Archive for October, 2009

Roller shutters play a major role in security and protection. They not only add a neat finish to your area, but also protect them. Areas such as outdoor garages, patios, etc, especially when you live in a forest or hurricane area, benefit immensely with roller shutters.

We all know the advantages of installing roller shutters for outdoor protection areas for the security of your home. But, few people know how roller shutters can be utilized indoors.

Roller shutters can be used indoors for a variety of other purposes, other than normal security or garage uses.

Home theatre systems: You would definitely be surprised that roller shutters are actually used for a home theatre system. Ask those with a whole bunch of energetic kids running all over their house and jumping off the walls. Having a home theatre system in a house full of children isn’t an unrequited dream anymore. You can have your system and have roller shutters fixed in the cabinet which can be easily opened with a click of a button.

Plasma televisions: Having a plasma television is an ultimate addition to your perfectly decorated living room. But having harsh light come in through your window directly on your screen can actually damage its surface. Moreover, dust is the silent killer most plasma units are prone to. Installing a roller shutter encasing to your plasma unit alone can protect it from dust. Give your plasma units some air to breathe as they generate a lot of heat. Roller shutters are an ultimate choice to nurture your plasma television unit.

If you run a preschool in your premises, it doesn’t mean you would have to put up with the noise of the lunch break – installing a roller shutter shuts out the noise while giving your house exclusive privacy. In the same way, you can have a blasting music or a grooving party at midnight, without inviting the cops over every time!

Roller shutters work best as roof shutters, they give a possibility of skylight roof window in extreme weather conditions. These hard to reach areas are managed well with roller shutters. These roller shutters are sleek and concealed. They just roll up into their sheath when not in use.

Having satisfactory interiors for your house is an art. You don’t have to spend extravagantly and yet have all the amenities for your beloved house. Especially when it comes to some of the costly items like window blinds and shades, you obviously should look for affordable options and yet manage to get for your windows classy looking blinds and shades. There are many varieties available in online sites like shadesshuttersblinds.com and you can seek valuable discount too here.

You can go for faux wood blinds that are durable even in humid weathers and protect you from weather changes. For lighter varieties, you can go for composite blinds and you will be delighted to find so many colors in them. Also different types are available in these varieties like routless and valances, tapes, and remote controlled blinds. The latest technologies have made it possible to adjust your blinds without even the need to get up.

Vertical blinds are also popular varieties and among them many people like to opt for vinyl, fabric, faux wood or real wood blinds. For blackout effect obviously the vinyl blinds are better and give you the typical soothing effect. For colored effect on your windows, the wooden blinds look beautiful as they take stains of colors well. You can even get custom-made vertical blinds as per your needs of sizes, shapes and colors. But it is always better to do a comparative study before buying such blinds from any online site so that you understand the difference between prices and can grab a good deal!

There are several window treatments and they are all good. However, sometimes you may realize that you are not able to get that which you have been hoping for. Economic times are tight. It would be wise that you act in the most sensible manner. You can choose to sacrifice and get shades as opposed to all the other treatments for multiple benefits.

Like, you would get what draperies give. You would also get what blinds can give. It is quite good that you go by the shades because they can always work magic for you. There are discounts that are currently open which would help make the shopping for these items quite possible and easy.

You can also be able to regulate the amount of light that you want in your room at any given time by just adjusting the shades. They boost the overall interior design and you can be certain that you would enjoy the environment where you will have placed the shades.

Shades come in different vane size so you need to choose that which you think would work best for you. They also come in different color shades. You certainly have the color that enthuses you. This is the one that you need to look for as you shop.

They also come in different opacities and so you have to be sure on what you think would be most ideal for you. The control options also vary so that you have to be sure on what you are picking. It has to be the one that fascinates you.

The fabric types in which the shades come in are also different. You would need to be keen that you never make a mistake when there are several options to choose from. Search from the collection online and only pick what you feel is most ideal for your rooms.

Having a home is one thing that you really need to celebrate. Through getting the best shutters, you are showing that you are celebrating. You should know how many people wake up each morning and pray incessantly that some day they may also be privileged to have a home they call their own. You therefore need to know that it is not because you are any better that you have a home but it is because of the different situations that we have.

There is need for you to show that you appreciate the opportunity that you have been granted. What you would need to check on is whether you are able to let it be manifest that you love your home. In deed, when you take your time to ensure that you are getting the best for your home is a good sign that you are happy.

Shutters offer unbeatable privacy that you would really appreciate. You deserve to have this high level of privacy when you are in your home because you just cannot tell who is snooping. With the best of these, you can be certain that you privacy within your home is guaranteed.

