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Reviews and Product Evaluations for Window Coverings
Homeowners searching the net are confused by hype, loose information and
fast talk. You wonder who to trust when it comes to getting the truth. This
site offers product evaluations and reviews of name brand manufacturers.
Ultimately you get all the facts you need to feel confident about your
purchase.

Our Interest is Helping People Get Exactly What They Want

You’ll get the pros and cons of how and what to buy at the best price.
Reviews are specific and informative. I give you the knowledge to ask the right
questions so the focus is on your best choices. I’ll help you do the right
thing. Buy quality products at a fair price.

Discount Window Coverings and Discount Plantation Shutters

Take advantage of new gigantic, efficient factories that make shutters
better and cheaper than ever. The window covering industry has changed and I will show you how to benefit from new suppliers as well as established
American manufacturers.

Custom Design Service and Professional Guaranteed Measure and Installation

If you are in and around the big cities in Texas I can save you money by
offering great prices and great design. Your window coverings will be
expertly measured and installed and I will be able to consult with you on an
individual basis.

Basics of Window Covering Ideas: Light Control and Privacy with Style

Window coverings need to be flexible, adaptable, easily opened and closed
to adjust the light. Natural daylight is essential to a healthy lifestyle so even a black out shade has to give it up and move out of the way for some necessary light into the room.

Windows and window coverings must allow the outside views to come in and
of course when needed provide privacy and light control. So how do you make them pretty?

Hard or Soft?

Soft window treatments belong in the realm of the decorator and designer. Fabrics, drapery workrooms, swags and cascades, color, texture. Whew!! It can make your mind spin!!

Window covering ideas from a good designer have a special artistic sense
that is truly a gift. Window magic happens with the experienced eye of a
good designer. Soft or fabric window covering ideas naturally flow from the
interaction of client and designer. Hire a good one and be delighted with the
creative outcomes. You will become emotionally involved with the process
and when the drapery installer turns the fabric for the last time, it is all
yours whether you like it or not. I don't mean to sound so dramatic but
there is drama when a drapery job is installed and you get to see the results
of your teamwork with your decorator.

A good decorator is worth their weight in gold....not really but almost in
what they can create working with your likes, style and imagination. It is
a process that is so individual and so personal that not everyone has the
skill to pull it off.

On the other hand, hard window covering ideas are more finite and easier
to achieve. Product knowledge and experience at the window matter most when making your best choice of who to buy from and how much you will DIY.

Design Process

So how will you use the window/room? See the sun orientation chart on cafe
shutters to determine the importance of soft, filtered sunlight as opposed
to direct sunlight that produces a harsh glare.

The First Rule of Window Coverings

Rule # 1: You must provide light control and privacy as needed, cafe
shutters are no exception.

Being a good cop, I always think about the rules.
So consider the following for cafe shutters also known as half shutters.

Window Orientation:

Soft light must come through the window most times of the day. Otherwise, bright sunlight will defeat the look you want to create. The strongest, direct sunlight is from the west as the sun is about to set… from 4:00 pm to sunset. So avoid half shutters in west facing windows, they work best in north facing windows. Also, put your best insulating window coverings in west facing windows. Shutters with a thermal insulating panel are best.

Frame Options:

This type of window shutter looks best when the frame around the window is minimal or hidden. Consider a rear hanging strip or direct mount with a 2 panel opening. Bi-fold cafe panels work best with an inside mount top frame or a cafe aligning catch to keep the panels folded flat against the window. In your home, at the window we can help you choose your best frame option.

The shutter hinges are mounted directly against the wall or window frame.
Notice there is no light stop that will allow direct light to come in equal
to the thickness of the hinge. Also, out of square windows will be a
problem.

The hanging strip is mounted behind the panel using a wrap around hinge.
Notice how the hanging strip acts as a light block. Once again, out of
square windows are problems and may require a Z frame.

Louver size:

Traditional shutters or colonial style shutters have 1 ¼” louvers with smaller bi-fold panels. Most popular in the sixties and still fashionable in northern climates where sunlight is at a premium and windows are cased in wood. Here in sunny Texas, not so much. We have cheap houses for a reason: Sheetrock instead of wood frames around the windows, neighbors 15 ’ away, no trees, little privacy, hot, bright, sunny days.

Save money by ordering a smaller shutter that covers only a portion of the
window. Then, make your own curtains and save even more money. Of course,
if you decide to have professionally made draperies, the cost of a full
window shutter will be less.

Recommendations: So after a careful review of window orientation and glare
potential do you still want the look of cafe shutters? Ok, figure out the
frame type that blends in with the window and wall. Finally, specify the
louver size and number of panels and soon filtered soft light bathes your
kitchen or breakfast room making it a delightful place to savor the day with
friends and family. Another open ended question is, “What did you see that you liked?” or “What did you like about your previous window coverings?” or the opposite of that, “What did you not like about them?”

To be a good listener is an essential part in the telephone conversation
when we first talk and especially important later at the home when you look
at specific window covering ideas. In my dual role of retail fabricator and then as wholesale distributor, I have learned about how well or not so well decorators, designers and retail store personnel have sold their product and what exactly the expectations are that the homeowner holds.

For example, a leading internet advertiser will sell a shutter job over the phone on price alone and specify the cheapest frame and leave all the
option selection to the shutter measure person. Where is the added value to
you the homeowner in that sales model? There is no design advice. First impressions Over half our business is from word of mouth referrals.
Nothing could be better than to have kind words spoken about your company,
quality products and timely service. It is an essential reason for being to
get golden word of mouth referrals.

Many products can be sold easily on the net without an in home measure.
Faux wood blinds or some simple shades are easily DIY projects. Others
require an experienced hand at the window not only to measure and install but most importantly to solve problems or create opportunities at the window with the window covering of your choice. Some product samples have to be seen and put up to the window to determine color and suitability.

That is the key phrase, of your choice, We don't presume to know what you
want or what unique window covering ideas you have or what problems we will encounter in the home. The most optimal step is to plan an in-home
appointment so we can provide a window by window estimate of exactly what you want.

We measure the windows precisely when we come to your home. There is no
need for another measure person because when we measure with precision and get all the details that is often when a problem occurs that needs to be
addressed in an experienced way. Out of square windows, trim around the window, motorization design, and many other variables are noticed and we all
become aware of possible solutions.

Our motto is, “No surprises” I want to make the installer a hero and make
their job easier. By measuring carefully and considering all the tricks of
the trade, we can make the installation go well. One example is when
stained shutters are measured for out of square windows. An inside mount L frame requires caulking to fit the windows and the caulking cannot be matched to the exact stain of the shutters. I would rather specify a Z frame that
overlaps the window and conceals the out of square window behind the frame and requires no caulking.

Choose:

Next we go over the different product samples and color selectors to define your window covering ideas. We prepare a detailed window by window
estimate that I go over line item by line item so that I explain what products I have specified and just as important, that you go over my work and make sure I/we did not forget a window or a specific option. This is time well spent and makes for the perfect installation we all strive to accomplish.

