The window shade industry offers many traditional choices that are still popular amongst today’s consumers. But there are many products that have been introduced recently that provide consumers with additional benefits that are much appreciated in this time of recession. One product that provides consumers with extra (or bonus) benefits is solar shades.

The bonus benefits of solar shades:

1. The reduction of glare: this can be especially beneficial in rooms that are frequently used for TV or movie watching (movie rooms, living rooms, etc.)

2. Temperature control: solar shades decrease the amount of heat lost in winter and the amount of heat entry in summer.

3. The extra insulation capabilities ensure that energy bills decrease. During times of recession this particular feature is valued even more so than normal.

4. UVA and UVB light is blocked by solar shades. This is a definite health benefit offered by solar shades.

5. In times of recession there is one thing that is always a priority and that’s affordability. And solar shades are definitely affordable.

6. The product eventually pays for itself through the beneficial energy savings; making solar shades more than affordable.

Solar shades are able to block a massive amount of the sun’s heat (up to 80 to 90%). Solar shades come in a wide selection of colors to accommodate any room decor. They fill the needs of consumers looking for privacy and light control and in addition they block the harmful rays of the sun offering unique health benefits.

In times of recession consumers absolutely appreciate energy savings. And in addition to the obvious savings offered by the energy efficient qualities the product blocks the harmful rays of the sun from furniture; extending the life of interior decor. This decreases the amount of money that is required to keep interior design/furniture maintained because sun damage is avoided. Solar shades are an especially appropriate option for rooms that see heavy use and rooms that contain expensive or sentimental pieces of furniture.

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

Vinyl mini blinds are in a large portion of residences across America. They have been a consistently popular choice for years and they will continue to be a consistently popular choice for years to come. Why are they so popular? They’re popular because they’re affordable.

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

1. The feather duster is the first step. This will do the majority of the upkeep. If it’s done often enough it will be able to knock lose any collecting dust and/or debris easily that is collecting on the vinyl mini blinds.

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

3. When owners find themselves with vinyl mini blinds that haven’t been cleaned/maintained as well as they should have the blinds could require a more intensive cleaning. In this case owners take the blinds down and carry them outside. By laying them out carefully in an appropriate outdoor area owners can spray them off with water through a household hose.

4. If there is no outdoor area available for the purpose of spraying off dirty vinyl mini blinds owners can fill a bathtub with warm water/all purpose cleaner. Letting the blinds soak a few minutes will help the debris fall off. Owners can try moving the blinds around in the water gently if there is still debris stubbornly sticking to the blinds after soaking.

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

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

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

Faux wood window blinds and real wood blinds…most consumers can’t even tell the difference without some very close study. The actual makeup of faux wood window blinds often involves small amounts of real wood, but the product themselves are not “real” wood in full. Visually the differences between the two popular products are not at all obvious without close inspection, but upon studying the specifications of the two different products their different advantages become quite clear.

Faux products in general cost less. They also come with a higher resistance to moisture. Real wood products provide consumers with the advantage of authentic wood. Some see the “wood” as a design bonus as it can be seen to add a warmth to a design space. Consumers and designers of this opinion see the faux wood has lacking in this particular quality. But the fact that many are unable to tell the difference without close study of both products indicates this particular advantage may be questionable.

Faux products are heavier, but real wood is stronger. One consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked is the makeup of the faux product. Faux products can sometimes have very high foam content. These are not sturdy enough to withstand long term use. They often end up sagging and always require a high number of support string (distracting from the aesthetics of the product).

Real wood is typically recognized for its many design advantages. They add “warmth” (as mentioned before) and they also offer a noticeably wide array of colors and stains. Faux wood window blinds offer a less extensive number of options and they also can sometimes yellow with time.

The major advantage of faux wood window blinds (in addition to the affordability) is the ability to deal well with moisture. Because they deal well with moisture they are the better choice for situations in which they will be exposed to water in the surrounding environment. It also makes them easier to clean. Owners can easily wipe them down with a damp rag. They can also be dusted with a feather duster regularly in order to avoid the need for constant cleaning.