Shutters would also help you have the best light and airy environment within your home. You can actually succeed to get the perfect match that would fit with your own interior décor. It will in fact contribute to making it even more beautiful and welcoming.

If you need to make your home beautiful and stunning, window shutters are the best that you should look for. Shopping for the same has been made quite exciting in that you will always get exciting gallery online that you can use to choose what you would wish to bring home. You can just get online even now and begin your shopping.

There are various reasons why you would need to get window treatments. First of all, we know the relevance of windows at home and that is the main reason why they need to get the best coverings that we can come across. It has now been made possible for all those who are interested to do their shopping online for all kinds of coverings that they may need.

It would also please you to know that there are several types of coverings and this is why you would need to know what you need in advance so that you narrow you search. There are blinds, shades and shutters which are further available in different categories.

So, when you are shopping for the coverings or treatments, you would need to have a checklist with you so that you never get cheated. You would need to be certain that you are shopping from the right site where you would only get the best quality coverings that would give you back value.

The other thing that you would need to have in mind is that there are accessories that come with the coverings. These must also be shopped for to be able to get what you are hoping for. The fabric and the features that appear on the covering is the other thing that you would need to take advantage of.

You have to be keen on deals and discounts as well. Occasionally, most sites would have a deal or discounts adverts on their sites and these would help you get to know whether you are getting the best deal or not.

You need to ensure that you are not missing on the window treatments that would just add excitement to your rooms. When you have brings windows, the room would always look fresh and welcoming and this is what your guests deserve.

We make all efforts to get the best house for our living and then we ultimately plan for its interior. If we look at basic stuff in house it comprises of doors, windows, floors and kitchen. When one wants a conventional look for their home, then the wood window treatments are the perfect thing one would want for the decoration of their home. The Interior wood shutters known as plantation shutters also are quite a sophisticated and unique way of covering the windows.

The one benefit of these interior wood shutters is their durability. These wood shutters offer long-lasting importance to the house as they would not need any replacement time and again like different window coverings.

In case one needs an substitute wood option for consideration then the woven wood shades would be perfect as they offer an efficient solution of attractive energy for the house and is the main factor in making a choice amongst these window treatment kinds at a location in your home. For instance, bamboo woven shades may look good in the bathroom or kitchen, while interior wood shutters would work much better in the den or living room.

Meanwhile, the Hunter Douglas has the best accessibility in market today when speaking of interior wood shutters. The Hunter Douglas Heritage hardwood shutters are carved out of seasoned wood which adds a perfect unique feel to the home. Hunter Douglas known best for their vast choices and reliable customization in window treatments treat the shutters in such a way that they  last for several years, still looking new due to the UV protection in it up to 99% when  are  totally shut.

One can make a choice from the everlasting stain options and custom paint with the wood shutters between one can make them modified so as to fit the French doors and even a strange odd sized window. The options are almost limitless. If one is hunting for a woven wood shade, then the Hunter Douglas Provenance proves to be a brilliant choice. Hunter Douglas offers a lifetime guarantee as they believe in all their window treatments.

Window shades are becoming very popular nowadays. These shades and shutters give a beautiful appearance to your home. You can obtain latest designs window coverings, shades, shutters, and window blinds from the market and get it installed in your home. Countless varieties of shades are also available online for people who do not have much time to go out and search for the best window shades. You can also use solar shades. The alternative to solar shades is Outdoor shades.

Outdoor shades give the same look and feel like solar panel but it fails to provide energy conservation. But outdoor shades provide privacy where one can able to see outside views but for other end it is opaque.

Insulated Window Shades –

This window shades help in controlling heat and light thereby giving best insulation in room. They act as catalyst when light absorption is of main concerned.

1) Roman Shades: This is best used during winter and summer season. They showcase   interlinked plated appearance. They are consumes energy and thus saves cost.

2) Add-On Window Shades: This is basically made around recreating the existing type of window shades. It is just that window shades are given additional feature. One is adding remote control accessories to get rid of wires.

3) Remote Control Shades: If one is looking at children safety then one should opt for remote control shades option. They eliminate risk related to potential hazardous wires as these window shades are cordless.

The above features are more intuitive and need basis requirement. It is important that one detail out the brief requirement before purchasing these window treatment. This is beneficial in terms of saving cost and looking for various aspects such as look and feel and safety in entirety.

Using shades in your home is one of the best way to beautify you house. You can use different styles that look great! Many people have opted for stylish window treatments for their windows and doors. Different window covers and shades can be used for your home. They looks simply awesome!

Upgrading your home with window shutters is an excellent thing you can do to your home. This can be counted as investment and if you are selling your house it could definitely add to the value!
You won’t have to change them or even get ripped off buying a weak shutter, by following a set of guidelines to help you choose the right one.

