As the frequency and severity of natural disasters increases across the globe, the move towards more sustainable choices in all aspects of life is also increasing. In various industries as well as personal services, medical, research, education and every other human activity, changes are happening to create an eco-friendly environment.

A Green Lifestyle is Possible

These changes extend to the products used to outfit our homes and other buildings, including the window treatments. We cover our windows with blinds and curtains, not only for aesthetic appeal and privacy, but also to insulate the rooms against both heat and cold. This reduces energy usage and assists in the transition to a green lifestyle.

Consciously Choose Window Blinds that Insulate

There are some styles of window blinds that are noted for their insulation abilities. When correctly sized and installed, such blinds trap a layer of still air between the fabric and the window surface. Roman blinds, for example, are effective at controlling, heat, light and sound. Honeycomb or cellular blinds, so-called because they are made of individual cells combined together, allow air to filter through the cells to provide effective, natural insulation.

Eco-Friendly Materials Available

Buying new window blinds is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate commitment to a green lifestyle by choosing designs made from eco-friendly materials. Some of the options available include bamboo, timber from sustainable plantations and natural fibres such as hemp and organic cotton. They are also available in a wide range of styles, colours and patterns. The sustainability bonus is that some of them are also recyclable.

Natural Fabrics are Elegant, Versatile and Practical

Bamboo can be used to make roman, roller and moving panel blinds and is the perfect material for a classic, timeless look. This amazing natural fabric is versatile, very flexible and well suited to a range of decors. Linen is another natural fabric that has stood the test of time. It has been used for centuries, and when used to make window blinds, it is noted for the elegance that it brings to a room. Timber blinds from sustainable sources are also versatile, available in various styles and colours and can be recycled when required.

Even Cleaning can be Eco-Friendly

All window blinds eventually need cleaning, and it is surprising how much longer your blinds will last if you have them professionally cleaned. Here at Blind Concepts, our contribution to an eco-friendly world is our ultrasonic cleaning process. This method uses high frequency sound waves combined with very small quantities of chemicals and water to remove embedded dirt, dust, grime and bacteria. Your blinds will look like new again with little impact on the environment.

Property owners currently researching window coverings to either complete a renovation or decorate sparkling, new premises generally focus on the aesthetics of the available products. They spend time choosing colours and fabrics, but often forget to consider one other important element that will have a lasting effect on the comfort of the occupants.

Room Temperatures Affected by Poorly Insulated Windows

That element is energy efficiency, and it is vital to the continual performance of the window coverings, specifically the blinds. While the curtains provide the looks, the blinds work quietly in the background, regulating the light and temperature inside the rooms. In summer, for example, over 80% of a home’s heat is generated through the windows and in winter, the same glass window loses up to ten times the heat as does an insulated wall.

There are quite a few different types of blinds that will assist to control the elements. Some are more efficient than others depending on the climate, how often the blinds are used and the location of the windows. For example, west-facing windows absorb the afternoon heat, so blinds that assist to block this heat transfer are needed.

Honeycomb Blinds Trap Air in Individual Cells

For these situations, honeycomb or cellular blinds are recommended. These blinds are made up of individual cells that trap air and provide a similar level of protection from the heat or cold as double-glazed windows. They are most effective in white or off-white as these colours reflect the heat back out the windows better than most.

Roman Blinds and Rollers Both Regulate Temperature

Closely fitted Roman blinds are excellent in winter for trapping the warm air between them and the window, thus keeping the warmth inside the room. They are also visibly smooth when fully extended and have block-out capabilities that keep rooms cool in summer.

Roller blinds made from UV-resistant or block-out materials will also keep out the heat and are available in a range of colours, fabrics and patterns.

All blinds, including those with insulating qualities, eventually need cleaning, not only to keep them looking great but to improve their efficiency. At Blind Concepts we clean and repair all types of interior blinds including Romans, cellular blinds, roller blinds and many other styles.

We use the latest ultrasonic cleaning method which uses minimal amounts of chemicals and water, but is very effective at removing difficult stains, dirt, bacteria and grime.

