Will Blinds Keep the Heat Out

06.26.19

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If you’re wondering will blinds keep the heat out, then you’re looking to save money on your electric bill. As temperatures rise this Summer, few can afford the costly bills that come with central air conditioning. So saving where and how you can becomes essential. Thankfully, not only will blinds keep the heat out, we’ll tell you how and how much you can save! Keep reading for more.

Tips for Lowering Your Electric Bill

First, The Blinds and Drapery Showroom is here for you. Fortunately, both Consumer Reports and the Department of Energy provides some tips to beat the heat. Here’s a summary of what they advise.

Firstly, “smart management of window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent” in your home.
Next, “Window awnings can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows.”
Then, due to “the numerous openings between the slats of blinds, it’s difficult to control temperature through interior window blinds, but the slats offer flexibility in the summer. Unlike shades, you can adjust the slats to control glare, light, and solar heat gain.”
Following this, “When completely closed and lowered on a sunny window, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain. Horizontal slat-type blinds can also be adjusted to block and reflect direct sunlight onto a light-colored ceiling. A light-colored ceiling will diffuse the light without much heat or glare, while allowing you to take additional advantage of natural daylighting.”
Lastly, “Studies demonstrate that medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.”

The Best Blinds to Keep the Heat Out

Second, which blinds will keep the heat out best? As mentioned above, the best blinds to beat the heat feature highly reflective material facing the window. This material helps block light and reduce glare.

In addition, Roman shades also do an excellent job at preventing heat gain. The best shades for this would be those by Solera. Their innovative cellular construction traps air, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler during summer months.

Will Blinds Keep the Heat Out? Yes! With the Blinds and Drapery Showroom

Last, if you’d like more information about will blinds keep the heat out, please contact us. Better yet, take a stop by one of our locations! We’d love to show you what we offer so you can save money on A/C now and heat in the winter.

Choosing a Reliable Window Covering Company

10.01.18

When it becomes time to purchase new blinds or curtains for your home, having a company that can provide them and one that you can trust can make everything simpler. There are usually so many of these companies available that it can feel like an overwhelming prospect to have to choose one. If you are searching for a Springfield, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters business to buy from, look for a few things.

You need reliable customer service from the company you choose. If you have any concerns or questions about the installation process, you have to be able to get a hold of the person who is providing them for you. This may not seem like a crucial thing, but it can end up saving you all manner of stress if any problems arise.

The company has to have been in business for years, preferably in the same area in which they work now. This can give you a good idea of the quality of their services. If they have been in business for a long time, they must have quality services. To make sure, ask for references. All companies should be able to offer you a few of these, and you can follow up on them to see what previous clients have thought of their experiences with the company. You can also read reviews online, though the references will always be better.

A great way to find a reliable window covering company is to ask people you trust for recommendations. This can take away a lot of the guesswork from the process, since you will already have a good idea of the kind of services you can expect. Ask the person you get the recommendation from about the type of work they had done in their homes to be sure that it is the type you need, as well.

It is always a great idea to have a basic knowledge of what the services you need will cost. Look online for average rates for the kind of window coverings you want as well as for the cost of their installation. By having a basic idea of what you will need to spend, you can better decide on the company to hire. You do not want to choose people who will overcharge you, but you also do not want to choose those who under-charge you, since that could mean their services are not of a high quality.

By following these guidelines, you can make it easier on yourself to find the window coverings you need. A company that offers window blinds, shades, and shutters in Springfield, PA should be reliable, have great customer service, and they should have been in business for a substantial amount of time. With a company like that, you can feel safe that your window coverings will look great. Contact Blinds and Drapery Showroom, which you can find at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 by giving them a call at (610) 853-0900 right now.

Are Motorized Blinds Right for You?

09.24.18

Blinds tend to be a good option for many people’s homes. They offer ease of use as well as comfort, and now, there is another option that can make using these even simpler: motorized blinds. Drexel Hill, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters companies have seen an increase in people who are interested in these types of blinds, but how do you know if they are right for your home? Consider a few things before making a purchase.

People see motorized blinds and immediately think that they must cost a small fortune, but this is not the case. These kinds of blinds are actually very affordable, and can even end up saving you money because of how durable they are. You will not have to worry about replacing them for a good number of years. One of the reasons why their rates are affordable is because more and more manufacturers are starting to make them.

Another thing to know is that they are very simple to use. With the remote that they come with, you can close them or open them from anywhere in the room. This makes them perfect for windows that may be hard to reach or very tall. You will not have to depend on a ladder or have to resign yourself to not being able to open or close a particular window.