Why do want them?

You need to first of all decide why you want window shutters, apart from the beauty and decor factor of course! You need to decide and plan based on the climatic conditions you are living in, location and in which parts of the house you are thinking to fix. There are specialised shutters designed for protection from storm, insulating shutters, elliptical shutters which are slightly curved and have blunted ends and works best if you are regularly going to open and close the movable planks. Fixed louvers are used mostly in closets or even room dividers.

Not red, blue or green!

It is best to go with neutral colours like white or any pale colour or our always-in-style wood finish. These colours would usually go well with most decors and you won’t have to change nor repaint every time to suit your interiors.

Durability vs. splendour

Though wooden shutters give that rustic and exemplary look, you should research a little before deciding on the type of wood you want in your home. The best choice of durable wood is usually Cedar wood or even Polywood which ensure durability. Wooden shutters may need polishing or repainting once in a while, and could be an advantage if you are changing your decor. If you are hell bent on choosing wooden shutters, then don’t crunch up your budget on that one.

Vinyl shutters on the other hand last much longer and are easier to maintain than wooden ones, not to mention the cash you save!

Windows are the eyes to your home, and eyes are the best feature of the face! Window shutters are basically the eyelashes to your beautiful eyes which not only add that ravishing beauty to your eyes but also fiercely protect it from dust and light.

When you explore the world of window shutters you find a cavernous world of options to customise your window shutters and decorate your home. Window shutters not only work better than curtains, they also add a vibrant look to your room.

Inside outside

Exterior shutters add a touch of colour and beauty to the outside of your home. They protect the windows which have glass panes on the insides. Interior window shutters are fixed on the inside of the homes. These shutters are used to control the light, wind and dust in your home while giving it an elegant look.

Wood, Vinyl…..Glass

Window shutters come in numerous materials and textures; the basic and most widely used are the wooden and the vinyl. Wooden shutters have been used from centuries, the best quality wood is an important criterion but is slightly more expensive; Vinyl shutters are the modern alternative, they resemble wood, much cheaper, and are so easy to clean and maintain.

Designer shutters come even in stained glass designs which are exquisitely refined. Apart from the wooden and vinyl, they are also available in styrene, plastic, aluminium etc.

Size does not matter!

You may design your own window shutters according to your house and ceiling is the limit! You even can get arched shutters, long ones, horizontal ones, broad ones, narrow ones –  just imagine a shape and Voila! Imagine a place, be it your window, wall, patio, door, kitchen, bathroom – the places to install these beauties are endless and you can never have too much of them.

Home décor is a desire of many people. There are several things that we can do to enhance home décor and blinds are just among the recommended trials. You will realize that you are able to make a very great difference to your home when you simply choose the best style of these shades. You will end up with unique décor that you would always admire. You would feel good that you got to know about the treatments.

Blinds are very powerful when you are seeking ideas on the best ways you can handle the interior décor needs that you have identified for your home. Well, you would need to ensure that you are making your selection right and that you are also getting to understand how you would take care of your choice.

Blinds have become popular. The work better than curtains and many of those who would wish to make their rooms look modern have come out of the idea of curtains. They are now bringing in shades and other options that would just help improve the face of their homes.

The reason that makes the blinds better choices as oppose to the usual curtains is the fact that they appear to be soft, they are also stylish and yet the idea and the designs are very simple. You can never fail to love them. There are different types though so you would be able to see which one you need.

It is important that you embrace this development and have a look at the available collection of shades so that you get your hands on the right one that would provide the protection that you need on your valuables. Sun rays can pose damage challenges and with these kinds of treatments you are always sure you are safe.

Workers Save Plant in Court Victory Over Wells Fargo - IUE-News
 Trenton, N.J.

More than 400 members of IUE-CWA Local 76B kept their jobs after helping their employer win a reprieve in federal bankruptcy court.

The workers at Bamboo Abbott, a manufacturer of customized window treatments, packed a court hearing where Wells Fargo tried to stop the family-owned company from using its savings to keep the company running.

Bamboo Abbott needed to tap into cash reserves because Wells Fargo had pulled the company’s line of credit, however that cash was used as security for other Wells Fargo loans.

“This is a basically sound company that needs to weather this downturn in the economy,” said Isabel Pietri, President of Jamaica, N.Y. Local 76B. “But like most companies, it operates on a line of credit. When the bank shut that down it had no choice but to seek bankruptcy protection.”

The judge held a private conference with attorneys for the bank and the company and negotiated an agreement to allow Bamboo Abbott to tap into its cash collateral and to return the interest rate paid to the non-default rate. The issue will be revisited in October.

