Archive for November, 2009

• Closeout woven woods are gone. We can still get a few so call but they are now offline due to Prestige not informing us in a timely manner that they are permanently out.
• Hunter Douglas Brilliance Versailles Cheshire- eta 12-10
• Roller Shades- Blox Brown Multi -Discontinued
• All wood vertical generics are discontinued
• Verticals Rangoon Celery and all Dakotas are gone forever

Honeycomb shades are unique shades which are best choice for purpose and sophistication. They serve their purpose diligently giving insulation, shading the sunlight, protecting the indoors in a neat and convenient fashion.

Honeycomb shades are also known as Cellular shades. The unique design of the shades resembles a honeycomb which helps in conserving energy. They are an ideal solution to exceptionally bright and open rooms with their thick double layered screens made usually of metal or fabric efficiently works to live up to its name.

The cross-sectional view shows blinds in a cellular design, resembling a honeycomb. They have these air pockets made by a double screen layer which join at intervals in the shape of a honeycomb cell. This exclusive design of the honey comb shades help in conveniently folding the shades when not in use. When you pull it up they fold at opportune pleats to neatly nestle on top.

Insulation

The honeycomb shades locks in air between the two layers of the pleated screens and this give it the weight and density to serve as a good insulation for your window. This shade is ideal for keeping your home cool in the summers and warm in the winters, thereby reducing your energy bills. The distinctive pleated folds of this unique shade enables snug and compact enclosure when not in use and therefore does not have bulky or large space snatchers in your window view space.

Light filter

The harsh UV rays of the sun are quiet damaging you your eyes as well as your indoor furniture. This refined and classy shade possesses optimal light filtering qualities, which reduces the impact of the UV rays and make it soothing and comfortable.

Sound Proofing

The most domineering quality which makes this shade stand out from the other shades is the sound proofing feature. The honeycomb shades are able to sound proof your room better than t the other shaded options.

These shades are perfect shades which give a crisp look to your windows while competently working to fulfil its functions.

Honeycomb shades are the most common and efficient window shades in the market. They are doubly capable for insulation, darkening, as well as for sound proofing the home.

What is the range of options?

Honey comb shades come in single cell shades, double celled shades also known as honeycombed in honeycomb shades, top to bottom cellular shades etc.

Layered to perfection

The exclusivity of these types of shades is that according to your degree of insulation or sound proofing needs, these shades can slot in many layers of these honeycomb cells to create a barrier effect.

Colours of the wind

Honey comb shades come in different colours to suit your home decor. There are actually at least 400 and more shades of colours you can choose from light to dark ones. The interesting shades are the dark blue, bronze and the shimmery ones. They add a touch of classiness to your home. The colour concepts can also be alternated by having a light and a dark one. This enables controlled light passage and luminance according to your mood.

The world of shapes

These cellular shades do not have a fixed size and can fit any shape of the window; be it an arch, rectangle, circle, trapezoid, triangle…..you just name it!

Manoeuvring controls

Cellular shades have an option of having a simple cord or even have cordless options. This is most convenient when you have small children or even pets in the home, to get rid of the loose strings attached to the shades. For added luxury these shades also come in remote controlled operations. With a click you may bring up or down the cellular screens.

The degree of insulation

The air which is tightly trapped in between the cells or the honeycombs, act as an insulating or a sound proofing barrier. During summer the house is kept cool and during winter the house is kept warm. The number of integrated cells and the thickness of the shade depend on the intensity of the blockade.

Honey comb shades can be fixed on the window or have it from the ceiling to the floor covering your whole house. This is one of the best window treatments you can invest for a cosy and a cost efficient home.

Have a good holiday. We’ll be off  Thursday-Sunday.

Roman shades are the classic, contemporary and neat shades adding flair to the room while shading it. Roman shutters are different from other shutters and blinds. They are a type of pleated shades which fold inwards giving the look of inwardly joined pleats at all times. They add a cosy feel to the room and are used mostly in places with moderate and sunny climates.