If you have pets or if young children live in your home, you should consider motorized blinds. These are less dangerous than regular blinds, since they do not have any cords. They are even wireless, so you do not have to worry about anyone getting caught in cables. It is much easier to keep a remote control away from a child than it is to prevent them from grabbing hold of a cord or cable, so consider this option if you are concerned about your child’s safety.

Motorized blinds are highly stylish. Not only do they protect your home from the sun, but they also add a modern flair that can be gorgeous. They come in a variety of styles and colors, so be sure to ask to see samples to be able to find the right fit for your home. Even if your personal style is not modern, you can still find a great motorized blind that does not look out of place.

For most homes, motorized blinds are a great choice. They offer style and comfort, and they are the perfect solution for people who have windows that are hard to reach. They are low-maintenance options that only require a bit of dusting and they have become much more affordable in recent days because of their availability. If you are interested in this kind of blind, find a company that offers that can offer them. You can turn to Blinds And Drapery Showroom located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. Give them a call at (610) 853-0900 to find the perfect window coverings for your home.

Top Tips for Drapery Maintenance

09.17.18

Fabric drapes always look beautiful and lush, adding texture to any room as well as helping to keep out the sun. They can be complicated to keep clean, however, and many of the concerns that Broomall, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters companies get from clients is how to keep them clean and looking brand new. Here are some tips to help you.

One of the most important things you have to do to maintain your curtains is to dust them regularly. People do not realize just how much damage dust and dirt particles can do. This is doubly important if your curtains or drapes are lightly colored. You do not have to take the curtain down for this kind of maintenance. Beating the dust out of them is easy and takes only a few minutes. If you add it to your home cleaning routine each week, you can prevent all manner of damage to the drapes.

Spot cleaning is also vital. If you see that the drapes have stains, you do not have to wash the entire curtain. Instead, there are lots of products made for the purpose of spot cleaning. They save you time and they also ensure that the colors and patterns of the drapes do not start fading because of too many washes.

Always read the label before applying any products or even water. Some materials can shrink or get damaged even with water, but by reading the label from the manufacturer, you will be able to know if this is the case with your drapes. When in doubt, be sure to consult experts about the process of keeping the drapes clean. For most of them, washing in a machine is not recommended, though many you can wash by hand. The most delicate of fabrics might require a trip to a dry cleaning store.

Something else to consider is that the sun can damage blinds if they are exposed to very strong rays. This is especially true with dark curtains. If you live in a location that receives a lot of strong sun, you may want to purchase curtains that are light in color. If you do not want to run into any fading issues, then the best thing to do is to rotate the curtains in a regular manner. This will prevent any one part of the fabric from getting too much sun continuously.

All of these tips can help you keep your home’s drapes looking great. Take the time to speak with experts about any other concerns you may have about washing or dusting them. Companies that offer window blinds, shades, and shutters in Broomall, PA can help. You deserve to have great looking drapes, so be sure to do some research about the products you choose, as well, depending on the kind of fabric the drapes are made from. Learn more by reaching out to Blinds and Drapery Showroom located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. Call them at (610) 853-0900.

How to Find the Perfect Window Coverings for Your Home

09.10.18

Deciding on the perfect window coverings for your home is not always as easy to do as it may seem. This is because there are tons of options to choose from, and not everyone knows how to make the best purchasing decision. Ardmore, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters companies can help you find the exact style that you need.

The kind of style that your home has is one important factor to consider when choosing window coverings. If you have a more rustic look, then ultra modern blinds are not going to be the right choice. By speaking to experts about the style that you prefer, they can help you find the blinds or shutters that best fit your needs.

Budget is another factor that can narrow choices down. Some options, like Roman blinds, are inexpensive and can be a good idea for a person on a limited budget or if you have lots of windows that you need to dress. A good way of knowing what to purchase is to look online for the average costs of each option. That will allow you to narrow the choices down to the ones that best fit your budget. If you are still not sure about the right options, ask your local company of window coverings for suggestions.

The kind of room where the window covering will be placed is also another thing to consider when buying them. In a kitchen, for example, you do not want to have heavy drapes because they can get stained easily and fabric can trap smells. You will want something easier to clean, like blinds. In a bedroom, however, you may want a beautiful set of curtains that can keep the sunlight out.

Maintenance levels and durability are another thing you should keep in mind. If you are not someone who wants to spend a lot of time cleaning and maintaining the coverings, then you should choose shutters or blinds, since they do not pick up the same kind of stains that curtains can. If you also do not want to worry about having to replace the window coverings too often, one kind of material may be better than another. It can depend on where you live and so much more.

