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What Different Types of Window Shades Are Available?

July 18th, 2010 No comments

If you are in the market for new window treatments, then you may want to consider window shades. They offer many benefits such as lighting and air flow control as well as visual appeal. They can also be very easy to care for when compared to other methods of window treatments such as drapes or curtains. There are four main types of shades.

The primary use of solar shades is to block heat and glare from getting into a room. This can prevent the sun from fading your furniture as helping to save on the cost of cooling the room. Solar shades come with different densities in the range or 80 or 90 percent. A higher density solar screen will block more heat, but may also block your view of the outside.

Roman shades use fabric to create a three dimensional window treatment. This effect is created when the shade fabric has folds that overlap horizontally when lowered. The folds also rest on each other when the shades are raised. For a more classic look, roman shades are also available that show folded horizontal layers when raised but lay flat when lowered. Roman shades area also available with patterns that provide a different look when raised or lowered.

Cellular shades have a structure between two pieces of fabric that looks like cells or a honeycomb. If there are more cells between the fabric, the shades will provide better insulation as well as reducing noise from the outside. You can also choose fabrics of different weight and density for the cellular shades. This will let in more or less light.

Roller shades of vinyl or fabric are the type of shade that roll up on a spring roller. The shades can be rolled all the way up or lowered to cover part or all of a window. Originally quite plain, roller shades are now offered in many different colors and fabrics. They even come in opaque options that will keep out much of the outdoor light.

Bamboo Shades: Fad Or Fab?

January 30th, 2010 No comments

Home designers are quick to incorporate bamboo shades into their room designs. That’s because it’s an inexpensive way to hop on the latest design trend of bringing a touch of nature indoors. But are they just a fly-by-night fad or are they destined to be a home design classic? To help you make a decision, below are some answers to common questions.

Q: What are bamboo shades?

A: They’re window coverings made of bamboo. Bamboo is a member of the grass family. It’s strong, tough, and comparable to wood in many ways. One of the best things about window shades made of bamboo is that their natural woven texture allows light in while still allowing you to maintain your privacy.

Q: Do they come in different colors?

A: Contrary to popular belief, bamboo shades don’t just come in golden brown. You can get them in window shades ranging from white all the way to dark mahogany. There are two main styles you can choose from. Roman shades work like an accordion, and fold up when the cord is pulled. Matchstick shades roll up. Roman shades are often though of as being more high-end, but the simplicity and affordability of matchstick shades is very attractive to many home owners.

Q: Are they environmentally friendly?

A: YES! As we all try harder to reduce our carbon footprint and help prevent global warming, this is a great question to ask of any product you buy. The popularity of bamboo in home design is partially due to the fact that it’s a sustainable crop! Because it grows quickly (3 years as compared to 30 for most tress), it can be farmed as a renewable resource! This protects our existing forests by reducing the demand for hardwood. Plus, bamboo protects the topsoil and can grow without the need for pesticides.

Q: Where can I find them?

A: You can find them in just about any home improvement store, and in a lot of department stores that carry home furnishings. Because of their increasing popularity, they’re also readily available online. So go ahead and shop around! Remember though, the lowest price does not always mean it’s the best deal. Make sure to compare based on quality.

Q: How do I clean them?

A: Yes. Exceptionally so. With curtains, you have to take them down and drag them to the dry cleaner. Who wants to do that? Metal blinds can scratch. Plastic window shades, in addition to being ugly, can stain and yellow. Bamboo shades, on the other hand, do not scratch, are naturally stain-resistant, and they clean up with a duster or vacuum. No need to take them down!

Q: Are they difficult to install?

A: There is special hardware required to hang bamboo shades, but they’re very easy to install. Nearly all come complete with mounting hardware and instructions. For most installations you’ll need only a drill, screwdriver, hammer, and a level. One person can even do all the work!

Q: Is there anything special I should know?

A: Yes, there are a few things to watch out for. Make sure there’s a warranty, and that that warranty is valid even if you install them yourself. Check to see that you’re getting real bamboo, not plastic or an inferior look-alike grass. Be sure to measure your windows before you start shopping. And finally, please note that they open and close with a pull cord and are not suitable for infant’s or kid’s rooms.

As you can see, bamboo shades are not just a passing fad. They’re a great choice for any home, and for any homeowner who wants to do their part to save the planet (while still having a beautiful home). Enjoy shopping!

Amazing limited time savings are available by visiting bamboo shades. These promotions are for high quality window shades in many styles

Bamboo Shades Are An Eco-friendly Choice

January 29th, 2010 No comments

Bamboo has long been used in Asia as a construction material. In the United States, we are familiar with it as a material of choice for outdoor accessories. Recently however, people have begun to appreciate it for its beauty and durability indoors as well. Home designers and consumers have been installing bamboo flooring in place of hardwood, for example. Another big trend in home design is bamboo shades.

Not only do bamboo shades look great, they’re ecologically friendly! This is probably another reason they’re becoming so popular. People want to make choices that help the environment. Choosing bamboo shades over hardwood blinds and certain fabrics can drastically alter the impact we have on our planet.

Bamboo is pretty equal to hardwood. The main difference is that bamboo is not a tree. It’s a grass. As we all know, grasses grow very quickly. Bamboo is no exception. It can be harvested every few years. What does this mean for the environment? Trees grow slowly, often taking decades to mature. The only way to get hardwood is to destroy forests. Bamboo, on the other hand, is a sustainable crop.

It’s a well-known fact that most of a home’s energy costs come from heating and cooling losses through windows. An excellent way to stop that loss is to hang bamboo shades over your windows. This creates a temperature barrier. This means you have to use less energy to keep your home comfortable. Plus, think of the money you’ll save!

One more thing to consider is global warming. How can something as simple as buying bamboo shades help with a big problem like global warming? Well, as with any plant, bamboo releases oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the primary culprit in global warming. The larger the plant, the more good it does. Bamboo can reach heights of over 30 feet, making it a much more effective means of reducing carbon dioxide than traditional farm crops. Some scientists think bamboo may even be more effective at reducing global warming than regular forests of equal size!

Erosion is another environmental concern. Bamboo helps with this problem because it’s self-generating. The original plant sends up shoots over and over, and can be harvested repeatedly. Whereas traditional farming practices results in topsoil loss from rain and wind, bamboo keeps the topsoil protected.

One more incredible thing about bamboo is that growing it requires no pesticides or other chemicals. Bamboo is quite hardy. The amount of chemicals and toxins in our soil and water is staggering. It is about time we put our energies (and our dollars) into a crop that can grow vigorously without chemical interference!

There are more benefits to using bamboo. You may not be ready to replace your floors with bamboo, but bamboo shades are a great way to update your decor and save the planet! Check with local retailers, bamboo shades are available in lots of colors and styles to suit your needs.

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