“I came to help my employer so we won’t lose our jobs,” said Marianna Negron, a machine operator with 23 years’ seniority, who made the trip to the courthouse. “Look at all the years I’ve put in. I have a family and it’s hard to get jobs out there.”

Pietri and her members were outraged that Wells Fargo took $25 billion in taxpayer monies as part of the federal Troubled Asset Relief Program – ostensibly to ensure that money kept flowing for business loans – and then turned around and cut off credit to Bamboo Abbott.

“Wells Fargo is making a name for itself in forcing companies into a cash crunch so they have to shut down,” said Pietri. Her research shows that Wells Fargo is responsible for the loss of thousands of jobs across the country.

In a case that drew congressional attention, Wells Fargo tried to close the Chicago-based Hartmax, an internationally known men’s apparel maker (President Obama is one of the company’s many famous customers).

After intense political pressure – including a threat by the state of Illinois to stop the $8 billion of business it had with Wells Fargo – the bank ultimately allowed the company to be sold so it could remain open.

Said Congressman Phil Hare, who used to be president of the Hartmax local, “I will not continue to send money to banks that run people out of their homes and businesses. I’m livid with Wells Fargo. I don’t know what their logic is.”

Similarly, the United Electrical workers are fighting Wells Fargo’s decision to cut liquidity for the Quad City Die Casting factory in Rock Island, Ill.

But it doesn’t stop there. From Alabama to Massachusetts to California, companies are closing, not paying workers and more because of Wells Fargo’s actions.

 “Congress needs to investigate what Wells Fargo is doing with our money,” said Pietri. “Because they certainly aren’t using it to help workers and their employers.”

Earlier this year Wells Fargo was forced to cancel a junket to Las Vegas after news of the trip was leaked.

Yet in August, the company announced it was increasing the salaries of its top executives, giving CEO John Stumpf a $4.7 million boost. The increase is in stock that can’t be sold until the TARP money is repaid.

Bamboo Abbott grew from a small company of 30 workers in the Bronx to owning two plants employing 450 workers in Edison and Perth Amboy, N.J. IUE-CWA members’ work is sold through Empire and Blinds to Go.

If you live in a hurricane prone area, you may wonder if you can ever fix your dream glass paned windows to your homes without the violent winds crashing them down every time. In the recent past, many have experienced devastating tornados and hurricanes which have destroyed precious homes and lovely window panes. Rebuilding and clearing up after a storm breaks your heart every time seeing the damage to your property.

Solve all your security woes instantly, by installing the ultimate exterior security shutters. Security exterior window shutters protect your homes and your glass panes in times of catastrophes.

Types of security shutters

There are many types of security or hurricane shutters in the market made with durable metal according to your needs. Some shutters are fixed permanently whereas some are removable and can be fixed as soon as you see a storm brewing.

Rolling shutters

These are the finest and most convenient shutters one can have. They are opportune and classy at the same time. The rolling shutters usually have a motor mechanism which rolls down the shutters at the flip of a button – operated by a remote control. The beauty of this is that you may roll out the enclosed shutters one by one or all at once giving you instant protection during a sudden storm. They definitely come with a price and work out best when fixed in a large home with many areas to cover like the patios, many large French windows, the galleries etc.

Accordion shutters

These shutters look like the pleated part of the accordion which is folded neatly on one side on the window. When you want to close them, you can do so by pulling them all the way.

The security shutters prove to be invaluable when you close up for the night to prevent break-ins and other damage. Though you may need to stretch your pocket, it really saves your pocket from scorching a hole!

These items were discontinued 10-15-09. Limited quantities are still available. Please call.

Comfortex Roman Shades- All Lucca’s, Victoria’s and Missama Leaf.

Comfortex Cellular shades- All Matinee’s, Alto Floral and Splendor

You would never believe the evolution in the world of shutters of present day. Window Shutters are basically a cover for your windows giving you the option of closed windows and sunlight in the privacy of your home. They come as exterior window shutters or interior window shutters.

No more ghosts!

Don’t you wish you never had to struggle with hauling your curtains back, fumble for the opening to look outside or enjoy that beautiful breeze without curtains blowing like ghosts in your living room?  The answer lies in the beautiful and convenient window shutters.

Peeping sunshine

Window shutters date back to the early 15th century where shutters were used in Europe and South America. The basic purpose of using shutters was having a window concept but from which sunshine is able to peep in through the apertures. The narrow flat planks are placed at a unique angle which controls the sunlight into the room, allowing breeze in through them as well as keeping the rain water out. The types of shutters which are widely used till today are known as the Plantation shutters.

Are those bananas on your windows?

