Window dressings can help tie together a room. One option people don't think about enough is banded shades . These shades provided enhanced light control and privacy, and can look good in any room. They also fit various window sizes and shapes. So, what are banded shades, and when should you consider using them? What Are Banded Shades? Banded shades have two layers of fabric, each one alternating between sheer and solid segments in horizontal stripes. This allows you to adjust your shades between totally opaque to black out light or totally sheer. Or you can have visible stripes for style. This gives you a lot of control over exactly how much light and heat enters a room. Using banded shades on south facing windows allows you better temperature control without completely excluding light. You can also switch the shades to opaque mode if you have specific privacy concerns (such as contractors working outside) or to dim the lights in a home theater on long summer days. Banded shades are also called zebra shades, dual shades, or layered shades. Banded Shades vs. Roller Shades Banded shades are sometimes confused with roller shades. However, roller shades typically have one fabric that is either opaque or sheer. Banded shades are still "roller shades" in the sense that they roll up or down, and can be rolled all of the way up if you want the window fully open. They can also be motorized and, if needed, cordless, making them a great option for people with children or pets. The difference is the two layers of fabric that allow for improved light control. Where to Use Banded Shades Banded shades work well in any situation where you may need natural light and privacy in the same room at different times of the day. They work well for living rooms, allowing you to exclude glare when watching a movie as well as protecting your privacy at night. They also work well for bathrooms, where you can adjust the bands to guarantee your privacy without completely excluding natural light. You can also move them to sheer mode when doing makeup before going outside, letting you check your look in natural light. Another place for banded shades is dining rooms, especially if you have a window that faces west and tend to get a lot of sun glare while eating dinner. You can adjust the bands to precisely block the glare without, again, completely excluding light. Home offices can also benefit for similar reasons; if you get glare for part of the day you can take care of it without having to work in the dark. Aesthetic Options with Banded Shades Many of the images you'll see of banded shades shows plain opaque bands. This doesn't have to be - banded shades come in a variety of colors and patterns to match the rest of your room. The stripes often draw attention, and a good pattern will make them even more striking. The sheer option can be any light color or can be nearly transparent to allow a better view of the outside. Our banded shades also have a fabric wrapped headbox that matches the shades, keeping the aesthetics consistent. You can also choose different band widths, both for precise light control and for the appearance you want. Banded shades can easily be cut to fit any window style. They're considered a modern style of shade and go well with modern furnishings and looks, and can match any color scheme. Precision Light Control But the real reason to get banded shades is for the precise light control they offer. Motorized shades are even better. You can program your shades to turn opaque at the time you need them to, such as when you know the sun, at that time of year, is shining straight at that window. They can then be made cordless, protecting young children and pets. And we can integrate them with smart home technology, which allows you to save specific band combinations for the exact light control you need. Intrigued? Contact Just Blinds to talk about your new window treatment and how banded shades can balance light and privacy for you and your family.
If you run a business, you're probably looking for ways to increase productivity and save money. You might be surprised to find out that solar shades can do both of these things. So, let's talk about solar shades and why your business should use them. What Are Solar Shades? Solar shades are used to reduce heat and UV transfer into a room without blocking the view. They filter the light rather than blocking it, and thus you still get plenty of mood- and productivity-enhancing natural light, but less heat. You can get them in a variety of colors and weaves - a 1% weave blocks 99% of UV rays, while 90% blocks 10%. However, 1% weaves do block the view significantly, and this is also a consideration. (If the shades block the view, employees are more likely to roll them up). How Solar Shades Help Your Business The primary way solar shades help your business is by blocking UV and heat, but still allowing your employees full access to natural light. Solar shades also: Reduce energy costs by reducing heat transfer through windows. This keeps your office cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Protect art work, interior decorations, and upholstery from UV fading. Reduce glare on computer screens without making the office darker Protects employees from damaging UV rays A pleasant, modern appearance What Solar Shades Do Not Do Solar shades do not prevent people from looking into your office at night. In fact, at night they block the view out rather than the view in. If you have concerns about night-time privacy (people seeing that only one person is working, etc) you may want to pair your solar shades with opaque shades. They also do not block all light. You may also want to install second opaque shades in conference rooms and viewing rooms where you want to dim the lights to make a presentation or video clearer. Even tight weave solar shades will not significantly darken the room. Do Solar Shades need Maintenance? Yes. The weave of solar shade fabric can become clogged with dust and debris, and your solar shades should be cleaned regularly. Consider this when choosing material and make sure that your office cleaners or janitors know the correct way to clean the shades. Solar shades typically last five to ten years before needing to be replaced. Choosing Solar Shades First of all, for businesses, we always recommend motorized shades that can be controlled using a remote and integrated with smart building systems so the shades can be opened or closed as needed. When it comes to choosing fabric, solar shades range from 10% weave to 1%, with 1% being the tightest. 10% weave allows in the most natural light and allows for views outside. 1% blocks much of the view. If your office has great views, then consider a looser weave so employees can appreciate them. If, on the other hand, you have a lot of glare and nothing outside worth looking at (maybe it's just the building next door), you might want to go closer to 1%. The weave is a balance between UV protection and view. \Remember that a tight weave and a good view will likely result in employees opening the shades, negating their benefit. You can also choose a variety of colors to match your office's deco. Light, neutral colors are typically best for offices, but choose something which complements your furniture and interior design. Remember that darker colors will make your space seem smaller; it's typically best to go with something like a light beige or gray, especially for tighter weaves. If you're interested in finding out more about how solar shades can improve productivity and lower energy costs, contact Just Blinds today.