Correct Window Blinds Reduce Energy Costs

Panel blinds customised with insulating block-out fabrics are another modern and popular choice that will keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer. It is important when choosing window blinds to check their energy efficiency as the heat gained and lost through the windows will have a major effect on energy costs.

Getting the right window treatment for any environment, whether it be an office building or a home, is an important decision and one that, done well, not only unifies the décor, but also affects the liveability of the premises. Choices include shutters, blinds, and curtains, with many variations available depending on current trends.

Blinds are Perfect for Versatility

Blinds in both office and residential settings are a popular choice, as they have some qualities in common. In the home, blinds may be required to give residents privacy from prying neighbours, to screen out noise from a busy street, and to control the amount of light that enters, both day and night.

Plenty of Styles to Choose From

In this situation, the style of blinds chosen could include Venetians, Hollands, roller blinds, verticals, or roman blinds. Some of these are more suitable for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Roller blinds, for example, are perfect for a home where there are young children and pets as they are easy to adjust for light and shade, and easy to clean.

Blinds in a home can be used by themselves or in conjunction with curtains, usually in more formal areas such as a lounge/dining space or even bedrooms. The addition of curtains adds extra privacy protection and is an opportunity to include more texture and colour to the ambiance of the room.

Screen Glare a Nuisance

In an office situation, similar to a home, blinds are used to control light and shade, and to create a peaceful and inviting space for staff and customers. However, there are several other important considerations. Too much light entering an office space is disruptive for staff using screens, so office blinds are essential to minimise screen glare.

Energy Savings and Protection for Office Furniture

Correctly fitted commercial blinds save on energy costs as the blinds insulate the windows, reducing the amount of both heat and cold that enters the building. Air conditioning units are then more efficient, saving money. Office furniture and fittings are expensive, so with less sunlight entering, these items will be protected from fading over time.

Regular Vacuuming will Keep Blinds Clean

Blinds in both office and home settings are also easier to keep clean than curtains, which tend to attract more dust than blinds. A cleaning schedule, where vacuuming the blinds is included regularly, will keep them dust and pollution free for some time before they need to be taken down and thoroughly cleaned.

Our ultrasonic cleaning process at Blind Concepts gets into every nook and cranny of your blinds, whatever style they are, and removes dust, grime, and bacteria. We also repair damaged blinds to near-new condition, saving money for both householders and businesses.

Redecorating your home is an exciting time where everything is up for change within your budget, including window blinds. Deciding what you want and choosing the colours to suit the newly decorated rooms is an important decision. Getting it wrong will spoil the overall look you have worked so hard to achieve. However, there are some practical guidelines you should follow.

Can’t Go Wrong with White

If the interior needs more natural light to create the popular soft, bright look, the most suitable colour for the blinds is white. While living rooms and kitchens have traditionally had white blinds, the trend now is for white in every room. Just remember that in bedrooms too much light may interfere with sleep, so consider a block out blind.

Consider the Style as a Whole

Choose blind colours that suit the style of the property as a whole, rather than taking an ad hoc approach. A good example is a country style house on an acreage where the décor and furnishings have been designed to reflect a modern approach to an “early settler” look. In this instance, natural earthy colours for the blinds will tie everything together to create a wow factor.

Classy Does Not Mean Boring

This does not mean that you should be overly conservative. With both the minimalist and the country look you can still play around with colour and achieve a modern and sophisticated tone. Blinds are available in many colours and textures, and in a large room you could choose two different colours and place them on alternate windows for added interest.

Establish a Focal Point

A focal point around which to plan the rest of the décor is important for effect. That focal point could be a wall, a fireplace or a window. For a window, a bright colour that matches a sofa or rug creates a sophisticated feel. Take care, though, as too much of a good thing will look messy. Remember that saying used by style icons – less is more.

The Rule of Three

The rule of three works everywhere, even in interior design. Do not add too many colours. The maximum should be three, including the window blinds. More than that and the end result will be overbearing and distracting for the eyes to process, so the feeling will be one of busyness.

Have you overspent and your blinds are still in reasonable condition? Here at Blind Concepts we offer blind cleaning, repair and replacement as an alternative to tossing out your old blinds. Our ultrasonic cleaning process will remove every smidgen of grime and we also repair damaged blinds, restoring them to near new. For a free quote and a twenty-four hour turnaround, give us a try.

