|
Shadings, Sheers & Panels
Shutters
Blinds
Shades
Custom Drapery & Fabric Treatments
Specialty
SHADES
If you want a window treatment that is easy to pull up and hide, you might consider cellular (honeycomb) shades or pleated shades. Both styles are available in different fabrics, from sheer to total blackout, although about ninety percent of shades sold are a semi opaque or translucent fabric. This fabric allows light to pass thru the shade while still giving total privacy.
Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades:
Originally introduced by Hunter Douglas as the Duette, cellular shades are now offered by many different companies such as Levolor, Prestige, Graber and Alta. Most are made from non-woven polyester, but there are some woven options available. These non-woven fabrics carry some inherent qualities. They will not fray, are more stain resistant, and a white backing provides a uniform appearance from the outside. The main key benefit of the cellular shade is its insulating quality. Let us give you an idea of what we mean.
Energy efficiency is measured (for the window covering industry) two ways. Winter comfort is measured with “R-Values” and summer comfort is measure with a “Shading Coefficient”. Lets start with R-Value.
The product’s “R-Value” is a measurement of its ability to resist heat loss. A single layer of uncovered window glass has an R-value of about 1.75. Higher R-values mean better insulation. So by selecting a product with a higher R-value, you can save on your annual energy costs. For example, a standard aluminum mini blind in a double glazed window carries an R-value of 2.32 while a single cell cellular shade creates and R-value of 3.50 up to 4.30. Plus, if we step up to a double or triple honeycomb, we achieve an R-value of 4.80. This means substantial on your heating costs.
Regarding the “Shading Coefficient”, the lower the value the better. For example, if a window treatment reduces heat by 80% to 95%, this translates into a summer shading coefficient of .20 to .05. With that in mind, lets do our comparison. A mini blind on a double glazed window has a shading coefficient of .43. A semi-opaque cellular shade has roughly the same coefficient of .44, but is actually more efficient due to the metal blind having a radiant effect. However, if we step up to an opaque fabric or a multiple cell shade, our number decreases to .35 and even .21. Following are some other benefits:
- Variety of pleat sizes – 3/8”, _”, _”
- Single, double or triple honeycomb
- No visible cord holes
- Available in wide widths to cover large windows
- Excellent insulation against the hot sun and cold winters
- Softer look than blinds
- Stacks tightly when raised, giving a very open and uncovered look to the window(s)
- Available as standard shade, top down/bottom up, specialty shapes and skylights
Pleated Shades:
The predecessor to the cellular shade, the majority of pleated shades are made with a true woven fabric, giving them a wider variety of textures and patterns to choose from verses the cellular shade. They are however, not as durable as the cellular shade, being more prone to fraying and not as easy to clean. The majority of fabrics provide total privacy, yet are not as insulating as the cellular shade because they consist of only one layer of fabric. The majority of pleated shades carry an R-value of 2.50 and a shading coefficient of .50. Following are some key benefits.
Wide variety of textures, colors and prints
Softer look than blinds
Stack tightly when raised, giving a very open and uncovered look to the window(s)
Available as a standard shade, top down/bottom up, specialty shapes and skylights
Both pleated and cellular shades operate in the same way: a pull cord is located on one side (customer’s choice) of the shade, and when pulled, the shade raises up. This is exactly the same manner in which a mini blind is raised. The system works well in most cases, but there are some options available:
- "Top Down / Bottom Up" -- feature is available. This option allows the shade to be positioned to allow the top half of the window to be uncovered while the bottom half remains covered. This is a great feature for a bathroom or bedroom where privacy is required most of the time on the lower half of the window yet the upper portion can be left open for a view or to allow light into the room
- Continuous Cord Loop -- This option is a loop of cord on one end of the shade that, when pulled, turns a mechanism which actually raises the shade for you. Unlike the standard system, the continuous cord loop remains the same length regardless of whether the shade is up or down. This eliminates cords dragging the ground when the shades are raised. Similar systems are available from numerous manufacturers such as UltraGlide by Hunter Douglas or the PrestigeLift.
- Cordless Option -- If you don’t like the look of a pull cord or have small children in the household, you might want to consider the cordless shade. With the touch of a finger, the shade can be easily raised and lowered. Just keep in mind, you have to be able to reach the shade at all times.
|
