Window Blinds Are Much More Than A Design Expense

Filed Under (Blackout Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 29-04-2010

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

There are two different ways in which to view the purchase and installation of quality window blinds. Some consumers considering a major window blinds purchase see them strictly as a design expense. They see it as a monetary waste they should avoid at all costs. This group of consumers are missing the point and doing themselves a bit of a disservice at the same time. Knowledgeable consumers are aware that window blinds are not strictly a design expense. They are more of a valued home improvement.

Real estate agents with experience in their industry are very aware of the positive effect that window blinds have on the overall curb appeal of a home on the market. These savvy agents are the ones urging their home sellers to purchase and install quality window blinds prior to listing their home on the market. Home buyers may not even be aware of the change window blinds make in a vacant home. But experienced professionals are very aware of the advantages; the installation of window blinds make a quick, profitable sale more likely.

Most consumers recognize the basic need for window blinds. They fulfill certain functions. They ensure privacy. They allow for light blocking and light filtering. Window blinds provide privacy regardless of the size of the window, the placement of the window or the function of the room. And there are a wide variety of products to provide for every desired or necessary level of light blocking/filtering. The need for light blocking/filtering varies depending upon the region as well as the specific lifestyle of the resident. For instance extreme light blocking is especially helpful for people who work at night and sleep during the day or people with small children that require daytime naps.

But the basic function of the window blind or shade is in no way the only thing that makes purchasing window blinds an advantage for most consumers. The design of the window blind doesn’t focus solely on the basic function; they now provide a myriad of other desirable options and features.

One of the biggest advantages offered to homeowners is added curb appeal. Agents that are aware of the vital aspect of curb appeal are also aware of the fact that window blinds are at the top of the list of “positives” for many potential home buyers. It’s a positive that should be taken into consideration when any homeowner is considering a window blinds purchase; it’s not just a home expense to add to the general design of the home. It’s a home improvement that adds much more value to the home than the cost of purchase/installation. They can also offer advantageous energy saving capabilities.

The energy saving features incorporated into many window blinds can consistently save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their utility bill. The availability of an online calculator that estimates the potential energy savings possible through installation of proper energy saving window blinds will lend credibility to any online source for window blinds. And the estimate will clearly show the second reason that window blinds are clearly a home improvement worth the cost. Not only do they add curb appeal, but they can actually result in financial gain through the energy saving features available in many product lines. In the current real estate market there’s some tough competition. The sheer number of available homes for sale can seem staggering. So setting your home apart from the crowd with window blinds is not just smart; it’s necessary.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings sector and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy.

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Incorporating Vinyl Window Shades

Filed Under (Blackout Window Blinds, Window Blinds) by Chris Stanley on 29-04-2010

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

Vinyl window shades are a traditional choice when consumers are searching for an effective window covering that provides sufficient light blocking. Many find that they need full light blockage which leads them to blackout shades. They are specifically designed to keep all light from entering a room.

Some individuals need to be able to sleep during the day which can be difficult with sunlight shining in the windows. Some families need to be able to put small children down for naps in the middle of the day. And some people are residents of areas that have extra long daylight hours. All of these individuals are very aware of the benefits of vinyl window shades. The light blocking benefits just cannot be surpassed by any other products on the market.

Many would classify vinyl window shades negatively in relation to interior design. But vinyl window shades can actually work quite well with almost any window decor/interior design if it is incorporated correctly. Accurate use of vinyl window shades results in both effective light blocking and interior design aesthetics. Interior design options for vinyl window shades include:

1. The ever increasing number of design options available for vinyl window shades makes it more likely than ever that the product can be used as a stand alone while keeping the aesthetics of an interior space.

2. Vinyl window shades bring a simple, clean look to a window that fits in beautifully with any modern or minimalist decor.

3. Pair vinyl window coverings with other window covering products. Vinyl window coverings are often used behind thick curtains (which provide a wonderfully effective extra insulation for the interior area).

Many choose vinyl window shades. And they do so for a variety of reasons. The extreme light blocking capabilities are only the most obvious of the reasons to choose vinyl window shades. They are the ultimate in privacy making them a great addition to nearly any interior space with heavy traffic or an extra need for privacy like bathrooms, high sunlight areas, movie theatre rooms, bedrooms and more.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings sector 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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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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share save 171 16 Proper Measurements Vital for Proper Installation