If faux wood window blinds get to the point of extreme dirtiness that can’t be remedied with a damp rag they can be removed from their installed position and taken outside. Laying them out in an appropriate area, owners can spray them down with a household hose to remove intense grime or stubborn dirt. To re-hang them immediately in order to avoid potential damage to support strings take a dry towel to the product after cleaning.

This easy cleaning is not an option with real wood blinds. Wood blinds should be regularly dusted with a dry feather duster. Because they cannot be sprayed off if they collect dust and grime it’s very important that they care kept dusted/clean very regularly. Wood blinds cannot withstand the moisture of being cleaned by cleaning products or a damp rag on a regular basis.

Both real wood and faux wood window blinds have their own advantages. Both should be regularly cleaned and maintained for the best function. The main differences are the moisture issue, price, and design options. Consumers should consider the advantages and disadvantages of both in relation to their own situation prior to making their buying decision.

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 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 blinds related.

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

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

1. Energy efficiency is a great benefit. Many are looking for any way to decrease their monthly expenditures during the recession. And investment in cellular shades would result in a decrease of the energy usage as it is one of the best energy efficiency products on the window coverings market. The most energy efficient variety of cellular shades are those with bigger pleats or the triple celled products.

2. Cellular shades come with the top down bottom up option. This means that they’re more versatile when it comes to light control and privacy. Top down bottom up means the shade can be opened by pulling the bottom to meet the top or the other way around…by pulling the top to meet the bottom.

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

4. The honeycomb fabric is able to do two things simultaneously: offer privacy and provide residents with a nice, muted light or, if necessary, absolute darkness.

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

6. The pleat size on cellular shades varies by product choice. The size of the pleats can be desirable for design taste. An important aspect to remember is that the bigger the pleat in the product the more insulation power it carries.

Most in the industry would agree that cellular shades are the most efficient type of shade on the market. Some might even go so far as to say that they are the most efficient window covering currently available. Another name for the product is the honeycomb shade (named after the specific fabric used for manufacturing). But regardless of which name consumers recognize…the benefits are calling to many and making cellular shades a popular option.

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

Most homeowners put off large purchases during a recession. Homeowners who had previously planned to sell their current home and upgrade to a larger one are now reconsidering.

To avoid further credit obligations most homeowners are sticking it out in their current residences. And on top of that the current credit restrictions are guaranteeing that a large portion of Americans are sticking it out in their current residences. They’d have a hard time getting credit approval for another home purchase.

So what do homeowners do in reaction to staying in a home they were planning on upgrading? Usually…they upgrade. What do they upgrade? They tend to start with their blinds and shades; which is a perfect reaction.

Updating blinds and shades is an optimum home improvement choice because it offers drastic design change without drastic price tags and it even adds value to the property. And considering the fact that there have been many recent safety regulations there are many residences that would benefit safety-wise from updating blinds and shades throughout the home.

if consumers haven’t been out and about in the industry in a while they will find that there are a plethora of options out there that will surprise them. There are several points to consider while shopping for blinds and shades:

1. Faux vs. wood is often an argument, but it really shouldn’t be. It’s basic. Faux products are better for kitchens and bathrooms because they handle moisture well. Wood adds warmth to a room and they’re also stronger and lighter which makes them a better choice for many even though they don’t handle moisture well.

2. Blinds and shades with energy savings allow homeowners to decrease their carbon footprint. Energy savings products decrease monthly expenses and are often indicated as a very affordable option because energy savings will eventually pay for the cost of the products.

3. Blinds and shades are a fantastic home improvement: They are much more cost effective in comparison to other home improvements. They provide a high level of change at a low cost. The installation of blinds and shades are a universal value adder to any property.

Installation of any newer blinds and shades products will often result in making a more energy efficient home due to the advances in design and manufacturing processes that have been implemented in recent years. And during a recession anything that is more energy efficient is desirable because of the money saving aspect of the benefit.