Two Design Rules

The first is, “Keep all the windows in the front of your home the same. Curb appeal is enhanced and the beauty of your home architecture is maintained.
The second rule is, “If you are not sure, wait.” Make certain you like the color, choice of products, price and everything we have discussed. If there is any questions about anything, or if you are undecided about anything, then wait and I can provide more information on possibly a better solution if one is available.

Who believes in pushy salesmen that make an offer and a price that is only
good for today, if you buy now? That is not me, never was, never will be.
Once the sale is finalized, I will order the products the next day and
installation is scheduled as soon as the window covering are shipped to our
shop. Our installers are certified and the best in the business. We warranty our products and our installations.

POMG!!! Peace of Mind Guaranty. We handle at the details and arrive at
your home on time and finish the installation efficiently and with a feather
duster as our last step.

We leave your windows beautiful. You're covered with the manufacturer's
usual limited lifetime warranty that lasts as long as you own your home.
Things not covered are paint where you get the standard Sherwin Williams
warranty that allows some normal fading from sun after a period of years that
varies from product to product.
So it starts with you! Give us a call and be pleasantly surprised at how
much we know and care about your window covering ideas.

Plantation Shutters:

Plantation Shutters; Top 10 Reasons Why Everybody Wants Them.

1. Indoor window shutters are the longest lasting window covering of any
type. They provide a lifetime of enjoyment.

2. Real property, permanent investment and improvement to your home's
value.

3. Timeless appeal back to Gone with the Wind, old southern style
mansions.

4. Controls light perfectly.

5. One of the best insulators especially with a thermal insulated panel.

6. Shutter frame adapts to the window and showcases the shutter. There is
no need to decorate further.

7. Low maintenance-plantation shutters only need occasional dusting.

8. Price has decreased as large, high tech factories have increased
quality and driven down the costs.

9. Shutter colors match your home's decor perfectly. Choose exactly the
best color to compliment your home's interior trim.

10. Everybody wants them. There is an undeniable emotional appeal that
draws people to shutters.

Here is What I Know

Shutters are the best window covering providing quality craftsmanship and
lasting beauty. What follows are some helpful tips to guide you with your
plantation shutter plans.

Shutter colors:

Choose the white that matches your trim. Stick with the
stock paint colors where you get the best finish quality from an automated
paint line. The quality of custom shutter colors are subject to the
individual painter's skill. Is he having a good day today when he painted your
shutters? Stock colors have better overall consistency. Stained shutters are
beautiful and the same advice applies. Custom stains require the expertise of
the painter and individual samples must be approved and always there will
be slight variations in tone.

Style:

Shutters are elegant, timeless and above all, functional. Less is
more. Lessen the impact of your shutters by following a good rule in
decorating. Blend in with your homes architecture.

Shutter stock:

Choose only basswood from a big company or a well
engineered poly where advanced technology meets old fashioned craftsmanship, and you get high quality shutters at a reasonable price. Reputations are built over time. Avoid newcomers or small shops that paint in their garage style shops that might take production short cuts to keep down their costs. Their workmanship is inconsistent from shop to shop and painter to painter. Simply adjust horizontal louvers to the desired light level.

Close your plantation shutters and snug up to a cozy fire in a Wisconsin snowy
winter's night or tilt open the louvers to see the lake and hillside of Austin. Either way, you got it made in the shade. Your plantation shutter plans are easy to translate into an elegant, finished look.

Here is how to do it in 7 easy steps:

1. Choose louver size: 1 1/4", 2 1/2", 3 1/2", 4 1/2". Traditional shutters are the smallest with the bigger louver sizes giving you the best view to the outside.

Think about proportion and scale of your room and windows to determine
louver size for your interior plantation shutters. With small windows in a small room with a low ceiling, 2 1/2" louvers look better. Windows 24"x60" or smaller work best with a 2 1/2" or 3 1/2" louvers. Shutter panel widths can be as wide as 36" but I would not put a 2 1/2" louver in that wide of a panel.

It used to be a rule that 2 1/2" louvers could only span a 30" panel width but now manufacturers competing with one another have changed the standard up to 36" wide. Trees didn't change nor did the characteristics of wood. Wider louvers may warp over time. 2 1/2" louvers were more popular in the early nineties but less so today. Approximately 15% of all interior plantation shutters are built with 2 1/2" louvers.

The most popular louver size is 3 1/2" louvers. They have a balanced, proportional look for most rooms. They let the outside light and view to naturally filter through with 2 panels. Louver size is a matter of personal taste of course. Think about your view to the outside. If it is of the mountains or the
lake, you don't want to block it with too many louvers so a larger size louver
is best. I personally like elliptical louvers that are shaped like an airplane
wing. Some shutters have flat louvers. I like the way the wood louver are
tapered smaller at the end than in the middle. Flat louvers seem too plain and
lack finesse.

My personal choice for all but the smallest windows is the 4 1/2" louver
size. I like the way it enhances the view to the outside. The larger louvers are
spaced farther apart so more or the outside is seen. There is never a premium for your choice of louver size. Choose the one you like the best. Most people are pretty sure what they like so go with your instincts.

2. Decide how many shutter doors or panels for each window. Maximum width is 36" panels. There are lots of options here so look at all the pictures
in our shutter reviews to help you decide. This is when a qualified,
experienced designer is good to have if you have a question. Contact me with
questions and pictures and perhaps I can help.

3. Frame style: The shutter frame selection is important and varies with
how your window is trimmed out on the wall. There are many benefits from
choosing the correct frame to showcase your shutter or make a difficult
installation go smoothly. Here again, I can help with that.

4. Choose a divider rail or not and its location. Horizontal divider rails are required on tall shutter panels. They offer flexibility to control the light where you can close the bottom louvers independent of the top louvers.

5. Decide how they will tilt. Standard tilt rod works best but there is a hidden tilt rod that is on the back side almost hidden from view. Tilt your shutters by grabbing a louver and open them up and closed by adjusting one louver rather than holding the tilt bar.

6. Pick a shutter color: Match your trim that is usually a shade of white or choose a stain to match the wood in the room of the furniture.

7. Options: Custom arches give a window a unique look. Choose a hinge
finish or match it with the painted shutter to blend in.

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Wooden Shutters:

Interior wooden shutters are special in their unique capacity to link the
rooms décor with the beauty of the outdoors. See how they adapt light to
create window magic.

Indoor shutters filter soft sunlight

Interior wooden shutters here have a nice proportion and design with 4 panels with a T post, a center divider rail and 3 ½” louvers. T posts work great when you have wide panels and you do not want to bi-fold them or hinge one shutter to the next one. The T post create a stronger installation. This looks like a small breakfast room and the shutter proportions look right.

This is a traditional looking shutter with perhaps 1 7/8” louvers. Two divider rails with only 3 louvers at the top is not enough light for the top section. I would suggest a more contemporary look where there are 3 panels and larger louvers and only one divider rail.

Recommendations: Interior wooden shutters transform plain windows and
walls to become a masterpiece of light control and old world charm. Indoor
shutters are widely popular because their flexible design can adapt to any
window shape or size. Change the amount of light that filters into the room to
create the perfect working or relaxing environment. Continue to think about
your house shutters with an eye to creating the look that is exactly right
for you.

