Looking for a classic window covering product that provides for all the basic needs of privacy and light blocking? That’s what many are doing it the current market. During any time of recession and/or depression consumers alter their shopping methods to accommodate the changes in their spending habits. This is definitely happening in the current economical situation. In the window covering industry reaching for the classic that covers all the bases means reaching for aluminum blinds.

When people go out in search of window coverings looking for the basics they discover that aluminum blinds cover the bases. The basic needs to typically inspire a search for window coverings or blinds are: light blocking and/or privacy.

Aluminum blinds are classic when it comes to window coverings; that’s indisputable. They’ve been around since the beginning. They are easy to use and they are long lasting (especially when well maintained). This combination is enough to make them a great choice for many. They provide more versatility than many are aware of; sizes can range from 5/8″ to 1″ to 2″. And for those interested in purchasing environmentally friendly products that are up to 95% recycled.

Another advantage is the availability of head rail options. Some head rail options negate the need for an additional valance. They can make it quite easy to pair aluminum blinds with other window covering products like drapes or curtains, etc. The pair can be the perfect accent for interior design schemes.

Some consumers can be confused by the name; aluminum blinds. The product is not known by one name alone (as if often the case). They are also often referred to as mini blinds. Mini blinds spurs a certain picture in the minds of most consumers that is quite limiting. The actual product is more versatile than most consumers realize. They can be purchased in different sizes. But the average size of mini blinds is smaller than the average size of other horizontal blinds choices.

No one would argue that aluminum blinds are a classic. But some feel limited by their perception of the product. These individuals are usually not actually aware of the product’s versatile options. They provide for the basics in light blocking and control as well as privacy. They are easy to use. They are readily available. Consumers who surpass them without considering them are missing a viable product for many circumstances.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Everyone loves wood window blinds. That’s a fairly general statement and a fairly big assumption. But it’s one that can be supported by the seemingly unending interest in wood window blinds. And it doesn’t stop at interest alone. The interest is very often followed by purchasing. They aren’t the only great option for window covering buyers. There’s also the cell shade, the roman shade, the bamboo blind, etc. But wood window blinds always tend to come out on top.

What is it that makes wood window blinds such a popular choice for so many? It could be the uniquely beautiful material. Real wood just looks different than any of the man made materials that can be advantageous for a variety of other reasons. Wood window blinds offer natural beauty and they are able to exhibit stains beautifully. Man made materials can attempt to echo the ability, but none have been able to adequately mimic the full look of real wood yet. Natural wood grain just adds a lot to any design space.

Wood window blinds are both strong and light. They are the strongest window covering product on the market. They are also the lightest window covering product on the market. And that’s a combination that is hard to find.

There are many stains available making them a more versatile choice. There aren’t many interior spaces that can’t benefit visually from wood window blinds of one stain or another. Designers often describe their visual addition to a room as a natural warmth that can’t be had from any other product. It is something that is added by providing an outlet to “real wood” in the window decor.

Interior design spaces definitely benefit from the warmth that wood window blinds bring. But it’s not the only benefit. Many appreciate the beauty of the wood grain. Many appreciate the display of beautiful stains. Many appreciate the strength as well as the light weight nature of the product. But what’s most important is the combination of features and choices that makes them extremely versatile.

The basics are fully covered by the purchase of wood window blinds. They provide adequate privacy. They provide adequate security. They control the view in and out of any home or office window. They provide the needed light blocking features and have the added advantage of being easy to use.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

There are consumers out there who aren’t aware of the choices they have available when it comes to window coverings. When they think of window shades they immediately think of mini blinds; which is fairly normal since they’re a popular choice. What’s not normal (or accurate) is their assumption that mini blinds are the only option. Mini blinds are definitely available, but they are in no way the only option. They aren’t even one of a few. They are one of many options available in today’s market.

Mini blinds are pretty classic; they’re a good first thought. They definitely accomplish the basics: light blocking and privacy. They’re also quite affordable. They’re usually immediately available for almost any window size in any location. They come with easy installation. They sound pretty good. And they are; they’re always a good first option. But to ensure the “best option” is the one chosen consumers must move beyond the first option to consider the comparable products and the upgrades before they come to the final decision.