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 countless expectations and requirements consumers have when they are looking to purchase window coverings. The priorities of every consumer are a little bit different. But the investment in window coverings is often treated like any other major purchase; and it is given the careful consideration a major purchase deserves.

Window coverings shoppers come with expectations and long term satisfaction is obtained only when the product purchased meets these expectations. One expectation that shoppers are insisting on in more cases recently is that of American blinds. They want window covering products made in the USA.

American blinds are available; they can be found through a variety of outlets from a variety of manufacturers in a variety of styles. Consumers can find them by looking into each manufacturer and discovering which styles/products offered are made in the USA. Point of origin is available on any retail product.

If contacting manufacturers of possible window covering products seems too time consuming consumers can look to reputable distributors instead. Distributors will have point of origin information available on any product in their available inventory. This way consumers can access point of original info on a variety of products from a variety of manufacturers. And they only have to contact one company.

When consumers are searching for American blinds they should also consider the reputation of the manufacturer as well as specific reviews on the style being considered. Another characteristic to consider is the nature of the material being used in the manufacturing. Some are more eco-friendly than others. Some are stronger. Some are more long lasting. Some increase energy savings more dramatically. Make sure the American blinds hold up to the quality standards in the industry.

Consumers looking to buy American blinds shouldn’t be nervous that they won’t find very many options. The options are out there. And there are American blinds that hold up against the best competition in the industry. The window coverings industry has very high standards. Make sure the American blinds chosen in the end meet the standards and long term satisfaction will be a given.

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.

Roller shades are an economical choice. The economical choice isn’t always the best choice, but in a tough economy it’s definitely a major consideration. And since roller shades also provide both style and function the economical benefits are really just a major bonus.

Roller shades product function depends heavily upon the roller. Steel rollers offer the greatest strength. Wooden rollers are also strong, but not quite as strong as steel. The strength of the roller is important because the product has to hold up to daily abuse for the long run. It’s required by the basic function of the product.

Roller shades come in a wide variety of textures. It also comes in a wide variety of colors. This means its easy to use the product to add necessary design elements to any space. Installation is an easy procedure. Even the most amateur of DIYers can handle the project. Customization is nearly as easy as installation. And it comes without the typical elevated prices.

Both traditional and flat fold roller shades are popular amongst consumers. Both styles come in 50+ colors/patterns. The materials used to made roller shades varies widely depending upon consumer choice. Some roller shades are even 100% recyclable.

For the consumer looking for easy customization consider: hem styles, trims and shade pulls. All offer very easy and very specific opportunities to customize the product without increasing the price drastically. Roller shades can be customized to accent any room: playroom, children’s rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Flat fold roller shades get their name from their function. When raised they fold up in a graceful pattern of folds and when extended they lie flat. Flat fold shades are often ordered with hemline trims. It’s a popular combination.

Roller shades fit the bill regardless of personal preference. They are so versatile that any design scheme can be incorporated/accentuated. Easy installation and easy customization together provide consumers with a product that suits almost any need.

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.

Designers and homeowners agree…roman blinds offer a plethora of design advantages. The sheer number of possibilities makes it the best (most popular) choice for a high number of shoppers. One of the most advantageous aspects of roman blinds is design.

Versatility means that roman blinds offer a wide number of combinations to provide the possibility to accommodate many design styles. They are actually seen as one of the most versatile products in the window covering industry. They offer a fabulous list of features that provide variations of design.

The list of possibilities start with:

1. Shaped fascias: all classic in design, but adding a slightly different touch depending upon consumer choice.

2. Borders. Borders can be simple or they can be made using a very detailed pattern.

3. Trimmings can be subtle or they can be dramatic.

4. Pipings offer the opportunity to accentuate the room through subtle additions of color or to provide a finished look to the roman blinds without adding additional color; it’s all a matter of choice.

5. Fabric combinations: obvious endless possibilities exist as consumers and/or designers choose fabrics to coordinate and work with their design space.