Roman shades are almost always made of fabric; the type of fabric differs depending on the purpose. Thick dark materials are used as room darkeners especially in bedrooms where you might need to sleep in a dark room during the day. Otherwise pale coloured shades or sheer shades are used to give your room a glow. The beauty of roman shades is that they are actually a normal simple shade but with a different calming the way they unfold and close.

Nowadays, these shades also have patterns and designs to match the interiors and even same fabric design, scenery, flowery designs etc to match your upholstery. Some shops especially take up this specially ordered shades matching with their couches or their cushion covers.

Roman shades though usually made of fabric; they are also made of bamboo, rattan, jute and reed etc. They give a traditional and an earthly tone to your decor. Sometimes all the materials can also be combined to form a unique and special shade.

Roman shades usually have a cord to pull it up or lower them down gently. Cords are quite dangerous to have around the house especially with those with kids running around. In such places the cordless options are the best. One can never be too careful in a house with playful and curious children.

Typically, roman shades come in two types of folding styles – a flat folding style and a tear drop folding style. One should choose wisely which style would most suit your decor. Though you may think that it would not matter which style would be best, it does make a world of a difference to your room.

Though roman shades can be easily detached from its holders, it is best when dry cleaned. Some fabrics do allow them to be machine washed separately in a bag, but please clarify before you do anything.

Vertical blinds have their own place in the hall of fame in the world of shutters and blinds. They are elegant, refined and very versatile. Choosing vertical blinds over other window treatments for the purpose of blocking the sunlight works out expediently and more reasonably priced than other shutters.

Vertical blinds are attached to a head rail in a single line of broad panels made usually of crisp fabric. They are held down by weights attached to the bottom to prevent movement during sturdy winds, as with curtains. They can either be fit to your single window, or you may fix it to your sliding door or French windows. They look absolutely charming when opened and closed overlooking your garden.

They are durable and strong and they do withstand a certain level of mishandling and rough handling especially in a place with children and pets. Even if they do get damaged, replacing them is uncomplicated and trouble-free. You may replace a single slat or bunch of slats without having to waste a lot of time and money on them.

The materials used for these slats are either a crisp and hard-wearing cloth which is starched crisp, or there are vertical blinds made of even PVC, composite materials, vinyl etc, which give an easy-to-clean advantage. These materials used are affordable when compared to other blinds such as cellular shades and wooden ones.

Vertical blinds when open, give free and unhindered passage to a lovely breeze and the view. The slats are so thin that they do not hamper the view in anyway. The vertical view of these blinds also adds to the exquisiteness of the view outside than with the horizontal ones.

These blinds can be pulled back softly with efficient cords at the sides of the blinds. Since there is an increasing risk of tangled cords and accidents especially with children or pets around, there are now remote operated mechanisms and a simple rod fixed at the side of these shades to move them back and forth manually. You may very well choose from the two depending on the costs.

Vertical blinds add length to the room when covering a large area and look good with almost any decor and concepts of your liking.

When you are weighing up the pros and cons of interior and exterior window shutters to decide which one to opt for you should know a vital fact, that usually interior shutters add to the beauty of the interior decor as well as protect it from certain factors; Exterior window shutters on the other hand, are mostly used only for protective and security purposes.

They are used almost indispensably in hurricane prone areas to combat the high speed winds from destroying your home. One exceptional type of hurricane shutter is the Colonial exterior hurricane shutter.

What are colonial shutters?

When you think of the word ‘colonial’, you would undoubtedly and automatically picture grand places connected to the royal era or something majestic. This aptly describes these types of shutters as they enhance the beauty of the exterior part of the home, as well as protect it from the harsh calamity of hurricanes and stormy winds.

Hurricanes have destroyed countless homes and lives, people now are taking desperate measures to protect their homes by boarding up windows with wooden planks, however crude they may look. Colonial shutters provide the much needed protection against these forceful winds, and also become the talk of your green-eyed (envious) neighbours!

