Blinds Chalet Blog

Wood Cornices
A wood cornice is an additional finish for a window treatment. It sits above a window treatment, shade, blind or drape. The purpose is to enhance the window, create depth and layers and to offer a finished, polished look. Some window treatments come with a standard valance or cornice, however some are offered additionally. These ones tend to have a more decorative flair and are more detailed or intricate in appearance.

Standard wood cornices can be upgraded or replaced to create a new look for a room without completely re-doing it. These window accents can dress up an otherwise plain room and can change the overall style of a room. Think of a wood cornice as a ribbon, bow or clip for your hair. You don’t need it, but it looks great.

Wood cornices add a decorative finish to window blinds and drapes. They not only create a focal point for the room, the variety of paints and stains can tie in with furniture or flooring accents or can stand alone. Platinum Wood Cornices come in sixteen varieties of paints and stains to match Platinum Wood Blinds. However, these cornices also provide a complimentary finish for fabric window treatments and drapes.

The Platinum Wood Cornice is available in a variety of profiles that includes Derby, Bristol and Oxford at 8 inches tall and the Bradford, Manchester and Essex at 9 inches tall. The Platinum Wood Cornice comes complete with a dust cover on the top of the cornice to protect window blinds and for easier mounting. A keystone is included with all cornices greater than 60 inches.

When you choose to decorate a window, it doesn’t have to end at the window blind, shade or drape. Using a wood cornice adds another layer to the design element that can compliment or contrast other elements in the room. By using a stain on the cornice that perfectly matches a piece of art or furniture, you are creating more visual interest in the piece.

Contrasting colors can also work, or you can use a paint color to match your walls. This creates a subtle enhancement for the room. It gives windows depth and character without overwhelming other elements in the room.

Some cornices come with designs engraved into them, others have patterns and some are simply contoured wood. Some more popular designs include layers of carved wood that can mimic pinecones, acorns, delicate swirls, circular patterns and more. The more intricate the design is the higher the price tends to be.

Wood cornices and valances are available in stores and on-line. When ordering on-line, choose a reputable dealer and look for discounts or free shipping. If you want a change for your home, or an updated look, then consider adding a new layer to your window treatments.

Blinds Chalet Introduces Platinum Wood Cornice
Blinds Chalet introduces their new Platinum Wood Cornice. Wood cornices add a decorative finish to window blinds and draperies. They not only create a focal point for the room, the variety of paints and stains can tie in with furniture or flooring accents or can stand alone. Platinum Wood Cornices come in sixteen varieties of paints and stains to match Blind Chalet’s Platinum Wood Blinds. However, these cornices also provide a complimentary finish for fabric window treatments and drapes.

The Platinum Wood Cornice is available in a variety of profiles that includes Derby, Bristol and Oxford at 8 inches tall and the Bradford, Manchester and Essex at 9 inches tall. The Platinum Wood Cornice comes complete with a dust cover on the top of the cornice to protect window blinds and for easier mounting. A keystone is included with all cornices greater than 60 inches.

“When you choose to decorate a window, it doesn’t have to end at the window blind, shade or drape,” says Chris Stanley of Blinds Chalet. “Using a wood cornice adds another layer to the design element that can compliment or contrast other elements in the room. By using a stain on the cornice that perfectly matches a piece of art or furniture, you are creating more visual interest in the piece.”

Blinds Chalet has been a leader in the window treatment industry for over 25 years. They specialize in cellular shades, window blinds, drapery, drapery hardware, shutters and more.

Window Blinds and Shades Block Heat In Desert Homes
In the desert there are two temperatures: hot and hotter. For those looking to beat the sun’s heat, window treatments are a perfect way to reduce in-home temperatures and help reduce or eliminate the need for air conditioning. While the rest of the country is cooling off, you can too with window blinds and shades that have insulating qualities and block against UV rays. We picked a few of our favorite options for desert decorating.

Desert Decorating With Window Blinds and Shades:

1.    Energy Track 3/8” Translucent Double Cell Shades: These window treatments have some of the best insulating qualities on the market. They sit on a track to insulate from edge to edge on your windows. While many people associate insulating window blinds and shades with staying warm, they actually help maintain the indoor temperature of a room, whether that’s warm or cold.