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Cafe Shutters:

Window coverings come in all types and shapes. My job is to give you a
little background about cafe shutters and let you know what works and what
doesn’t.

Here the window shutter is protected from glaring direct sunlight by the
outside porch leaving the room bathed in soft daylight. Also, these half
shutters are mounted inside the windows with a concealed hanging strip that
blends in with the wall without projecting out into the room. Do you like the way the dark stained shutters contrasts against the wall color? If you do, then great. I have great respect for the homeowners’ choices and will usually point out what things to consider and evaluate when deciding upon a color or a frame option. In this instance, picking out a stain color for the shutters, I would suggest perhaps to consider the light stain color of the armoire rather than the dark wood stain of the chairs. Either choice is correct as long as it is well thought out and carefully considered.

Not sure? Then hire a decorator and get valuable peace of mind with some
one helping you make overall artistic decisions. A talented designer is worth
it if you are not sure.

Recommendations: Starting out with colonial style shutters or traditional
shutters, you can see how louver size and number of panels is important.
Think also about blending in your cafe shutters with the wall color or complimenting a color that is found in the room’s furniture. Most importantly,
consider carefully the amount of direct sunlight entering the room so that
you will have a soft light palette to work your window covering magic.

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Interior Window Shutters:

Window coverings come in all types and shapes. My job is to give you a
little background about interior window shutters and let you know what works
and what doesn’t.

Great view, see how these interior window shutters don’t spoil the view
although I would consider the larger 4 ½” louvers instead of the 3 ½”
louvers. And see how the divider rail is not in your site line so it does not
seem to interrupt the view. Shutters mounted on an overhead track system
eliminate any frames or T posts. The panels can move to the side to allow an
unobstructed view. Custom paint tone is really nice. Great picture from our
Aussie brothers.

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Heirloom Quality Wood Window Shutters:

Basswood is the industry standard for making high quality wood window
shutters. Basswood is a great wood for the manufacture of shutters and blinds. However, there are other woods that provide quality that is unsurpassed. Why use different wood other than Basswood? Grain structure, strength and density.

Why grain structure? Some woods have grain patterns that are greatly
accentuated by stain or clear coat finishes. The finish can be unique and
extraordinary. If you are looking for a paint finish, Maple’s closed smooth grain
accepts paint better than most wood. Strength allows shutter panels to be wider than the basswood maximum of 36” (some basswood shutter makers won’t go to 36”). There are other hardwoods that allow panel widths up to 40”.

Density provides a harder surface, less prone to nicks and dings. Why does
wood density matter? Wood density measures the strength of a wood and it's
resistance to indentation. Independent tests prove maple is much denser
than other woods commonly used in mass market plantation shutters. The qualities needed to be considered the best made wood window shutters
on the market:

1. Handcrafted workmanship allows attention to detail often overlooked by
mass produced panels. Combined with the use of high quality wood, provides
a finished product with a furniture quality finish

2. Not only offering custom color match, but also unique specialty
finishes:

A. Glazed finish
B. Distressed finish
C. Antique finish

3. Superior Construction

A. Allows a panel height of 96” without divider rail (Most shutters usually require a divider rail for panels over 72”)
B. Furniture quality finish
C. Shutters that will last a lifetime

4. "Green" milling and manufacturing and in the case of Wormy Chestnut,
material reclamation

A. Shavings & chips created during milling are packaged for agricultural use.
B. Wood dust is collected by a vacuum system and sent to the furnace where it provides clean burning fuel that heats the plant
C. All wood is obtained through managed harvest of hardwood products. This means there is constant replacement and reclamation of each species as it is harvested. There is no over harvesting of any wood used.

Basswood shutters offer excellent quality. However, if you are looking for
quality that is unsurpassed from handcrafted artisans working with
beautiful hardwoods, then consider the best quality wood window shutters made in the U.S

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Horizontal Window Blinds And Window Coverings:

Horizontal window blinds have been around for centuries; made of reeds in
ancient Egypt, window venetian blinds made of wood in the 1800's then
evolved to metal including mini-blinds in the twentieth century, and now plastic
which are known as faux wood blinds or vinyl window blinds.

STYLE : The most popular style is 2" horizontal window blinds. Two inch wood blinds are timeless, understated, and functional and go with any decor. They have been around since the nineteenth century but evolved into 2" metal window Venetian blinds because the cost was less. Then in the seventies 1" mini-blinds became popular because the cost was again reduced due to less
material needed for production. Metal mini-blinds are now mostly used for
commercial applications. Aluminum slats are lightweight and tilt with a wand. Out of style because they bend easily and aluminum lets in the heat. In the early 90's wood blinds became all the rage but now are replaced by the
cheaper faux wood blinds.

MATERIAL/COLOR : White wood blinds or white faux blinds are the majority
of the blinds sold today. It is best to match the trim of your window that
is a white color that your wall color. Don't be afraid of color except when
you will see it every day for the next 20 years. Choose carefully when it
comes to bright, strong colors that stand out from your wall or trim color.

If a stain window blind is desired, wood is the better choice as the faux
products, although improving, just can't compete with the look of real wood.

Cloth tapes can be added to a wood blind to give additional detail and color to the blinds. It is not advisable to add cloth tapes to faux blinds as the faux blinds have more ladders due to their increased weight and the cloth tapes only accentuate the additional ladders. Also, darker cloth tapes can fade on the side facing out to the sun and can cause a blind to look tired and old prematurely.

FUNCTION/OPTIONS: The first thing to decide about horizontal window blinds
is where to mount it, inside (IB) or outside (OB) the window. Most blinds can be put inside the window with a factory deduction of 1/2". The valance that covers the head rail can be ordered with 1/2" returns that covers the light gap at the top. It provides a cornice look and is a nice feature. To cut costs, the big blind retailers on the net owned by the largest manufacturers don't offer or mention this nice feature because it adds to their cost to make.

The next thing to decide is how to control it. With mini-blinds it was a wand which worked well with the lightweight metal and not so well with wood or especially the heavier faux products. Cord tilt is now the control most used and the industry provides child-safe mechanisms. Route-less or no holes blinds have a certain appeal especially when extra light is an issue, but they just don't work as well as the routed blinds and are subject to a surcharge as well

Recommendations: More windows are covered with horizontal window blinds
than any other window covering. They control the light with ease and precision. They can be made from real oak or ash wood that has a lustrous grain and look. Or they can be white vinyl window blinds or faux wood blinds that look elegant in basic white. Can't go wrong with this best seller in any
window.

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Artistry of Wood:

The Graber window blinds story began in 1939 in John Graber's home in
Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Innovation over the years has provided beautiful,
custom-made window coverings first to Midwest department stores, and
eventually expanding to become Springs Window Fashions known all over the world.

Their philosophy of "Best Experience" is a commitment to quality products,
great customer service, and no-hassle warranties and "Green by Nature TM"
business practices.

