Making Window Coverings Safe for Children

Filed Under (Bamboo Shades, Blackout Shades, Blackout Window Blinds, Cheap Mini Blinds, Curtains Blinds, Faux Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 28-04-2010

Tagged Under : bamboo roman shades, blackout window blinds, blind shades, blinds, Blinds Chalet, blinds shades, Cheap mini blinds, Curtains Blinds, discount window blinds, faux window blinds, horizontal blinds, roman blinds, shades, vertical blinds, window, window blinds, window coverings

Recalls are the norm in the window covering industry. There have been a large number of them throughout the years on a wide array of different products, manufacturers and styles. But there’s one particular aspect that is responsible for a large number of the recalls: cords. Visible cording on window covering products poses a definite safety issue to small children. The most obvious and common problem is the potential for a child to become entangled in the cording. Consumers should be aware and take the issue seriously.

1. Walk through and actually look at the window coverings currently installed (cell shades, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roman shades, honeycomb shades, etc.) It doesn’t matter what type of product is in use; take a small chunk of time and consider the negative possibilities presented by its design. ANY exposed cording poses a danger to small children. Check the back of the product in addition to the front.

2. Any exposed cording should be taken care of; get in touch with the manufacturer (vertical blinds, horizontal blinds, cell shades…it doesn’t matter. Manufacturers are aware of the issue and will have an appropriate response). When you call or email the manufacturer request a retro-fit kit. They are typically free of charge and they include everything necessary to take care of the potential threat to small children posed by visible/accessible cording.

3. If it is a viable possibility financially owners and landlords are strongly urged to completely replace older, corded products. Cordless options are available in nearly every style of window covering from vertical blinds to horizontal blinds to roman shades. The cordless products offer the same aesthetic design and the same features and functions of their corded counterparts.

4. To ensure safety temporarily while searching for a more permanent solution start by tying down any looping cords with hold downs. They can also be cut and tied with a tassel. There should never be large pieces of furniture near window treatments. This increases the probability that a small child could gain access to cording.

If safety issues are identified in relation to window coverings in the home the issue should be addressed immediately. If the retro-fit kit is not accessible through the manufacturer or consumers are having difficulty accessing the manufacturer’s contact information they should contact the Window Covering Safety Council. This organization provides a full range of safety information regarding windows and window coverings and is more than happy to provide retro-fit kits to consumers free of charge. While they provide any and all answers regarding elevating older blinds and window covering products to meet current safety standards…they agree with the industry experts in saying that the safest option is to install cordless products.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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5 Design Considerations: Making Window Treatment Purchases

Filed Under (Bamboo Shades, Blackout Window Blinds, Blinds Shades, Cheap Mini Blinds, Curtains Blinds, Faux Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 27-04-2010

Tagged Under : bamboo roman shades, blackout window blinds, blind shades, blinds, Blinds Chalet, blinds shades, Cheap mini blinds, Curtains Blinds, discount window blinds, faux window blinds, horizontal blinds, roman blinds, shades, vertical blinds, window, window blinds, window coverings

Homeowners considering a window treatment or blinds purchase can be easily confused by the plethora of options, specials, promotions, and features on the market. Making the right window treatment or blinds purchase depends upon several variables and if buyers aren’t careful they’ll inadvertently allow one or two to go unnoticed or to be simply ignored. Due to the fact that the right blinds, window treatments or shades can have lasting benefits for homeowners there is ample cause to make the decision cautiously and carefully.

Homeowners considering blinds or window treatment purchases should take into count a few of the basics and not let all the details distract. Focusing on the details alone can lead consumers to make basic mistakes that will haunt them after their products are purchased and installed. The following list of 5 Design Considerations is a great place to start to ensure that homeowners don’t get overwhelmed. All the bases aren’t included in this short list, but it’s a great place to start.

1. Always remember that your blinds and other window treatments are going to be a part of the decor of your home. They will be one of the very few aspects of your home that will be visible from the inside and the outside. So don’t forget that they need to accent the design scheme you currently have in place.

2. Keep your personal priorities in mind. You know what is most important to you when it comes to your upcoming purchase. Don’t let yourself get distracted by all the options and available features. Are you looking for discount pricing or style or energy efficiency? Just don’t get distracted from your own goals.