Colonial shutters are exterior window shutters which are a two-door louvered window. They open outwards and are easy and quick to close. When open they give a unique look to the exterior of the home which is almost rustic and very pretty!

These shutters also serve as insulation and a medium noise blockade. They are the best protection for glass windows in a hurricane prone area. They are used for square shaped windows or even arched ones. Colonial shutters need not be removed during non stormy days, as these shutters do not obstruct view and light in any way. They conveniently stand at the sides of the window giving your window a pretty silhouette.

It is best to install these window shutters at the time of building or planning your house. These windows need some extra outside wall space, it would not fit in well if the windows are too close together in the house. They are affordable and beautiful; prepare your home to survive the storm – Today!

Hurricanes – No one can stop them when they arrive, But what one CAN do, is to storm-proof your house and head for protection.

One of the many types of window protection treatments available are the Bahamas storm protection shutters. These storm protectors are the most convenient shutters to protect.

Bahamas window shutters are shutters which are fixed on top of the window. They open by pushing the window out and upwards. They are held open with the help of supports which are known as shutter holders, on either side.

The advantages of the Bahamas shutters contribute to its popularity, especially in the Caribbean and Californian areas, hence its name. Asses if Bahamas shutters are for you by going through the features of this type of protective shutters:

* No! – Installing Bahamas protective shutters does not automatically teleport you to the Bahamas for a wishful retreat during the stormy wet seasons! What it does do, is that it protects your home from storms, rain, harsh winds, theft security, glaring sunlight, etc. You may now stop fantasizing about the automatic teleportation wishing it were true – Thank you!

* They are expedient window shutters which can be installed over the window. There is no need to remove them during non rainy days as they also have other benefits such as theft security, sun screen and insulating properties, but they do have a removable option.

* Bahamas shutters come in exterior grade woods, although they are not usually recommended if you are using in rainy and storm prone areas. Bahamas shutters in rainy areas are usually preferable in Aluminium. They last long and can be painted to any colour, at the will of the owner.

* They have movable louvered slats which give the option of opening the louvers to let the sunshine come in and close them during sudden showers of rain.

* These Bahamas shutters have their fasteners and supports; they should be checked to ensure there is no rust formation.

* The advantage of these shutters is that a single person can immediately close all the shutters in the event of sudden showers and secure them.

They are also sometimes known as Bermuda shutters, and No! They do not make your home a Bermuda triangle either! They are the best shutters suited for tropical and rainy areas.

We are having trouble getting motors for our roller shades. Our supplier has given us three separate dates. We are truly sorry about the inconvenience.

Dakota Prairie Vertical Blinds has been discontinued and is no longer in stock.

• Roller shade motors are on backorder until 12/04/09!!!
• Pleated Shades Newport Khaki eta 12/11
• Roller Shades- Lino’s and Newports’s eta 12/4
• Vertical blinds- Abaco and Bordeaux’s eta 12/11

Accordion shutters are metallic shutters which are neatly folded into pleats and opened when needed. They are fixed to one side of the door or window and works on tracks which help it slide forward or back. They resemble the pleated part of an accordion, hence their name.

Let’s go over the pros and cons of investing in an accordion shutter to deal with the approaching hurricane season.

The Good

* Accordion shutters are the easiest ones to operate, (other than the remote operated roller shutters, of course), but definitely cheaper and affordable than the remote operated ones.

* You don’t have to remove them after the rainy seasons, since it adds security to your home.

* They are folded neatly to one side and are compact.

* You can paint them to match your interior and exterior decor.

* They take hardly 5 seconds to close up a normal window and you can secure your home within minutes.

* You may have one single accordion shutter on one side to glide over to the other end to close up, or you can have to shutters on either side to meet up in the centre to lock, according to your convenience.

* The best and the most unique quality of the accordion shutters is that they bend well over the corners. If you have windows covering the corners at any angle, you don’t have to fix different shutters for each window. Accordion window shutters can be angled at any place, however the track is fixed the faithful accordion shutters will slide over them. You can have a single shutter cover up the border of your house.