The Energy Track Shades are LEED certified, which means they can help you qualify for LEED certification. They more than quadruple the insulating powers of a single pane of glass. They help improve air quality and more. If you live in an area where nights are cool, then open windows at night to let the cool air in. In the morning, close your blinds and keep the cool air in. If there’s no relief from the heat, consider running the AC for just a couple hours during the night or morning, with the blinds closed.

2.    Silver Screen Roller Shades – 4%: Roller shades are rated by their percentage. What 4% means is that the weave of the fabric is fairly tight. While you will still maintain views of the outdoors even with these shades closed, you will be blocking UV rays and cutting the sun’s glare. They help reduce heat without losing your views.

3.    EnviroFusion Textures Linen Shades: These shades take two popular window blinds and shades and combine them into an insulating blind with a fashion statement. Roman Shades give their style to this window treatment, while the liner is created with a honeycomb design typical of cellular blinds or shades. They offer some of the best insulation on the market while still offering an elegant finish to your room.

It can be a challenge to stay cool in the desert. For those that are ready for a little relaxation in the shade, consider buying window treatments or blinds designed for the desert climate. Head on-line and check out the variety of fabrics, colors and styles to choose from. Your home will stay cooler and you’ll be happier. So what’s stopping you?

Blinds Chalet Now Offers MLB™ Window Shades

Major League Baseball is coming to your home. Blinds Chalet now offers MLB Window Shades. Whether you’re a New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or Chicago Cubs fan, there is roller shade for you with your favorite team’s logo on it.

 

Available in numerous color combinations and a variety of logos for each team, these window treatments are perfect for kids’ rooms, or for the grown-up kid in your family. A perfect accent for game rooms or men dens, these window treatments let your guests know whom you are rooting for.

 

MLB™ Window Shades are a great way to show support for your favorite team. Roller shades are known for their light filtering abilities. With blinds down, you’ll be able to enjoy the baseball game without eye-straining glare on your TV. If you prefer to immerse yourself in the world of baseball without any distractions like daylight, you can opt for the blackout fabric.

 

Blinds Chalet custom makes each blind to your window’s specifications so your favorite team’s logo is perfectly centered and proportionate to your window size.

To help sweeten the deal, Blinds Chalet is currently offering 30% off your order. Be the first in your neighborhood to own these roller shades. Order them on-line today!

Buying Light Filtering Blinds
Not too many people know what exactly a light filtering blind is or why they are a great addition to any home. Basically, these blinds offer a combination of the most popular blinds on the market. They have the look of Roman blinds, they insulate like a cellular shade does yet they open into slats like a Venetian blind. These blinds pretty much do everything any other blind does and they do it for a reasonable cost.

Light filtering insulating blinds help improve indoor air quality and as such are Greenguard certified. The insulating design incorporates honeycomb cells to ‘hold in’ air that might enter through drafts. It also keeps the air inside the house at the temperature you want. This means energy bills go down when heat doesn’t have to be cranked to keep a room at a comfortable temperature. The cells are 1 inch thick and flatten out to create the appearance of a Venetian blind. This is especially useful when the sun is shining and you want to take full advantage of it.

The Roman shade is the dominant look when these blinds are closed. The material used feels great to the touch. They fold down to offer privacy and to kill glare that might cause eyestrain from computers or televisions. They also offer UV protection to keep the interior of your home from fading.

To recap, these window shades give a great level of privacy. They keep homes comfortable with their insulating qualities yet offer style an elegance with the Roman Shade look. When shopping, look for companies that offer a rebate on these blinds.

Another option for light filtering blinds is the horizontal fabric shade. They are distinct with a wider pleat than the light filtering blinds. Color options are a little more varied and a little brighter. They are simple to use and don’t weigh a lot, making raising and lowering them easy for any one of an age. The popular way to use them is to keep them closed and just adjust the blinds as needed to control light.

Beyond the bright flavors of color, there is also the option of getting these blinds in patterned material. This makes them a great addition to almost any room in the house, except children’s room. Because these blinds to have cords, they are not recommended for rooms where small children play or where pets might get tangled in them.

