Motorized Window Treatments for the Home

If you want to redesign your home, you have the option to select from many kinds of window treatments. You can consider money saving and energy saving options along with attractiveness.

There are some people who prefer to change the window treatments depending on the season. One of the options is awning, which can decrease solar heat to almost 77% on some parts of the building. Earlier built from metal or canvas, now awnings are available in many materials.

Blinds are an economic alternative that are available in the form of motorized blinds including Roman shades and more.  You can buy window blinds in horizontal or vertical pattern that can alter the complete appearance of your room.

You can use draperies in a casual way or as a classy addition to a beautiful room. In case you want to use drapes keep in mind that they need to be washed periodically to offer a fresh look. When you see from energy efficiency perspective they are very useful in reducing cooling and heating bills.

If you prefer the uncluttered look, you can go for highly reflective films on the windows. This is an economical option that is not simple to use, but quite effective at blocking the rays of the sun.

In case you want something that blocks the window fully you may like the insulated panels that work like a shutter. They are excellent when tightly sealed along the window frame. You don’t need any special hardware or tools to install them.

There are people who like mesh motorized retractable screens that also help in reducing the level of heat actually entering the home. These screens are more effective in the east and west parts of the house.

In case you are buying shades, you can be sure that they work in almost all the rooms and are available in many different variations. By selecting shades that have a very reflective as well as a darker side, it is possible to make the air and heating system work well in the home. To add to the insulation the shades come with layers of fibre batting and sealed edges.

Shutters may seem like a gadget useful only for the outside, but they can also be used inside. They come with many advantages including weather protection, security, no need of thermal shock to windows that are closed as well as excellent  use of interior space and a.

You can add storm panels as another efficient layer by decreasing the amount of regular loss of heat up to 50 percent. These panels are cheaper as compared to double glazed windows and come with the added benefit of being ideal for outside and inside the house.

Motorized Window Treatments and Shading Systems

Motorized Window Treatment: Unquestionably Bond

For years James Bond movies have been known for their innovative gadgets in the action packed antics. When he wants privacy in his plush apartment, he just picks the remote control to shut lights and drapes along with switching on the music and candles.

If you are curious and want to find out how the initial special effects team of James Bond managed this feat, you may be really disappointed as not much information on this subject. Nonetheless, it is well known that in those days they didn’t have tubular motors and must have developed a mechanical way to lower and raise the shades, while simultaneously managing other items. It is an engineering achievement worth understanding.

We are fortunate that now, almost fifty years later; it is possible to get that type of motorization. Luckily you will not need funding by Interpol or be rich and famous to afford such gadgets. These custom window treatments are suitably known as motorized screens, shades and blinds and are really amazing.

You can easily avoid a hot sunroom or the chore of moving delicate plants daily before going to work to save them. Just use motorized skylights, blinds and shades with timers! You have a cool porch and your plants are happy.

You may have had to limit all the guests inside the home a number of times due to unexpected rain. Maybe during a personal dinner you have found that your neighbors are watching.  In fact motorized outdoor shades and blinds not just offer shade for the bright sun, they are also waterproof and safeguard your balcony and patio during severe weather. Privacy is an additional bonus and you can enjoy time with family and friends.

There is no need to keep away from sunsets due to the sun’s glare as translucent motorized shades are there to help you enjoy the panorama. Are you aware that it is possible to mount motorized shades and blinds on complete window wall or just individual panels? James Bond would be jealous; they were not available during the making of “Diamonds are Forever!”

Any and all of us can profit from electric roof blinds. The secret behind it is the tubular motors. Just like the old roller blinds, they help in rolling and unrolling of shutters, shades, venetian blinds, entertainment centre or arbor covers. There are endless possibilities.

You have to understand that it is possible to motorize any window treatment from drapes to vertical blinds or shutters to screens!

Adding Motorized Retractable Screens to your House

How to Keep Your House Cool and Save Energy by Using Retractable Screens and Blinds

People usually resort to use of Air conditioners to keep their houses cool during warm summer months.  Air conditioners consume a lot of energy and also are not very environment friendly as they release gas which is harmful to nature.  Hence it would be ideal to reduce the dependency on air conditioners by adopting other methods to keep your house cool by allowing adequate ventilation.  By this way you also would be able to lower your expenses on energy bills as these methods reduce the load on air conditioning the house.

One of the ways to keep your house cool would be to use drapes, blinds and window shades.  The best color to use on these window coverings would be white as it reflects light and heat radiation, especially on those windows and openings which face the sun during summer.  By using thermal blinds there would be significant reduction in heat inside the rooms, which can also increase the efficiency of your air conditioners.