When consumers move on to consider horizontal wood or faux blinds they find a popular upgrade in the cornice style valance (not available for mini blinds). It adds a bit of elegance to the basic horizontal blind design. Not every horizontal blind product offers the upgrade; it depends upon the manufacturer. But most do offer it and most offer it at no additional cost. The basic, interior mount valance leaves valance clips visible. Since a majority of consumers see the visible valance clips as negative to the overall “look” of the window covering the cornice style valance will continue to be a popular option.

Decorative tape is also a popular option. Decorative tapes cover visible cords in horizontal blinds (excepting mini blinds). They block additional light from leaking through route holes so they also increase function in addition to aesthetics.

Other popular options/features are edge binding, 5 inch valances, routless ladders, cordless products, cassette headrails and more. While some benefit the consumer by increasing the aesthetic appeal and others benefit the consumer by increasing the functionality of the product the favorite options are almost always those that do both simultaneously.

Mini blinds are often the first option, and they’re sometimes the best option. But consumers should make sure that they are aware of the difference between being the first option that comes to mind and the best option to suit the needs of their specific situation. Considering all the options before purchasing will ensure that consumers get what they’re looking for.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings sector and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Looking to sell a vacant home? Adding window shades really adds the necessary warmth to make the house seem like home. Potential buyers subconsciously notice the difference when a house has appropriate window shades installed. Bare, stark windows with no coverings leave buyers distracted from the potential of the home. Window shades can actually make the difference between a potential buyer and a buyer.

Sellers find that the purchase and installation of quality, conservative window shades makes a big difference in the sale of a home in any housing market. But in the midst of a rough economy and an even tougher housing market…window shades are vital. Any experienced agent will urge home owners to take advantage of the edge that the proper presentation will provide in selling a home. Window shades in particular change the state of the game from empty house for sale to potential home available for buyer consideration.

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

A few good options when aiming for classic and conservative, but pleasant and homey are: classic wood blinds, faux wood blinds and/or roman shades. For the wood or faux blinds stick to very neutral colors. If installing window shades in a small space avoid darker stains. They will give the impression that the space is even smaller than it is. If roman shades are being installed the color is very important. Make it neutral: tan, cream, white, off white, etc.

Consider the coloring already present in the wall paint and/or wallpaper as well as the flooring. Matching other woodwork in the room can be appropriate. But it isn’t always necessary or advantageous. It can sometimes be overpowering so be careful; especially if the woodwork in the room is of a very dark stain. If you’re not careful you’ll overpower the space and make it seem much smaller than it actually is.

Never assume that potential buyers are going to be able to see the possibilities; many lack that sort of imagination. Home sellers are responsible for selling their own home. And one way to make the possibilities apparent is through the purchase and installation of good window shades.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

The installation of high quality, conservative window coverings is often seen as a valuable addition to a home or office. While there are almost countless options available when it comes to the style of window coverings, one of the most popular on today’s market are roman shades. Roman shades are quick and easy. They’re affordable and they’re accommodating when it comes to room design and style. This makes them a great choice for a large portion of designers and consumers alike. Some of the characteristics of the roman shades that make them a great choice are:

1. They’re simple. They fulfill the sometimes difficult requirements of the minimalist style that is so popular in modern decor. They are easy to install with no difficult measurement requirements or installation techniques. They’re simple to add to a room and they offer a simple, elegant accent.

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

3. Roman shades also provide a very quick and very easy solution to any privacy and/or light control issues that may have urged consumers to look for window coverings in the first place.

4. Custom Design: Roman shades are easily customized to suit specific needs. They are possibly the easiest products to customize in the industry. Custom options are often available with a variety of window covering products, but the roman shade offers one of the most amazingly thorough ranges of custom options on the market.

Roman shades make meeting the privacy and light control needs of a room without disrupting the room’s interior design simple. This is probably the single most popular aspect of the roman shade; they provide for the needs of the room without taking away from the aesthetics already in place. In addition they are easy to install, easy to customize, easy to use…no wonder they’re one of the most popular window coverings on the market.