* They can be used to secure windows and doors – any space, just name it!

The Bad

* Accordion shutters, although are compact, it does take up a few centimetres of your side space in your window view, depending on the length of the shutter.

* The tracks of the accordion need to be frequently checked and kept clean. If a bead or anything is stuck in the track, then it is difficult or impossible to move the shutter across unless the obstruction is removed.

* Accordion shutters can be installed to cover any length, but height could be a problem.

* Accordion shutters are not convenient for hard to reach areas.

The hurricane is one of nature’s most common and devastating weapons of destruction. The strength of the winds and rains are enough to shatter glasses, blow out furniture and destroying anything in the area. Living in a hurricane prone area should not stop you from decorating your home and investing there. Storm panel hurricane shutters protect your windows from hurricanes and any whirlwinds which ransack your home!

Storm Panel Hurricane shutters are strong flat panels usually made of galvanised steel, aluminium or pure polycarbonate. They are commonly shaped into folds, alternating with ridges or grooves like waves. There are more than a few types of storm protection hurricane shutters. Here are a few guidelines to see if storm panels are the right choice for your home or not.

Differing Mechanism

These storm panel shutters are exterior protective shutters. There are three types of mechanism used in storm panel shutters. First, there are shutters which are bolted to the windows – these bolts are permanently fixed to the window and before a storm, it is easy to just slide in the panel and secure it. Second, is the tracks system, there are tracks above and below which help in aligning and sliding the panels into place. Thirdly, there are those which have a track on top but the bottom is bolted and secured. Either way offers tight protection, it is up to you to choose which is the most convenient for you.

Might or Sight

Storm panel window shutters come in galvanised steel, aluminium and polycarbonate. There are even panel shutters made of plywood, but be warned that those may not be sturdy enough to endure a hurricane! Polycarbonate is a type of very thick glass which is shatter resistant yet gives the luxury of a see through protection. They are relatively lightweight and give a uniform look to the home. Steel Panel shutters are heavy panels and cannot be assembled or handles alone.

Hibernation period

Storm Panel shutters are often temporary, they are installed during the hurricane season and they can be removed during the off season. This maintains the originality of your home at other times. They need to be stored in a dry area during the off seasons, and due to their convenient flat panel forms, they don’t take up much garage space.

Wooden shutters add a natural glow to your decor and goes well with most themes and colours. However, choosing the right wood for your shutter plays an important role in a good investment. Wooden shutters are built to withstand the test of time, weather conditions, usage, etc, and last for years to come. Choosing the correct wood material is as important as choosing the type and colour of your shutter.

Some of the wood used in making shutters varies in their features and characteristics. Here is an insight to some of the common types of wood used in making wooden shutters:

Basswood – Basswood is the best wood used specially for wooden shutters and blinds. They are used for indoor shutters being light weight yet strong and durable. Basswood is very versatile and glues and screws well; they are a best choice for shutters in terms of quality and give a silky stained finish – just the way you like it!

Cedar Wood – Cedar wood is a durable and an incense wood; they are usually used in moisture dense places and hence mostly suitable for outdoor shutters. Though this wood is prone to scrapes and nicks, the unique incensing property this wood possesses, guards against decay and keeps bugs away.

Maple and Oak Wood – They are heavy wood used mostly in exterior solid window shutters. They need some pre-drilling before screws can be fitted into them. Maple and Oak wood is used to make heavy hardwood shutters; the downside of it is that they do not hold paint well and the shutters are prone to bends and twist over a few years known as warping.

Poplar wood – Poplar wooden shutters are also heavy wood; they are widely used in making shutters as they fit most budgets. They have a green tint and don’t stain very well. They are compliant and bug resistant and are a widely used choice for cost effective wooden shutters.

Pine Wood – One must be careful when opting for pine wood shutters since there is a vast range of different species and varieties of pine wood which are suitable or not very suitable for shutters.

