Whether it be the windows in their living rooms, bedrooms or workspaces, people want to be able to look out of the windows and enjoy the view while still being able to adjust the amount of glare and the amount of heat that enters an area, thus solar window shades were created. And now, a recent introduction to the market is turning heads; Designer Solar Window Shades, the shades that offer a little spice to a room!

The fabric most commonly used in creating solar window shades contains a 5% openness factor that not only preserves the view but also filters out light. However, solar shades come in many different styles, weaves, fabrics, patterns and colors. The summer months often bring a surge in sales for solar shades as it is they are not only functional but also quite handsome.

Many solar shade companies are joining the environmental movement and are manufacturing shades that are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified for low emissions (LEED). This certification is awarded only when a product qualifies in 3 areas; air quality, environmental materials and energy savings. Blinds Chalet is proud to be a part of Children and Schools Certified by providing designer solar window shades that are GREENGAURD.

Every manufacturer is unique and because of such every manufacturer has differing turnaround times. But because a variety of solar shades in a variety of colors and sizes are kept in stock, if you find shades that meet your needs, production time is about 2-days.

When doing research and preparing to buy your solar window shades, make sure you find a company that offers discounted blinds. With spring here and summer knocking at the door, many companies are looking to get homes heat ready. Because of such savings of up to 30% off can be tracked down.

Solar shades help keep your house cooler and because of such aid in keeping the air conditioning bill down and offer other energy savings. Additionally, window shades can aid in the brightening or darkening of the room and can keep harmful heat and rays off of furniture, photographs, paintings and more.

“While glass tends to heat up the sun’s rays as they enter your home, these transparent shades continually block and reflect this thermal energy before it has a chance to come into the room. But the real beauty is that just like sunglasses or car tints, you are still able to look out and enjoy the view from your house. This makes these shades ideal for any weather climate in any geographical landscape, city, or countryside,” reports servicemagic.com

As anyone who has fully seen the benefits of solar shades will say, solar shades are a must have for warm weather areas. They are affordable and their benefits can be found today, tomorrow and for years to come. They reduce heat, they reduce glare, they can make an otherwise uncomfortable room enjoyable and pleasant to spend the day in.

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 shades 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 shades related.

There have been safety concerns resulting in small to mid-sized recalls of window covering products for years due to accessible cording that poses a hazard to small children. If you have children or if you have frequent visitors with children the issue is one that should be given due consideration.

1. Take a close look at your window coverings (vertical blinds, roman shades, cell shades, horizontal blinds, etc.) Regardless of what product is in use in your home. Just take a few minutes and really look at it. Are there ANY exposed cords on the sides, front or back of the product? This is the safety issue.

2. If you find exposed cording consider your options. Many manufacturers of all kinds of window treatments (vertical blinds, cell shades, roman shades, horizontal blinds, etc.) have retro-fit kits available that will bring their previously sold products up to current safety standards. Contact the manufacturer to find out if a free kit is available for your product.

3. If possible…you should consider replacing older window coverings that could pose a safety hazard with one of the many cordless options available in today’s market. In response to the growing number of recalls on window treatments for the danger posed by exposed cording there have been a wide array of cordless products released on the market. There are cordless options in every area (vertical blinds, shades, roman shades, wood blinds, etc.) The cordless products still offer all the great features consumers are looking for as well as all the great design options.

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.

Immediately taking temporary steps to alleviate any safety issues posed by cords is vital and highly recommended. But more permanent solutions are just as highly encouraged as quickly as possible. For further info on safety regulations and features in products currently on the market as well as older products that may need retro-fitting consumers can contact the Window Covering Safety Council. This organization offers free retro-fit kits for many types of window coverings. If possible homeowners with small children in residence should replace corded product with cordless products as soon as possible. IT is the most effective and permanent solution to the safety issue.

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.

Increasing the value and elevating the style of any home or office is quick, easy and cheap. It can be accomplished by simply installing high quality window coverings. And amongst the options available in today’s market Roman Shades are quick, easy and inexpensive. Many choose to install roman shades. They’re popular for many reasons.

1. Roman shades are simple, minimal and easy to care for. They don’t require a lot of difficult measurement for installation. They don’t require any special installation techniques. Consumers and designers alike often find that they are not only the best option when it comes to the “look” of the product and how it accents the surrounding room decor, but they are the easiest to self install. Professional installation is rarely called for with roman shades. They are a simple addition to any window with easy functionality.

