Posts Tagged ‘window blinds and shades’
How to Protect Homes Against the Spring Sun
Are you ready to update the look and feel of your home? One thing to consider is the sun’s glare. It can cause serious damage to our eyes, to our furniture. UV rays can be filtered to eliminate their fading power, all you need are some fabulous spring window treatments and you’ll be on your way!
Spring is literally right around the corner and with spring comes warming temperatures. The days are longer, meaning more hours of sunlight. Being prepared with appropriate window treatments can mean a reduction in eyestrain from the sun’s glare as well as reflections on surfaces like computers and televisions. Using solar shades or roller shades can help prevent fading of irreplaceable art, furniture, carpets, oriental rugs and more.
Here are the Top Five Window Treatments for Spring:
1. Solar screen shades. Solar screen shades come in a variety of openness factors, for the ultimate light control. They effectively eliminate glare while maintaining views. By reducing the amount of light and heat entering a room, solar screen shades cut energy costs and reduce the need for air conditioning. These window treatments can be paired with a privacy liner for privacy.
2. Soft Sheer Shades. Soft sheer shades come in two varieties – privacy and light filtering. They are constructed with nylon and polyester for a long lasting blind that still looks delicate to the eye and feels soft to the touch.
3. Bamboo Shades or Woven Wood Shades. In the summer, these keep the light out, but allow air to move through the home. The woven pattern provides a unique window treatment every time. There are a wide variety of stains to choose from to fit with other wood accents already in the home.
4. Roller Shades. Roller Shades are now soft to the touch. Roller shades offer classic, simple, clean lines. They also come in light filtering and blackout variety. The textures range from traditional to contemporary or more modern.
5. Honeycomb cellular shades. These shades have become extremely popular for insulating against the cold, but they don’t get as much kudos for insulating against the heat, which they do equally well. The higher end products allow for a federal tax rebate. With top-down, bottom-up options, you get to control view, light and glare reduction.
Spring cleaning is often an excuse to not only clean out unneeded household items, but also upgrade the look and feel of the home. All of the above spring window treatments help reduce glare, UV lights and more with the end goal of creating more energy efficient homes. The simple installation of a solar screen shade or woven wood shade can cut back on energy bills and protect the furniture and treasured possessions in the home.
Want to find out more about custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best selection on blinds, shades and window treatments.
Miscellaneous Topics and Interesting Resource Sites
Blackout Window Blinds – Find and choose from a huge selections so styles and designs
Bamboo Roman Shades – Get the best deals and discounts on bamboo roman shades, check it out
Cheap Mini Blinds – The cheapest type of window treatments are mini blinds, find out more from a variety of styles and selections
Curtains Blinds – Learn more about how to choose between curtains and blinds to best fit your room and house decor
Faux Window Blinds – Check the best Faux Window Blinds that can outlast the real wood from great selections and styles to choose from
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Blinds and Shades Becoming Art
Considering window treatments as art may seem like a strange thing to do, but if you really think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Windows are a huge part of any room. They let light in, they affect how bright a room is, how comfortable a room is depending on how energy efficient they are and more. Some people may be in the market for new blinds and others may be remodeling after purchasing a new home. Whatever the reason, before you go out and buy the simple, practical solutions for window treatments, consider your options for turning window treatments into art.
Here are a couple of great ways to have some fun with window treatments. It will not only increase the value of your home, but window treatments can speak to your individual style. And if you aren’t selling, don’t you deserve to come home to a room, apartment, house or villa that makes you happy? I think you deserve it!
The following ideas can turn window treatments into art:
1. For those looking for energy efficient blinds, cellular blinds are your best bet, however the color selection can be limited and the look is simple, but not exciting. To spice up your windows, pair energy efficient blinds with custom drapery. This is where you can add your own personal flair. Decorative curtain holders can elegantly frame the window with the drapes, and when closed you have an additional layer of insulation.
2. Try using a color that isn’t a part of your current color scheme. Using a color wheel can help you find contrasting colors that compliment the room. Look for Roman Shades with their great color palette of rich, sensuous colors.
3. If you like the look and feel of the South Pacific, then bamboo or woven wood blinds can be a dramatic focal point. Decorative window tapes can either incorporate a bit of color or pattern or they can frame the blinds. They protect the edges and can also be found in more neutral colors
4. Shutters are a great alternative to the standard window treatment. They work well in nautical themed homes or in rooms whose main color palette is blues, whites, yellows or greens.
5. Use the existing window trim as the frame for your masterpiece – your views. You can paint the outside edge of the frame in a different color than the rest of the trim, pulling the eye to that area.