If you’re going for wooden shutters you must know that there are plenty of weak wood and fake wood to look out for in order to avoid getting scammed or just plain ignorant. You must know that there is a new variety of shutter material other than wood called the faux wood. ‘Faux’ means ‘False’ in French; it sums up the meaning of the material in one word.

The typical qualities of Faux Wood Includes:

* Faux wood is a blend of PVC, adhesives, wood, wood dust etc, treated to resemble wood. It imitates the feel of wood so ingeniously that it is almost impossible to tell apart faux wood from real wood. Faux wood is low maintenance and definitely low priced when compared to real wood. One can enjoy the beauty of having wooden shutters at home without having to shell out the wood’s worth!

* Faux wood also comes in pure polymer which is equally clever in deceiving the beholder to thinking that it is wood! Faux wood is very light in weight and is extremely durable. The main advantage of faux wood is the maintenance part as when compared to the real wood. Faux wood does not warp, fade, streak or decay. Real wood on the other hand has numerous chances of fading, you might need to re- polish or re – paint it every few years to maintain its look.

* Faux wood has a speciality of being water resistant. They are highly suitable for moisture dense places like even the bathroom. The special treatments done on faux wood does not permit moisture to enter its coating, hence even paint lasts longer than on real wood!

* If you are truly particular and quote passionate about real wood then this would definitely be disappointing for you; but if not this could actually be a boon for you as you can enjoy the look and feel of wood in your home, without its high cost and maintenance issues. They resist the growth of mould in rainy or damp areas.

* What’s more, faux wood can also be fire proof; you may use this wood in your shutters without having to worry about fires especially if you live near bush fire areas.

Creativity knows no bounds. If you love sprucing up your place with art and canvases framed on the walls, why leave the shades and blinds blank?

The latest innovation includes state of the art shades and blinds which have exquisite art printed on them! The blinds would portray the picture every time you close them – Welcome to the world of Innovation!

Creative blinds allow you to uniquely personalize your room with the option of art and pictures being put up and taken off merely by opening or closing your shades and shutters.

Even patterned shades come in many colours and patterns to complement your decor. If your room is full of patterns and designs why should your shades be plain – Go ahead and unleash the artist in you and go wild!

Children’s rooms can be shaded with their favourite picture or a picture of their own self or their art. It is a simple process of just choosing the picture you want and load it into a soft copy, or you may also load it straight from a good quality camera and send it to the creative shade specialists. You may choose from rustic art to lively and vibrant pictures. This exceptional option opens a whole new world of options for the decor in your room.

These photo roller blinds or shades are usually made on high quality fabric or materials to withstand the print. It is even suitable for large areas with large window treatments. Designer shades are suited best for motorised rollers as they can close downwards uniformly and steadily. If not they work wonderfully with blinds, where the picture would be printed thus, that you may not be able to view it when the blinds are open and horizontal, but once you close them they form a picture or an artistic image.

This is truly a state–of–the-art design which will stun its onlookers in awe of your creativity. These blinds add that oomph to your room with much brilliance and exuberance. Soothing nature art in the living room, favourite cartoon character in the children’s room, and a sensuous work of art in the bedroom – the possibilities are endless ….Derive the inspiration from these creative blinds and start decorating!

Wouldn’t it be just lovely to have the early morning sun stream into your room as it rises against a backdrop of stunning scenery? To take the advantage of the fantastic view from your window, you would naturally go for huge windows spanning across the whole wall. Come afternoon, you’re already cursing the hot sun nestling itself comfortably in your room brightening it when all you want is a nap! The natural option would be to go for huge thick curtains which hide almost half the view in the corners!

To enjoy uninterrupted view whenever you want and without having to go through the monotony of curtains and drapes, there is an even better solution for all you shade seekers – Solar Screens!

These attractive solar screens, also called Silver Screens, act as a sunscreen shade, when you want it – how you want it! They often come as roller shades and in attractive colours from translucent to opaque – with a lot of opacity options in the middle.