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

categories: Blinds Chalet,discount window blinds,window blinds,window coverings,window,blinds,roman blinds,vertical blinds,horizontal blinds,shades

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

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

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

But the basic function of the window blind isn’t in question. We know that these functions can be fulfilled. Window blinds are now expected to do so much more. They are recognized for their many advantages offered to homeowners.

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

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

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

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Recalls due to safety concerns have been underway for years when it comes to corded window products. The cording poses a definite safety issue to small children. Homeowners and/or landlords that are aware of the frequent presence of small children should make safety considerations a high priority when purchasing window coverings.

1. Walk through and actually look at the window coverings currently installed (cell shades, horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, roman shades, honeycomb shades, etc.) It doesn’t matter what type of product is in use; take a small chunk of time and consider the negative possibilities presented by its design. ANY exposed cording poses a danger to small children. Check the back of the product in addition to the front.

2. Exposed cording should lead you to consider your options. Manufacturers of almost every type of window treatment from vertical blinds to cell shades now have retro fit kits available free of charge to alleviate any safety concerns on older products. These retro fit kits are available by contacting most manufacturers.

3. If at all possible consumers are urged to replace products with visible cording with newer, safer cordless products. If it’s a viable option financially homeowners and landlords alike should consider the peace of mind that will come with knowing that the safety issue has been removed entirely from the property. Cordless products provide the full range of features and benefits that traditional, corded products are known for. They just come with the additional benefit of safety.

4. Property owners can remedy the issue temporarily by tying down any looping cords. The required Hold Downs can be purchased at the local hardware store. They can also be cut and tied with a tassel. Another easy rule to follow to increase safety around windows is to avoid putting any large furniture next to a window. Doing so increases the chances that a child will gain access to exposed cording.

If safety issues are identified in relation to window coverings in the home the issue should be addressed immediately. If the retro-fit kit is not accessible through the manufacturer or consumers are having difficulty accessing the manufacturer’s contact information they should contact the Window Covering Safety Council. This organization provides a full range of safety information regarding windows and window coverings and is more than happy to provide retro-fit kits to consumers free of charge. While they provide any and all answers regarding elevating older blinds and window covering products to meet current safety standards…they agree with the industry experts in saying that the safest option is to install cordless products.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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Homeowners considering a window treatment or blinds purchase can be easily confused by the plethora of options, specials, promotions, and features on the market. Making the right window treatment or blinds purchase depends upon several variables and if buyers aren’t careful they’ll inadvertently allow one or two to go unnoticed or to be simply ignored. Due to the fact that the right blinds, window treatments or shades can have lasting benefits for homeowners there is ample cause to make the decision cautiously and carefully.

Interested homeowners should consult the following list of 5 Design Considerations to remember when looking to buy window treatments or blinds. Considering each on the list increases the probability that the installed product will meet all expectations of the consumer post-purchase. The list is not all inclusive, but it is definitely a solid start for the novice blinds shopper.

1. Always remember that your blinds and other window treatments are going to be a part of the decor of your home. They will be one of the very few aspects of your home that will be visible from the inside and the outside. So don’t forget that they need to accent the design scheme you currently have in place.

2. You’ve got your own set of priorities; don’t let them get pushed aside during your search for blinds. If pricing is your most important factor…stick to your budget. If you are set on getting the very best energy efficiency products available then don’t look at products that don’t offer this advantage. Know what you’re looking for and look for it.

3. Make sure you’re aware of how long term savings can affect the long term “price” of your blinds or other window treatments. When you are considering energy efficiency products use the available energy savings calculators to estimate what your savings will be monthly or annually so you have some idea of exactly what the long term price of your new window treatments are going to be. It could be that you’ll need to make an initial investment up front that will pay for itself within a fairly short amount of time through energy savings.

4. Consider you and your family’s privacy and security. Some rooms/areas require higher levels of privacy and/or security. For instance, you’ll want full coverage possible in bedrooms and bathrooms (especially those on the first floor). Consider the design of your home and how you utilize your interior space so you can appropriately decide which areas need to have low levels of “privacy” and which require complete “privacy.” This will make a big difference in the type of window covering your choose: shades, blinds, etc.

