Hawley’s Window Coverings

Enhance curb appeal while transforming interior spaces

Bakersfield Home talked with Devin Gardea at Hawley’s Window Coverings to learn about their long-standing Kern County business.

Can you tell us about your experience in your industry?

We opened in 1979 to serve Kern County and the surrounding areas. James Hawley was a drapery installer for other companies and wanted to open his own business. He’s still our owner today, so we have 38 years’ experience in window coverings!

What type of services do you provide?

We offer any kind of window covering you can imagine. Today, customers mostly want shutters, shades, blinds and some draperies. Shutters are popular for their modern, clean look. Roman and roller shades are good for a soft touch instead of a hard covering. They’re a different look that give people options for style and effect. We provide a wide range of quality brands, such as Skandia Window Fashions, Sunland Shutters, Graber, Hunter Douglas, Mariak and many more. We also have experienced staff that install the window coverings.

What separates you from your competitors?

I would say that our primary difference is our longevity in the business and experience in this market since 1979. Our experience provides the insight that helps us provide quite accurate estimates with the first measuring. We have a showroom and a store front on Easton Dr. for customers to see many different working samples. And, we’re a local, family-owned company.

Are there any misperceptions about the window coverings business that you want to clarify?

People sometimes think that they can’t afford custom window coverings. But we do a good job of working within a customer’s budget. Window coverings are more reasonably priced than people think. And when we meet with a customer, we measure and always do a free in-home estimate. The best part of making an appointment for us to come measure and give an estimate is that there’s nothing to worry about from start to finish; it takes the DIY measurement anxiety out of the equation. Then, we can talk about options and work out the details.

What are some design tips that make a huge difference?

We recommend staying neutral. You want the flexibility of having window coverings last through changes that you make, such as painting your walls a different color or buying new furniture with a different pattern or color. The window coverings enhance the look of the room, but they’re in the background.

What new ideas, trends and products should we be looking forward to in window coverings ?

Some people hear vinyl and think, ‘ugh.’ But vinyl shutters have come a long way in the last few years Vinyl isn’t plastic; it is a solid vinyl composite material that look very similar to wood. Customers like the fact that vinyl shutters have a 25 year warranty.

Many home owners are looking for energy efficiency in all areas of their home – do you have tips related to window coverings?

Anything that creates a dead air space helps to save energy, such as shutters and cellular shades. Shutters are great for insulating because of the space between the shutter and window. The dead air space creates a buffer that traps warm air in the summer before it gets into the room. In the winter, the cold outside air doesn’t get through to the interior. The same principle is true for cellular shades because they have a ‘honey comb’ structure that creates a buffer between the window and room interior.

Do you have any suggestions for simple upgrades?

2” or 2.5” wood or faux-wood (vinyl made to look like wood) blinds can make an immediate impact in a room for a reasonable price. It’s an attractive “shutter” look for a lesser cost. The blinds come with a very nice decorative valance. The faux-wood blinds are also easy to care for.

What would you like to communicate to our readers about your business?

We’re grateful to be in business for 38 years with the same owner, and are happy to estimate window coverings for any client. Customers will find us to be competitively priced, and we can usually get out to do an estimate and measure within a few days of getting a call. The nice part about having one of our trained professionals measure is that IF there is any mistake in sizing, it’s our mistake to fix and not the customer’s responsibility.

Devin Gardea

Hawley’s Window Coverings