The semi opaque shades give an idyllic look to your home by minimising the harshness of the sunlight to a soothing delight.

The solar shades have options to either roll them up and down manually, have a cord attachment to pull up the shades or even have a motorised manoeuvring. The motorised manoeuvring can bring the shades down or open them up with a switch or with a luxury comfort of a remote operation. The best part of the motorised solar shades are the timer option where you can preset the time for bringing down the shades at the hottest part of the day – everyday!

These special sunscreens have a light aluminium reflectors which keep the heat out, this helps in saving energy and keep your room cool. They also act as thermal insulators keeping the icy draughts from escaping in through the sides of the windows. They are an invaluable addition to tackle glares and prevent fading and damage to your prized interiors.

The solar shades come in irresistible colours other than the monotonous whites. They range from light to dark with colours such as pleasing beige, smart gray, shimmering bronzes and chocolate browns. Soothing white or darkening black is also available.

So, you’ve decided on installing shutters for your home; plantations shutters are the basic shutters in the market. Mostly the shutters used in the interiors of the place are called as plantation shutters.

The next thing you’d have to decide is the design.  There are basically three main designs which can be utilised for plantation shutters. They are:

Tier on tier – These shutters are like windows and are fixed separately with options to be able to open fully each window shutter individually. Tier on Tier shutters are usually fixed so that if you want the top part of the window open, you may do so, still maintaining the privacy in the bottom half of the shutter blinds. They operate individually giving the operator freedom to adjust his options.

Cafe style – Cafe style plantation shutters are derived from the concept of the cafes, where ample sunlight is needed into the cafes as well as privacy of those who are eating can be guarded by installing half shutters from bottom to top and a normal window without the shutters at the top part. This can be covered with a light curtain or shade to filter the harsh sunlight.

Full height – Full height shutters are, as the name suggests, full length shutters which are covered from the ceiling to the floor. It gives wonderful sense of openness and cheers in the room and makes the room look lavish as these beauties add an amazing height to the room. Imagine your whole wall with louvers which can be opened and closed playing with the many shades of sunlight each position can project.

Solid shutters – Solid shutters give you the option of having shutters without louvers or slats. These add to the security of your house and can be open or closed to your preference.

Special shaped shutters – Do you have your favourite room right up in the attic? Do you have an arched window or door that you’d love to add a shutter to? There is absolutely no need to worry; whether you need the shape of the roof or an arch, triangle, polygon, pentagon, circle – you just name it! There are tailor-made innovatively structured shutters for all sizes, shapes and purposes for any window.

Window shutters give a whole new look to your home instantly. If you are renovating your home or building your new home, just try toying around with the idea of installing shutters to your interiors. As soon as you have agreed to look at some options, you will find yourself whisked away to a hidden world of window shutters, blinds and shades which you will never want to leave without bringing home some of them.

You can never overdo it with shutters; your windows, your doors, your walls, your bath, your kitchen, your patio, etc; everything can be transformed into a fashionable piece of art, just by installing shutters.

Did you know that you can open a lot of space just by installing window shutters? If you have a large wall space in your living room, you would just have to fill them up with pictures and art to make it look good. Small windows would need curtains here and there and almost look odd at sheepish places. If you just wished you could break down that wall, you would then worry about security! Now, what if there was an option to make your dream come true? What if you could have an outdoor view, get rid of the walls AND keep security intact? There is only one answer to all this – Window Shutters.

Installing French windows transform a small room making it look extravagant, but there is always a fear of break-ins and peeping toms. By installing shutters you can control the sunlight from bright to dim to dark in the daytime and also having the complete wall shut and secure.

Choosing lighter colours like ivory, pearl and other light pastels, the room looks inviting and cheerful. Beautiful wooden shutters give a delightful glow when the sun hits the wooden slats. You will be giving that lampshade effect even in the day by just channelling the natural solar energy which is ever so abundant in light.