Four Easy Steps to Transform your Home with Graber Window Blinds:

Step 1 Choose the material

Step 2 Choose the Slat Size

Step 3 Choose the Finish

Step 4 Choose Control Options and Upgrades

Traditions Special Wood Blinds: Graber makes plantation window blinds from
exotic Bamboo, Ash Wood, and Sandblast Basswood. These higher-end woods
and finishes are examples of true artistry of wood.

Traditions Wood Blinds: Made from select North American hardwoods that are sustainable and renewable, Graber window blinds are custom-crafted and engineered to high quality standards. Choose slat size from 1" (not recommended by the Blind-Detective) to 2 1/2", and 29 stains and paints.

Traditions Shutter-Style Wood Blinds: Beveled 2 1/2" slats have a timeless
shutter look. Available in 13 stains and paints. A really special look.

Traditions Composite Blinds: Composites resist moisture and warping and
offer a good alternate to wood in high humidity, heavy use areas like sinks
or baths.

Lake Forest Faux wood blinds: Vinyl window blinds are moisture proof and a
near look alike to wood offered at a reduced price. Available in smooth or
textured slats, select from 15 white and wood tone finishes.

SureClose Headrail System: Patented technology from Graeber Window
Coverings ensures smooth, no hassle blind operation. The cord lock is nickel
plated that prevents slippage and eliminates cord fray.

Product Options and Upgrades:

Decorative valances to coordinate with the trim in your home

Trapezoid bottomrail provides superior closure at the sill

Moveable Custom Wood Arches color matched to the blinds.

NoHoles Privacy eliminate rout holes and improves light control.

AutoMate Remote Control Tilt System at the push of a button.

Decorative Cloth Tapes accents and softens the look.

Coordinated Wood Tassels match the blind perfectly.

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Cellular Window Shades:

I combine light and music and window shades and musical instruments because you must control the light precisely to enjoy the full benefits of cell
ular window shades. While the fabric itself looks like an accordion shade, the real key to enjoying your shades is to operate them easily and effectively. Over the years, homeowners have been challenged with dangling and broken cords, shades that are crooked or tilted and shades that must always be raised or lowered to suit the existing light conditions.

Control options are the key to how you operate your cellular window shades
and how much you will enjoy them. Motorization allows you to fully enjoy all the benefits that cellular shades offer.

Advantages: Introduced in the 1980's, cellular window shades were popular
for several reasons:

The cells of the fabric of the honeycomb window shades trap air and
insulate well.

The polyester fabric is durable and moisture resistant and brings color
and style into a room.

When fully raised up, cellular window blinds of all kinds take away very
little of the window. So if you have a great view, you can keep the window
glass uncovered.

Three fabric levels of transparency help to control the light from minimal
privacy to full, blackout privacy. Wanting a dark room for watching the
big screen during the big game is a perfect application for a cellular window
blind.

Top down/ bottom up option allows light to enter at the top of the window
while still keeping the shade at the bottom of the window.

Disadvantages: In a short period of time, homeowners found out the short
comings of cellular shades that lead to control option innovations that were
essential.

Single cell became double and triple cell and a cell within a cell all to
enhance their perceived insulating value. However, nothing can be done
about the 3/8? deduction from the fabric that allows the shade to operate
within the window that lets energy efficiency numbers tumble.

The fabric was more fragile than originally thought. Vendors would crumple
duette fabric and brag about its durability and brag about cleaning duettes in a bathtub of soapy water. Not so fast my friend. They do stain and are subject to wear and tear as any fabric. Some fabrics in the window in ten years have delaminated and failed and needed replacement.

The cords over time fray and break with use that has been a real problem
with the standard cord option. Control options have improved but they are
still subject to wear and tear over time with daily use.

When a shade is down providing privacy, you cannot see out and some people
might feel claustrophobic. When you want to adjust the light, you have to
raise the shade and you lose your privacy. Top down, bottom up was invented
to solve this problem but that just added more cords to the window.

Although cellular shades offer several benefits, one primary drawback of a
cellular shade is the limited flexibility for light control. Since there are no moveable slats or louvers like on blinds and shutters, you can’t control the amount of light entering a room except to raise or lower the shade. However cellular shade manufacturers have developed a variety of controls for these shades in order to provide more flexibility for light control. These “non-standard” control options usually incur a surcharge when added to your shade.

1. Top Down/Bottom Up - One of the most popular control options enables
the shade to raise up from the bottom like a standard shade, but also allows
the shade to lower down from the top. This means you can lower the shade
from the top to allow light to enter the room while still covering the bottom
of the window to maintain privacy. So instead of a single lift control for your shade, there are two controls. When the shade is lowered top down, the
lift cords that raise and lower the shade are visible.

2. Continuous Cord - The maximum width of cell shades is 144". Those wide
window shades need the help of a strong continuous cord to raise and lower
them.

3. Cordless - Child safety first. Cordless window shades have eliminated
the need for a cord to raise and lower the shade. The shade is raised by
pushing the bottom of the shade up or lower it by pulling the bottom of the
shade down towards the bottom of the window. This cordless window shade
feature is especially popular with homeowners that have small children who are concerned with “dangling” cords.

4. Motorized window shades have become extremely popular in the past few
years. Motorization offers convenience, allowing your shade to be opened or
closed virtually anywhere in your room. A motorized window shade also allows you to eliminate cords so children or pets wont encounter these. Motorized window cellular shades can either be powered by a battery pack that is located in the headrail or the shade can be “hard-wired” if your house has
been pre-wired to accommodate this.

Recommendations: Cordless window shades are an essential safety control
option. They also avoid the bother of tangled cords on the floor as you lower
your shade. They also simplify the look at the window so my choice is a
cordless window shade. Motorized window shades are especially great when you have hard to reach tall windows that need light control. Shades without slats or louvers must be controlled more often to achieve the ideal balance of light in a room. Your control options are an important way to make the window shade work easily and effortlessly.

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Hunter Douglas Window Shades:

Hunter Douglas window shades have the most brand recognition for cellular
shades. They introduced the first cellular shades in 1985 with Duettes. When the patent expired, other brands were introduced into the market and caused pricing pressure on the Duette line. Rather than get into a price war, Hunter Douglas has positioned Duette to be the top of the line as far as color and style choices. This means Duette will be the highest priced shade on the market. However, you will enjoy the H-D quality and warranty which are top-notch. At the same time, the price will reflect the expense Hunter goes to in order to maintain their high brand recognition.

Duette honeycomb shades offer over 530 different color and fabric style
options with elegant woven or textured fabrics. Pleat sizes that are available with Duette are 3/8”, ¾” and 1 ¼”. You also have the choice of single, double or even triple cells for added energy insulating benefits.

Duette also has seven different control options that allow you to cover virtually any window including the ability to provide trapezoid window shades. Specialty window shapes such as arches, circles and angled windows can be covered as well. If you have a sliding glass door, then the Duette with Vertiglide is an excellent option for covering this type of opening. Duette cellular shades make very practical door window shades when ordered with the Top-Down control option.