Buying window blinds, shades, and shutters in Ardmore, PA can be made a bit simpler if you take the time to consider all of the above points. Function, style, and cost are all things you should keep in mind before making any kind of purchase. Be sure to set up a budget that is a bit flexible so that you do not have any unpleasant surprises. With the right company on your side to help you, you will be able to get the perfect window coverings for your home. Visit Blinds And Drapery Showroom at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083, or call them directly at (610) 853-0900 to learn all about the products and services they offer.

Choosing Window Blinds

09.03.18

Privacy, natural light, and views are all important for the overall comfort homeowners experience indoors. Of course, the window placements throughout the home and the coverings over them control this. So, how do homeowners choose well when there are countless Merion, PA window blinds, shades, and shutter options?

Of course, having limitless options is a gift for the modern-day homeowner. After all, in decades past, choices included shutters and drapes, at best. Homeowners should feel liberated by their options—but, so many feel overwhelmed when the time comes to choose new window coverings for their space.

Let’s put this anxiety to rest and begin with the basics: blinds.

What Are Blinds?

A general description of window blinds can is simple: treatments constructed of slats of a hard material (usually wood or faux wood) which can be adjusted by a manual cord, wand, or remote. They are easily adjusted for light exposure; they can close tightly to darken a room and nearly disappear when adjusted for full sunlight. Pulled open, they leave homeowners a completely unobstructed view.

Varying Widths

When choosing window blinds, it’s advised to begin with picking the width of the slats first. Slat width options usually come in one of three sizes:

½ inch. This is the most popular option for contemporary home designs.

1 inch. Slightly less expensive than the ½ inch version and a good compromise for homeowners who prefer “not too small, not too big.”

2 inches. Perfect for the vintage home: cottage, farmhouse, craftsman, historic, and Victorian styles.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Blinds

Beyond the obvious difference between these two (hanging side to side vs. up and down), these two window blinds orientations are designed to cover different windows.

Vertical blinds. These are designed for wide glass expansions like multi-slide doors, bifold doors, sliding patio doors, etc. Most homeowners prefer to stay away from aluminum vertical blinds, as they make quite a business-like statement, instead of a residential feel. Today, there is a wide range of materials offered.
Horizontal blinds. This option is much better suited for narrow, tall, “normal” sized, and sidelight windows. Horizontal blinds are less vulnerable to wear and tear as their vertical counterpart.

Choosing Color

If you happen to be one of the few homeowners who never plans to redecorate, make significant upgrades, or repaint the interior walls of the home, feel free to opt for a bold colored set of blinds. But, if you intend for a long-term addition that will enhance the interior look and personal privacy of the home, choose a neutral color. In fact, choose a neutral color which matches the window trim closely. This way, changing the color palette a hundred times over the next ten years in the home is doable. Further, a neutral color for window treatments is the most inoffensive option to a potential home buyer, should you look to sell one day.

At Blinds & Drapery Showroom, our professional team can assist you with your window covering options. Our Merion, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters are on display here in our showroom—come, see what you like best and learn how each function to provide varying amounts of light and privacy. We are located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 and we can be reached at (610) 853-0900. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Window Treatment Alternatives to Curtains

08.27.18

When it comes to outfitting the home with window treatments, there is an endless list of options for homeowners these days. Often, homeowners choose store-bought curtains instead of considering fully customizable options. Why? Because, it’s easy.

But, what happens when you tire of the cheap and easy curtains and want more for your home? What happens when the newly purchased curtains are hung and you discover they are not, in fact, blackout curtains and the neighbors can still see into your bedroom?

The experts at Blinds & Drapery Showroom want to share with you a few Media, PA window blinds, shades, and shutter options. Keep reading.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are often associated with business establishments and commercial settings. But, they can look beautiful in the home, too. Sliding patio doors and very expansive windows can be difficult to cover easily. Often, curtains just aren’t wide enough to provide the privacy needed. And, the wider the window, the heavier and more difficult the operation will be for horizontal blinds. Vertical blinds won’t be a challenge to open to see the view past the patio door. Plus, they now come in all sorts of colors and materials: fabric, wood, hard vinyl, and aluminum (though, the aluminum provides a more commercial look…).

Roller Shades

This specific window shade option is perfect for the homeowner looking to replace their old curtains with something a bit more modern. Choose a material that best matches the interior textures of each room, such as vinyl, room-darkening fabrics, light-filtering, or even blackout fabric. Here’s what’s best about roller shades:

Low profile. More and more, homeowners are looking for simpler window covering designs meant to complement the room’s decor instead of command it.
Inexpensive, yet classy. This selection tends to cost less than other shades without forfeiting privacy and natural light.
Easy maintenance. There’s nothing better than a beautiful window covering that’s also easy to maintain. One smooth, flat surface instead of multiple slats (as with blinds and shutters) or deep folds (as with curtains and drapes) is much easier to dust.