Plantations shutters do not mean hanging banana plantations on your windows to block the sunlight! It consists of flat blade like panels mounted called ‘louvers’ on a frame which usually swivels vertically to adjust the opening of the shutter. Plantation shutters get their name from where they were initially used in homes of the plantation workers in South America.

Tailored window shutters

Plantation shutters of today come in all types of materials, textures, colours and sizes. You can customize plantation shutters according to the space of your house, the amount of openness you want to give to your room, shapes, colours, and also the size of the louvers.

Window Shutters add instant panache to your house and can be used in every room giving it instant liveliness to your decor.

Wovens- Los Altos, Tribeca- ETA 10-30

Pleated Shades- Newports- ETA 10-16

Rollers- Newports- ETA 10-16

Vertical Wood Valances- ETA 10-23

Honeycombs- Hunter Douglas Duette Linen G9-953 eta 10-21

Roman Shades- Rimni Weave Cloud eta 11-5-09

There’s a certain elegance to sliding panels that you cannot explain to dowdy neighbors still stuck in the Curtain Age. But trust us, with some of these fantastic Shades Shutters Blinds sliding panels, you’re going to be the envy of the neighborhood.

There’s a sliding panel for every chick in town (technically speaking) – from select woven wood to roller shade fabric, from sunscreen fabric to sheer ones. In fact, woven wood, roller shade fabrics and sunscreen fabrics have become window fashion solutions for using on patio doors, room dividers and large windows. If you’re lucky to have such a construction in the house, go ahead and install a floor to ceiling set-up and you will love the fantastic effect.

Sliding panel coverings are available with both a one-way or split opening type of style. You can also go for control operation. The natural wood panels are particularly impressive with their decorative bound edges and you can choose the colors. As an option, you can go for a valance upgrade too to match your sliding panel fabric.

Roller shade fabric sliding panels are light-blocking, opaque and solid structures to allow complete privacy. They are ideal if you have a group of special friends and you want to spend long winter evenings chatting away together without irritating guests. Roller shade fabric comes in a range of 1-5 intensity of sheerness. Don’t forget to include the right kind of valances for these for a great designer impact.

Sunscreen fabric sliding panels are a mesh allowing a view of the outside but blocking out the ultraviolet rays. It is known to block out about 95-98% of UV rays. Match up the fabric with the sunscreen roller shades range and your entire family is going to be impressed by your choice. You can choose different valance finishes as well.

The woven wood fabric sliding panels are made of elegant bamboo and stick textures. If you’re still trying to impress your family with the new Yoga look or New Age philosophy of yours, these panels are just right for you. They will convert immediately after they see these panels!

Of course, all products are custom-made so be careful with the measurements before you order.

This is only for those women who are strict enough to keep guests from wiping their hands on the curtains after dinner! Go ahead and check the ’sheer sale’ that’s on with great discounts.

Sheer light-filtering fabric combined with the latest styles in blinds make fantastic window coverings. If you’re truly looking for the dainty look in any room (and are not put off easily by people peeping in), sheer blinds work great. Sheer blinds block out only about 60-80 per cent of daylight.

You can pick sheer blinds in different sizes for styles including horizontal blinds and vertical blinds. The vertical sheer blinds work best for windows with sliding doors and can give a room a formal but tasteful look. Sheer blinds are highly energy efficient and block out heat and cold very effectively.

Comfortex sheer blinds are as hot as the cakes in your oven this Fall. Check out the following discount offers:

* Sheer horizontal blinds – 2” with $15 off
* Sheer horizontal blinds – 2 1/2” with $50 off
* Sheer horizontal blinds – 3” with $15 off

In the vertical sheer blinds, also made by Comfortex, you can choose some thicker fabric too. That’s what combining elegance and privacy is all about. Some offers to consider this season include:

* Ballet Vertical Sheer Blinds $10 off
* Star Dust Vertical Sheer Blinds 5% off

By any chance if you are using roller blinds – including with sheer fabric – you must remember that the roller is wider than the fabric width to help the mechanism work properly. In case you do not want a gap, you will need to choose a different kind of window blind system.

If you need to check out the quality of the fabric, you can also obtain a sample from the website before you decide to order. Sheers are surely the flavor of the season but order them carefully after taking proper measurements. Refunds and returns on sheers are not possible as these blinds are custom-made.

If you’re looking for great energy efficiency and insulation, you must check out the Odysee Insulating Blinds by Comfortex. In fact, right now, there’s even a 10% discount sale on for the blinds.

These blinds give a fantastic level of insulation against heat and cold – but not prying neighbors though. Manufactured with the best technology in modern home furniture industry, Odysee blinds use the double combination of a honeycomb shade and a blind in one.