Thermal blinds are unique type of blinds that can provide additional protection from heat radiation as compared to normal blinds.   These are specially constructed and fabricated and have layers thermal resistant materials which can reflect light and heat.  Since they have a level of thermal insulation they can prevent heat from entering the house during summer.  They are beneficial even during winter as these can also stop cold air from entering the house and prevent heat from escaping.  Another advantage of these thermal blinds is that they would protect your furniture and interior decorations from fading due to their ability to block UV radiation.

By maintaining good cross ventilation, it is possible to keep your house cool during summer.  The summer sun can heat your walls and ceilings and one way to cool them would be to have good cross ventilation.  Retractable screens are ideal for keeping air flowing inside the house, as they can be lifted when there is cooler breeze outside.  When the sun is hot or when there is a problem of insects, these screens can be easily closed. 

Motorized retractable screens have the additional advantage that they can be closed and retracted at the touch of a button.  You can open these screens to allow fresh air from outside to cool the interiors and remove polluted hot air from inside.  Though permanent window meshes also allow air they do not have the ability to open and close according to your requirements. 

To take full advantage of the air flow, you need to keep the windows open at opposing ends of the house so that there is full cross ventilation.  Having retractable screens at these places would be the best way to ensure this.

How Motorized Blinds Operate and Work

The Advantages of Mounting Motorized Blinds and Shades

Motorized blinds are available in a number of options to suit different requirements depending on the type of openings and windows to be covered.  You can get window blinds which operate from top to bottom or vice versa and side to side.  You can use motorized blinds to cover full walls and openings from ceiling to floor or even for small openings or skylights.  The different options available include type of fabrics, opacity, designs, materials used and mounting techniques.

Depending on your specific window covering options, you can mount window shades, motorized roller blinds or solar shades.  You can also select from a variety of materials, weaves, opacity and styles which will vary according to the opening or area which you plan to cover.  Motorized Shades can be used for normal windows, wall windows, bedroom windows, arbors or skylights.  The versatility of motorized windows makes them suitable for any type of projects.

Motorized window shades are best suited for large sized Glass doors or facades.  Depending on the area to be covered, you can use a single shade to cover the entire expanse or multiple shades to cover individual panels.  The type of window covering would depend on the light requirement, heat reflection, privacy and various other factors.

Solar shades would be ideal to cover glass panels or windows with a good view outside.  These panels provide a clear view while protecting those inside from harsh sunlight or UV radiation.  The opacity of these solar coverings varies in small increments from full clarity to complete black out. The UV protection capabilities also vary and can be chosen according to your specific needs.

Due to the vide variety of designs, colors and models available in Motorized window shades, it is possible for you to select one which would complement and enhance the beauty of interiors.  As far as orientation is concerned, top-to-bottom is considered ideal for windows facing midday sun, bottom to top for showing outside views and side to side for solarium windows and skylights. You can also select fabrics and opacity to suit your lighting and aesthetic requirements.

For slightly recessed windows, the normal-type exposed roller mounting can be used. Enclosed encasements can be used for motorized blinds and reverse mounts are good for windows with adequate depths.  Motorized blinds also available with wall mounted switches, remote controls and even outside sensors which can open and close the blinds automatically according to lighting and heating conditions.

The benefit of buying Motorized Blinds and Shades from reputed firms is that you can be assured of quality and service.  These companies ensure that the window coverings and the driving mechanism have undergone stringent quality norms and thus would perform smoothly and without trouble for a long time.

Outdoor Motorized Blinds and Shades

How to Make the Most Out of Your Outdoor Areas

When the weather is welcoming, sun is gentle and breeze is cool, most people love to spend their time in the patios, verandas, balconies and decks enjoying the nature.  Having your morning coffee basking in the rays of the rising sun or enjoying evening tea with your family in the balcony facing the setting sun is something we always look forward to.  Here are some suggestions to make these areas more comfortable and welcoming.

You would be able to spend more time in outside porches and balconies if you have some control over the sun, breeze and other natural factors.  This is made possible by the clever use of motorized screens shades and blinds. You can open these to fully enjoy the pleasant early morning or late afternoon sun and close them partially during other times according to the intensity of light and heat. With these sun control blinds or shades in place you can spend your time in these areas even during the midday.

In addition to providing protection against harsh sunlight, motorized blinds and shades can also shield you from weather variations, wind and rain.  These motorized shades and screens can also protect you from insects and provide you privacy, when needed.  These blinds and shades can also guard your plants and furniture from getting damaged.

Properly mounted motorized screens and arbor shades can help you to utilize your outdoor areas for entertaining your family and friends.  You need not now bother about harsh sunlight, weather variations, insects, mosquitoes or even rain.  These shades and screens can also conduct your parties outside without bothering about time of the day and weather conditions outside.