Window treatments don’t just have to be plain and boring. They can be practical and beautiful at the same time. Because our eyes are drawn to light, windows are usually the first area we focus on in a room. Why not make sure the first impression someone has of your place is the best impression?
Because of the wide variety of colors and fabrics, be sure to order samples before making a final decision so you can see how textures and colors work with your current design. Make your room dramatic with window treatments and don’t limit yourself to boring, neutral colors.
Learn more about custom window shades. Stop by Blinds Chalet to find out more about quality discount window blinds, shades, shutters and custom drapery.
Resource and More on The Topic of Blinds Shades and Window Treatments
Cheap Mini Blinds – Know more about how you can buy cheap mini blinds
Blackout Window Blinds – Stop those sleepless times if you want to sleep during the day time
Curtains Blinds – Learn more about how you can make a better decision when choosing whether curtains or blinds
Bamboo Roman Shades – Get into the fastest growing market for great designs and styles of bamboo roman shades
Faux Window Blinds – You can always find great wood look alike if you are on a budget shopping for window treatments and coverings, best option is faux window blinds
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Blind and Shades for Seniors
As we age, we start to notice little things we never noticed before, like how heavy window blinds can be to open and close every day, especially the ones on oversized windows. For those with arthritis, thin cords to grip to raise and lower blinds can cause pain. Because we all deserve window treatments that are easy to operate and look good, we recommend the following blinds.
Selecting Shades for Seniors
* Those who live in homes with oversize or large windows often use one window treatment for the entire space. If the window treatment is slatted or wood, the weight of the blinds can be difficult to open and close. Consider instead using a series of lightweight blinds instead of one and uniting the blinds with a single valance.
* For lightweight window treatments, seniors should consider cellular shades, soft sheer shades, roller or solar shades as well as roman shades. Window treatments such as wood and faux wood blinds have a lot of weight to them and can be hard to maneuver.
* Arthritis can cripple hands, rendering them stiff and sore. Cordless blinds are the perfect solution for those who find gripping things difficult. Cordless blinds are available in a wide selection of patterns and colors and textures. Some popular cordless blinds include honeycomb cellular shades, roman shades, pleated shades and aluminum mini blinds.
* Motorized blinds and shades are operated with a remote control, so no actual handling of the blinds is necessary. Roman shades, roller shades, solar screen shades and collegiate shades are all easy to adjust for glare reduction of blackout privacy.
Cellular shades will offer the greatest energy efficiency and can be used as a series for bay windows or oversized windows, as can soft sheer shades or roller/solar shades. Roller/solar shades are ideal for warmer climates and help protect homes from the heat and UV rays of the sun. All of the above blinds can be easily adjusted. With sheer or light filtering blinds, a privacy liner can be added for complete control of privacy needs. Be sure to purchase the most appropriate blinds for any given climate.
A more traditional look can be had with Roman shades. Roman shades are best known for their rich fabrics that include silk and satin. Alternative options can incorporate a more modern look.
Many companies offer discounts on a wide variety of window treatments. Be sure when looking into blinds and shades for seniors, you look for the best pricing. Any reputable dealer should offer samples they can mail free of charge as well as a customer service line for any questions you have. Be sure to measure windows correctly and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask so you can ensure you get the right window treatments for you.
Want to find out more about custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best selection on blinds, shades and window treatments.
About Collegiate Window Shades
Where were these window treatments when I was in college? These are so fun and fabulous. Window shades now come with your school’s logo on them. There are a variety of logos to choose from for each school to match your color scheme or you can just pick your favorite design.
Because these are made for college students, the blackout liner comes highly recommended. The blackout liner blocks the sun (the blinds are naturally light filtering) so when you need a quick nap between classes or a late night turns into a late morning, your sleep won’t be disturbed by the weather outside. Besides, getting a healthy amount of sleep means better mood (your roommates will thank you), increased levels of alertness, creativity and more.
Now we mentioned the cool designs. You can hang Collegiate Window Shades from your dorm room, student housing, rec center, game room. You can even hang them at home if your parents are proud alumni and put them in the home theater room or the man room, so everyone knows where your loyalties lie.
All the logos are officially licensed if you purchase through a trusted on-line dealer. On-line we have found 39 schools participating with more being added every month. It doesn’t matter if you are in the Air Force Academy, at Penn State or a Wisconsin Badger, there is a Collegiate Window Shade for you. The window treatments are custom sized for your individual window needs and on-line instructions as to how to measure the window can be easily found. All logos are sized according to window size so it doesn’t look weird if you have an unusually large or small window.