5. Safety is always an issue. Many industry experts suggest that all consumers stick to cordless purchases for safety reasons. The corded varieties pose a safety risk to small children as they can become entangled in the dangling cords that operate the blinds or shades. If you have small children or have frequent visits from small children you will definitely want to restrict your purchases to cordless varieties.

Buying window treatments or blinds can increase the value of your home. It can increase your satisfaction with your home. It can drastically improve the look of your home. It can decrease energy expenses for the long term. And the list could go on. There are so many benefits possible; don’t miss out on any because you didn’t give the decision the time it deserved. Know what to look for and then don’t settle for anything less.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings sector and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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

Looking back those same consumers find that the many, many options that are sometimes distracting each have a very specific reason for being available. They all perform a necessary or desirable function. Discovering the reason behind each option and/or function and taking it into consideration for a personal blinds or shades purchase makes it much more likely that the purchasing decision will be successful.

When it comes to window shade features there are four categories that features can fall into: privacy and/or light control, safety, function and general appeal. Each of the categories include a wide array of options and each of the categories holds a different importance to each consumer. Consumers should consider the categories and assign them to their own list of priorities prior to beginning their search for blinds or shades. It’s the only way to keep priorities straight as more and more options are presented.

A very popular feature in the light control and privacy category is the top down, bottom up feature. It provides consumers with a very unique light control option. Light blocking has never been as accommodating before. The shades can be adjusted throughout the day depending upon the needs of the residents.

When it comes to safety features the most popular amongst today’s products is the cordless option. A large majority of blinds and shades products now offer cordless options on their classic designs. The cordless option totally eliminates the safety issues created by visible cording. When it comes to function features some popular options are: remote control, tile cutouts, and more. When it comes to features that appeal consumers want something that increases the aesthetics of the product’s general look. Some popular choices are: extensive color choices, wide variety of fabric and stain choices, valance design, etc.

Having a general sense of what’s available and why it’s available makes it much more likely that property owners will be able to cut through the fluff and find the products and features that actually suit their needs. And finding the specific products and features that suit the needs of the situation at hand is the only way to gain long term satisfaction with the window blinds investment.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

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Properly installing your new window treatments is vital for proper function. But proper installation is impossible if proper measurements weren’t taken prior to the purchase. The vital nature of the measurement is missed by many shoppers new to the window treatment industry and once the mistake is made…it’s often too late.

Improper window measurements could leave buyers unhappy with their purchase. The entire purpose of window treatments is to cover the window. So unexpected “gaps” are appallingly obvious once the product is installed in the home. Even small gaps (1/8 of an inch) are noticeable and will decrease your satisfaction with your window treatments.

There are simple guidelines you can follow to ensure you have the basic measurements you need to get started. You may find that the product you eventually end up with requires additional or slightly altered measurements, but starting the process off with the appropriate basic measurements is important. You will use them to gather estimates on pricing and unless the product you choose to purchase requires “special instruction” measurements you’ll be ready to go with your exact measurements when it’s time to buy.

If you aren’t sure which type of window treatment you are looking to purchase you should probably take two separate sets of measurements. One would be for any window treatment that mounts inside a window frame/casing and the other would be for any window treatment that mounts to the wall above the window.

When you plan on mounting window treatments outside your window casing you should take three measurements vertically and three measurements horizontally. Stick to an exact measurement to 1/8 of an inch. If you are planning on mounting horizontal blinds you need to add 3 inches to both your length and your width measurements. If you’re planning on mounting vertical blinds you must add 4 inches to the width and 3 inches to the length measurements.

For interior mount products you will again take the three measurements running in each direction. And you will again be as specific in your measurements as possible (to the 1/8 inch). You’ll take your longest vertical measurement and your shortest horizontal measurement to use in your calculations and product ordering.

This type of mount (interior of the window frame/casing) also requires a depth measurement. This measurement is taken by measuring the distance between the interior wall and the window. Check the product specifications on any interior mount products you are considering to check the depth requirements. You’ll want it to be able to hang flush with the interior wall.

While shopping specialty window treatment products ALWAYS consider any special installation or measurement instructions or advice. They are there for a reason. Improper window measurement impairs your ability for proper installation of the window treatment. And improper installation of a window treatment could eliminate or decrease energy efficiency and/or special features and options.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.