• search

Blog » Roller Shades

Window Treatments and Energy Efficiency

Cellular shade

Cellular shade

Blinds come in many shapes and sizes. Some are heavy, some are sheer, and some are downright ugly. While the selection is endless, the true competition comes down to the bottom line: which window treatments will save you money without breaking the bank to install?

We can rule blackout shades out this time. The cost of installation makes blackout shades more of a luxury than a marginal cost-benefit winner. Although blackout shades will reduce the heating and air conditioning bills, they’re not the only solution when it comes to energy efficiency. Read more »

Child Safety: Window Treatments

 

Blind Cord Safety

Blind Cords

Window shades or blinds don’t often come to mind right away as a child hazard, but they definitely can be. Cords, especially can dangle low and can be easy to reach for children. Not only can they pull on it hard enough to remove the entire mechanism, but they can tangle themselves very easily. Many cords also have a gripping piece at the end that is small enough where a child can swallow it. There are many ways to keep your child safe and to update your window treatments for your child’s safety. Read more »

Motorized Skylight Shades

Motorized Skylight Shades

Motorized Skylight Shades

Skylight shades are a great way to control and regulate the amount of sunlight and heat being generated by out of reach windows. Most people don’t think about installing skylight shades because they believe opening and closing them would be challenging (and irritating). But, with motorized shading control systems, skylight shades are more practical than ever! Read more »

Motorized Shades for Business Offices

Posted: Friday, August 17th, 2012 | Filed under: Green shading, interior design, motorized window treatments, natural light, Roller Shades
Motorized shades

Motorized shades

Motorized shades are great for any office space. They are even great additions for public areas in office buildings, such as the conference room, the cafeteria or the boardroom. Motorized roller shades make a great window treatment option for many solar control applications. Since roller shades are very “clean cut,” they go well aesthetically with most office spaces.

The idea of using motorized roller shades comes in handy for any areas that aren’t easily reachable, which is why we mentioned the large, public spaces above. Having motorized shades, where they are operational through a remote, can be problem solving for everyone.

If you’re looking for roller shades for reasons other than solar control, there are many fabric choices and options available. Many use roller shades for solar protection, privacy reasons/blackout options or as screens in their conference rooms. With the manufacturer options and the wide variety of choices, it’s easy to customize your order and maximize the flexibility of your roller shades.

Control your roller shades with the touch of a button or enjoy a classic, stainless steel pull chain for manual operation. All shades, no matter the fabric can be customized for aesthetic and function preferences.

There are many other window treatment options that can be customized with a motorized operational system too. If you’re looking for honeycomb shades, draperies or another type of window treatment, chances are that they are available in a motorized option. With the variety of fabric choices available, there’s no doubt you can customize your window treatments to match you work atmosphere. Many window shade manufacturers now offer “green” fabrics as well, so if you’re energy efficient or look to save on energy costs, eco-friendly fabrics are always an option!

Traditional Window Treatment Ideas

Whether you’re looking for traditional window treatments or modern window treatments, three things you need to decide are how much light you would like to let in, your aesthetic preferences and the window measurements. Some windows are hard to find measurements for, which may lead you to seek advice and help from shading professionals, but that’s what you need to figure out.

Traditional Window Treatments

Traditional Window Treatments

Traditional window treatments can be anything from Venetian blinds to drapery systems to honeycomb shades and valences. There are endless options, but these three tend to be popular choices.

First, decide on how much light you want to block. Venetian blinds are a great way to block light. You can open and close depending on the time of day. The downside to this type of window treatment is that they do not insulate heat well. SO, although they may be a good solution for your design needs, consider the lack of energy efficiency they provide before purchasing.

Drapery systems are a great option for any home. Motorizes drapery systems are even better. Once you master the vertical operational system to control sunlight and heat, this window treatment can provide a great aesthetic and design solution. Since draperies can be anything from a sheer fabric to a blackout type shades, you can design your system for your needs. Motorized shading solutions are easy to use and can help control sunlight and unwanted heat if your system can be set up on a timer!

When searching for traditional window treatments, you may face some challenges for awkwardly shaped and sized windows, but don’t give up too quickly. Many manufacturers give you the option of custom window treatments. There are professionals that will recommend the best shading solution for your window, depending on its size or shape. There are always answers!

Traditional window treatments come in more than just the examples we’ve provided. There are folding shades, Roman shades, blackout shades and many more options, but be sure to ask yourself how much light you want to come through, the size of the window and what kind of look you’re really seeking, then start shopping around.