Archive for the ‘Window Blinds’ Category

Hunter Douglas – Mini Blinds

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Mini blinds are a popular way of covering windows. Apart from the fact that mini blinds beautify your house and come in a assortment of styles, they also provide better window coverage. Hunter Douglas mini blinds are considered the superior range of the mini blinds market today. Mini blinds offer a sleek look that fits the more zen look that is popular right now.Mini blinds are like most blinds – they have slats or louvers. They are good for people who are looking for more privacy and demand their window coverings to look good at the same time. Mini blinds by Hunter Douglas are a more practical means of regulating sunlight and glare than many other types of window blinds and shades. Aluminum blinds in particular are far more durable if they use a high gauge aluminum slat which lowers the chances that they will become warped or dented.

Hunter Douglas mini blinds are special in a number of ways. First of all the Hunter Douglas mini blinds come in a assortment of styles and materials, they also have a assortment of different fittings to suit individual needs. Many of the more sophisticated blinds have electronic controls for easy opening and closing. The Macro 2″ has a feature which eradicates cord holes from the blind and blocks 50% more sunlight than other blinds giving more privacy and light control. Hunter Douglas use their own exclusive alloy in these blinds which gives them much greater durability and a special treatment also reduces the dust build-up on the blind. Some of their mini blinds are made from faux wood; these work just as well as wooden blinds at regulating light and privacy but because they are made from a substance called polymer they are sturdier and more moisture resistant. Most Hunter Douglas mini blinds have a sleek modern look that blends well with most decors.

Like most mini blinds Hunter Douglas blinds are not entirely air tight and this means that they do not provide the same levels of insulation as some other window coverings – it should be noted that this is a weakness of all mini blinds. Mini blinds work best on door windows where there is not much space between the door handle and the window. However, some Hunter Douglas mini blinds are made in such a way that they will increase insulation levels in a room and this makes them much more energy efficient than many others.

Hunter Douglas mini blinds are not the economical mini blinds on the market. However, they are made to save you money in the long term. Hunter Douglas products come with a lifetime limited warranty which is a huge plus. If you pay $250 on average for a blind and the warranty lasts for 5 years then the cost of the blind is compensated by this warranty.

How to Clean Your Blinds

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Dust and grime on your blinds? Well, then it’s time to clean them! Certain types of blinds need special care when cleaning them. Here, we go through steps on how to properly clean your blinds without ruining them.

Cleaning Aluminum Blinds

Aluminum blinds are probably the easiest to clean since they are pretty durable. Almost any soft cloth, dust cloth , or chemically treated dust cloths can get the job done. It is advisable to vacuum the blinds first before wiping it with cloths. Make sure you attach the brush head to the vacuum hose. Vacuum gently. Make sure you cover the entire slats, tilt the slats to vacuum the other side. You should vacuum the slats horizontally for horizontal blinds and vertically for vertical blinds.

Once you are done vacuuming, you can use any household cleaning liquid along with a damp cloth to clean the slats. Use either cold or warm water when cleaning the blinds. Never use hot water. Make sure you place some rag cloths under the blinds to avoid making a mess.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can take the window blinds down, fill your bathtub with warm water and mix it with some liquid washing detergent, then dip the window blinds into the tub (Remember, use warm water, not hot water). Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently wipe the slats. When you are done, wipe the window blinds with a dry cloth or sponge. Hang it to dry.

For quick cleaning, just use a soft cloth or a feather duster to clear the dusts. One popular way to quickly clean your blinds is to use a soft cotton sock and a bottle of all-purpose-cleaning spray. Wear the sock on your hand and gently wipe the slats while using the spray. To clean the cord, any stain remover should do the trick.

Cleaning Wooden Blinds

Because wooden blinds are made from real wood, special attention is needed when cleaning it. Do NOT clean your wooden blinds with water. Water may cause the wooden blind to curve or warp. You can clean your wooden blinds by wiping them with a soft cloth or dusting it with a duster. You can also vacuum it, but make sure you use the brush attachment. You may also use non-wax furniture polish and a soft cloth to clean the wooden blinds. For occasional deep cleaning, use a wood cleaner such as oil soap. Again, do not use soap and water on wooden blinds. If you are hesitant to clean your wooden blind yourself in fear of ruining it, you can get a professional window blind cleaner to clean it for you

A Variety of Hunter Douglas Shades & Blinds

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

When you are looking for shades or blinds for your home, you are probably interested in finding something of high quality at competitive pricing. If you want quality products that come with affordable prices, you should look to Major Blinds where product and affordability do go together when it comes to shades and blinds. All you have to do is take some time and browse our website, contact us and you’ll probably be surprised to see that some of the discount blinds you’ll find there are top of the line products and very appealing to you.Furthermore, you’ll find that name brand shades, blinds and window treatments such as Hunter Douglas’ are custom made, to fit your windows perfectly, while following the highest quality standards.

