Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Spotlight On: Shutters

Looking to add warmth & sophistication to any room?  Try Shutters, a classic style with durable construction.  They come in a variety of finishes to give your room an elegant, timeless feel. 
Worried about child or pet safety?  Shutters are cordless, the perfect choice!
Shutters help control light, offering privacy & noise control.  Installing them helps increase the value of your home so they're a great investment! Installing a Valance will add a decorative touch.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Spotlight On: Woods Blinds

Why Wood Blinds?  They're a great option because they give any room a warm, cozy vibe.  You can choose from a variety of styles, colors & sizes.  They're popular because of their beauty, allowing you to choose a color that works with your decor. 
Besides their looks, they shield heat and cold due to their construction.  This also allows for privacy and sun protection.  Wood Blinds are lightweight, meaning they are easy to use.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Spotlight On: Aluminum Blinds

Why Aluminum Blinds?  They're not only durable, but Aluminum Blinds are budget friendly!  They shield dust & are easy to clean, perfect for humid rooms like the kitchen.  They come in a variety of colors, sizes & finishes (Suede, Metallic & Matte)


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Spotlight On: Duette Honeycomb Shades

Duette Honeycomb Shades are made from non-woven Polyester.  The side facing the outside is white and the interior side is a color.  They are highly energy efficient and well priced.
Honeycombs come in full opacity range, sheer to opaque, and a large range of colors.
The pleat construction from top to bottom are consistent and there are three pleat options, 1 1/4", 3/4" & 3/8" (depending on preference)

Duette Architella offer 4 layers of fabric to increase insulation.  They are a cell within a cell that form 3 airpockets.  They have crisp, clean pleats that support the cell structure.  Another feature is their deep, rich color saturation. 
They come with a fabric colored headrail for a cleaner look and helps save about 50% more energy.


Duettes are a HunterDouglas Product

Monday, November 7, 2011

Spotlight On: Silhouettes

What are Silhouettes?
Silhouettes appear to "float", offering the softness of sheer curtains and drapery, but functions like a blind. 
The benefit is that they cover windows without destroying the view, but controls light.  It specifically enhances daytime lighting.  They roll up and out of the way into the head rail with the look of a sheer and care of a shade. 
They can block up to 88% of harmful UV rays when open, 99% when closed. 
Soft fabrics are between 2 sheers, allowing soft light to enter the room.  You can tilt the vanes for privacy.
Depending on how much off an outside view you would like, there are various vane sizes  They are available in 2, 3, and 4 inches. Choosing the 4 inch allows for the best view.

Silhouettes are a HunterDouglas Product.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Spotlight On: Pirouettes

Pirouette Window Shades are a perfect choice for the client that likes a classic style with the ability to control light.  Their beautiful sheer back maintains a great outside view, but the fabric on top has a room darkening advantage. 
They roll all the way up to the headrail using the "Invisi-Lift" System from HunterDouglas.  This suspends horizontal fabric vanes to float gracefully. 
If you're looking for UV protection, these are a wonderful choice.  they block 88% UV rays when open, 98% when closed.

Pirouettes are a HunterDouglas Product

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Go Green!

Want to be "go green?"  Start with your window treatments!  Installing window treatments is a simple way to make your home more energy efficient and reduce energy bills.  Though considered an investment, they will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, saving you money.

Another option?  Consider window awnings or overhang-windows as another way to shade and protect heat from coming in.
Light colored blinds, drapes, and shades are perfect for reflecting sunlight and heat.
A final option is tighter, insulated shades that can help reduce heating costs.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Light Control

When choosing window treatments, you want to consider your light control options.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
*Am I looking for the maximum amount of sunlight in my room?
*What type of room is it?  (Media Rooms & Bedrooms may require darker lighting)
*Am I looking for UV protection? 
*Do I want something energy efficient?

There are 5 categories of light control:

The first is Transparent, a clear, open window.
The next option is Translucent, offering a little more privacy.  Think of sheer or woven fabrics and bamboo shades.
The third is Filtered, adding additional privacy.  Picture mini blinds and drapes with heavier fabrics.
Semi-Opaque blocks most light, allowing only some to enter the room.  Silhouettes, Honeycombs, & Solar Shades are perfect examples.
The last category is Opaque, total black-out.  Roller Shades and Roman Shades are two products that offer this. 
Why Black-Out Shades?  Not only do they help with temperature control, but they prevent fading of your carpet and furniture due to sunlight.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

What Is Your Style?

When selecting window treatments, first determine your design aesthetic.  What is your style?

Are you Traditional? 
Do you favor warm, darker tones?  Do you use heavy fabrics, rich colors, and intricate textiles and patterns? 
If this sounds like you, ask about the following:
Roman Shades
Shutters
Wood Blinds

Are you Modern?
Do you like minimalist, clean looking rooms?  Do you choose bright colors and favor pop art? 
If this describes your style, try:
Solar Shades
Roman Shades
Silhouettes

Are you Contemporary?
Do you take Traditional design and add a Modern flair?
If this is your style, check out:
Honeycombs
Roman Shades
Woven Blinds

Are you Eclectic?
Would you consider your home a "mash up" of all styles?
If this is you, your options are limitless!

Call NY City Blinds at 212-717-6909 & ask to speak with one of our knowledgeable decorators!