Window Blinds Changing Trends
Filed under: info
Interior decorators are always working to make homes beautiful and window coverings have become a very important in maintaining the overall harmony of the room. The orthodox way of covering windows was to use curtains which didn’t give much choice as far as styles and designs were concerned. They were even very heavy and difficult to maintain and clean, as they had to be taken off from the window and then washed. However, trends are changing now and many people are shifting to window blinds. Window Blinds have lots of advantages as they are light, soft; have bigger range of colors, styles and design. They can be controlled by a remote and are even much easier to clean.
Window Blinds Increasing Demand in Us Market
Due to the increase demand of window blinds, more and more companies in US are entering into this sector. Many of them have made their name in window blinds market in the last few decades like Blinds to Go, by selling their products at factory rates and complemented by excellent marketing strategies. This has helped them in attracting increasing number of customers.
Blinds to Go – Marketing Strategy
Blinds to Go is one of the top companies in the field of window blinds manufacturing that have attracted many customers and their customer pool is increasing constantly. This has only been made possible by an excellent but simply strategy; have a friendly, cooperative relationship with customers and sell blinds at very low prices.
Conceptualization of Blinds To Go
Bringing Blinds to Go to the present level wasn’t an easy task. It took David Shiller, the famous pioneer of Blinds to Go, almost 50 years of journey to reach at the present level. Initially he used to travel all over the Canada to sell his products at the doorsteps. Then in 1954, he changed his strategy of selling products at doorstep, and made his own shop in Montreal by the name of Au Bon Marche. In 1976, his son Stephen Shiller after joining the company proposed to totally revamp the business. His plan was to sell a single product i.e. Window Blinds rather than selling many products and not being famous in any, which later turned out to be an excellent and very profitable change. In the infancy stage of Blinds to Go, they sold window blinds purchased from other manufacturers, but in this way they could never compete with other sellers, earn profit and even get the blinds as when they needed. Hence they decided to have their own production company which can produce blinds as well as sell it to customers at market competitive rates. In this case even the production rate was in their hands depending on the market demand. As a result of the ever growing demand of Blinds to Go by customers, Blinds to Go grew rapidly. If you are in Quebec most probably you would be going to Blinds to Go for blinds shopping.
How to choose the right blinds for your home
Filed under: info
Installing blinds is a great way to update the look of your home without spending some serious money. They also insulate your room, gives you added privacy and protect your home from the harsh elements of the outdoors.
There are numerous choices in the market so you will surely find one that fits your home and your budget perfectly. Just keep in mind that different blinds have different characteristics and benefits so don’t buy just any blind on impulse. You must carefully consider each blind keeping in mind the style of your home and the purpose for which you are installing blinds.
One major consideration when buying blinds is the cost. Yes, they do cost less than a total room make-over but some blinds can be expensive especially if you are buying good quality blinds with distinct and advanced features. If cost is no concern, then you can choose whatever blind you fancy but if you are working within a budget then you might consider some of the cheaper options available in the market. The most affordable blinds are the Mini Blinds. Mini blinds are practical choices for the home although they do not exude the same aesthetic value as say the bamboo blinds or the roman blinds.
Another practical option is the vinyl roller shade because they are not as expensive as the fabric roller shade or the wooden blinds but they are very easy to maintain and provide better insulation and protection from the sun than your mini blinds. They are also easy to clean because the roller shade does not have horizontal slats that gather dust.
If you are running on a tight budget you can use mixed blinds for your home. Use cheaper blinds for sheds, the bathroom, the pool house and use more expensive and prettier blinds in your bedrooms, your living room and study.
When buying blinds you must consider the over-all theme of your room. Make sure to choose a blind that is appropriate for the design of your home. Bamboo blinds for example complements seaside houses or country homes. And it would be the height of bad taste to install PVC vertical blinds in a lavish Victorian-inspired home.
Energy-efficiency and insulation is another aspect you must consider when purchasing blinds. Cellular shades and plantation shutters are perfect for keeping both extreme sunlight and extreme cold from your home. PVC-backed Fabric vertical blinds also offer great insulation and privacy. If you live in a breezy town and do not experience harsh weather then your regular blinds and shades will do.