When you pull down the shade, it works like a regular honeycomb blind filtering out light. You can operate the blind to collapse the cells giving you a one-inch wide view of the outside through each cell. The best part is you don’t have to pull it up or down for this. A double benefit – if only husbands came with such packaged utility features!

For the creative lady around the house who wants to pick and match every single piece of furniture in the house, these blinds come in a range of 16 different colors. You can co-ordinate the color of the blinds not only with the rest of the décor in a particular room but also the cord loop that comes with the blinds. You must buy the continuous cord loops as they go perfectly with these types of blinds.

As regards light-filtering capacity, the choice is yours. You can pick some light filtering (standard) ones for the kitchen or the living room and some room darkening (up charge) blinds for the bedroom. When going for the room-darkening types of blinds, do remember that the effect will not be that of complete darkness as some light may filter in through the cells.

If you’re still in two minds, you can surf back to the main site and check out our special video featuring the Odysee Insulating Blinds by Comfortex before placing your order.

Whether you’re a bookworm looking for a private corner around the house or just want to be away from a nagging partner for a while, you must set up a green house or garden room. It’s another matter that your partner may use it as a sanctuary to escape from you too!

But seriously speaking, setting up a garden room with sunscreen rollers is an elegant idea. Shades Shutters Blinds sunscreen roller shades come in a huge range of fabrics, weaves, openness ratio and patterns. These shades have a great R-Value too. R-Value defines how energy efficient the shades are.

Sunscreen roller shades are extremely durable as they are made of material used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture items and window screens. The lower the openness factor, the more energy efficient are the shades. However, that restricts the outside view. But considering you want to be far from the madding crowd in your garden room, that shouldn’t be a factor. Usually, people prefer the 5-10% openness sunscreen roller shades.

Just remember that with sunscreens, you can see outside during the day and no one can see inside but during the evening and night, everyone can see inside. Do choose sunscreens if you have a pool and garden room as children can play there in the evening and you can keep a watch from the house.

The Value Sunscreen Roller Shades come with a 3-9% openness. The 5% shades are the most energy efficient. They are not too open and yet block out about 97% of UV rays. The Sunscreen 10%-16% Openness allow plenty of light and block out about 94% of UV rays. Ultraviolet rays are known to affect furniture and carpets.

A latest range introduced by Comfortex includes silver screens. These are most energy efficient, allow the max view and light. Silver screens have an aluminum backing that reduces the glare and cuts out the heat. If only similar innovations for max productivity and utility could be worked out for some workplace colleagues?!!

Don’t let a foot-down, Roman-blinds-only mom-in-law restrict your creativity. Yes, Roman blinds do come in traditional styles and technically are the first best choice for moving on from the Curtain Age. But you can try a million combinations with more than 200 styles and colors to choose from.

In fact, you can pick up some great discounts this Fall on products by Comfortex. There’s a sale on so check out the following:

* 10% off on Toscana Roman shades, Roman shades and Roman blinds
* 5% off the new Caslan Roman shades
* 5% off Serenade

Thanks to modern customer-please offers, you can order a free sample to check out the fabric before you decide which ones to plump for.

The Caslan Roman shades come in all the styles – standard flat and hobbled – with the top-down and bottom-up features. These are great for covering long windows when, at times, you want only one portion of the window open.  Though, the maximum width you can get for these is 72”. Otherwise, standard and hobbled ones can go up to a 120” width.

The Toscana Roman shades have become extremely popular lately because you can completely shut out light with them. It depends on the kind of fabric you use for the backing. And, no, we won’t ask you what naughty things you wish to do with a complete blackout in your bedroom during the day! The fabric range for the Toscana is also the best. The ones that are of more than 54” width have a visible seam.

The Serenade collection is the regular high-quality standard in the Roman blinds segment. Very low-maintenance these. You can also choose from the same style types as the Toscana ones – flat, hobbled, top-down, bottom-up. But you get these only in light-filtering fabric generally. If you really need to shut out the light for total darkness in the room during the daytime then you may need to use special opaque fabric. The best part about these blinds is that you can motorize them including a cordless control! Enough to appeal to all lazy bums around the house!

Talk of shutters and can locks be far behind? But forget about those magnetic ones. The latest ones available from Eclipse Shutters have a button-and-ramp mechanism and are spring-loaded. They easily work with all types of shutters. Yes, the future is here even in the furniture industry!

In fact, you can pick up some great shutters from Eclipse, Norman, Comfortex and Hunter Douglas.

But before your hubby mocks at you with: ‘Whoever chooses shutters just because of the lock type?’, here’s all the dope you can throw back at him about the innovative features of shutters that these locks work with!