What window shutters do to your home is astonishing – Take a look at some catalogues, you will not believe it until you see it!

When you have invested on shades and shutters all over your home, it is natural that you take good care of them. It is a known fact that proper care taken of anything will unmistakably last you longer with its lasting sheen, yet, it is very easy to overlook that. Neglect can reduce the exquisiteness and very soon they would lack the good looks. Shutters, if they are well taken care of, can prove to be a beneficial investment for the value of your home.

Care for your shutters

Whether you are the proud owner of Plantation shutters, or Roller shutters, or wooden shutters, giving its due share of everyday dusting keeps them clean and happy. Basic gear such as a feather duster, or a static duster to catch all the dust, would work very well. Vacuuming shutters and blinds with special attachments once in a way is also a good way to maintain them.

It is best to move your shutter slats up and down to clean all the areas, top to bottom. Hard to reach areas like the corners often get neglected during the weekly dusting; you must take time out once in a way to clean them with a brush.

Cleaning Different Shutters

Vinyl shutters are the easiest to clean; just dusting them with a feather duster will keep them clean. For further cleaning, you can mix one teaspoon of ammonia to one quart of water and clean.

Wooden shutters should be dusted, and they can be given a varnish coat every once in a while to renew its lustre. Never wash your wooden shutters! And never use the ammonia spray on them. You may occasionally clean them with a wood varnish spray if your want. Wooden shutters need a bit of extra care once in a way, but they will give you the classiest and warmest look to your house.

Once in a way, the shutters like vinyl or metal ones, (NOT the wooden), can be removed and thoroughly washed with a garden hose and a weak soapy solution. Do not use harsh commercial sprays and always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions and clarify during installation the best cleaning method for your shutters.

When you step into the world of panels, shutters, shades and blinds, it is very easy to get overwhelmed and confused by the array of choice you have for each. It is best you identify your requirements based on the type of usage, members in your household, type of decor in your home, colour theme etc. Whatever be it, you can never go wrong with them.

Panel track blinds

Panel Track Blinds give an innovative, light, classy and a refreshing change to thick shutter windows and doors. These panel track blinds are flat and are usually installed on a horizontal sliding panel track to give the room some privacy.

The soothing hanging panels which shade your home have a relaxing effect on your room. It is not fixed as with the shutters; they are like curtains but with the fall of a blind or a shade. These hanging panels come in beautiful colours which give the room a warm look.

Mini blinds and Venetian blinds

These blinds have their own characteristic features unique to each other. The difference between Mini blinds and Venetian blinds are the width of slats which make up the blinds. Mini blinds are used for a single window panel and are more convenient for small places like offices etc. Venetian blinds are a little broader than venetian blinds. They both come in Wooden, vinyl or metal materials. The thin metal slats used in venetian blinds and mini blinds is what sets them apart from shutters.

These blinds are used in commercial spaces which give it a cool and crisp look rather than the warm homely look in shutters.

Arch blinds

The arch blinds are usually fixed on the top part of the window; these are specifically used to fit into the shape of the window to the liking of the buyer. They come in two types; movable and non-movable. Non-movable arch blinds only complete the look of an arched window with a shutter or blinds. Movable Arch blinds actually can be opened and closed. One can attain the luxury of a sunbeam light through the movable arch blind, on top of the window.

They come in cellular fabrics which can be pleated to give a neat look, or they even come in wooden slats.

Pleated Shades- Newport & Linen fabrics eta 11-20

Roller Shades Motors- eta 11-20

Roller Shades Lino and Newports- eta 11-20

Closeout Woven Woods Tweed Dijon has been discontinued.

New directly from Hunter Douglas:

We’re taking energy conservation-and savings- to a whole new level with Duette™ Architella™ honeycomb shades. Already best sellers, due to their beauty and energy-efficiency, select Duette Architella shades may be eligible for a significant tax credit.  Click logo for more information.