2. Easy incorporation into room design. Many window coverings fulfill their main function, but they also overshadow the room decor. This is not an issue with roman shades. Roman shades fulfill the function of the window covering and add the perfect accent to design/decor without drawing undue attention that ruins the cohesiveness of the design.

3. Roman shades offer quick and easy control over both privacy and light control. This type of shade is a quick fix for privacy issues as well as light control.

4. Lastly, roman shades offer easy customization options. Manufacturers of roman shades typically provide massive ranges of colors and pattern options. The roman shade is one of the most versatile window covering options when it comes to decorative styles and color specifications. Incorporating custom fabrics or patters makes the roman shade one of the most customizable window covering options.

Fulfilling the basic function of the window covering without disrupting current decor/design of a room is made simple with the roman shades. When it comes right down to it the very simplistic nature of the product makes it the option for many. They offer privacy, light blocking/control, easy installation, streamlined elegance, easy customization, etc. Why wouldn’t they be one of the most popular options in the industry?

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.

Window blinds are a major home purchase. Some see them as an expense that they would like to avoid at all costs. They see them as one more design expense that shouldn’t be necessary, but seems to be required to make the house look right. These people are missing the entire point of window blinds! They’re not just a design expense. They’re more like a drastic home improvement.

Everyone knows that curb appeal sells a home. Agents who are looking to increase the curb appeal in homes for sale often look to upgrading or installing window blinds first before any other potential value increasers. Homeowners who don’t recognize the importance of window blinds are missing a fairly quick and easy way to make a drastic difference in the eyes of potential buyers. They add value to the home.

The majority of people recognize the basic function of the window blinds: privacy and light blocking/filtering. Privacy concerns can be solved regardless of window placement, window size, or room function. The wide array of products on the market cover every eventuality. The other basic function is light blocking and/or light filtering. There are products available with varying degrees of light blocking capabilities on the market suitable for a variety of regions and situations. Light filtering is a popular feature enabling consumers to take advantage of natural light.

But window blinds have moved beyond “basic function” in recent years. They are no longer only designed to provide privacy or to block the sunlight as necessary. They’re capable of so much more. They provide distinct advantages to every homeowner that deserves recognition.

One such advantage is curb appeal. Real estate agents are aware of the emphasis placed on window treatments by many buyers. Homeowners need to be aware of this when they are considering window blinds purchases. Window blinds are not a design expense. They are a home improvement and homeowners should consider the expense an investment that is increasing the value of their home. Another obvious advantage that is somehow overlooked by many is the energy saving features incorporated into many window blinds products.

Products that offer energy saving capabilities often save homeowners hundreds of dollars. Consumers interested in the possibility of saving money through energy saving window blinds products should access an energy savings calculator on a reputable website. They offer instantaneous estimates of the amount of money saved on the average utility bill with certain energy saving products installed. The estimates are based on the size of the home, number of windows, etc. Window Blinds are a home improvement that comes with 2 obvious advantages. The first is the added curb appeal and the second is the money saved through energy saving products. Today’s home buyers have plenty of options when it comes to buying a house. Making sure homes for sale stand out in the crowded market is vital. And window blinds are the place to start.

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.

Faux wood blinds and real wood blinds are similar in many ways and different in a few obvious ways. Their differences make each advantageous for different reasons. Consumers who are unaware of the advantages of faux wood blinds in comparison to real wood should look into it before making a final purchase.

For many the most obvious advantage to faux wood blinds is the cost. They are significantly more economical than wood blinds. In a rough economy saving money is often the top priority for a large number of shoppers so the price of faux wood blinds makes a difference.

Faux wood blinds look the same as their real wood counterparts. The faux wood is created using advanced technology. They are made from PVC and a composite of man-made materials combined with wood particles. The majority of shoppers cannot tell the difference between faux and real wood visually.

Another benefit of the faux wood blinds is easy maintenance. They’re easier to clean than real wood blinds. They handle moisture well so cleaning them isn’t difficult. Humidity does not affect the structure of faux wood blinds. Real wood blinds require more care when it comes to moisture and/or humidity. This can make maintenance and cleaning a bit more difficult.

The faux wood blinds products are manufactured in many colors and textures. They can be as easily incorporated into any design style or color scheme as their real wood blinds counterparts. They also incorporate up to date child safety features.

Faux wood blinds products vary by manufacturer so consumers should contrast and compare prior to purchasing. Reputable blinds distribution outlets online offer easily accessible information that makes the differences between faux wood blinds products and faux wood blinds manufacturers easy to discern and understand.