Plantation Shutters

The southern charm of plantation shutters makes this option hugely popular among homeowners looking to soften their space with a historic, cozy appeal. This style has wide louvers and angled slats which are adjusted by the center spine when shufted up and down. Reasons to consider plantation shutters as a window treatment option:

They’ve been around a long time due to their functionality.
They help mitigate thermal comfort indoors by keeping the sunlight out when it’s hot.
They protect the flooring from fading.
For resale, they can be factored into the price of the home.

To learn more about window treatment options that extend beyond simple, store-bought curtains, consider working with the professionals at Blinds & Drapery Showroom. Here, the Media , PA window blinds, shades, and shutters options we can offer will transform your home into a cozy, beautiful retreat, the way you’ve always wanted. If you’re tired of your outdated curtains, we’d love to help. We are located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083 and we can be reached at (610) 853-0900. Give us a call soon!

4 Window Coverings for Today’s Homeowner

08.20.18

Window coverings sometimes go overlooked often in the home, yet they have such tremendous impact on the mood and overall design of a space. Further, they provide light filtering and privacy. If you find yourself in the boat of “I’ve overlooked the window coverings in my home,” don’t worry. This is an easy fix.

Here in Bryn Mawr, PA, window blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes are in high demand, for several reasons. For starters, everyone needs proper privacy; it’s 2018—security is a real concern. Further, elevating the home’s aesthetic is an ever-present desire for homeowners, as is staging for resale.

The pros at Blinds & Drapery Showroom can help. We’ve been in the window treatment business for many years, so it’s our passion to outfit homes with the best of the best in window decor. Let’s break down a little about each option together.

Window Blinds

Wood or faux wood blinds are the right choice for any room. Homeowners can choose between bright white or modern, rich stains. Of course, the faux wood options are less pricey than real hardwood—but they offer a comparable look, plus all the same benefits of vinyl: fade and rot resistance, thermal protection, environmental support (they’re 100% recyclable), and low-maintenance.

Window Shades

Shades come in all sorts of styles and materials. Homeowners really can create a fully personalized look indoors. These days, Roman shades are at the top of the list in popularity. They come in linen, polyester, cotton, and silk. Or, a combination of these. Other options include:

Roller shades. Clean and classic.
Woven shades. Natural and cozy.
Cellular shades. Fashionable and soft.
Pirouette® shades. Soft and sheer, contemporary.

Windows Shutters (Interior)

Just like blinds, window shutters come in both real wood and wood alternative options. This choice is timeless and beautifully constructed to boost value. When homeowners choose interior shutters, they benefit in several ways:

Permanent addition. This enhances resale value.
Room darkening. Shutters block out more light than most other window coverings.
Light control and variation.
Minimized allergens. Dust can’t linger as easily on a solid surface.
Energy efficiency.
Privacy and increased natural light.

Window Drapes

Often, drapes are associated with older, regal, or Victorian-style homes, exclusively. But, drapes can be modern, too. Truthfully, drapes are just more elegant curtains; they’re heavier and typically more formal. But, they can be customized to fit any size window and work with any interior. From a simple valance to ceiling-height fabrics, drapes can be paired with shades or blinds for added depth. If drapes are your preferred choice, you’ll reap great benefits:

Heightened elegance.
Energy efficiency. Closed drapes during the warm months will save money on energy bills each month.
Visual privacy.
Sound protection. Heavy drapes actually help to keep out the noise from the neighborhood, traffic, etc.

Stop overlooking a key feature in your home and give the team at Blinds & Drapery Showroom a call. We can be reached at (610) 853-0900. Our Bryn Mawr, PA, window blinds, shades, shutters, and drapes will make a wonderful, drastic difference in the look, value, and comfort in your home. For ideas, come and visit our showroom at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. We’d be happy to show you around!

The Benefits of Thermal Drapes

08.13.18

hoosing the right window treatments to enhance your new home can feel like an endless and overwhelming decision. There’s a lot to choose from here in Penn Valley, PA: window blinds, shades, shutters, drapes… Sometimes, it’s best to do a bit of research on each to decide what’s best.

Today, let’s discuss thermal drapes and their benefits, so you can decide if they’re a good option for your home.