The Applause line of Hunter Douglas window shades was introduced into the
market to compete against the lower priced competition. The Applause line
offers Hunter's quality at a better price value than Duette. However, the
fabric and color options as well as pleat sizes are fewer than the Duette
line. Hunter makes the My Blinds brand found in Home Depot that is an applause look a like.

Recently Hunter Douglas added Architella to the Duette line. The Architella line offers a honeycomb cell within a honeycomb cell to provide what Hunter calls the industry’s highest level of energy efficiency. Pleat sizes offered in this line are ¾” and 1 ¼”.

Recommendations: Hunter Douglas window shades are of the highest quality
and represent the window covering industry's biggest brand name. Their
reputation and service are excellent and their product innovation has many
notable acheivements within the "Ette" line. They continue to offer more styles
and color as well as control options than anyone else. The performance of
their battery operated power rise system is particularly good with more
installations than anyone else. When it comes to cellular window shades they
are pretty hard to beat as long as you don't mind paying for them.

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Lace Window Shades:

Lace window shades can add an elegant touch to your room without the
expense of using sheer fabric drapes. The most common lace window shade is
offered by Hunter Douglas in their Duette line of cellular shades. This sheer
fabric gently filters light and softens the look in the room. However, the
Duette sheer fabric offers little privacy or insulating benefits.

Another sheer fabric treatment from Hunter Douglas is Silhouette.
Silhouette offers a sheer fabric elegance and horizontal vanes that can be closed for privacy. Since Silhouette was introduced, it has become a very popular window treatment.

Luminette Privacy Sheers by Hunter Douglas offers a sheer drapery look with vertical vanes that can be closed for privacy. The Luminette is a good treatment for sliding glass doors or other large openings. The cost of Luminettes are close to the cost of sheer fabric drapes.

Recommendations: Lace window coverings are usually the domain of the
decorator/designer that has a fabric warehouse and drapery workroom. Hunter Douglas offers an alternative sheer lace look with their window shades.

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Motorized Window Shades:

As home automation becomes more popular, people are realizing there are
other reasons for motorized window shades than just covering hard to reach
windows. However many window covering dealers are hesitant about offering
motorized window treatments because of difficulties encountered with early
technology. Initially the industry relied on infrared technology which has
limited capabilities.

With radio technology becoming the pre-eminent means of motorizing window
coverings along with hard wiring integration with home automation, motorized window shades now offer the homeowner many benefits. We have become the motorization experts. We have partnered with Somfy ®, the world leader in window covering motorization. Somfy ® is the largest manufacturer of specialized motors and electronic controls for interior and exterior window coverings. We have also partnered with Vasa Window Coverings, a Texas based manufacturer of motorized window shades. Vasa’s extensive knowledge and expertise has enabled us to become experts in window covering motorization.

We can truly make your motorization plans hassle free. Or if you don’t currently have definite plans, we can guide you through the choices and benefits. We can work with you during any stage of your plans. We can work with your builder, architect, home-automation integrator, decorator or directly with the homeowner.

Benefits

1. Safety – no dangling cords
2. Convenience – Control multiple window coverings at the same time
3. Automatically protect furnishings – timer and/or sun sensor activated controls are available
4. Control hard to reach window coverings

Products

With today’s motorization options, virtually any window covering can be
motorized:

1. Roller/Solar Shades
2. Horizontal Blinds
3. Cellular/Pleated Shades
4. Roman/Woven Shades
5. Sheer Horizontal Shades
6. Draperies
7. Shutters

Power Options

1. 12V Battery

- No wires to conceal
- No need for electrician
- Good solution when access to electrical wiring is not possible
- Great choice for smaller window coverings or when a smaller number of windows are needed

2. Plug-In

Plug-in motors are available in either low voltage (DC) or high voltage
(AC) options depending on application needed.

- No batteries to replace
- Plugs into standard electrical outlets
- Electrician not needed (unless electrical outlet is not convenient to
window covering location)
- Visible wires would need to be concealed

3. In-Wall wiring

- Requires an electrician for AC applications
- Virtually maintenance free

Control Technology

1. Infrared Technology

- Requires line of sight contact with window covering receiver for motor to respond (similar to TV remote)
- Hand held remote control only. Wall switch not available
- Can only control products in one room at a time

2. Radio Technology

- Superior technology compared to infrared (quieter operation)
- Signal can travel through walls up to 65 ft.
- Easy operation – don’t have to point at object
- Operation can be by remote or wall switch
- Can control products in multiple rooms if desired

3. Wired Technology

- Available in AC (high voltage) or DC (low voltage)
- Electrician is needed for AC – Pre-wiring can be done during home construction or retro-wiring after construction
- A separate switch is required for each motorized product (hand held remote not available)

Somfy®, the world leader in the design and manufacture of specialized
motors and electronic controls for remote control window blinds, is committed to providing convenient solutions for day to- day living. With Somfy® products, users experience a better quality of life and have more time to enjoy life’s daily pleasures.

Recent developments in home automation provides homeowners with a new choice of practical and reliable solutions. Remote control window blinds provide the ultimate combination of luxury and performance and allows homeowners the ability to maximize the benefits that their shading solutions offer. Putting your window coverings in motion...quietly

Somfy® now offers noise reduction technology with the Sonesse™ motor range. Sonesse provides ultra-quiet operation for a variety of window coverings and is available with built-in Radio Technology Somfy® (RTS). RTS means shades can be operated from virtually anywhere in the house without direct line of sight. Similar to how a garage door opener operates, radio signals travel through walls and make it possible to control multiple coverings
throughout the home alone or as a group.

Hard-To-Reach Window Coverings

Now, at the touch of a button, hard-to-reach window coverings are simple to
control. It’s no longer necessary to climb into the bathtub, reach over furniture, step onto a stool in the kitchen or ascend a ladder in a two story foyer to adjust shades and blinds. The Telis Pure remote control is the perfect answer with a fresh clean look that matches any décor. It’s so easy, it’s Somfy!

Conveniently Manage Glare

Glare can be annoying while trying to watch your favorite television show,
surf the web or read the morning paper. An ideal solution is to manage glare with a Somfy hand-held remote control. The Telis Lounge is available for the most sophisticated styles. At the simple touch of a button, shades and blinds will open or close to adjust to the changing sunlight in a room.

Effortlessly Adjust Window Coverings

Remote control window blinds solve the problem of trying to adjust large or
heavy shades and provide ease of use for the elderly or handicapped. The
tedious task of raising and lowering a group of coverings is now simplified
with the Telis Composio. This 20 channel remote control features an
on-screen display for easy navigation and offers the convenience of adjusting
window coverings in multiple zones throughout the home.

Automatically Protect Furnishings

Many homeowners too often experience the damaging effects of the sun’s UV
rays on floor coverings, furniture, wall coverings and artwork. The Impresario Chronis is a timer that allows users to program specific times of the day to automatically adjust remote control window blinds in different areas of the house, protecting interiors from the fading effects of direct sunlight.

