Cellular blinds have become very popular due to their style and the fact that they have the ability to block not only light but also heat, cold, and sound. These blinds, commonly known as Honeycomb shades can help reduce utility bills and can increase the feeling of overall privacy in the home where they are installed. There are varying styles even within the cellular style and variances that include
Drapes or blinds? Shades or café curtains? The biggest priority when you are at a window treatment store choosing what you want is making the decision of which you prefer – light or privacy. You may even decide that both of those things are desirable. When you follow these professional tips, you will be making the right, informed decision.
Covering windows above a radiator can be a bit tricky. The heat emitted from the radiator can affect some window coverings, and it is important not to block the heating unit. Radiators also take up a lot of space near the floor which makes hanging curtains more difficult. Here are some tips to help you determine which type of window coverings to use for your windows Ventura.
One solution to the desire to have curtains in a home with radiators is to combine blinds and curtains as window coverings. You can use stationary curtains that hang on each side of the window and do not move. Then use blinds to filter light and cover the main part of the window. Blinds can hang above the radiator, yet you will still have the effect of curtains because of the stationary pair.
You can use a similar concept with cellular shades instead of wooden or metal blinds. Cellular shades offer a softer, diffused light, but can be raised for more direct lighting. You can still use stationary curtains, or you can hang floor length curtains from the ceiling that will go in front of the radiator. By hanging them from the ceiling, you can move them out further into the room to allow for enough space for the radiator.
You can use other combinations of window treatments such as roller shades and floor-length curtains together. Roller shades are easily adjusted to allow in the exact amount of light you want. Floor-length curtains can be hung in front of a smaller radiator, but you would need to use extended curtain rods to give them enough room to close in front of the radiator.
Woven shades are another option with or without floor-length curtains. Woven shades offer a different texture and appearance than any of the other previously mentioned shades or blinds. A good idea is to see the different shades side-by-side to see which style would look the best in your home setting.
Short curtains are a more casual option usually used in a child’s bedroom or informal kitchen setting. They are another solution for rooms with radiators.
Wooden shutters offer a classic, long-lasting look and work well in homes that are in warm climates or have a lot of wood molding in the house. They look terrific in kitchens, bedrooms and family rooms.
Like other shades, Roman blinds can move up and down vertically to filter or block the sunlight. They can be set at any height to let in natural light, and can be adjusted at any time. Roman shades offer a more solid color block or pattern block on the window. They can stand out or blend into the wall decor.
Cellular shades have become popular window treatments because they filter out harsh light while allowing in muted light. Additionally, they are lightweight vertical shades that can be adjusted to hang at any level on your windows. Cellular shades are contemporary in style and can be custom-made for any window size. They are helpful in insulating windows against cold or heat from outside and offer privacy. Two or more layers are “honeycombed” together to create the shade.
Cellular shades are made-to-order in custom sizes for each client. Therefore, each shade is unique in size and configuration.
The blinds start as compressed sheets of fabric in blocks which are cut to the correct size width that was ordered by the customer. Then a worker counts the fabric cells to ensure that the shade is the correct length for the order. Any excess material is removed from the end, and large pieces are saved for later use. A piece of thick plastic is attached to the bottom of the fabric to stabilize it. This plastic also helps the bottom rail attach securely.
Simultaneously, pieces of metal frames are cut that will become the head rail and bottom rail for the cellular shade. Next, a layer of adhesive and a piece of decorative fabric are added to the head rail for a finished look at the top of the shade. The sheet of cellular fabric is then attached to the head rail and bottom rail to form the complete window shade.
Once the rails are attached to the fabric, the lift mechanism is inserted into the head rail. Next the lift cords are threaded through the fabric and the mechanism to get it in working order. Mounting hardware is gathered and packaged together to be sent with the cellular shade.
After manufacturing, each shade is checked for any imperfections or inconsistencies through a series of tests. Shades are opened and closed to test the mechanism, and examined for any issues with the fabric.
After testing, the finished shade and package of mounting hardware are wrapped in plastic and transported to the shipping area. The shipper creates a custom box for each shade, wrapping it in shipping paper for protection against normal tumbling and tossing during shipping. Then the box is taped up and shipped to the customer.
Once you or your contractor receives your shades, they are ready for installation. For proper hanging, have your contractor come out and install them for balance and proper up and down or side-to-side motion.
While there are many different types of window shades available with different advantages and disadvantages, there are many who are taking a serious look at two tone cellular shades for the first time. These shades add texture to a room. Some have resisted cellular, or honeycomb shades because they don’t like the “pleated paper” look of the shades and they miss the fabric option of traditional curtains, drapes, and blinds. However, with a little creativity two tone cellular shades can be pair with various valances and/or sheers that can provide the best of both worlds.
Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of cellular shades. Unlike traditional drapes, two tone cellular shades don’t hold a person down to an “all or nothing” experience with their lighting options. Depending on their setting, and the features you choose you can bring in varying degrees of light into your home. If you have kids or pets, the cordless option might be especially attractive. The honeycomb-like pockets are designed to help regulate the air flow within the home, keeping outside air outside, and inside air inside.
Advances in cellular shades have made many models seem less “paper-like” and can even be made with a variety of luxurious fabrics. Shaping your window covering to your window is also easier with cellular shades. They are a popular choice for non-traditional windows, such as skylights, corner windows, and bay windows. They can be opened and closed from either the top or bottom to give you better control over what you can see, and who can see you.
Getting up to pull the cords on the curtains may be something many have gotten used to, but there is also something to be said for being able to operate cellular shades without cords. Because of the many choices of cell sizes, it is easier to customize these shades to offer just the level of privacy and light blockage that is necessary. Different fabrics can provide a sheer look to the shade, can filter light in a room, darken it, or even blackout a room– which is nice for someone who works the night shift.
Unfortunately, drapery cords have been central to many accidents with children and even pets. Since there is an option for cellular shades to take away the cord, that risk is also eliminated. There is also not the risk of pulling on shade cords too aggressively and rendering them useless over time.
Since the user of cellular motorized shades can open and close the shades from various directions, they have the option of being able to enjoy the view of the outdoors without having others take in a view of them. This leads to greater privacy and reduces the risk of a break in since your belongings are not in full view of strangers.
In addition to being able to control the level of light coming into your home, the thicker cells of a cellular shade also has an insulating effect. When your home isn’t forced to fight the elements outside, it automatically becomes more energy efficient.
Some have resisted cellular, or honeycomb shades because they don’t like the “pleated paper” look of the shades and they miss the fabric option of traditional curtains, drapes, and blinds. However, with a little creativity two tone cellular shades can be pair with various valances and/or sheers that can provide the best of both worlds.