Spend a Little, Gain a Lot

Sometimes, spending a little more money feels unnecessary. But, when homeowners choose to spend a bit more than they would on store-bought curtains to invest in drapes, they’re choosing to add to their homes in more ways than one:

Added value. Often, customized drapes are left behind by the homeowner to be sold with the home as an “upgrade/luxury” feature. Drapes, if chosen and designed well, will add to the sale cost.
Money savings. When a superior product is used—like professionally created drapes, instead of commercially produced curtains—it lasts longer. When something lasts longer, it costs the homeowner less in replacement costs over the years. Professional drapes and valances can last a lifetime.
Comfort. Think of drapes as the home’s long johns. They keep the space warm and protected from harsh temperatures outdoors throughout the winter. Here in Pennsylvania, this is particularly important—the winters are long and keeping the house cozy takes energy.

Energy bills savings. Whatever assistance a structure’s windows, doors, and siding can receive to keep the fluctuating temperatures outside from affecting the indoors, the better. Remember that drapes are heavy, thick fabric features that will act as an additional layer, trapping the cool or hot air in much the same way a double or triple pane window does.
Sound protection. Thick fabric helps to dull outside noises, so homeowners and their families can sleep more soundly and enjoy time together without distraction. This protection goes both ways, too. Perhaps someone in the home plays drums or listens to the radio loudly—the neighbors won’t appreciate it if they’re forced to listen. Add drapes to the bedrooms and/or the noisiest rooms.
Versatile options. When thermal drapes first became a window treatment option, there were only a few basic colors. Now, they’re as versatile as are paint colors for the wall.
Privacy. Some homes are situated very close to main roads, parks, golf courses, or neighbors; sheer curtains won’t cut it to provide privacy. Layer thick, customized drapes over the stylish sheers so you have the option for discretion when needed.

Of course, drapes look great paired with interior shutters, window blinds, and shades in Penn Valley, PA homes, too. Here at Blinds & Drapery Showroom, we have it all. Call us if you’re ready to improve the look and comfort in your home. We can be reached at (610) 853-0900. Not sure what you want? Our showroom is located at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083—come speak with our experts and check out various options to generate ideas for your space. We can’t wait to work with you!

A Guide for the Thoughtful Homeowner

08.06.18

How does the thoughtful homeowner choose window coverings for each of the rooms in their homes? Should it be done by room? Personal style? Budget? Sometimes, deciding where to begin is the hardest part.

Truthfully, homeowners can decide to design however they please. According to our experts here at Blinds & Drapery Showroom, the key is to be sure a professional is there to help guide which Narberth, PA window blinds, shades, and shutters to choose.

To decorate by room, you may want to choose different styles of window coverings for each space. After all, each family member has different likes and dislikes, and each room requires various levels of privacy. Check out this guide to help you make the right choices.

Kitchen Window Covering Options

Many kitchens come equipped with only one or two windows. This is especially common in older homes without open concept floorplans. If this is the case, it is particularly important to keep the natural light source open. Lightweight window coverings such as sheer shades are a perfect option. Now, if the kitchen windows face the street or a neighbor’s home, you may prefer something with a bit more privacy like a thicker fabric top down/bottom up shade. This will allow in plenty of light, without making you feel as though you’re on display.

Bedroom Window Covering Options

Privacy is the main goal in the bedrooms if they’re positioned facing a neighborhood, school, store, etc. Selecting wood blinds, for example, will allow you to achieve complete privacy and a completed aesthetic. But, there are other options to consider:

Do you prefer total darkness to sleep? Blackout shades will allow this.
Do you want to retain your picturesque view? Shades with a top down/bottom up option will allow for this.
Do you need to reduce the glare on your television? Layering wood blinds with customized drapes is a soft look that will keep the glare off the bedroom TV.

Each of these important questions will guide you in your search. Not all options provide what you need to be most comfortable in the bedroom.

Bathroom Window Covering Options

Modern homes demand as much style as they do functionality and privacy. These days, homeowners want the bathroom to reflect their personalities and individuality—no matter how small the room may be. Here are some popular options to provide the style, privacy, and function you need:

Faux wood, large-slatted blinds. Real wood is beautiful and timeless, but it will struggle in a room with humidity and moisture. Faux wood blinds are the better option in the bathroom. Keep in mind you can have the same luxurious look with faux wood, as they come with wood-like grain and stain options.

Aluminum mini blinds. aluminum won’t fade from the shower steam, so your mini blinds will remain looking like new for a long time. Plus, they come in more colors than just the standard white or cream to allow your space to be customized.

Blinds & Drapery Showroom can help you design each and every room in your house with our quality window blinds, shades, and shutters in Narberth, PA. We also have extensive drapes and valances options—any look you want is possible. To gather more ideas and guidance, feel free to visit our showroom at 1247 W Chester Pike, Havertown, PA 19083. Call us at (610) 853-0900 and let’s get started!