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Posts Tagged ‘window blinds’

Child Safety: Window Treatments

Posted: Monday, December 17th, 2012 | Filed under: drapery systems, Folding Shades, Roller Shades, Roman shades, Shading systems, window blinds, 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 »

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What’s the Difference Between Blinds and Shades?

Posted: Monday, April 16th, 2012 | Filed under: Shading systems, window blinds, window shading, window treatments
Blinds and Shades

Blinds and Shades

Blinds and shades are quite different, but there is often times confusion between the two. Window blinds typically have slats or vanes (vertical blinds), sometimes referred to as louvers. Blinds can be horizontal or vertical and rotate back and forth (or up and down) to control light. Operating a blind is simple, tilting the slats or vanes will control the light and privacy.

Window shades are different from blinds because they are made with one continuous piece of material or fabric. Window shades are rolled up and down or folded up (folding shades). They come in a variety of fabric and style options, ranging from Roman shades, roller shades and even solar shades.

Both blinds and shades offer shading solutions for windows in your home or office space. There are a few things to consider though when trying to choose between the two. If you’re searching for modern window treatments that will give you privacy, window blinds are a good option. It’s simple to adjust the slates or vanes to allow in natural light which blocking people from seeing in. Window shades also provide privacy, but have to be fully down, blocking the natural light. So, although you’re blocking people from seeing in, you’re also blocking out the natural light. If you choose a thinner fabric, window shades can still allow partial light to enter and keep your privacy.

Another factor to consider when choosing window shades or blinds is the insulation. Choosing a window treatment with an energy efficiency value will help lower energy costs. Window shades have better insulation, hands down. Cellular shades, Roman shades and solar shades all offer great insulation.

Aesthetically, both options offer shading solutions, but you have to consider privacy, energy efficiency and even style when choosing between shades and blinds.

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About Wood Blinds

Posted: Friday, February 25th, 2011 | Filed under: Folding Shades, modern window treatments, privacy window treatments, window blinds

Knowing what wood blinds are used for and how they’re made will help you understand what you need to know before you start shopping for wood blinds. Wood Blinds are made of horizontal slats that are attached to each other with cords and with fabric. Just as regular window blinds you can raise or lower the blinds in whole, or you can open and close the slats only. A popular style of wood blinds that are adorning many homes are the Venetian style blinds, these are horizontal and provide quality insulation for the expected elements that weather brings.

When considering to purchase wood blinds it is important you know what you are looking for, to know what goals you want to achieve with covering your windows, and to understand that wood blinds must be maintained to last. Don’t purchase dark woods blinds for a room that you want to keep cool. Dark wood blinds attract heat and do not aide in keeping the heat outside of your home. If you are looking to achieve an elegant look, purchase light blinds with drapes to match your homes’ décor.

Besides beauty and comfort, you must maintain wood blinds, knowing how to keep your wood blinds well maintained is a very important factor in keeping wood blinds. Keep your blinds free of dust by dusting weekly. Using a pair of cotton gloves is ideal when cleaning your blinds. It’s best to not use water when cleaning your wood blinds, not using water will help you to avoid warping the wood. When blinds appear too dry using oil soap to lightly moisturize them is ideal, you must wipe them dry after applying. Understand your needs, plan to maintain your wood blinds, and keep your home updated in regards to appearance and wood blinds will surely be a great choice for window treatments for your home.

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What are Sheer Blinds?

Posted: Monday, January 10th, 2011 | Filed under: Green shading, Shading systems, window blinds, window shading, window treatments
Modern window treatments

Modern window treatments

As we go through the different seasons it can be really difficult to pick the right window treatment for your needs in regards to what the weather elements will be for you and your home. A popular blind, because of their functionality, are sheer blinds. No matter which season you’re up against, the sheer blind will work for you for many reasons. Sheer blinds are easy to use, are friendly to different weather elements, and are a pretty site to see.

Just as you can do with a normal set of blinds, you can tilt your sheer blinds to reduce glare on your television or to peek outside your window when you hear a sudden noise. What separates sheer blinds from the rest is that each blind vane is separated by a quality sheer fabric that blocks out sun rays and adds to your home the privacy we need in our homes. This sheer element between each vane can be aide in letting in the light, and can block out heat from the summer or cold from the winter season.

Although, sheer blinds are on the more expensive side when it comes to window blind options, they have many benefits and are more appealing then a normal blind option. Another complaint some may have in regards to sheer blinds is that they don’t block the heat in that well and they aren’t the best option for room darkening. This is because the sheer that is attached to each vane will not allow the vanes to close tightly which allows light to enter the home.

There are pros and cons to each window treatment option that fancies most people, knowing the pros and cons is a key element in picking the right window shade for your home. If a soft and airy look is what you want to achieve, the sheer shades are a beautiful choice in any room. They do aide in reducing some light and warmth in the room, but also allow these elements in the home if wanted. Often sheer blinds are layered with custom drapes to help aide in the energy efficiency we all are aiming for and to block the weather elements out when we don’t want them to enter our home at all. Pairing sheer blinds with heavy drapes, leaving the drapes open most of the time, is what is recommended. Doing so will allow you to use sheer blinds as they’re intended, capturing the beauty of the outdoors while allowing you privacy in your home.

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Safety of Window Shades

Posted: Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 | Filed under: Folding Shades, Roller Shades, Roman shades, Shading systems

We are all aware of the dangers of hanging window cords. Families with small children or pets must be aware of the strangulation hazards and take steps to protect them.

Child safe window treatments

Child safe window treatments

Older window coverings are particularly dangerous and often have long, tangled cords that reach the floor. These products do not meet the latest standards for window treatment safety.

Older shades and blinds should be replaced with cordless window products, according to The Window Covering Safety Council. This is particularly true for rooms of young children and infants, where cords pose a strangulation threat.

Parents of pets must also keep in mind that cords can also be a danger to curious cats and dogs. Cats enjoy perching on window sills and dogs often like to look out windows to see where you go during the day, if you’re coming home, and who might be trespassing in their yard. Therefore, they open themselves up to the strangulation hazards that many pet parents do not even consider.

Addressing safety issues in window coverings with newer cordless blinds can also provide a cleaner appearance to windows. Cords can be an eye-sore, particularly for older blinds. Oftentimes, the string needs tied to prevent it from touching the ground, even when the blinds rest on the window sill. When the blinds are pulled open, the string lengthens and needs to be adjusted, tied up, or hidden, resulting in an unkempt appearance even in a spotless room.

New cordless blinds are slick, stylish, and come in a variety of styles and designs. Folding shades, for instance, are available in accordion-style pleats, honeycomb, and Roman shades. Additionally, there are a virtually unlimited number of fabric and pleat options to design the perfect match to your room and your tastes. Custom fabric designs and a variety of shapes can be used to create a unique window treatment specific to your needs.

Cordless blinds are also available with remote control technology, allowing you to raise or lower the shading system with the touch of a button. Systems can adjust automatically to light levels, temperature, or other factors.

Removing a safety hazard from your home is especially beneficial when you replace it with something that is elegant, convenient, and uniquely you.

http://www.windowcoverings.org/basic_cord_safety.html

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