Outdoor shades are wonderful additions to your home. Not only do they allow you to enjoy mornings and evenings on your porch or patio in comfort, but they also protect you from some of the harshest side effects of the sun, including excessive UV exposure , which can lead to serious health consequences over time. If you have exterior shades installed, one of the best ways to protect your investment and ensure that your outdoor shades stand the test of time, protecting you and your family over the long haul, is to institute a routine cleaning and maintenance plan. How Often Should You Clean And Maintain Your Exterior Shades? Because needs will always vary by season and climate, it's best to visually inspect your exterior shades once a month. If you see any buildup of dust or pollen, or any obvious maintenance issues, address them immediately. At least once per quarter, you should also schedule a thorough cleaning and maintenance check. Every three months, around the time the seasons change, schedule a day to clean and thoroughly check your blinds for any routine maintenance. Particularly if you live in the Southeast, we recommend scheduling thorough cleaning and maintenance in January, April, July, and October. 3 Steps to Cleaning Your Home's Exterior Shades First, start by thoroughly cleaning your exterior shades. Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies. You will need the following: A bucket and a mild cleaning agent A hose and water supply A soft brush or broom A soft cloth When it comes to your cleaning agent, be sure to avoid any solutions with harsh chemicals. If you haven't received information on any manufacturer-specific suggestions, we recommend using a mild dish soap diluted in water. Step 2: Dust away dirt and debris. Using your soft brush or broom, gently remove all excess buildup of dust, dirt, and debris. Make note of any trouble spots that will need more extensive cleaning. Step 3: Thoroughly clean your exterior shades. Begin by testing your cleaning solution in a small, hidden area. If you see any strong reaction, including erosion or discoloration, stop immediately and seek more information. Only if your shades respond well should you proceed with a full cleaning. Start by using your hose to gently rinse your exterior shades from top to bottom. Next, using your soft cloth, clean the shades, removing all accumulations of dirt and grime. After a final rinse with the hose, allow the shades to air dry in the sun. If necessary, repeat this step until your shades are fully clean. What Routine Maintenance Issues Should You Check For As You Clean? As you clean your exterior shades, keep your eyes peeled for any routine maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. Trouble spots to watch out for include the following: Fading color. Though color fading in itself is not an emergency, it can show that your exterior shades are beginning to show wear and tear. Assess the extent of the damage and consult with Just Blinds to evaluate the projected longevity of your current shades. Sagging shades. Sagging shades don't necessarily need to be replaced, but they may need to be re-tensioned. Check the external hardware and see if anything needs to be tightened up or replaced. Rips, tears, gaps, or holes. No matter how small, these issues need to be addressed immediately. Addressing these issues early can prevent the damage from growing, preventing more costly repairs down the line. Buy a patch kit and follow the instructions for sealing up any trouble spots. Just Blinds Is Here to Help To hear more about how to maintain your exterior shades, or to learn more about how outdoor shades can add value to your home and help you better enjoy your outdoor living areas by reducing heat, offering increased privacy, and lowering your UV exposure, feel free to contact us . We look forward to serving you.