The versatility of these blinds can be appreciated in the home or in the office. They work with most types of décor.

For people who want a little bit of everything, light filtering blinds are the blinds for you. They give you insulating qualities, privacy, color, neutrality, and light control. There’s really nothing these blinds can’t do except maybe clean your house for you. They are highly recommended, so start shopping now.

Varieties of Roman Shades

There are a plethora of types of and materials that make up roman shades. These window treatments are best known for their opulent feel and touch of elegance and class they bring to a home. They make any room look good and don't make it feel dated. They help reduce energy bills with their energy efficient qualities. They also block out almost all UV rays. Take a look at some of the most enjoyed varieties of these blinds.

1. Light Filtering Roman Shades. These shades are designed to offer privacy while letting light in. Polyester is the primary material used. There are varieties available that are both soil and dust resistant. It's a great way to bring a classic look to a child's bedroom or play area without having to worry about them getting ruined. There are cordless versions available and a variety of colors to choose from.

2. Blackout Roman Shades. Best suited for home theater rooms, these blinds look good while providing a dark, secluded atmosphere. They are great if you have problems sleeping because of the sun coming in through the windows or if you want to watch a movie without glare, or work from home and need a dark space to be creative.

3. Woven Wood Roman Shades. These blinds are pretty cool. They have the feel of the ocean, the beach and palm trees swaying. Synthetic brands avoid warping and maintain their color longer than real woven wood blinds or shades. They look as if branches were woven together and bring a delicate look to a room. These also come in cordless versions.

4. Textured Linen Roman Shades. Linen is a fabric associated with summer. It's breezy and soft. These help open up French doors or large windows. They also work to bring a design element to smaller windows.

5. Satin Roman Shades. Satin just looks good. It works in bedrooms, living rooms and studies. It can help enhance the colors in the furniture or bed linens. It can compliment mahogany and marble. These window treatments come in a variety of colors as rich as their material.

Roman shades are generally manufactured with cords. Therefore, if you have small children or pets you may want to request a cordless version. Most manufacturers offer a cordless variety now and if not, retrofit kits are available to make blinds safe. Discounts can be had on brands when you order from a major on-line retailer. Because they don't pay for rental space and they generally buy in bulk, they get savings they can pass on to you.

As new materials are developed, you can be sure the best of them will be incorporated into Roman Shades. These blinds never go out of style. They look great and increase the resale values of a home. They insulate and block UV rays. There's no reason not to buy some Roman Shades today.

Blinds Chalet Introduces Light Filtering Insulating Blinds
Blinds Chalet introduces light filtering insulating blinds. These blinds combine the beauty and style of a Roman Shade with the insulating qualities of a Cellular Shade and the light filtering abilities of a Venetian Blind. They really are the all-in-one shades that provide style and more importantly energy efficiency.

Light filtering insulating blinds are Greenguard Certified for indoor air quality. These shades are constructed using cells that capture outside air that might otherwise leak in. They also act as a barrier for keeping room temperature air inside so there are no drastic fluctuations during the day.

Light filtering blinds reduce heat loss during the winter and solar heat gain during the summer. When opened, the 1-inch cells compress, so the blind takes on the appearance of a Venetian blind. When closed, they resemble a Roman Shade with a soft fabric material.

These window treatments offer privacy and light control as well as insulating qualities. They are available in a variety of neutral colors so as not to distract from other interior design elements. A $50.00 rebate form offers additional savings to the 30% off that Blinds Chalet is currently offering.

“We have a lot of customers wanting the versatility of a Venetian blinds, but are looking for something that will help insulate their homes and help them save on energy bills,” says Chris Stanley of Blinds Chalet. “These blinds pretty much do it all. We’re excited to be able to give our customers a wide selection of window treatments for all their window treatment needs.”

Blinds Chalet has been a leader in the window treatment industry for over 25 years. They specialize in cellular shades, window blinds, drapery, drapery hardware, shutters and more.