These window treatments are roller shades. They are the ones that you pull the bottom and the shades start to retract. It’s easy to adjust length to maximize or minimize light. When they are fully rolled up, they take up hardly any space at all. Because the shades without blackout liners are naturally light filtering, you won’t have that annoying glare on your computer that can lead to eyestrain and headaches. You might actually enjoy working at your computer.
Dorothy, you aren’t in Kansas any more. You are in college or university and it’s time to show a little pride. Let the world know where you are getting your education no matter what kind of education it is – social or academic. It’s all a learning process! Order Collegiate Window Shades today!
Learn more about custom window shades. Stop by Blinds Chalet to find out more about quality discount window blinds, shades, shutters and custom drapery.
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What are Matchstick Shades?
Matchstick shades or blinds are more commonly known as bamboo shades or woven wood shades or blinds. These are exactly what they sound like, shades woven with wood or grasses, most commonly bamboo, to create a tropical, island feel within a home. They are a great way to bring nature into a dwelling without being overwhelming. The feel of these shades is very light and airy. They are a great compliment to apartments, homes and guesthouses.
Woven wood shades are available in many different colors and patterns. The line I prefer is the Tavarua line of bamboo shades, blinds and drapery. They offer a wide selection of textures and colors, so matching these window treatments to existing wood furniture or flooring is a cinch.
The Tavarua line of matchsticks shades are a popular line and include more than just shades, they also offer sliding panels and bamboo drapery: Tavarua Basics Bamboo Shades, Tavarua Woven Wood Shades, Exotic Woven Wood Shades, Designer Woven Wood Shades, Sunscreen Bamboo Roller shades, Bamboo Drapery and Bamboo Sliding Panels. You could easily decorate every room in the house with a different style of matchstick shade without duplicates.
Most matchstick blinds come with a privacy liner or blackout liner as an upgrade. Because of the weave of the wood, light filters through to create a soft glow and views are easily maintained with some products. While the blinds cut the sun’s glare and help insulate against the heat, they do not provide complete privacy without a liner. The liner also adds an extra bit of insulation against colder weather.
The south has really popularized these shades. The amount of sun down south can cause fading and UV damage to interior furnishings, but these shades help cut that. They also come with edge bindings as an upgrade. Edge bindings are a cloth material that matches the blinds and protects the ends against splitting or cracking.
Here are just a few colors of blinds available: Borneo Dappled, Bora Bora Natural, Baja Sand, Aspen Walnut, Sumatra Espresso. The Tavarua line of woven wood blinds also comes with color-coordinated cords and tassels and a matching 6-inch valance. When lifted, the style resembles the roman fold style so the blinds look like a waterfall. When lowered, you get a very basic, unobtrusive face of bamboo.
These window treatments are also available with the top down, bottom up style, which means you can maintain privacy while still allowing the sun in when you please. You get to choose your level or privacy.
Tavarua blinds are available on-line and can be shipped directly to your door. Be sure to find a trusted and reliable on-line dealer. Oftentimes special discounts can be had with off privacy liners, a 30% discount and more.
Want to find out more about custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best selection on blinds, shades and window treatments.
SlumberShades
Some of us have a good night’s sleep every night, but others of us struggle with light sensitivity from street lamps, or the inability to sleep during the day. Those with night jobs often struggle to get 8 – 10 hours of sleep, the recommended amount of time needed for a good night’s sleep, as their bodies are telling them they should be awake with the sun. New shades have hit the market to help resolve this problem. They are called SlumberShades and they block light from windows, using an innovative sidetrack system. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the best night’s sleep comes from a dark, quiet, comfortable atmosphere.
So the National Sleep Foundation was asked for their input on window treatments to help people sleep and the result is the SlumberShade. The sidetrack system ensures no light creeps in around the corners of the blinds or at the top or bottom. The more sleep you get, the better you feel.
For additional tips on getting the most out of your sleep, the National Sleep Foundation is offering their guide Better Sleep Through Light Management with any purchase of SlumberShades. Another cool thing about the sidetrack system is while it offers neutral colors to match window trim on the inside; an inside track of black absorbs light, keeping it out. The sidetrack system works on a magnetic attachment for ease of use removing it to clean blinds. The top has a fuzzy seal so all sides of the window are covered.
These window treatments follow the same design as insulating honeycomb cell shades and improves energy efficiency above shades with the same material but no sidetrack system by up to 3 times more. They also rank an R-value of 7.0 when installed over double-pane vinyl windows.