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.

Giving a vacant home a sense of warmth if easy with appropriate window shades. Window shades are often seen as the perfect solution for home sellers looking to show potential buyers the possibilities. Conservative window shades give the vacant home a general ambience of life. They give the buyer the chance to see the house’s potential as a home.

Regardless of the particular housing market the purchase and installation of window shades in a home for sale is an excellent idea. But in a tough market it’s a necessity. When buyers have their pick of a large number of homes for sale a good real estate agent will know that there are certain steps that should be taken to make a difference. One of these is window shades. It’s the difference between offering a potential buyer an empty house in comparison to a potential home.

Home sellers looking to purchase window shades should always aim for conservative products. Attempting to “stand out” in a tough market with “unique” window coverings is a terrible idea. It’s much better to offer a classy, conservative look with a well accepted product. This will please the largest group of potential buyers while the “unique” look will have to wait for a buyer with similar design tastes.

Some good, solid choices for window shades that will give a house a homey feel regardless of personal taste and style are: classic wood blinds (or faux wood blinds) or roman shades with conservative color choices. Color choices that will be pleasing to almost any eye are: white, off white, medium dark wood stain, or tan.

You can also take into consideration the other permanent color choices in the room: walls and woodworking. But don’t feel as if matching the stain on the woodworking is a requirement. Sometimes darker stains can be overwhelming and adding more dark stain would be the wrong choice.

Don’t forget that potential buyers don’t always have a lot of imagination. Home sellers need to sell their home. This means that sellers need to point out the possibilities. One way this can be accomplished is through a savvy window shade installation.

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.

Consumers who go into their search for new blinds or shades with extensive knowledge of the market’s products are rare. Most individuals looking to make a new blinds or shades purchase aren’t very aware of the wide array of products available. And they definitely aren’t aware of the extensive number of options and features. Some may even find it just a tad distracting until they know exactly what they’re looking for.

When those same consumers look back after they’ve made their final purchase they realize that each feature and each option actually had a specific purpose. Knowing the purpose for each option makes applying the possible effects to an individual situation much easier. And being able to apply the product’s specific features to an individual situation makes it much more likely that buyers will find long term satisfaction with their purchase.

There are four main categories into which most options and features can be divided: privacy/light control, safety features, enhanced function or general appeal/aesthetics. Each of these categories should be carefully considered prior to beginning the search for new blinds or shades. Consumers should prioritize in their mind which is most important and keep their priorities straight throughout their search.

Some popular privacy/light control features include top down, bottom up shades. Privacy/light control features are often important in regions of extended daylight. This feature is also popular amongst individuals or families that require sleep during the daytime (nap times for younger children or sleep for individuals who work night schedules, etc.)

Most blinds and/or shades have added cordless options to their list of features. This is by far the most popular safety feature available in the today’s market. Cordless features eliminate the danger of dangling cords, etc. The function category includes a wide variety of features from remote control operating to tile cutouts for tight fits in oddly shaped windows. Appeal is just that; options that create a more appealing look for the product. Features that appeal include color options and fabric choices, decorative tapes, valance design, etc.

Knowing the basics makes choosing the blinds or shades for any home or office much easier. Choosing the right blinds or shades for your home or office increases the comfort levels, increases the value of the property, and increases the appeal of the interior and exterior design. The effect the right blinds or shades will have on any home or office makes the decision of the utmost importance. That’s why learning the basics is absolutely worthwhile.

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.

Residences across America often feature window coverings (they increase privacy, allow for natural light control and increase energy savings). One of the most popular window coverings are vinyl mini blinds. Vinyl mini blinds are consistently popular because they are affordable.

Affordable products on today’s market can ensure that they’re the hottest commodity available. Another aspect of the window covering world that is given special importance during times of recession is maintenance and cleaning. Consumers recognize the benefit of increased life available through proper maintenance during times when budgets are tighter. Vinyl mini blinds are easy to clean. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Feather dust regularly. Most owners find this is easy and convenient and takes care of a majority of the problem.

2. If feather dusting isn’t quite doing the job owners should start with a damp rag. Running the rag gently along each slat from side to side will often remove any dirt, dust or debris. Make sure the rag isn’t wet; just damp.

3. If a damp rag process still leaves debris on the blinds it’s time to remove them from their installation position. Taking them down will allow owners to lay them out in an appropriate outdoor area to spray them off with a household hose for more intensive cleaning.