Choosing window dressings for your home is not as simple a task as it would first appear. Do you have a fabulous view that begs to be shown off during the day, but you need privacy at night? Are you cost conscious and looking for something that will reduce energy costs? These are some of the decisions to be made before selecting any window dressing.

For a High Traffic Area

Known as shades in other countries, roller blinds are one of the most popular choices and they have evolved from a basic model to contemporary styles in different fabrics and fashion colours, some with optional motorised roller action. Also available is an energy-efficient roller blind made of cellular (or honeycomb) fabric specifically designed to regulate indoor air temperature. The best roller blinds are easy to clean and very suitable for high traffic areas.

Going Upmarket

Also known as shades elsewhere, Roman blinds offer a more formal, sophisticated look and are ideal for windows with furniture directly below them, as they don’t drop beyond the window. They create maximum impact in a room when made in a statement print, and the soft, pleated effect adds elegance to any space. Remember, however, that when they are fully drawn upwards, the window will be completely exposed, so they are not suitable where privacy is needed.

Versatility Plus

If you prefer blinds over the shades already mentioned, you will still need to consider the same issues but now you have additional alternatives. Venetian blinds, for example, have been around for hundreds of years, and apart from obvious improvements in style, colours and materials, the basic concept is relatively unchanged. Now available in fabric, PVC, aluminium, genuine and faux timber and other materials, they are one of the most versatile styles available.

Choose Your Slat Size

They are perfect for light and breeze control, with only a quick adjustment to the slats needed to create the desired mood. Easy to maintain with just a quick wipe over with a duster or a vacuum cleaner, they are available in various slat widths, with the narrow option creating a formal look and the wider slats more suitable for casual settings.

Here at Blind Concepts, we are experts at cleaning all types of blinds. We are especially experienced at cleaning Venetian blinds, including wood composite and lacquered or oiled cedar types. In even the cleanest of settings, dirt and grime eventually settle into impossible to reach parts of all blinds. We pick up your blinds, take them to our workshop for cleaning and return them to you ready to hang and looking as good as new.

Decorating a dwelling can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a daunting process for people who struggle with co-ordinating colours and styles. There are many decisions to be made, such as the colour of the internal walls, the type of flooring, matching the furniture to the rest of the décor, and finally, the window treatments. Is it any wonder then, that sometimes, the windows become an afterthought?

Take the Time to Get the Windows Right

However, the right window dressings is important as it can make or break a room. If not carefully chosen, all the effort put into everything else will be wasted.

The first consideration is whether to install blinds or curtains. This will be a personal choice where cost, privacy needs, reducing energy costs and framing a stunning view are just a few of the issues that need attention.

Window blinds are popular because they are versatile, and are available in a range of styles, finishes and colours. Their clean lines suit the currently popular minimalist décor. They are suitable for common situations such as privacy from neighbours, to block out a busy street, and for light, heat and acoustic control.

What’s not to like about Roller Blinds?

Roller blinds are a perennial favourite. They are simple to operate and offer complete privacy and light control when extended. With many fabric choices available, they suit informal settings and are perfect for wet areas such as kitchens, and bathrooms. If reducing energy costs is a major issue, they are also available in a cellular fabric, commonly known as honeycomb, which acts as an insulator to control internal temperatures.

Plenty of Other Styles to Choose from

For applications such as living, dining, master bedrooms and others, there is a range of other, more suitable styles. Romans are perfect for windows with furniture under them as they are contained within the window frame. Venetians are low-maintenance, elegant, versatile and come in various slat widths, colours and materials, which can be tilted to provide privacy or to control air flow.

Here at Blind Concepts, we offer clients professional blind cleaning and quality blind repair services that are inexpensive and environmentally responsible. We collect the blinds from premises, take them to our workshop to be cleaned using our ultrasonic cleaning process, and return them to the clients, ready to re-hang. Our process does all the hard work, leaving the clients to enjoy their blinds, which now look as good as new.

Curtains Also Have Their Place

Like blinds, curtains are also available in many fabrics, styles and colours. Curtains are perfect for a draped look, adding softness to the décor, as well as elegance to the entire space. Rather than make a choice between the two, many homeowners combine both for a complete look.