Whatever kind of shutters you choose ensure that they are water-resistant particularly when it comes to your cuisine corner – the kitchen, or the freshness zone – the bathroom. You can pick some great shutters that resist cracking, rusting, mildew and even warping.

Tell your better half that you’re green conscious too now picking up shutters that come with a cellular structure. Pockets of air form in the louvers and frame sections giving you far greater energy efficiency when it comes to filtering daylight and heat. You could truly save on your central heating and cooling bills with these types of shutters.

And, neither do you have to worry about stains. You can now pick up some great shutters that don’t stain with ink, crayon etc. We haven’t given them the passionate lipstick kiss test though so watch out for your neighbors! Shutters can be easily removed for washing as well and re-installed within half an hour.

Window shutters made of non-toxic material are great for kids around the house also. Do try and pick some with the right kind of certification for this. You can try shutters in three types – the faux wood plantation, composite wood and PVC mix or simply real wood.

Powder your nose wrong and you can ruin great make-up. Same goes for choosing window coverings, blinds and shutters. Unless you want ugly blotches on your home decor theme, check out this guide:

View-quotient – Never mind how many times you want to avoid looking at the neighbors, but if you’ve got great scenery outside your house or a window that looks out on the mountains, pool, valley etc. you must surely dress it up with those modern Honeycomb shades. You can have some frilly additional coverings too but don’t overdo the effect. You need to emphasize the view not window. Don’t use bulky blinds either.

When a window’s a door – I could never get the hang of why a French window is a door. The French would know. But if you’ve got those windows… er… doors (or whatever) use small-slat blinds. Anything bulky or heavy may interfere with the opening of the window/door. You can match up the look with the rest of the window decor in the particular room. You can even use honeycomb shades to control the light filtering in. Mini blinds also go great with French windows.

Bay-watch: Got those fancy bay windows? You can use some heavy opaque window blinds along with a special trimkit to keep the light filtering in from the gap between the window frame and the window coverings. Ideal for keeping the room dark and comfortable on a hot summer afternoon.

Arche-ache: These are the most difficult to cover. Technically, even difficult than choosing a lover, if we may say so. The measurements need to be perfect. You can use a honeycomb shade for arches in the house.

Skylights: The critical idea in covering skylights is to use blinds or shades that will block drafts, heat and cold but allow in at least some light. You can try out the remote control shades for skylights.

Part-preferences: The Top-Down/Bottom-Up window shades are ideal for windows higher up on an upper floor or an elevated height kitchen. You can partially shut out window ensuring that your view is not blocked but the others cannot see inside.

Do keep in mind the moisture-resistant blinds and environment friendly options also. Modern faux wood blinds are great for living rooms. And, one final tip: Don’t rush with your window coverings order. Their durability will outlast any hastily-chosen lover!

Wood is like a lover – you just don’t seem to get enough of it. I keep flipping through those latest snazzy brochures with advertisements of all kinds of latex, nylon and other material that’s great for window coverings… but, trust me, my heart flips every single time I find something in wood.

Have you gone through the Country Wood Blinds range by Hunter Douglas? Nothing beats the hardwood ‘Chalet’ range. Too bad though they come with a limited lifetime warranty in the 2” and 2 1/2” slat sizes. Ideal for the buyers on a budget. I recently got a whole set for the living room in my sister’s new house.

You can also check out the Classics Country Woods which are the traditional basswood and the poplar slats come in stained or painted types with more than 24 colors to choose from. I like the premium hardwood used in these horizontal blinds that are available in 1″, 1 3/8″ and 2″ slats.

My mom prefers the Country Woods Select. These have special furniture-quality stains and specific finishes. You will love the variety of stains available. We did a cottage-room decor for our garden cabin. The distinctive grains in the wood makes these window coverings absolutely classy.

Warm tones, traditional feel and deep intensity… (yes, we’re still talking of window coverings) are what the Genuine Woods range is all about. You’ve got some great Hunter Douglas coverings of the best North American hardwoods like cherry, ash and oak. These horizontal blinds are great for the kitchen or a themed bedroom.

For the finicky variety, there’s the Country Woods Reflections range. It features beveled slats in several colors and combine the utility of wooden blinds with the grace of wooden shutters. These horizontal blinds are great for any studio or artist’s room. I have used these blinds particularly for the study. Now, this should stop you from getting wooden-headed every time you shop for blinds.

Trimkit by Hunter Douglas™

Do you have night-owl sensibilities? Do drafts and extra light from between the window frame and shades irritate you? Here’s the perfect solution from Hunter Douglas – their brand new LiteRise Trimkit.