While choosing the shutters or blinds for the windows, most people search for the right options that will suit their home décor. Obviously they also want that the blinds should be durable and d not give way due to weather changes. If you ask an expert on the subject, he will suggest that though many latest varieties of blinds are thronging the market, some traditional varieties like mini blinds are the best for extra durability and affordable price tag.

If you go to reputed online dealers like shadesshuttersblinds.com, you will find that there are hundreds of varieties to choose from various shades and blinds. The mini blinds are especially popular, as they are low-priced options as compared to others and also they come with a double-slatted valance to cover the head rail. They also block effectively from cold and heat; their R-value is said to be good. With easy installation options, they are discounted hugely this fall and you can safely order online for a purchase without hassles.

The mini blinds are also available with remote control mechanism. Especially for commercial uses, such mini blinds can prove amazing accessories for your windows. Choose white, off white or tan as per your choice and your windows will endow all the new look with these blinds. You may get vinyl blinds too but they usually come with no warranty and are too light at times in windy locations. Therefore, do little homework, find out what suits you, and then finalize your choice of blinds or shades for your windows. In online shades market, you will never be disappointed!

Roller shutters usually offer two types of manoeuvring; hand crank or manual rollers and automated or remote control operated rollers. The price gap is indeed substantial but each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Automatic Shutters

1. Automatic roller shutters are sleek, classy and smooth

2. Suitable for most places, best for large coverings and outdoor areas.

3. Easy hauling with a remote control or a wall switch

4. Easy to clean – minimal dust accumulation in the concealed sheath while not in use.

5. Can close all shutters of the home all at once with one click. Most suitable for large areas.

6. The remote control enables you to install roller shutters in hard to access areas.

7. Best for heavy shutters of metal or other heavy materials which is indispensible for security and protection.

Disadvantages of Automatic Shutters

1. High priced when compared to the hand cranked rollers.

2. Not suitable for areas where there could be a power shut down.

3. Regular maintenance needed.

4. Automatic roller shutters work on power supply. It is necessary to create a power source near the area of installation.

Advantages of Crank Operated Roller Shutter

1. Hand operated roller shutters work out cost-effective than the motorised ones.

2. They are convenient for lighter doors and windows

3. Does not depend on electricity and can be used even in the event of power failures especially in areas which are prone to them.

Disadvantages of a Manual operated roller shutter

1. They are cumbersome sometimes, especially when you are in a hurry.

2. Manual roller shutters come with a crank object which is fixed at the side of the shutter. This sometimes clashes with the neat and sleek decor of the interior home.

3. Be wary of man-handling the crank lever.

4. They are sometimes hard to operate in large areas, and gets tiring!

Whether you choose automatic or hand operated, roller shutters will give you that safety, security and also save on energy bills due to its insulating properties. It is recommended to do your homework on which type suits you best and make a deal!

Gone are the days with televisions, cars, and stereo systems without remote control. Remote controlled equipment is obviously most convenient to use and operate. No wonder even window shutters with remote control are preferred these days by consumers across the world. Our modern houses need modern equipment and shutters are one of the most essential décor items too along with being a necessity. This is the reason many leading shutter manufacturers have come up with remote controlled shutters.

Because of unique design with low power consumption module, these shutters are quite popular. Just choose the best dealer online like shadesshuttersblinds.com and you will get quality products at affordable rates. Even they offer you huge discounts this fall season and also provide shipping. Most motorized equipments with such leading dealers come with standard 1-channel infrared remote options. You can go for cellular honeycomb shades with infrared or radio remote. If you are choosy about a particular brand like Hunter Douglas, you can still get options like top down shades with remote control system.

Optional satellite eye is also provided with the infrared remote controlled shades. If you happen to buy more than four shades, you can order one extra remote control totally free of cost. For people with little higher budget, Hunter Douglas SkyRise angled shutters are available with apt remote control. You can also go for simpler faux wood blinds with remote control. Well, you want your windows to look classy and just perfect. With apt shutters they will give your house an ‘over the edge’ look for sure!