The most basic feature is the shaped fascias. They are found at the bottom of roman blinds; two common (and popular) types of shaped fascias are colonial and zig zag. Children’s rooms and bathrooms are a favorite for the zig zag shaped fascia. And the colonial shaped fascia is a very classic and classy option that can accent almost any room decor.

Unique combinations used in borders can be the perfect way to incorporate difficult color schemes. And trims/pipings can easily dress up (or dress down) roman blinds with colorful (or not) accents.

The window covering industry offers many possibilities. But there aren’t many products that offer the extent of design advantages that can be found with roman blinds. They fulfill all the basic function requirements and go far beyond that into the world of design; making them a great choice for versatility alone.

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.

It continues to surprise industry professionals when consumers come looking for wooden blinds and they are either totally unaware of the existence of faux blinds or assume they are just another wooden blinds product. It’s best to make it very clear what the difference is between wooden blinds and faux blinds.

Wooden blinds are defined by the phrase high quality. Consumers often label faux blinds as a lower quality product in comparison. This is not particularly true. They are seen as a fake of the real thing (wooden blinds). Instead of defining the product by what they aren’t consumers would be better served by defining them by what they are.

Faux wood blinds are not made of wood. But they are a quality product. There are myriad quality window coverings products on the market that are not made of wood. Wooden blinds are a quality option, but they aren’t the only quality option. One huge difference between wooden blinds and faux blinds is the fact that they are made from different products. Faux blinds are made of vinyl. Another huge difference between the two products is price. Faux blinds are significantly less expensive.

These aren’t the only differences between wooden blinds and faux blinds. Faux blinds are resistant to moisture. In comparison, wooden blinds are definitely not resistant to moisture. This makes faux blinds the better choice in areas of high moisture like bathrooms or kitchens. Faux blinds are also much easier to clean.

Wooden blinds on the other hand add a very real warmth to a room that many designers and homeowners appreciate. They are also both lighter and stronger than faux blinds products. Wooden blinds also offer the distinct design advantage of a more extensive array of stain and color choices.

Once the difference advantages of both products are made clear consumers typically have a much easier time making their choice. Faux products are the best choice for certain situations. And wooden blinds are the best choice for other situations. Taking the room and the function of the room into account is vital. But sometimes it’s just a matter of personal taste!

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.

Bamboo has long been a very central and important aspect of Asian design. But this isn’t the only area in which bamboo has left a mark. Bamboo has made a huge mark on the window coverings industry. It continues to gain popularity as a product used in the manufacturing of window coverings. Bamboo shades are often recognized by design professionals as a wonderful way to add a natural element to the interior design of a space. (They are also recognized as a very durable, functional product). They provide a variety of benefits:

1. Bamboo shades are versatile. For instance, they can be used simply as the perfect final touch in a minimalist design scheme. In comparison they can used in combination with heavy, silk drapes to lend the finishing touch to an elegant design scheme.

2. Variety: Various sizes, colors, stains and styles (roll up or folding) provide a wide array of “looks” that will fulfill any design need while offering the durable function of bamboo.

3. Bamboo is one of the most natural and eco-friendly materials currently used for window coverings. The basic concept is that rather than reaching for a wood product you are reaching for a much more renewable product. Bamboo shoots mature after 5 years rather than the long term aspect of replacing hardwood that has been removed for consumer needs.

4. Affordable price tags make bamboo shades a popular option for a very different, but just as important reason. When compared to other, similar products on the market, the bamboo shade offers a lot of style and function for the price. And in a tough economy there are a lot of consumers that are looking for this particular advantage.

5. Bamboo shades are durable. Bamboo obviously has to withstand weather conditions naturally. So it’s no surprise that the window covering products made of bamboo exhibit the same natural ability to withstand weather conditions (especially harsh sunlight). This is one of the obvious reasons that led blinds manufacturers to use bamboo in their products.

The popularity of bamboo shades continues to increase. The more popular bamboo products become the more manufacturers cater to the demand and offer new, bamboo based products. So consumers are seeing no shortage of exciting, new possibilities when it comes to bamboo shades and blinds on the market.

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.