If you make a mistake when choosing window treatments, it is far too expensive an error to make. Once they are up on the windows, the hapless householder must live with them, so taking time to educate themselves on the pros and cons of working through the array of choices saves money and ensures a happy result.

The Value of Research

What does the average homeowner need to know before they spend any of their decorating budget on windows? Quite a lot, especially if they are new to the world of blinds and curtains. Research at this stage is vital and the first step is to take stock of some basic information about the actual windows and their purpose in the overall liveability of the dwelling.

Not all Windows are the same

What type of windows does the dwelling have? Most likely they are not all the same size, shape or style. Some will protect the interior from summer heat but also insulate the occupants from the cold and rain. Others will be large picture windows with a view, but at the same time, need to provide privacy. The rest will be light and airy during the day but block out light at bedtime.

Not all Blinds are the same

Now look at the different types of blinds that are available. Take roller blinds as an example. From the old-fashioned hand raised rollers to classic chain drives and motorised models, this is starting with the basics. Move to the elegance of sheer curtains covering vertical blinds or slim, white aluminium Venetians. Think about what blinds are suitable for hard working areas such as the kitchen, bathrooms or laundry.

Time to Check the Information

With all this information now at your fingertips, it is time to look at fabrics and colours. There are hundreds of combinations to choose from in modern colours, patterns and textures. Check your preferences against the other colours in the home so that everything flows and blends, from the wall and floor colours across to the furnishings and accessories.

What Not to Do

After all this preliminary effort, do not skimp on quality. Buy the best the budget can handle as the elements are harsh on window treatments and quality will last far longer, as well as provide privacy and functionality. At the same time, be creative. Do not become locked into something staid and out of touch.

By now it must be obvious that there is no typical one size fits all, and this is something we see every day at Blind Concepts. Our clients entrust their tired and dusty window treatments to us, and we put our cleaning process to work. We bring them back to life, ready to hang back on their windows to sparkle and shine until the next time.

For anyone currently building a new home or renovating an existing dwelling, the relief you feel once all the major components are in place will soon be replaced by the realisation that critical decisions are needed now regarding your window treatments. Getting this right will be the finishing touch that brings all your efforts together.

Window Treatment Options

Modern fabric blinds currently offer a huge range of colours and patterns in price ranges to suit every budget. They can be recessed into the window frame or face mounted, and old favourites like roller blinds can now compete favourably with Romans, Venetians, verticals and honeycomb blinds. Panel blinds should also be considered for large window spaces.

Fabric is a Versatile Choice

Fabric blinds are also versatile enough to control heat and light. By choosing options such as block out fabric for bedrooms, soft, light filtering fabrics that are perfect for living areas and sunscreen products that block out 95% of UV rays and provide daytime privacy, there is a fabric for every situation.

Easy Cleaning Methods

Cleaning blinds with care is important.

With fabric blinds, keeping it looking crisp and clean is no different from any of the other regular maintenance tasks that home occupiers do every week. Roman blinds, rollers and panel blinds can be kept crisp and clean by a regular vacuum.

Take care, however, to use the brush attachment and put the cleaner on a low setting to avoid the possibility of stretching, or worse still, tearing the fabric. Honeycomb blinds respond best to a hair dryer on a cool setting blasting away any dust or dead insects trapped in the crevices.

Tricks and Tips

Another option is to give fabric blinds the onceover every couple of weeks with a lint roller. This is a quick way to pick up pet hair and cobwebs that are sometimes difficult to remove with a vacuum cleaner on the recommended low setting. S

pots and small soiled areas are best treated carefully by spraying a cleaning solution onto a soft cloth, then gently rubbing the area, followed by rinsing off with a microfibre cloth dipped in clean water. Dry immediately by using an electric fan.

While these methods will keep your fabric blinds in good condition, the pace of modern life means that even with the best of intentions, regular maintenance may lapse for months or even years. When this happens, Blind Concepts is here to help.

Our cleaning service uses the latest ultrasonic technology. This eco-friendly method of cleaning blinds requires minimal amounts of chemicals and water. We clean your blinds in our workshop and return them to you within 24 hours, ready to hang.