Blinds as room dividers
Filed under: info
Blinds are much more exciting than you think.
Not only do they provide decoration and keep the sun from shining into your home when placed at your windows, blinds also make the perfect room divider. Blinds provide a simple yet effective way to split a large room into smaller separate living areas with added privacy.
Our made-to-measure blinds can be made to your specifications whether it’s for a window or another purpose. Instead of splashing out on expensive room dividers you can use blinds, which left open let light into the whole space or closed give privacy to a certain part of your home.
Vertical blinds, Venetian blinds and Roller blinds work best.
It’s Window Treatment Safety Week, How Are You Protecting Your Kids?
Filed under: info
More than 140 children have died in the United States since 1981 by strangulation from window treatment cords, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is easy to make today’s window treatments safer for young children with just a few simple adjustments, to prevent these tragic accidents.
Cribs and furniture should not be placed near a window.
Even if you have child guards on the windows, young children are tempted to investigate cords dangling from window treatments. Since young children climb, never put a chair or other object near a window with a dangling cord.
Keep all cords out of reach from small children and pets. Place the cords on hooks (called cleats) to keep the cords from being in harm’s way. It is best not to wrap them around the cleat, as this causes the cords to twist. Twisting causes the cords to get caught in the headrail, making the shade difficult to keep straight along the bottom.
Eliminate loops on two-corded horizontal blinds.
Cut the cord above the end tassel (the item that looks like a small wooden or plastic thimble). Remove the equalizer buckle, then add new tassels for each cord-or replace it with a safety break-away tassel. The CPSC urges you NOT to retie the cords in a knot, as that will only recreate a new loop.
Eliminate cellular shade cord loops.
Cut the cord and place separate tassels at the ends.
Keep continuous looping drapery cords anchored near the floor or against a wall, to keep the cords taut.
Only buy window blinds and shades that already have these safety features built-in. If you already own some that do not, the simplest and quickest solution is to use cord cleats.
Tricky Design Problem: Alternatives to Vertical Blinds
Filed under: info
Q: I have a sliding glass door that I want to cover, but I think vertical blinds are ugly. What are the alternatives? – Brad D., Los Angeles, CA
A: Thanks for your question, it comes up a lot. Vertical blinds definitely aren’t for everyone. What’s great about them is they’re very durable, and they’ll last you a long time. If your child or rambunctious dog pulls out one of the vanes, it’s easy to replace. Plus, they block light and heat well when they’re closed. However, vertical blinds are very traditional. If you’re looking for something modern, you have plenty of other options. Here are my top picks for vertical blind alternatives:
Vertical Soft Shadings
Why I like it: Mystique Soft Shadings add a touch of the dramatic to décor. This is a very luxurious, soft product that will add warmth and create style. It functions as a vertical blind in that it blocks light and heat, but has all the aesthetics of a sheer or pleated shade. For an even more spectacular look, hang them from floor to ceiling. As pretty as they are, they’re still easy to install. They’re lightweight due to the sheer material. Ordering online will cost you around 1/3 of what you’d pay in a store, which is always a plus!
Woven Wood Sliding Panels
Why I like it: Woven Wood Sliding Panels are an energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and fashionable way to decorate large walls of glass or sliding glass doors. They’re always a conversation piece, because they’re quite striking, and not many people are familiar with them. What people love about woven woods shades, they also love about the Sliding Panels. They’re crafted from bamboo, sisal, rattan, reeds, grasses, and wood, and give the room that natural, modern feel. Light will filter in when they’re closed, but damaging UV rays will be locked out. Keep in mind that each material is different; some provide more privacy than others. Order free samples before you buy to ensure the panels meet your privacy needs.
Hunter Douglas Applause Vertiglide Shade
Why I like it: The Applause Vertiglide is, in essence, a cellular shade turned on its side that opens and closes left to right instead of up and down, making it perfect for patio doors. You get all the benefits of a blackout honeycomb shade: insulation, darkness when you want it, easy of use and installation, plus plenty of colors and options to choose from. If you already have Hunter Douglas cellular shades in the room, you can find a Vertiglide product in the same color, as the colors coordinate.