3. Consider the long term price of the product. Don’t take the price of every product and compare them equally. Some energy saving products offer long term savings that will quickly offset the initial cost of the products. Take these factors into consideration up front and you may find that you can afford a higher quality blind or window treatment than you at first assumed.

4. Keep privacy issues in mind. Both privacy and security are offered by window treatments. You need to be aware of the need for varying levels of privacy throughout your home. For instance you’ll want higher levels of privacy on your ground floors and you’ll need more privacy in the private living areas and bathrooms.

5. Safety is always an issue. Many industry experts suggest that all consumers stick to cordless purchases for safety reasons. The corded varieties pose a safety risk to small children as they can become entangled in the dangling cords that operate the blinds or shades. If you have small children or have frequent visits from small children you will definitely want to restrict your purchases to cordless varieties.

Updating your home with blinds or window treatments purchases can be one of the easiest and most affordable home improvement projects a homeowner undertakes. And it’s one of the home improvement projects that can provide homeowners with a drastic change. So go out with a clear idea of what you’re looking for and then make sure that you get it. Because in today’s market…you can bet it’s available.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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Proper Measurements Vital for Proper Installation

Filed Under (Bamboo Shades, Blackout Window Blinds, Blinds Shades, Cheap Mini Blinds, Curtains Blinds, Faux Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 26-04-2010

Tagged Under : bamboo roman shades, blackout window blinds, blind shades, blinds, Blinds Chalet, blinds shades, Cheap mini blinds, Curtains Blinds, discount window blinds, faux window blinds, horizontal blinds, roman blinds, shades, vertical blinds, window, window blinds, window coverings

Properly installing your new window treatments is vital for proper function. But proper installation is impossible if proper measurements weren’t taken prior to the purchase. The vital nature of the measurement is missed by many shoppers new to the window treatment industry and once the mistake is made…it’s often too late.

Improper window measurements could leave buyers unhappy with their purchase. The entire purpose of window treatments is to cover the window. So unexpected “gaps” are appallingly obvious once the product is installed in the home. Even small gaps (1/8 of an inch) are noticeable and will decrease your satisfaction with your window treatments.

Being aware of the simple guidelines for proper measurement can avoid a lot of hassle post-installation. While the measurements are general in nature and will have to be adjusted and/or replaced for some specialty window treatments they are the perfect place to start as you consider a window treatment purchase.

Without some idea of what type of window treatment you want to eventually buy and install you need to gather measurements for two types of common install. You’ll need measurements for an inside a window frame/casing mount as well as measurements for an above the window mount.

When you plan on mounting window treatments outside your window casing you should take three measurements vertically and three measurements horizontally. Stick to an exact measurement to 1/8 of an inch. If you are planning on mounting horizontal blinds you need to add 3 inches to both your length and your width measurements. If you’re planning on mounting vertical blinds you must add 4 inches to the width and 3 inches to the length measurements.

To measure for an inside mount window treatment you will again need to take three measurements vertically and three measurements horizontally. Out of your measurements you should use the longest vertical measurement and the shortest horizontal measurement. Do not round up or down. Take the measurement to the nearest 1/8 inch without any deductions.

This type of mount (interior of the window frame/casing) also requires a depth measurement. This measurement is taken by measuring the distance between the interior wall and the window. Check the product specifications on any interior mount products you are considering to check the depth requirements. You’ll want it to be able to hang flush with the interior wall.

These basic measuring guidelines can’t guarantee that you’re installation will go smoothly and perfectly. But it can definitely get your search for the right window treatments off to the best start. You’ll have what you need for cost estimates and you’ll have the ordering and installation measurements you need for the majority of window treatment products out there.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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How To Easily Install Your Vertical Blinds

Filed Under (Bamboo Shades, Blackout Window Blinds, Blinds Shades, Cheap Mini Blinds, Curtains Blinds, Faux Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Jesita Jerik on 26-04-2010

Tagged Under : bamboo roman shades, bamboo shades and curtains, blackout window blinds, blinds shades, Cheap mini blinds, Curtains Blinds, faux window blinds, Home, home management, interior decoration, interior design, vertical blinds, window blinds, window treatments

If you are looking for an attractive and often inexpensive way to brighten up your windows and to accent a room, then you might want to consider installing some vertical blinds. The installation of these types of blinds are relatively simple and the end product is worth the time and effort.