Simplicity continues to be the preferred interior design theme for both new builds and renovations. The emphasis is on a few large furniture pieces supported by small accent features to add colour and interest. This approach allows for plenty of options to update window dressings.

What to Choose – Blinds or Curtains?

This raises the issue of whether to use window blinds or curtains or perhaps even both. For some owners, it is simply a matter of personal taste, but for others, it offers the opportunity to use the positive aspects of both options to increase the comfort of the occupier.

Colour, Style and Comfort with Curtains

Modern curtains are a far cry from the dull, heavy dust-collectors of old. The choice of fabrics and colours is endless, and the lightweight options float with elegance on the breezes they allow through an open window. There are also fabrics available that reduce external noise and insulate the rooms against both heat and cold.

Blinds for the Budget Conscious

Today’s blinds are a quick and easy solution to light and privacy issues for any building. With respect to light control, blinds offer the option of covering all of the window at one time, or just a part of the window, depending on how they operate. They are often cheaper to install than curtains, are easy to maintain and are available in a wide range of styles and materials.

We are very familiar with the benefits and versatility of window blinds. Our company, Blind Concepts, will clean and repair your blinds and, if required, replace broken slats and other components. We take your blinds to our workshop, run them through our ultrasonic cleaning process and return them to you, ready to hang, within 24 hours.

Blinds Come in a Range of Styles

We notice, in the course of our work, that Venetian blinds in aluminium, timber or plastic are still popular and fit in well with modern décor. Roller blinds are the perfect, low-cost solution for utility rooms such as the kitchen, laundry and bathroom whilst Holland and Roman blinds add a touch of elegance to the formal areas of a dwelling.

Why Choose? Just Use Both

If you are in the process of installing new window treatments, you may like to consider using both blinds and curtains. Either option looks great alone but if you put them together you get double the wow factor. When paired together, you will have more options for light control and privacy. There is also more flexibility in styling. For example, to make a small window look bigger, fit the blind to the window size and extend the curtain on either side.

The final decision is up to the property owner, but either way, the windows will look great.

Householders who take pride in their homes know that getting the right window treatments for each room is the final touch in creating a comfortable space that welcomes them home each day. A regular cleaning regime is also part of this feeling of comfort, and while blinds don’t need cleaning every day, they should be on the cleaning schedule of every well-kept dwelling.

Cleaning Methods for Different Blinds

Window blinds are also expensive, so no householder wants to damage theirs during cleaning. Using different types of cleaning methods for diverse styles of blinds is one way to avoid accidental damage, especially if you are cleaning them on the window.

Cleaning Venetians with Care

Aluminium and plastic venetians, for example, can be safely cleaned using warm water, a soft cloth and an all-purpose household cleaner. Taking the time to clean each slat individually will give the best results, with no patches of dust or grime left behind. A gentle touch is best to avoid damage, and when one side is cleaned, flip the blind to the other side and repeat.

Go Easy on the Water

Wooden venetians need a little more care, as using too much water as part of the cleaning process may cause the slats to warp. The first step is to tightly close the blinds, leaving no gaps and gently wipe over with a microfibre cloth to remove any traces of dust, then repeating the process on the other side. This may be all that is needed, but if not, wipe with a slightly wet sponge for a final clean.

We understand how important clean windows and blinds are to house-proud people. Keeping your blinds in excellent condition is what we do at Blind Concepts. We use ultrasonic cleaning methods to get your blinds spotless and because our process uses very little water and chemicals, it is also environmentally friendly.

Too Scared to Clean Your Roller Blinds?

Many householders are afraid to tackle roller blinds, especially plastic ones, in case they use too much force and tear them from the roller. Have no fear.

1. Place a mild cleaner, even dishwashing liquid, in warm water and using a sponge, start at the bottom of the fully extended blind.
2. Wipe across gently, gradually moving upward until the entire blind has been cleaned.
3. Do both sides and leave them open to dry.

However, if you don’t have the time or energy for any of this, remember we are blind cleaning specialists. We will take your blinds back to our workshop, clean them and have them back to you in no time. Give us a call for a free quote.