There are times when you want the comfort of perfect darkness in your room during the day. It may be for a snooze, for meditating on matters not fathomable by the rest of the world, or accomplishing any other stuff of private choosing (Ahem!). Also, for the perfectionist, drafts and light filtering in from the slice of space between the window frame and blinds can be quite irritating.

The LiteRise Trimkit works like a made-for-each-other option for Duette and Applause honeycomb shades. The kit sets up an insulating barrier by sealing the gap at the sides of the window frame. For the ‘dollar-wise’, the good news is that the Trimkit qualifies for an up to $1,500 Federal Energy Tax Credit. Though, the tax cut applies to the surcharge only. Understandably, you will also be ‘wise’ enough to be using opaque fabric as window coverings with the kit.

Before you blast off hows and whats relating to whether the thing actually works let’s assure you that it is available to suit all needs:

* you can get the Trimkit for inside mounted (IB) LiteRise lifting systems

* standard versions

* bottom-up and top-down versions

* Duolite option

* you can match it with all types of ¾” Duette and Applause single cell fabric

* yes, you have side channels, bottom rail-end caps in white

Thankfully, window blinds, shutters and other paraphernalia can be custom-fit unlike your spouse.

All you need to do is follow the accurate measurement process:

* take a tape measure across the top, middle and bottom of the gap and note down the figures

* next, measure out the two diagonals

* also measure the length to the left, middle and right of the gap

You are set to place your order. Do remember that:

* gaps that are unbalanced or not square will not allow the shade to operate freely

* the size specification need to match the fabric selection

* you need a minimum mounting depth of at least 1.5” M 8” and for a flush mount it should be at least 2.7” M 8”

For the finicky, the tip of the day is: If there is more than a 3” M 8” difference between the multiple measurements, do NOT order the Trimkit as it will not fit properly.

October Promos!!! Keep scrolling down the page to view all sales. There is no hype on these. Most show automatically so no promo codes, special coupons etc. The price includes the sale. A few will require a comment in the special directions section at checkout. There is quite a few this month so keep scrolling:).

*Deal of the Month* $50 rebate (up to 10 blinds) for all 2 1/2″ horizontal sheers.

• 2 1/2″ Sheers- Getting the rebate is easy. Order your 2 1/2″ sheer like normal. On the special directions section during checkout, simply write “I need the rebate form” and we will mail it to you. Fill it out, and mail it in along with your receipt, and receive a check!

 Hunter Douglas Duette™ and Applause™ Honeycomb Shades-

• $20 off PowerRise™ Remote Option- Battery Operated, Radio and infrared.
• Free LiteRise™ cordless operation- No cords means no hassels.
• New TrimKit for LiteRise™- Blocks light from around the edges. An excellent choice for media rooms. Cordless only.

- No promo code needed. Shows automatically in the price when you click option on Step 2. Good until the end of October.

• Applause Single Cells
• Applause Double Cells
• Applause Blackouts
• Duette 3/8″ Single Cells
• Duette 3/4″ Single Cells
• Duette Double Cells
• Duette Blackouts

Roman Shades

• *New* Caslan™ Romans. They were a big hit last month so we will keep it going. 5% off.
• Our hugely popular Toscana’s will continue running at 10% off. Allow three weeks for delivery on these!
• We are batting three for three this month. Comfortex™ will go 5% off as well on their Serenade Roman shades.

Odysee™ Insulating Blinds- These are a blind and honeycomb mix. See the video. Comfortex™ wants to get the word out about these cool and unique blinds. 10% off.

Hunter Douglas™ Designer Screen Shades- We are still working on getting all the new colors online. In the meantime, Hunter Douglas™ sent us eight coupons for a rebate on the cassette valance upgrade. We have only seven left and are passing them on to you. The average cost for this upgrade is around $40 per window so this is an awesome deal. Order the blinds with the cassette option like normal. At checkout, there will be a special directions section. Simply write “Free Cassette Headrail Upgrade” and we will refund your credit card. Seriously, only seven left.

Comfortex™ keeps offering this option for free so we will keep passing it on to you for free (a $20 value). Super Saver Single Cells and Symphony™ honeycomb shades will have a 1 cent top down, bottom up sale until the end of the month.

Sheers and more sheer shades. This is really just a coincidence but all sheer blinds came on sale at the same time except for the StarDust™ Vertical sheers so we are running an internal sale at 5% off of these to finish out the category. Besides the $50 rebate for the 2 1/2″ sheer horizontal blind mentioned as the “deal of the month” above, take $15 off the Comfortex™ Shangri La™ (price shows automatic, no hype) two inch sheer shade and three inch sheer shade. Take $10 off per blind for the gorgeous Ballet™ sheer vertical by Comfortex™.