There are different types of motorized screens available, which serve different purposes.  For getting protection from harsh sunlight and UV radiation, you can use Motorized Outdoor Solar Screens.  UV rated Solar Screens are available in different ratings from fully transparent to total blackout screens.  You can also select from screens which allow different quantity of airflow.  You can fully cover the outdoor areas using such screens and prevent insects and mosquitoes from entering.  Motorized Outdoor Blinds and Shades can be also used for keeping your outdoor areas cool and manage sun. You can also use blinds and shades for having privacy, when required.

Motorized Arbor Shades are ideal for covering Arbors, especially when the sun is high.  These shades can be controlled by a switch mounted on the wall.  In addition to providing different levels of UV protection, they ensure air flow.  These Motorized Arbor Shades are also available in waterproof materials.

With creative use of motorized shades, screens and blinds you can easily convert the outdoor areas of your house into places for relaxation and family entertainment.

5 Stylish Custom Window Treatments

When you stand in a well decorated room, you will find your eye being drawn towards the windows. They are generally the focal point of most successful interior plans. The way the windows are accessorized not only affects the mood inside but also the outside look.

Here are some ways to make your windows stand out:

• Neutrals still rule: According to Motif Designs creative director in Mount Vernon, New York, Lyn Peterson off-whites, whites and custom window treatments always look good and one shouldn’t worry about their durability as we don’t really walk or sit on them to wear them out. Carpet on her stair case is tattered but the natural shades look like new even now after 20 years. Neutrals are in fact timeless and even with a change in fabric, furniture, or lighting it will be a safe bet for the windows. Safe neutrals do not suggest boring as they are available in a wide choice of fabrics and different tones.

• Woven fabric is in style: Peterson feels that the seventies and eighties are in and understated synthetic or natural woven offer ambiance, texture and character to the flat walls. You can get chic woven designed with grass weave and bamboo for a fresh feel to a sun room or a modern dining area.

• Include retro glamour with aluminum motorized roller blinds: Styles of the sixties are coming back in home design. They work very well in a slat width of 2-inch with broad tapes and have less chances of bending out of shape like the metal roller blinds when dusted. They look nice in library, home office or a game room while adding a sophisticated edge.  

• Sheer fabrics bring the outside inside: Hunter Douglas creative services director Sally Morse loves attractive transparent sheer covers on a window.  They attract you with what may be hiding behind and add shadow and light in the room. Small rooms look big with them as they allow sunshine and an open view of the sky. Opaque fabric closes the view. You will find that sheer fabric offers a lovely feel to sitting rooms.

• Make less more: Now people are leaving out upper cabinets in the kitchen to include bigger and more windows in the kitchen to make them lighter and brighter. According to Peterson people are now under treating the windows they have. Start with the basics and you can layer them in future.  Place an understated shade and check how it looks before you include other patterns.  You can get soft solar shades that offer a clean look and block some light fully stopping the view.

Selecting Window Blinds for your Home

Why Are Selection of Blinds Crucial in Interior Designing?

Colors and lighting have a significant effect on the overall ambience and mood of any interiors.  Due to this, the main focus of interior decoration is on the creative use of colors and lighting.  Window blinds play a vital part in controlling and altering the natural lighting of a room.  Hence proper selection of Window blinds is very important in designing your interiors.

Window blinds are available in a variety of choices.  This includes electric blinds, motorized window blinds and the remote controlled ones.   They are also available in variety of colors, designs and fabrics.  The selection would depend on the interior theme of your home interiors.

The colors of the blinds can affect the light coming through them.  A motorized blind with a screen fabric color of orange will brighten the interiors with orange color when sunlight permeates through it. Hence it is important that the color of the blind has to blend with the interior color theme.  Since there is a huge choice of colors and designs are available in motorized blind fabrics, you can use your creativity to mix and match them to enhance the visual appeal of your interiors.

Windows are primary focus of attention in a room and hence the windows become an important part of decoration of a room.  For example in a room with a Japanese theme, windows blinds can be made of bamboo design which reflect their culture.  Similarly you can use decorations on your windows which can complement with your desired look of the interiors.

Since the colors of the blind can affect the interior lighting, the choice of colors is vital.  The effect of colors on the mood is well known.  While orange colors are said to increase your energy level, red colors can stimulate your mind.  Similarly, Blue and Green colors have a calming and relaxing effect, while Brown reflects strength and reliability.  Some people avoid yellow as it is said to generate a sense of frustration and anger.

The colors of the Window blinds have an effect on the lighting of the interiors too.  Blinds with warm colors can brighten up a room significantly.  You can use these blinds for your living room and kitchen.  One the other hand windows with cold colors can diminish the lighting inside the room by blocking the natural lighting. Hence these are ideal for bedrooms and TV rooms.

Selection of colors and designs on window blinds which do not blend with the mood and color theme of the room can be very damaging.  Using these tips you can create custom blinds which can make your interiors look fabulous and modern.