Instantly Create Privacy

One touch privacy helps create the ideal environment whether preparing for
a bath, relaxing in bed or enjoying time with the family at home. And with the battery powered DecoFlex WireFree™ RTS wall switch, motorized window blinds may be controlled when entering or exiting a room, just like the lights. The switch may be installed with-out wiring next to any light switch or stand alone and is never misplaced.

Reduce Energy Costs

Having shades automatically raise or lower at certain times of the day helps to manage heat gain in summer months and heat loss during the winter-reducing monthly energy bills. The Sunis Indoor WireFree RTS is a sensor that uses the intensity of the sun to provide automatic control of window coverings. This feature optimizes room temperature levels as well as protects furnishings from harmful UV rays.

ThermoSunis Indoor Wirefree ™ RTS is a wireless sensor that can automatically operate motorized window coverings according to the intensity of the sun or according to the room temperature which maximizes energy savings.

Increase Security

The Chronis combination timer wall switch may be programmed to automatically adjust window coverings at preset times throughout the day. This feature provides added security to an unoccupied home by creating a lived in look even while homeowners are away on vacation.

Integrated Home Automation

Did you know remote control window blinds powered by Somfy may be integrated with total home control systems? The same remote, touch-screen or wall panel which controls lighting, security, HVAC and audio video equipment can also adjust motorized window coverings. And with the flat screen trend
transforming virtually any room in the house into a “home theater”, motorized
window coverings are becoming part of the norm. Life Simplified... Somfy motors can adapt to all types of interior window coverings. Roller/solar shades, pleated/ cellular shades, 2” horizontal blinds, roman/woven shades, sheer horizontal shades or draperies. Remote control window blinds powered by Somfy provide convenience, comfort and control...all at the touch of a button. No matter the application, Somfy has the motorization solution and Vasa has the manufacturing expertise to handle it. We have the experience to help you decide the best solution for your automated window covering needs.

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Hurricane Shutters:

There are now a variety of products to consider for Hurricane shutters. We
will discuss the advantages and disadvantages to each choice. We will also
show cost comparisons for each product to help you decide which is right
for your needs. If you make the right choice, you can even save on your
homeowner’s insurance.

1. Roll Down Shutters (aka roll up shutters)

- Top of the line in storm protection
- If motorized, the aluminum roller shutter provides easiest   operation to secure your house when needed
- When not in use, conveniently rolls up into storage unit above   window
- Most expensive product for storm protection if motorized

Motorized Roll Down hurricane shutters represent the top of the line in
storm protection. Once installed, they are permanently attached to your home and offer very easy operation when needed to protect your windows.

Pros:

1. Easy operation when protection is needed
2. Provides excellent break-in deterrent for vacation homes that are vacant
for extended periods (classified as security protection products)
3. All motorized units can be equipped with manual override for emergency
exit during a storm or power outage
4. Vented slats are available to give light and ventilation when shutters
are partially deployed
5. Four available colors with customization available

Cons:

1. Housing unit above window has architectural impact
2. Cost - Motorized Roll-Downs are the most expensive storm protection option (The option of manual control does reduce the overall cost)

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Colonial Shutters

Perhaps most visually appealing product for hurricane shutters because
they look like traditional exterior house shutters. Once installed, very easy to operate in order to protect your windows. Most can be closed and secured from the inside of the house. So no extension ladder is needed if you have a two story house. Less costly than motorized roll up shutters but the aluminum construction still make them a major investment

If you like the traditional look of exterior wood shutters, then aluminum
colonial shutters are a great selection for your home's storm protection. Once installed, they are permanently attached to your home and easily secured into place when needed for protection.

Colonial shutters provide a decorative accent to virtually any home. Of all the storm protection products, these are probably the most architecturally pleasing product available. Their look is timeless and a compliment to most any home.

Pros:

1. Look like traditional wood shutters
2. Easily secured for storm protection
3. Allows some light and air flow when in closed position
4. Can be made to cover arched windows
5. Custom coloring in any RAL color included in base product cost

Cons:

1. Not practical for covering doors
2. With wide windows, shutters must be bi-fold (There is a maximum width)
3. Aluminum construction makes them relatively expensive (only motorized roll-up shutters cost more)

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Bahama Shutters

Once installed, gives the house a very distinctive architectural look. Typically a single panel mounted above the window and held into place at a specified angle to allow light to enter the home when not needed for protection. Very easy to lower in place when needed for protection. Similar in cost to colonial shutters

Bahama shutters have offered shade for beach home windows for years. Now,
when made from high-strength aluminum, they can provide excellent storm
protection. Once installed, Bahama Shutters are permanently attached to your home. They provide full-time shade protection for your windows which will protect your home from most damaging UV rays.

Pros:

1. Easy to secure when needed for storm protection (Choice of interior or
exterior sliding pinlatch to secure in place).
2. Allows some light and air flow when closed for protection
3. Provides full-time shade for windows
4. Custom color in any RAL color included in base product cost

Cons:

1. Has distinctive architectural impact on house
2. Blocks some of the outside view from window even when not needed for
storm protection
3. Cannot be used to cover doors

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Accordion Shutters

Less costly than roll up shutters or colonial or bahama shutters. Ideal for covering large window openings which make them more cost effective for homes with large windows. Has push button lock which makes them good for home security

Accordion shutters are not only an economical solution for protecting your
home from dangerous storms, they are also very easy to operate when needed for protection. Once installed by a professional installer, these shutters are permanently affixed to your windows and fold back and "stack" on the side of the window. They quickly unfold "accordion style" to protect your windows when needed.

Accordion shutters (sometimes referred to as folding shutters) are ideal
for covering large openings such as sliding glass doors and garage doors.
In fact, they can be made to fit virtually any opening on a home, including
curved bay windows

Pros:

1. Provides excellent Hurricane protection
2. Locking mechanism also offers deterrent of forced entry. This is an excellent way to protect a vacation home that is vacant for extended periods.
3. Four available colors

Cons:

1. The stacking of the shutters does have an architectural impact on the house.

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Storm Panels

Very reasonable cost but must be attached to windows each time when
needed. If several panels are needed, then storage can be a hassle. Metal storm panels can be heavy when installing especially on 2nd story windows.
High strength Polyethylene panels are less heavy than metal panels but will cost more. Polyethylene panels also allow light to filter into the windows

Storm Panels offer the most economical choice for hurricane protection.
The polyethylene panels that are now on the market are strong but light
weight. These panels are also translucent which allows some light to filter
into the house.

