass doors offer added opportunities for window dress-up. If you're looking for something special, find it here at Stitch.
Stitch is a highly regarded neighborhood firm that offers beautiful custom window treatments. There are no shop hours, as clients make appointments to visit the shop, which is in a lovely setting in a Noe Valley home.
Stitch
1375 Sanchez Street
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 641-6081
www.stitchsf.com
Call or email: rb@stitch.com to set up an appointment
The Shade Store prides itself on its green philosophy, using eco-friendly products to custom create a wide range of window shades, blinds and draperies. Exclusive designer fabrics are a highlight here. Located on bustling Fillmore Street, the store is a knockout that dazzles, and the staff aims to please.
The Shade Store
1932 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 848-9179
www.theshadestore.com/showroom
Hours: Mon to Sat -10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun -Noon to 6 p.m.
Related: Top Bay Area Home Decoration Bargain Stores
Melanie Graysmith is a freelance writer and educator living in San Francisco. She often writes about adult education, culture and lifestyle topics. She enjoys writing short stories, poetry, and scriptwriting, and is also a member of an independent film making group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