Cheap Roller Shades
Everybody likes products that don’t cost a lot but are made with great quality materials. The only way a company can deliver that is by buying the materials in bulk. That’s why you sometimes find blinds for prices that don’t seem real. Roller shades are available for a variety of prices; however buying from a company that has an extensive presence will get you better deals. Roller window treatments are some of the best blinds on the market if you have floor-to-ceiling windows, or windows that get a lot of direct sunlight. They are made is with a sheer weave pattern that is similar to a miniature basket weave. They allow light to come in but not glare and they don’t block views. They keep out UV rays to reduce the temperature in the room. Below are a few of the best most cost effective roller shades on the market:

•    Eclipse 5% Roller Shades. The 5% means light is filtered effectively. They help control the temperature in a room and they diminish the sun’s glare and soften light. They keep UV rays out, but still give full access to views. They are energy efficient and make sure rooms don’t cook during the hottest hours of the summer.

•    Sheer Weave Roller Shades – 14%. These blinds offer shade for homes and work places. They are easy to roll up for clear views. The Phifer SheerWeave 3000 material has one of top UV ratings for blinds when they are shut.

•    Suntec Blackout Vinyl Roller Shades. For rooms that need to block out light for presentations or for home movie enjoyment, blackout vinyl roller shades do just that. They are designed with a polyester/fiberglass fabric. Light may leak in the sides.

Slightly more expensive, the following roller shade is one of the best for the environment:

•    EcoGreen Roller Shades. These are great for anyone concerned about the environment who is getting ready to re-decorate or is building a new environmentally sound home. EcoGreen Roller Shades are a great addition to any home. They are PVC-free. They have no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, they are completely recyclable so they don’t clutter landfills. They qualify towards LEED certification and help energy performance, material and resource use and indoor environmental quality.

These blinds work on almost any size window and effectively keep the heat out. They can also be used as covers for open-faced cabinets and shelves. They color palette is basic in order to let a room speak for itself. They can be made to fit your exact window size and shape. These are not a one-size-fits-all shade.

Now that the heat is on, it’s time to get your windows covered. Jump on-line and see what you can find. Some places custom size your blinds in a day or two and with express shipping, you’ll have them in no time. Roller window shades are a great way to enjoy views and feel in touch with the day while they reduce heat and UV rays.

Blinds Chalet Announces Top Three Window Shades and Blinds for Desert Living
With one of the hottest summers in years sweeping the nation, people are looking for ways to stay cool in the summer heat. Window treatments are an easy, inexpensive way to help cut air-conditioning costs and to get a little relief from the sun. Blinds Chalet has compiled their list of the top three blinds for desert living and is also offering 30% off purchases as well as free shipping in order to help people remain comfortable for the remainder of the summer. Some products offer two-day shipping so relief from the heat can start immediately.

The Top Three Window Blinds and Shades for desert living are as follows:

1.    Energy Track 3/8” Translucent Double Cell Shades: Cellular shades are known for their insulating properties. Using these in a desert environment is ideal to help keep cool air in during the day. Best tip is to open windows during the night and let cool air in, then lower blinds during the day to keep temperatures down. If nights are as hot as days, then run air conditioning for a few hours in the mornings and evenings to cool off the home, then close the blinds and turn off the AC to cut down on energy costs. These blinds are also LEED certified. Their thermal performance rating is up to five times higher than a single pane of glass. With a system to seal-in the sides of the window blinds, there is no room for drafts or air leakage.

2.    Silver Screen Roller Shades – 4%: The goal of these shades is to help maintain views while blocking UV rays and providing insulation to help keep the interior of the home cool. Silver screen roller shades coat the exterior of the window blinds and shades with aluminum. They block out the sun’s glares as well as the worst of the heat from the rays. The 4% openness is a tighter weave than some shades for better insulating properties.

3.    EnviroFusion Textures Linen Shades: Also known for their insulating properties, these are a blend of Roman shades and cellular shades. The liner helps improve insulating qualities while the roman shades filter light and create an elegant atmosphere. The liner hides the cords for a finished look.

“Being and Arizona-based company, we certainly understand the needs of those that live in the desert,” says Chris Stanley of Blinds Chalet. “Window treatments are an easy way to improve the insulation factor of house which in turn improves comfort and resale value.

Blinds Chalet has been a leader in the window treatment industry for over 25 years. They specialize in cellular shades, window blinds, drapery, drapery hardware, shutters and more.