So if you have windows anywhere from 9×9 to 96×120 inches, these blinds will cover it for and you are custom made to your specs. Hardware options include:
* Standard Rectangular
* Top Down Bottom Up
* Smoothly Continuous Cord
* Cordless
* Cordless Top Down Bottom Up
There are different fabrics and colors to choose from that give a neutral street facing appearance. They are the most effective blinds for darkening a room and are great not only for day sleepers, but for baby rooms, offices and home theater rooms.
Be sure to purchase blinds and window treatments from an authorized retailer. On-line stores often offer free shipping as well as additional discounts for shoppers. Look for companies that have a customer service line staffed by people as well as a company that has been in business for several years. Samples can be ordered through on-line stores to ensure color and material matching before an order is placed.
Looking to find the best deal on custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.
Cordless Blinds Remove Risks of Strangulation and Death for Children.
Most parents aren’t aware that something as simple as dangling cords from blinds, shades or window treatments can pose a hazard to their child’s life. Pets are also at risk of strangulation. The problem is, kids and pets can get their necks caught in these cords or blinds and severe damage or death can result. There are organizations working to spread awareness, however, we feel you can never put out enough information on a topic like this.
The biggest concerns are with window treatments purchased prior to 2001. Cords on older blinds can be retrofitted, or they can be replaced with new cordless blinds. For a free retrofit kit, contact the Window Covering Safety Council. For those looking for new window treatments, be sure to check to see if the blinds you want to purchase are cordless. A quick call to the manufacturer never hurts, either.
There are a ton of different blinds that are now available with a cordless option. We’ve found a few of our favorites and compiled them below:
* Single and Double Cell shades that also offer excellent insulation
* Blackout Single and Double Cell Shades – these offer insulation as well as complete privacy
* EnergyTrack & ComforTrack Cell Shades. These window treatments qualify for a Federal Tax Credit
* Cordless Mini Blinds – are the least expensive window treatments out there.
* Light Filtering Roman Shades – offering style and elegance
* Woven Wood Roman Shades – bringing in a natural element with style
* Textured Linen Roman Shades – these combine roman shades with a cell shade liner
* Satin Roman Shades – a classic
* Light Filtering Pleated Shades with No Holes Privacy – offer privacy and filter light
* Room Darkening Pleated Shades with No Holes Privacy – offer excellent privacy
There may be other window treatments on the market with cordless varieties, but these are the most popular. Window treatments and shades come in a variety of colors and fabrics for every style of home, whether your tastes are more geared towards modern, traditional, or rustic designs, there is something to fit your needs and protect your children. We encourage you to spread the world about window safety so there is one less thing for parents to have to worry about.
Looking to find the best deal on custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.
Buy Faux Wood Blinds
A lot of people have been talking about faux wood blinds. Why? Because these are like the cheap cousin to wood blinds. They look the same, act the same, actually, they are even easier to maintain than real wood blinds and cost only a fraction of the price. We know everyone is looking to save some money after the holidays but repairs need to be made and upgrades need to happen. What better way to start your year off than with a fantastic looking house where you can entertain as much as you like!
And we have good news for you. Some people hear faux wood blinds and they think cheap blinds. Well, yes, they are cheap in price, but most people can’t tell the difference between faux wood blinds and real wood blinds. You get the look without the high cost.
So here’s how today’s faux wood blinds are made. They use PVC and a composite of man-made materials that are brought together with wood particles and compressed. They are easy to wash, and yes you can wash them without having to worry about warping. They resist humidity so if you live in the south, order away.
Because these are faux wood, they come in all the same colors and finishes that real wood blinds come in. You can choose between oak and honey, white, off-white and more. And if you order from the right place, you’ll get a choice of decorative fabric window tapes. This cloth brings color and warmth to the blinds and adds an extra design element.
There is really no place you can’t hang faux wood blinds. They look fabulous everywhere, whether it’s your living room, your dining room, bedroom or office you will be getting compliments. The better faux wood blinds come with a complimentary free valance upgrade for style and a finished look. Some companies are even offering discounts during the first few months of the year, so be sure to look around for the best deals.
Buying on-line is about trust. Look into the company. See if they have a customer service line you can call. Check to see if you can order samples so you can match colors and textures before you order.
So just to recap, here are a few benefits of faux wood blinds:
* A cheaper alternative to real wood blinds
-Same look as wood blinds
-Moisture resistant
* Simple to wash surface.
* Easier maneuvering than real wood blinds
-Some come with free valance upgrade
* Decorative tapes to add color to a room.
For those who want their house looking great today without spending a ton of money, whatever your reasons, consider buying faux wood blinds. You won’t be disappointed.
Want to find out more about custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best selection on blinds, shades and window treatments.
