October 2018

Drapes or Blinds – What Are the Differences

Posted on October 29, 2018

Drapes or Blinds

There are a variety of options available when it comes to window treatments which can make it overwhelming for homeowners to choose the right one for their house. To make this more confusing, many interior decorators often use the terms drapes and blinds interchangeably. In this guide, we’ll explain some basic facts about these two different options so that you can decide what best fits your needs.
Drapes
Drapes are quite similar to curtains, which are fabric panels and often sold in pairs. The main difference between drapes and curtains is that drapes are typically lined with heavy fabric to block sunlight from the outside. They are often long and can reach from the top to the bottom of a window, even bundling up on the floor under the window in some cases. Stiff and heavy fabrics are the standard for draperies, including several materials such as silk, damask or velvet.
While drapes are available in a variety of colors and patterns, they are usually in a solid color and the top of the fabric is typically pleated. Just like curtains, draperies can be hung from hooks, grommets or a rod. They are also available in blackout styles, however they will not insulate as well as blinds. Furthermore, curtains are either closed all the way, or open, you cannot adjust them to let only small amounts of light in.
Cons to Drapes
A down side to drapes is the cleaning process. They can become musty and dust covered with time and cleaning them can be difficult. The recommended method of cleaning is dry cleaning, which means taking them down, taking them to a trusted dry cleaner, and putting them back up, The cost alone can add up quickly.
Blinds

Blinds are quite similar to shades and can be raised up or down with a lifting mechanism or a cord. These are comprised from a variety of materials such as bamboo, wood, vinyl slats or aluminum. They can tilt closed for ensuring privacy or open to allow the light to come in. That’s why it’s rarely necessary to open the whole blind unless you are opening the window behind.
Some blinds come without route holes running down the center for the cords. This allows less light to pass through each slat for added privacy. Since they can block out sunlight very effectively, they are ideal for use in the bedroom. The width and length are also sized to fit in the existing window frame. This can give your windows a clean and finished look. While blinds are commonly available in horizontal slats, there are also models with vertical slats, leaving you with plenty of options for your windows.
Conclusion
Overall, blinds are the better choice for window treatments. With the ability to block out sunlight and heat, they are ideal for ensuring privacy and regulating lighting in your home. There are some differences in the working mechanisms, materials and sizes. So you need to consider all your options carefully before making a final decision. Blinds tilt open at different levels and allow you to control the amount of light coming into your home without your windows being fully exposed. Alternatively, you can pull them open all the way if you want an open sunny window on a nice day. Additionally, blinds have the benefit of different valance types. They can more readily match to the current architecture and decor of your home. Whatever your taste and personal style, you’ll find a blind to harmonize with your house.

Some blogs are written by authorized members of our advertising team for marketing purposes only. Some content may not correctly depict product specifications and may vary depending on product. For more information please call our sales office.

Best Blinds to Keep Heat Out

Posted on October 16, 2018

in Blinds

by team

Windows bring in lots of light, but they also tend to bring in lots of heat as well. There are many solutions to to keep heat out of your home such as tinting your windows, installing sun shades, curtains, etc. But among all of these solutions, blinds are going to be one of the key components to make sure that you’re keeping heat out of your home while elevating how your home looks. This article will go into detail of what the best blinds to keep heat out are and what blinds you should install in your home.

The Blinds That Keep the Heat Out

1. Perfect Fit Blinds

Perfect fit blinds are ideal for reducing glare and heat — especially during the warmer months. These blinds are measured properly and are popular and effective due to their style, versatility, and design. According to PHX Interiors, this is a popular choice for home remodeling clientele that want the custom look with added heat-reducing benefits. Installation of these blinds result in little or no drilling. They also keep window sills covered and are pet/child friendly.

2. Faux and Wood Blinds

Faux Wood or Wood Blinds. These are horizontal blinds and have a variety of slat widths. Some are cordless, and some have cords. You can have the simple yet modern look of whites or grays or the traditional look of stained or darker colors. They are good insulating blinds are are a solid material.
They are very room darkening but they are not considered blackout shades. For blackout shades consider cellular shades, which come in a wide range of fabrics that also include blackout fabrics, and are also available in motorized options (cordless) as well.

3. Roller Blinds

These type of blinds are also very effective in keeping your home cool. They consist of simply a solid sheet of fabric just across the window. The simple concept of roller blinds makes them more efficient than Venetian and vision blinds.
The blinds are fitted cordless or with cord cleats to keep them out of reach by little hands. They are therefore child friendly as well. These roller blinds are also available in motorized options just as the vision blinds.

4. Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are also quite efficient when lowering the heat in a room. They come in both wood and aluminum, and are also available in a wide range of slat sizes. The aluminum Venetian blinds are highly recommended for heat control particularly in hot conservatories. The wood blinds are very good insulators but can warp in extreme heat.
They are excellent in the heat and light control simply because the slats could be tilted. when they get fully closed, they darken but not as much as our blackout fabric blinds. They come in different finishes and colors to generate the desired effect required. Additionally, they are available in motorized options.

5. Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are great at not only keeping the heat out of your home, but they also are efficient when it comes to light control and privacy. They come in different colors and patterns, and they can effectively reduce both the heat and the glare going through the slats. Textured vinyl slats have the appearance of blackout looking fabrics while providing better insulation.

Keeping the Heat Out

Looking for the best blinds to keep heat out? This guide will go into detail of 5 different types of blinds that will not only keep the heat out of your home, but can also elevate your home’s interior. The information in this blog is for conversation purposes only. Some blogs are written by authorized members of our advertising team for marketing purposes only. Some content may not correctly depict product specifications and may vary depending on product. For more information please call our sales office.