4. If taking the product outside for spraying isn’t possible owners can place them to soak in a bathtub full of warm water mixed with general cleanser. After soaking for a few minutes the blinds should be moved around in the water to allow any remaining dirt or debris to fall off.

5. And as a last resort owners can keep the car wash in mind. This would involve transporting wet blinds, but it’s worth it if it saves the vinyl mini blinds from being discarded because they can’t be cleaned. Owners can take advantage of the affordable high power water spraying devices at the car wash to really spray off the blinds.

Proper maintenance (regular dusting and light cleaning) should avoid the need for deep cleaning in the majority of situations. But many owners find it convenient that they have the possibility to remove the products from their installed positions in order to clean them more thoroughly if the need arises. Manufacturers have designed the product to ensure that the removal of the product for cleaning purposes is fairly easy and convenient.

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 shades 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 shades related.

How many blinds out there can actually fulfill the claim of being classic? There really aren’t very many. But plantation blinds claim “classic” and they definitely have the right. And this isn’t classic meaning old. This is classic meaning perfect yesterday and perfect today and perfect tomorrow. They offer timeless design options/possibilities.

Plantation blinds are available in faux, composite or real wood varieties. The Faux products are vinyl, light weight and durable. Faux plantation blinds are also extremely affordable. Consumers on a tight budget often choose them over other varieties. Another advantage is that faux products are the best choice for moist or damp environments. They deal well with moisture.This also makes them much easier to clean.

Composite varieties are made of both wood and PVC mixed. So composite plantation blinds also deal well with moisture and are an appropriate choice for bathrooms and/or kitchens. It’s also more affordable than real wood varieties so it’s advantageous in the current economic climate as consumers keep their belts tight.

Plantation blinds are also available in real wood. These products are obviously made of 100% real wood. They are customarily light weight and come with their very own natural aesthetics. They take a stain very easily and provide the benefit of the natural grain showing through for design purposes.

Many designers and consumers both say that plantation blinds “make” a room. They add a very unique element to the design of an interior space. They’re high quality and timeless as well as durable. They are valued for their success at providing lifetime satisfaction amongst homeowners. Homeowners who have high quality plantation blinds installed rarely discover the need to update their window coverings.

Last, but not least consumers can enjoy the many color options available for plantation blinds. It’s another entire spectrum of design possibilities. The many options that are available with plantation blinds makes for a nearly unlimited amount of consumer satisfaction.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Their focus on top quality, company tested and approved window treatments at budget prices has made Blinds Chalet a resource for all things shades related. With over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry, Blinds Chalet successfully educates consumers about purchasing and installing shades before they buy.

There are many, many options when consumers decide they’re in the market for window coverings. But when it comes to the extensive number of products…it makes some shoppers impatient. And being impatient results in their not even knowing about many options that could suit their needs very well. One option that is often missed is cellular shades.

Some of the defining characteristics that are noticeable about cellular shades follow:

1. Energy efficiency is definitely a defining characteristic of cellular shades. This means that they are capable of keeping more “bought air” inside the house. Homes stay warmer in the winter and they stay cooler in the summer when appropriate energy efficient window coverings are installed. The most energy efficient variety of cellular shades are those with bigger pleats and/or triple celled products.

2. Versatility is another important feature of cellular shades. A lot of consumers have a fixed idea in their minds about window coverings. That is the idea that to open the covering you pull the bottom of the shade up. With cellular shades this isn’t the case. They can be opened up or down. It’s called top down bottom up. This makes the options when attempting light control and privacy…extensive.

3. The honeycomb fabric of cellular shades makes them a popular choice for those who value extensive design options. There are hundreds of pattern and/or color options.

4. The honeycomb fabric also offers fabulous privacy options. It can provide anything from muted light to total darkness.

5. The cellular shades also offer another type of versatility: single celled shades, double celled shades or triple celled shades. When it comes to design tastes…preferences vary. But the triple celled shades are valued because they are the most energy efficient of the three.

6. Cellular shades also come in varying pleat sizes. Again…many consider this as a design element. But it is an important consideration in the energy efficiency of the product. The larger pleat sizes offer more energy efficiency.

Cellular shades are unarguably one of the most energy efficient window shades on the market. They’re probably one of the most energy efficient window coverings in general, as well. They’re sometimes called honeycomb shades due to the fabric used in manufacturing, but regardless of what name they are given by consumers…the important thing is to know the benefits of the product. Knowing the benefits of the product will lead consumers to the window covering products that most adequately suit their needs.

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.