Solid Fabric Sliding Panels
Why I like it: Solid Fabric Sliding Panels are attractive and easy to use and install. They’re available in light filtering and room darkening fabrics, so you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the fabric and color you choose. They instantly cool the room down by blocking UV rays and direct Spring/Summer sun. If you choose a light filtering fabric, you’ll still allow light to shine through while preventing glare on televisions and computer monitors.
Trends in Blinds, Curtains and Awnings
Filed under: info
With summer coming, many people are looking for new blinds, curtains or awnings in order to help keep the summer sun out. We’ve spoken to Joe Zammit from Apollo Blinds to see what the latest trends are.
Reduce the Heat
Stopping heat from entering the home helps to reduce energy bills as the air-conditioning does not have to be set at too high a level or work harder to compensate for the extra heat. Zammit says that the most effective way to stop the heat is with an external shading device.
“Fabric awnings are effective, as are aluminium roller shutters and external aluminium louver shutters. These – apart from the louver shutters – can be operated internally or even motorized.
“Internally, a close-fitting Roman Blind face-fitted to the window will help trap the heat and, with a white backing, can even reflect some heat back through the window.”
Other ways to reduce heat include the use of cellupleat shades and cedar shutters.
“Cellupleat shades have a honeycomb construction which insulates due to a double layer of fabric. Cedar shutters on the inside also do a great job insulating as cedar is a natural insulator and the shutter blades close tight.”
So what materials are being used at the moment? Zammit says that materials are ranging from rigid PVC verticals to soft polyester/cotton fabrics.
“Customers tend to choose blockout materials for privacy but translucent materials still offer a degree of privacy without compromising the thermal properties.
Trends and Colours
“A popular trend right now is for screen fabrics which allow you to retain a view by day, however, at night the reverse applies and people can see in with a light source turned on in the home.”
Even though translucent materials are popular, privacy can be compromised at night. Zammit recommends a double roller system off the one bracket which allows you to pull down a blockout blind at night.
Another popular trend is the minimalist look.
“Traditionally, in roller blinds, for example, people chose from a vast array of trims and tassels and were typically spring controlled. Now customers like the chain driven options with aluminum base bars across the bottom finished with a cassette at the top.
“Slimline aluminium Venetians, once the rage, have been replaced by the timber look Venetians in timber tones as well as whites and off whites.
“As far as colour goes, eighty percent of all choices come from twenty percent of the spectrum – whites and off whites.
“Chocolates have been popular of late and metallics are also in,” Zammit says.
Trending Towards Solar Shades in 2009, Sunglasses for your Windows
Filed under: info
Get this: Solar Shades increased in popularity nearly 63% from 2007 to 2008. Why is this small category experiencing rapid growth? Because they do a fantastic job of blocking solar heat – energy savings, woohoo! The room will literally cool down the instant you hang the shade. They are one of the best and most popular options for reducing glare on your flat screen television and computer monitor (which is why Starbucks uses them), and they protect your furniture, carpet, and paint from fading in the sun. They’re one of the only modern/contemporary products that accomplishes all of these things… without breaking the bank.
Usually made from semi-sheer vinyl material, they roll up tightly, giving you an unobstructed view to the street when you want it. They’re usually neutral in color – though colorful or patterned Solar Shades are gaining popularity as well – and won’t detract from your décor, if that’s important to you. They look fabulous with other window treatments, like valances and drapery panels. Most are available cordless, if you don’t want pesky cords dangling down, distracting from your design, or endangering your kids. Another reason they’re so popular is because they’re affordable and easy to install. You literally screw in two brackets and pop the shade in place. It’s super easy, but give them impression that you spent hours.
Solar shades are very versatile; they’ll work for you if you need inside or outside mounted shades. Luckily, they’re very narrow, and will usually fit inside of your window frame, even if you don’t have a lot of depth.
These Solar Shades are mounted as two on one headrail with the beaded cord lift option:
Some creative ideas:
1. Install Solar Shades over your screen door. Leave the screen open and pull the shade down in the summer so you can still see and hear your kids playing in the backyard without harsh heat flowing in.