While out shopping for these blinds you will discover the wonderful variety that can be found. Without costing you an arm and a leg, you can get blinds that look like wood, fabric and other materials that add great accent to your windows and to the room they are hung in. There are enough varieties of colors that it would be impossible not to be able to find something that would go with the style of your home.

Another great thing about vertical blinds is that they are absolutely perfect for your glass sliding doors and can be opened completely without obstructing any view and they also can be closed all the way for complete privacy.

The tools and items you will need for installing your vertical blinds are the window blinds and their hardware, cordless drill, ladder, hammer and finishing nails (depends on the manufacturers instructions), protective glasses, a tape measure, hole punch, drill bits in a variety of sizes, hex head bit that is one quarter of an inch, level and scissors. If your blinds are heavy duty you will need to also have heavy duty wall hangers and toggle bolts and for light weight blinds you would just need plastic inserts.

Before you go out and buy your blinds, you need to measure the width and length of your window. For an inside mount measure the inside width and then the height for an outside mount measure an inch on the outside of the window on both sides. After you bring your blinds home make sure to separate the hardware from the actual blinds. Also do not forget to read the manufacturers instructions as well. Every set of blinds are different.

Now, measure out from the window on both sides, an inch. Mark this spot with your pencil. This is where your brackets are going to be attached. You can start the holes for the brackets with your hole punch. Then take your cordless drill and drill more of the holes. If the area of the wall you are drilling is hollow, this is when you will need to use the wall anchors so that the window blinds will be secure. After you have attached the anchors take the brackets and attach them to the wall.

Now take the window blinds and attach them. These will go into the mounted brackets. You can do this by attaching the window blinds into grooves that are in the brackets. The rod that controls the window blinds can now be attached. If there is a dust cover or valance you need to measure about four inches out from where the brackets are and then drill holes through the valance or dust cover and into the wall. You will need help with this. You will then use screws to fasten the item to the wall. Snap the head rail of the window blinds in place and decide which side you want the pull cord on.

Now you are ready to install the louvers. You will need to rotate the stems so that you can see actually see through the slots and push the louver up into the slot, then you will down lightly on the louver and it should pop into place.

Many readers may wish to find out more about vertical blinds, and may go to Jesita Jerik’s site to choose the best window blinds for their needs and save money at the same time.

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JC Penney Blinds Are An Option

Filed Under (Bamboo Shades, Blackout Window Blinds, Blinds Shades, Cheap Mini Blinds, Curtains Blinds, Faux Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 23-04-2010

Tagged Under : bamboo roman shades, bamboo shades and curtains, blackout window blinds, blinds, Blinds Chalet, blinds shades, Cheap mini blinds, Curtains Blinds, discount window blinds, faux window blinds, horizontal blinds, roman blinds, shades, vertical blinds, window, window blinds, window coverings, window treatments

Consumers often make a purchase because of the name on the tag of the given product. Many won’t admit it, but it happens regardless. In the blinds industry this often happens with JC Penney blinds. And they aren’t always the best product for the price.

They aren’t the only option. And they aren’t the best option for a large portion of consumers in the market for new window coverings. JC Penney blinds offer positive options; they just aren’t the only options available. Consumers have to be aware of the comparable products available in the industry. The “brand” you recognize isn’t always the best answer.

Almost every consumer considers price a top priority. A discounted blind is often a top choice. But just as shopping by brand name alone is not a good idea…shopping by price tag alone is not a good idea. The two have to be considered simultaneously. Those considering JC Penney window blinds have to consider the price tag in comparison to the comparable products on the market.

JC Penney blinds often have a high price attached. Many consumers go with the price without looking at comparable products in the industry because of the name the price is attached to. This is a mistake. JC Penney blinds can be a good option, but letting them be the only option without even doing a simple cost comparison will lead consumers down an unhappy road.

JC Penney blinds pricing is typically above average compared to competitive products. Their prices aren’t inflated. But JC Penney in general has higher operating costs than most leading distributors and retailers in the blinds industry. Their extensive number of brick and mortar stores as well as their extensive staff (many set aside strictly for installation purposes) creates much higher operating expenditures than is necessary. This ups their product prices out of necessity.

Competitive distributors and retailers in the industry cut costs by lowering their operational costs. They offer quality products at low prices available due to avoiding numerous brick and mortar locations and extensive installation staff. The vast majority of blinds purchasers easily conduct their measurement and installation. And a large portion indicate that professional installation is more of a pain than a convenience making the decreased price an even bigger bonus.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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