Pros:

1. Most affordable choice to protect your windows during a storm
2. Hurricane rated protection - plywood is not

Cons:

1. Must be manually attached each time protection is needed - Very labor
intensive and time consuming.
2. Must be stored when not needed
3. Blocks air flow

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EZ Hurricane Screens (Temporary)

- Very affordable cost but must be attached to windows each time when
needed
- Very lightweight and can be folded for easy storage

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Tapco Hurricane Screens (Permanent)

- Permanently installed on window providing 24 hour protection against:

A. Hurricanes
B. Intruder break-ins
C. Solar damage to interior of home

Relatively new to the Hurricane Protection market, Tapco screens are the
hottest option available, with a unique combination of ease of use, durability and cross-functionality. This product rates extremely high in all important areas when considering which hurricane protection product to choose:

1. Storm protection rating
2. Time required to make home storm ready: Once installed your home is protected 24 hours
3. Cost - Very reasonable compared to other choices
4. Aesthetics - Looks like exterior solar screen and does not block the outside view
5. Additional Benefits:
A. Security
B. Energy savings and UV protection

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Security With A View

1. Stainless Steel construction never needs replacing
2. Attached permanently to the house providing 24 hr protection
3. Custom shapes (circles, arches, trapezoids..) can be accommodated
4. Frames can be in white or bronze
5. Single point release latch makes quick opening of screens possible if
window exit is needed. The single point release system is ADA approved

Bamboo Window Shades:

It’s all about how they filter the light. Some provide privacy, some don't.

We have bamboo window shades from Hunter Douglas, Graber, Oak Creek, West Lake, Horizon and Earth Art Natural Window Shades. It is essential to look, feel and hold the sample to the window to see how it looks. Then you can decide what basic style you like and then to compare that with other product lines that may offer a more refined or subtle weave.

Bamboo window shades come in all the styles of bamboo, jute, paper and
natural woven grasses that will amaze your senses. I really don’t see how you
can purchase them without looking at several collections and holding the ones you like in your window to see how the light candles through and imagine how the ambience in the room will change. Bamboo window shades invite you to sort through them and pick and choose ones you like. But how do you do that? Your visual sense is keenly aware of color and the type of natural material in the weave. The stitching effects how the light will enter the room. Is the weave dense or will it filter in the perfect amount of light?

Recommendation: Many manufacturers have two shades on one head rail. The
woven wood material in front and a privacy liner in back. You can lower the
privacy shade independently from the woven wood blind to make light control
and privacy adjustments with ease. In my opinion, this works best. Some product lines only come with the liner attached to the shade. In my opinion this hides the true beauty of the shades. Light cannot softly filter through the natural materials and is blocked by the attached liner.

It is much like buying a bathing suit…enough said. Try the samples on your
window, in your room, with natural light filtering through the sample as
you hold it in the window. Probably much more than any other window covering and much like custom draperies, an in home visit is essential where we bring the samples to you.

The West Lake Collection of bamboo window blinds is a collection of bamboo
and natural grass window coverings. The material used to make these bamboo
window blinds are naturally grown and contain no pesticides or chemicals. Each shade will be custom made and your material selection will be hand-woven by skilled local artisans. They represent a long tradition of creating
beautiful, hand-crafted products from natural, sustainable bamboo that is
harvested every three years so there is no over harvesting. The West Lake Collection comes in a traditional Roman shade style in both flat and hobbled style.

All Roman shade styles in the West Lake Collection are available up to 96”
wide. There will also be a matching ring drapery and a folding door (Drapery style) application available in most patterns. Privacy or Black-Out liners are available as well. The privacy or black-out liners can be either attached to the back of the shade (sewn – no glue or double-sided tape) or as a separate Twin Shade which is an independently operating soft fold privacy or black-out shade behind the natural shade to maintain the beauty of the natural material.

Banding options are also available. A color coordinating wood bottom rail is available at the bottom of the shade in lieu of a fabric wrapped weighted hem bar. Specialty shapes such as arch tops and angles are also available.

Control Options

1. Standard Roman Shade: Shade is raised by a cord which hangs in front of
the shade. A 6” valance is included to cover the headrail
2. Waterfall Shade: Shade is raised by a cord which is behind the shade.
Material is attached to the front of the headrail and NO valance is provided.
An optional valance can be ordered with additional surcharge.
3. Top-Down/Bottom-Up: For an additional surcharge, your shade can have
added light control flexibility where shade can be raised from the bottom or
lowered from the top. There will be control cords on both the left and right
side of shade.
4. Clutch Control with Continuous Cord Loop: For an additional surcharge,
the addition of the Rollease® clutch system eliminates dangling cord and
provides easier lifting for larger size shades.
Because these are hand crafted, standard installation time from date of
order is two weeks.

In my search for window covering product lines that offer value and style,
the woven window blinds from Horizon have definitely excelled in both
areas. One of the early industry leaders in the manufacture of woven window
blinds, Horizon has led the way in making natural shades a popular design
option.

These beautiful shades made of natural grasses, hollow reeds and jute are
available as “roman style” shades or “roller style” shades. The Roman Shades can be made in the Classic or Flat style, meaning the shade lies flat when fully lowered. Or they can be made in the Hobbled Roman style, meaning the material keeps its folds when lowered.

Both styles offer decorative trimmings to accent the valance or finish the
bottom of the shade.

Large windows or sliding glass doors can be covered with Sliding Panels that cover the opening in panel sections that are on a bypass track system. If you prefer a drapery style for your large windows, then the Averte Natural Fold design will give you the drapery look without draw cords that will tangle or break. The Averte Natural Fold line can be mounted with the lightweight aluminum track and covered with an optional valance or top treatment or they can be mounted like draperies on a decorative pole.

The top treatments and valances that are available from Horizon can be made in the same materials as the shades for added design options.

If you like woven window blinds, but have windows that are not rectangular, then Horizon also offers solutions for specialty shaped windows such as angle top and arched top windows.

Control Options

1. Spring Roller Option is a completely cordless control system. Maximum
width for the shade is 72”. A 5/8” material gap on each side makes an
outside mount more desirable.
2. Clutch Roller Option operates with a looped cord. This operating system
allows for shade widths up to 144”. A ¾” material gap on each side makes
an outside mount a better option.
3. Top Down/Bottom Up – This control option provides better light control
flexibility for an additional surcharge.
4. Motorization – Enjoy the convenience of finger tip control

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Solar Window Shades:

Today’s solar window shades offer a clean, modern look with energy-saving
benefits. These shades are designed to absorb heat and reduce glare. Harmful UV rays can enter your room and fade fabric and damage floors and furniture. Solar shades can also filter and diffuse light, enhancing your view to the
outside.

All window coverings insulate the window. Some do it better than others and
it is impossible for a manufacturer to say how well their insulated window
covering will do because there are many factors that they cannot control
that effect the insulating value of their product.

Marketing people (Do you trust Don Draper to tell the truth? Google Mad Men
for more information.) are in business to sell their product and to spin the facts so their products sell.

I am greener……………….I am a better insulator……………. I will save you more
money on energy bills. Insulated window coverings are only one piece of the puzzle. Here is the big picture. Let’s talk about windows first and how various types of window coverings stack up.

Windows and window coverings lose energy in three ways:

Conduction is the transfer of energy when a warm surface touches a cold
surface. Warm air touches the surface of the glass and heats the room inside.
R-values measure the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value the
better insulating value. When you double the R-value, you reduce the heat
loss in half. Good choices here are triple or double cell honeycomb shades and shutters. Cell shades have trapped air between the cells that act as an insulator. Poly shutters work better than wood but both do a good job because they create a solid mass to stop conductive heat losses. Conversely a thin fabric sheer stops little heat or cold as does a metal miniblind that radiates the heat/cold.