The days of the roller are long gone now. Major Blinds now provides you with an extensive selection of shades for your windows, for instance Hunter Douglas Applause and Duette honeycomb shades or Brilliance Pleated shades, Provenance woven wood blinds, Remembrance Window shades, and many more.

As far as the blinds are concerned, Major Blinds provides you with a wide choice of styles. Blinds can be horizontal or vertical, and they come in a variety of materials, colors, textures and styles. Hunter Douglas blinds have innovative features that make them stand out before any other brand. Whether you choose Hunter Douglas vertical blinds, or the horizontal aluminum Hunter Douglas blinds, it all comes down to a question of choice. It’s up to you to decide which of these you like best, and which would be most appropriate with the atmosphere in your home, because when it comes to quality, you can rest assured that all Hunter Douglas blinds are products of top notch quality.

Hunter Douglas Blinds and shades are now available with special features, such as the hidden control system, allowing you to lower and raise your blinds without any cords, but with a simple touch of your finger; the de-Light feature, which prevents up to 99% of the visual light from coming into your home and eliminates the traditional route holes. The Hunter Douglas wood blinds come in a great variety of colors and Woodtones and can be with a lift cord or cordless, for maximum child safety. The De-Light feature is available with these blinds as well, and you can be certain that they are a lot more durable than the standard wood blinds, easy to clean and resistant to common cleaning solvents in the household, as well as very resistant to scratches thanks to their TopShied finish.

If you are looking for quality blinds at competitive pricing, you will probably be happy to hear that there are many discount blinds that you can choose from, and you can find great savings when buying Hunter Douglas blinds from Major Blinds.

Pirouette Window Shades – A Classic Look for Your Home

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Pirouette® window shadings combine the personality of a classic roman shade with the ability to control light in an entirely new way. With the gentle pull of the operating cord, textured fabric in a palette of delightful colors transforms from contoured folds to opened vanes, allowing a softened outside view through the sheer backing. The revolutionary Invisi-Lift™ system allows the horizontal fabric vanes to float gracefully in the window, while providing precise control of the light in your life.

Create harmony throughout your home with three fashionable fabric options. Choose the simple and flirty look of Linen, the more elegant yet chic look of Satin, or the sleek and stylish look of Crepe. With 34 colors, all available in semi-opaque or room darkening, and your choice of 4″ or 5″ vane sizes, you can have it all with Pirouette® window shadings versatility in both function and style, and the perfect finishing touch to every room in your home.

Differences Between Park Lane and Luminette Sheers

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Although Luminette and Park Lane look similar, there are important product differences. Park Lane is priced at 25% below Luminette, but there are also significant differences in how they operate and available options.

With Luminette, the SofTrak headrail is concealed with an integrated fabric header. With Park Lane, the Paramount headrail is visible. An optional valance is available if the customer wishes to cover the headrail.

These products do perform differently due to hardware differences. You are all already familiar with the functionality of both headrail system. An important difference is the Park Lane is NOT available in Center Opening or Split Stack, while Luminette is.

The size specifications are similar for both brands. Luminette does win by an inch both ways! The Park Lane headrail is painted with a white matte finish. Both Park Lane and Luminette use a wand/cord combination.

The recommended overlaps for measuring and ordering Park Lane Privacy Sheers: 4” to 6” on the top; 6” on the sides; and 4” on the bottom. The 6” side overlap is more than the 4” recommended for Luminette sheers because of the edge gaps.

Introducing NEW Park Lane Privacy Sheer

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

Park Lane is a completely new Privacy Sheer. It’s designed to expand the Privacy Sheers category by aiming for a younger target customer than Luminette Privacy Sheers. It is a great soft solution for large expanses. Park Lane can cover large expanses of up to 16 feet wide by 10 feet high in a single panel! The Park Lane system uses the Hunter Douglas Paramount track system also used for vertical blinds. It installs easily by clipping into the brackets and then attaching the sheer to the track carriers.

Inside mount is not recommended for Park Lane due to a pronounced light gaps at either end. On vertical blinds these edge gaps and vane spacing are similar. With Park Lane the face fabric is attached to the vanes creating a more apparent edge gap.

Style Adds Spark, Color, Pattern and Texture

Friday, December 5th, 2008

Style is the fun part of window treatments. Here is where you can choose fabrics, colors, and styles that will add to the beauty and enjoyment of your room.

Add interest to windows by repeating fabrics and colors used in other parts of your room. Or, add a dash of style with contrasting borders, cordings, or fringe.

The unique touches you add to your window treatments are a reflection of your personal style.

Draperies have options in rod styles with tab tops, tie tops, many types of pleats, grommets, rod pockets (large or small), flouncy tops, or plain rings.