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All-Season Window Decorating
Most window treatments work well for a season or two, but don’t function effectively in the alternate seasons. When you live in climates that have four seasons, window treatments don’t usually work for all four seasons, which is why layering blinds brings both a decorative quality to windows as well as a functional quality. With one installation, you can have blinds and shades that not only filter light and UV rays, but that provide excellent insulation for the cold winter months. Below are a few suggestions for layering window blinds and shades.
* EnviroFusion Textured Linen Roman Shades. These shades are conveniently built as two shades in one. The inner layer consists of a honeycomb cell shade. This ‘liner’ helps insulate against the cold while offering light filtering properties. The linen Roman Shades provide elegance and finish to a room. In the summer months, the honeycomb layer can be raised while the roman shade works to block the sun’s rays without too much insulation.
* Solar Screen Shades and Custom Drapes. Rooms that boast large windows or a series of window panels that face the sun create two problems. First, the glare from the sun can strain eyes and cause UV damage to artwork and furniture. Secondly, on cloudy or cold days, or during the winter, the windows are a huge source of warm air leaking out. To prevent both problems, install solar screen shades as the base layer. These add some insulation to a home, but mainly block the sun’s glare and rays. Then add custom drapery, which can be closed, especially at night to keep the cold out and improve insulation. During the summer, having the drapes elegantly tied off helps finish the look of a room and accentuate color schemes.
* Woven Wood Shades and Shade Liners. Woven wood shades refer to those South Pacific style woven wood blinds, or grass blinds. They offer a very unique look to any room and bring in a tropical feel. The two things they don’t do are offer privacy or energy efficiency. In themselves, they are very decorative, but for practical purposes a liner is advised. A simple liner will give you privacy and help regulate temperatures within a room.
* Soft Sheer Shades and Custom Drapes. Soft sheer shades are beautiful in any room. They are light-filtering but allow views. They reduce harsh light and warm up a room. However, the sheer properties mean they aren’t exactly energy-efficient. Layering these with custom drapes allows control over look and style as well as how much you want to save on your energy bills.
All types of window treatments, shades and blinds can be layered, so get creative. Consult a window treatment specialist or interior designer to figure out the best layering combination for your needs. Play with colors and textures and use windows as an accent point!
Want to find out more about custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best selection on blinds, shades and window treatments.
categories: roman blinds, cellular shades, wood blinds, window treatments, blinds, shades, window blinds and shades, windows, homes, interior decorating, remodeling
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Updating Your Home in 2011
A new year is upon us. Many of us made resolutions for this New Year – some were probably personal and some were possibly more general. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions that doesn’t involve self-improvements involves improvements to the home. The beginning of the year is a great time to make updates and change now that friends and family have gone and life is getting back to normal.
For those who want to see lasting changes that don’t cost a lot of money, changing out window treatments is one of the fastest ways to make a house or home feel new again. It doesn’t take a lot of time and with all the sales and discounts happening now, it doesn’t have to take a lot of money.
The first step is to identify your needs. Do you want something fun? Something practical? Something traditional or something exotic? No matter what you want, there’s a window treatment available for you. From bright bold colors, to a clean neutral palette, there are literally hundreds of window treatments to choose from so you can get exactly the right look for you and your home.
Some people live in compact spaces, and those spaces change dramatically with the right window treatments. Heavy, dark materials will have it feeling small and cramped, but light materials or Cityscape roller shades can open up the room and make everything feel more luxurious.
For a quick sample of some of the sweetest shades on the market, check these out:
* Cellular shades. Honeycomb Double Cell Shades are some of the most effective window treatments for energy efficiency. Both the ComforTrack and Energytrack series qualify for a federal rebate.
* Roman shades are a classic that bring a breath of elegance to any room. Their rich colors and materials are sure to dress up any room. These are most popular in Great Rooms, Dining Rooms and Bedrooms.
* Cityscape Roller Shades. Black and white ‘art’ shades bring classic landscapes to windows to help filter sunlight and expand the feel of small rooms, or bring a view to apartments that don’t have their own views.
* EcoGreen Roller Shades. These are for the environmentalist in you. Imagine recyclable window treatments made from environmentally friendly fabrics with no PVCs. They are LEED Certification-friendly. It doesn’t get much greener than this.
* Bamboo is a sustainable material that regenerates like a weed. You can buy woven bamboo shades or bamboo slats. Bring the exotic in.
If you’re ready for a brand new feel to your home without huge reconstruction costs, get ready to go on-line and order your window treatments today. Don’t pay full price. Look for discounts and free shipping. People will be amazed at the transformation!
Looking to find the best deal on custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.