Convection losses are created by the movement of air. Poor quality windows
that do not seal well are drafty and cold in winter/hot in summer. When talking about windows and glazing, U-values measure their energy efficiency. The U-value measures the windows resistance to heat and remember R-values relate to heat transfer. Two factors make up the U-value of a window and also a window covering. Uc is the tendency to lose energy by conduction. Ui is the tendency to lose energy by infiltration. So how does this relate to insulating window coverings? Common sense tells us that a shade that is one continuous piece and is airtight will be good at the Ui factor except that air infiltrates around the edges of the shade that have a deduction from the window size to allow it to move. Blinds, shutters and porous shades will not block air infiltration very well. So once again, high marks for triple and double honeycomb shades and low marks for horizontal blinds or horizontal sheers. Honeycombs have trapped air in the cells and do both U factors well. Blinds have some insulating bulk but let the air infiltrate.

Radiance Infrared light energy will enter and exit a window because glass is transparent and is a poor radiant barrier. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient measures how much energy hitting the window enters the home. The best insulating window coverings in this regard block the light completely so black out roller shades, cell shades and shutters work well. This leads me to a big point to consider when choosing your window coverings.

Recommendation: Shades need to be drawn or shutters need to be closed to
insulate at all but they provide much needed light and views to the outside.
So do you get triple cell black out shades and keep them down all the time?
Living in a cave has its emotional drawbacks. Better to consider double cell shade that is translucent so some light enters the room when the shades are drawn. I have two suggestions for the best insulated window covering. The first combines the beauty and functionality of a shutter with the energy saving qualities of a high performance double glazed, low e replacement window or an interior magnetic window. You can open and close your insulated window coverings as you desire more or less light in the room and still have the benefit of energy saving window.

My other choice would be a motorized roller shade combined with a high performance window that allows you to control the shade with ease and still
get the insulating qualities of the window when the shade is up.

Best to worst:

Triple cell honeycomb shades
Poly shutters
Double cell honeycomb shades
Wood shutters
Single cell honeycomb shades
Roller shades
Pleated shades
Wood and faux wood blinds
Woven woods
Sheer shades
Metal mini blinds

Openness Factor:

How much of a view depends on the “openness” factor of the material. Openness ranges from 0% (sun block window shades), 1% (99% UV block), 3% (97% UV block), 5% (95% UV block), 14% (86% UV block) and 25% (75% UV block). The higher the openness factor, the better the view to the outside.
However, the fabrics with higher openness factors filter less harmful UV rays
from entering the room, thereby reducing your energy-saving benefits. So the first step in choosing solar window shades is to determine how much sun control you want as well as how much of an outside view you desire. If you want to have a better outside view and only need glare control, then perhaps a fabric with a higher openness factor will be best. However, if you have intense sun entering the room or privacy is important, then a fabric between 1% - 5% may work best.

Style Options:

Three main style options are available:

1. Roller shade style
2. Roman shade style
3. Sliding Panels (Great for patio doors or room dividers)

Fabric Options:

The best fabric options are offered by these industry leading
manufacturers:

1. Phifer
2. Meremet
3. Graber
4. Hunter Douglas

Phifer has set the standard in fabric material using fiberglass mesh and polyester materials. In recent years Graber has entered the market and introduced decorative fabric options that now allows solar shades to be used in a wider variety of home décor plans.

Each of these companies offer fabrics that are Greenguard® certified
(certified for low chemical emissions). When thinking of sheer window coverings, there are three primary choices. Sheer window treatments relate to sheer fabrics and are made in drapery workrooms. One of the best known sheer drapery fabric suppliers is Ado ®. Sheer window blinds include sheer horizontal shade products such as Silhouette and Shangri-La. Here, we are going to discuss the third option of sheer window coverings, sheer window shades.

It’s time to take another look at sheer solar shades. They have been completely updated. The “new” look of solar shades now offers a very modern
appeal. Within the roller shade and roman shade lines are solar shades. These
stylish, multi-functional shades, now offer another choice when looking for
sheer window coverings. Style is not the only benefit you will enjoy from these shades.

Additional benefits include:

1. Manage glare (the darker the fabric, the better the glare control)
2. Block damaging UV rays (protects carpet, flooring and furniture from harmful sun:the amount of UV blockage is the inverse of the fabric’s openness factor. A fabric with 10% openness factor blocks 90% of UV rays).
3. Control heat build-up in your home (reduces heat transmittance)
4. Maintain your view to the outside (no nighttime privacy however)

Most of today’s solar screen material is made from high quality coated
fiberglass yarn.

The benefits from using this type of material include:

1. High heat resistance
2. Flame resistance
3. Low moisture absorption

There are additional material choices such as polyester yarn and jacquard
weaves which is the newest material for solar shades. However, the coated
fiberglass yarn makes many of these shades useful in commercial and outdoor
environments.

The two industry leaders of solar shade material manufacturing are Phifer and Mermet. Both companies have developed material that is functional, stylish and long lasting. Both Phifer and Mermet sell their material to roller shade fabricators who provide the final product.

The two industry leaders in wholesale fabrication are Graber and Hunter
Douglas. Both companies have introduced additional choices in solar shades
that are fashion forward, enhancing the product’s appeal even more. Graber
and Hunter have also introduced multiple valance and cornice options to
compliment the look of these shades.

Control options have been updated as well. In years past, the control
systems for most roller shades were poor and troublesome and caused them to fall into disfavor. Today, the ease of operation for solar shades has added to their allure. Continuous loop cord combined with the Rollease clutch control now allows these shades to raise and lower smoothly and evenly and with
virtually trouble free operation. This system eliminates dangling cords or the need for cord locks or cleats. There are no more child safety concerns with the continuous cord control.

Improved motorization has made the operation of multiple shades literally
as easy as the push of a button. This makes solar shades the perfect choice
for those windows with outstanding views that have a need for sun control
for short periods during the day. Once the need for sun control has passed,
they roll up completely out of view, providing an unobstructed view
outside.

Recommendation: Today’s solar shades provide another choice when looking for sheer window coverings. The updated material choices have given these shades a more modern and fashionable look. Combined with the many benefits of sun and glare control, they are a great window covering choice.

Control Options:

It should be kept in mind that solar window shades are very easy to control. If a particular room has a beautiful outside view but receives intense sun for a few hours each day, then solar shades make a good choice because they can easily be lowered to control the sun. When sun control is not needed, they easily roll up out of sight and offer an unobstructed outside view.

1. Manual control - Shades with the Rollease clutch control are the essence of simplicity.
2. Motorized control – Motorization is the most convenient way to control multiple shades
3. Cordless control – Must be used in windows where you can comfortably reach them to raise and lower the shade with your hand. Not suitable for very high or hard to reach windows.

Recommendations:
Solar window shades provide a clean and modern look to your home. Combined with the energy savings from UV blockage, they have a place in most every home décor. They are an excellent choice for those windows with a great view that only need sun control for a few hours a day. Also consider solar window shades as a secondary window covering. Use them instead of a privacy or blackout liner with your woven wood shades or shutters.

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