Valances can be gathered, pleated, shirred, swagged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace, or flat.

Color and Style

Fabric Shades are found in flat Roman style, balloon, Austrian, bottom arched, pleated, and flat panels, in sheers or coordinating fabrics.

Metal Mini Blinds offer alternatives in slat weight and size, specialty finishes, privacy options, header choices, cloth tapes, and hundreds of colors.

Wood Blinds come in a variety of colors, finishes, slat sizes, and tape colors. Some are made without the typical cord holes in each slat for a cleaner look. Ask about choices for header designs and cord control options too.

Cellular Shades, also called pleated and honeycomb shades, have a clean look and come in both sheer and non-sheer materials. Some styles have eliminated the cord hardware, some have loop controls, and most have some insluating qualities.

Natural Blinds are also called matchstick or bamboo blinds, but are available now in matchsticks, sewn slats, and other options that have a natural fabric-like appearance. You’ll find options for valances, roll or fold up operation, edge binding, and privacy liners.

Whatever your preference for window treatments, you’re sure to find many options to meet your home’s requirements for privacy, light controld, function, and style.

Functional Considerations for Window Treatments

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Function

Windowcoverings are practically useless without the element of function.

Consider your needs for window hardware, fit, wand options, placement, and safety considerations, both as you weigh your options and when you purchase.

There are window treatment solutions for almost any problem. Do you need cord controls on the left to avoid dangling near a baby crib? Will you require light blocking shades for a napping toddler? Are your windows so small that you’ll want to mount window treatments outside of the window frame?

Take a look at some of the problems and solutions in function for window treatments:

To open or close, that is the question. Some treatments now are designed to be stationery. For draperies that open, however, choose appropriate hardware that opens and closes easily.

Function and Privacy

Stationery treatments such as non-closing drapery side panels, cornices, and valances are installed to be permanently in place. Add under treatments of sheers, blinds, or shades to add function to these types of window decorations.

Consider how (and if) you’ll need to operate blinds installed on very high windows.

Long draperies can be a tempting plaything for pets and a hazard in a young child’s room as they learn to walk and grab anything in sight. It might be better to go with blinds or soft shades that stay up off the floor.

Ask for the newer breakaway and safety window cord options when installing blinds in a home with children.

Top down/Bottom up shades increase the possibilities for privacy and function, letting you control the height of your blinds from either direction.

Transparent shades offer no privacy but will cut down on UV rays and glare. These are made from polyester and work like a regular roller shade.

High end window treatments can be ordered with tech options that include light sensitive and remote control operation. Consult a windowcovering store or your interior decorator for more information.

Basic Light Control is Critical

Monday, December 1st, 2008

Light Control

This factor has two elements. First, keeping glare down is necessary when someone is sleeping in the daytime or when watching TV or working at a desk near a bright window.

Second, UV rays from bright sunlight will adversly affect fabrics, furnishings, and artwork in your home. Full sun can quickly fade expensive upholstery and rugs, eventually causing some fibers to break down and rot.

Windowcoverings can be used successfully to control light. Consider these possibilities: Any of the opaque window treatments listed in the Privacy section above can also help with light control. However, since sunlight will eventually break down many fabrics, it can be helpful to use a non-fabric shade next to the glass, behind expensive draperies, valances, or fabric shades. For custom made draperies ask about special linings and fabric treatments that help reduce UV damage.

Light Control and Style

Lightblocking treatments can be installed for rooms that need to be fully darkened. Look for room darkening roller shades as well as light blocking linings for fabric shades and draperies.

Metal or wood blinds can be tilted to keep direct sun out of your room, while still affording some view and light.

Natural blinds such as bamboo and matchstick will filter the light and cut down on much of the glare, and can be ordered with an exterior privacy lining.

Cellular shades in non-sheer fabrics will cut down on light.

In areas of very strong sunlight, look into window tinting options where a film is attached directly to the glass. This will reduce UV rays and is available in several levels of tint.

2” Designer Vinyl Blinds

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Graber 2” mini designer vinyl blinds are an ideal choice for areas with frequent amounts of high humidity like bathrooms or kitchens. Graber 2” Designer mini blinds are created from moisture resistant vinyl and require minimal care. With over 70 colors to choose from and a plethora of styles Graber 2” Designer vinyl mini blinds are ideal for any décor. Graber 2” Designer Vinyl mini blinds range in height of 10” to 108” and width of 9” to 102” while slat size is 2”. Specialty options include cut outs ideal for unusual window shapes or working around obstacles or multiple blinds one head rail ideal for large windows and sliding glass doors. Cornices available Noble Wood Cornice 5.5” or 7.5” and Regal Cornice for a dramatic look 5.5” and 7.5”. Valances available are Standard Valance, Double valance, 4” Curved Wood Valance and 4” Classic Wood Valance.