2. Cover large windows with Solar Shades. Usually less expensive than other products, they’ll get the job done and look good doing it. This makes them perfect for apartment dwellers.
3. Cover sun room windows. Most people think sun room windows are impossible to cover… they’re not. Solar shades are available in very large sizes. Order than extra long and extra wide for full coverage when you want it.
A great customer posted this comment about the Economy Sheerweave Solar Shade , and it made me smile:
“I purchased this blind for my Mother-In-Law who has Macular Degeneration. Before the blind was installed, she was closing her living room draperies all day to avoid the glare from the sun and snow. After the blind was installed She can see through it without a glare or hurting her eyes. She is very happy that she can watch the birds and squirrels again! I am very happy that this has helped her so much. Thank You for offering a product that has given her some quality of sight again.“
Style, quality, and capability make this one of the most popular and still-growing categories. Give one a try and see what you think.
Happy Decorating,
White. I call it the one essential color by Barbara
Filed under: info
white-blinds
Babara Schitmeister is a color consultant for Hunter Douglas™ and wrote this article for them.
The white you choose and how you use it sets the character and mood of your space: Dramatic, vibrant, Tranquil, serene, spiritual, Sophisticated, chic, Crisp, fresh clean, Luxurious, glamorous. Let the color white stimulate you imagination.
Where to use white
From drawing rooms to beach houses, formal or relaxed, white is appropriate in any interior, modern, traditional or historic. It’s timeless, never tiresome and extraordinarily versatile.
How to use white
Try using several tinted white tones in different textures. This design combination will create a pleasing sense of variety, and invite the eye to move around the space. Use white to set off the other colors in your room. Pale and subtle tones in particular gain from the contrast with white.
How to choose white
Select a white with a tint of the other colors in your room. A warm white with a whisper of yellow in it will harmonize with warm colors; a cool, slightly blue white combines well with cooler hues. No wonder Hunter Douglas™ offers such a wide range of white choices across its many product lines. On of them is sure to perfectly express the personality of your home.
Window Blinds: Hot Styles
Filed under: info
HYDERABAD: Windows play an important part in emphasising the individual character of the place, blending in a coherent scheme. Whilst the window is often the last element to be considered when decorating a room it can actually make a big difference to a room’s overall style. The use of blinds as a decorative element is increasingly popular and when selected carefully can set the tone of a room and make a fashion statement in its own right.
Hunter Douglas, a Holland-based manufacturer and supplier of blinds and awnings, has an extensive range of blinds that can enhance or transform a living space. Blinds are increasingly the fashionable alternative to curtains, allowing homeowners to control the degree of sunlight, shade, ventilation and privacy in a room, says P K Sundaramoorthy, MD , Hunter Douglas. There is a vast array of window blinds available from Hunter Douglas:
Panel blinds These provide a versatile window covering and are set to make a big impact this year, looking fabulous in both contemporary and traditional interior design schemes. Panel blinds can also be used as a stylish room divider; providing the flexibility to create either a large space when open, or a little seclusion when closed.
Perfect Fit Pleated blinds These neat, modern blinds are both practical and popular lending a contemporary style to any room or conservatory. The revolutionary fitting mechanism means the blind can be installed ‘perfectly’ into windows and creates a comfortable environment in a conservatory all year round.
Venetian blinds Create a modern, uncluttered look. Venetian blinds offer style and sophistication to any room and give great flexibility – pull the blinds up to let light flood in, or lower the blinds and tilt the slats for intimate privacy. To determine the amount of light entering the room, the angle of the slats can be altered to allow daylight and sun control.
Roller blinds It is perfectly suited to kitchens and bathrooms adding simple style to any room. The fabric reduces glare while filtering incoming light, says G Swaminathan, regional manager – South, Hunter Douglas.
Vertical blinds Sleek, vertical lines create a distinctly neat effect, whilst allowing maximum control of light and privacy. Vertical blinds are ideal for patio doors and can be tilted to an angle or pulled back completely to provide a clear view of the outside world. Add life and beauty to your window with a variety of blinds.
news
Filed under: info
news test
