How solar screen shades work

Solar screen shades have a very specific purpose. Other window treatments – such as window treatments – are designed to control light levels and protect your privacy. But solar shades are a little different. They keep out bright sunlight and heat, without blocking your view or making the room too dark.

Why sun protection matters

We all love some sunshine. It’s great for our health and wellbeing. However, too much sun can be a problem.

Too much exposure to sunlight can cause premature ageing, skin problems and even some cancers. In the short term, too much bright light could give you a headache. And too much heat coming through the windows means that your air conditioning system has to work much harder.

Solar screen shades are the perfect compromise. You can still enjoy the sunny view of the outdoors, but you’ll keep out the worst of the heat and glare.

Where to install solar screen shades

Choosing solar shades depends on your personal preferences, as well as the design of your home. For example, if you have large south-facing windows in your home, then you may well need solar screen shades. And if you are especially light-sensitive, then solar shades may make you feel more comfortable.

You can choose solar shades that match your home décor – with white, cream, beige or even black transparent panels. They blend in with the window frame, so that you can enjoy all the benefits of solar shades with great design.

Call or visit us today to find out more about solar screen shades for your home!

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But how exactly do blackout shades work? And why are they so effective? It’s all down to something called “circadian rhythms”.

What are circadian rhythms?

Your body has a natural, inner “clock”. If it’s working properly, then you’ll feel energetic early in the morning, and sleepy at night.

Another word for your body clock is “circadian rhythms”. Your body has a natural sense of rhythm for when to sleep and wake up.

However, it can also be affected by outside factors – such as light levels, melanin levels, the temperature in your home, and even your physical health. When these factors are out of balance, your body clock gets mixed up, resulting in poor sleep.

How blackout blinds can help you sleep better

If your circadian rhythms aren’t working properly, you can try to get them back to normal by changing some of those outside factors.

Blackout blinds help you to sleep because they make the room darker. They send a clear signal to your body that it’s dark outside and time to sleep. Blackout shades can also help to block out distracting lights and sounds if you live in a busy area.

More ways to improve your sleep

Blackout blinds can be life-changing for some people. Here are a few more ideas to help improve your sleep:

• Turn off electronic screens at least an hour before going to sleep.
• Have a bedtime routine that makes you feel relaxed. Try taking a warm bath, reading a book or doing some gentle stretches.
• Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature, between 60 and 72 degrees. Older people may prefer to be a little warmer.
• Have a regular sleep schedule: sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Aim for 6-9 hours of high quality sleep.

Click here to view examples of blackout shades from All Kinds of Blinds!

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What are micro blinds?

Micro blinds are called “micro” because they’re smaller than other types of blinds. They’re also sometimes called mini blinds or Venetian blinds.

Micro blinds are made out of narrow aluminum slats, with cords connecting them in a ladder pattern. They look similar to traditional blinds, but they’re smaller and lighter. As a result, they’re usually a good budget option too.

Where to use micro blinds

Micro blinds are best suited to certain types of windows. They’re especially good for shallow windowframes, where you can’t fit in a deeper, traditional set of shades. They also work well for small windows, or windows with an unusual shape.

We also see customers buying mini blinds for home offices or commercial buildings. It’s not just because they’re economical. Micro blinds are also great for privacy: they can be closed quickly and easily.

However, micro blinds don’t offer the same control over light levels that you get from transition shades or blackout blinds. They’re great for privacy or covering small windows, but you might want to consider different treatments for other types of window.

Call us today to learn more about your window treatment options!

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Coastal colors

Fabric shades and wooden slat blinds now come in a range of colors. This year, coastal-themed colors are the most popular: pale greens, a sea of blues, and soft white tones. If you want a more neutral angle on this trend, try a pale eggshell blue or light grey.

Mixed textures

Design in 2020 is all about texture. That starts with natural materials like bamboo and woven rattan. These artisanal materials also work well with the sea-themed color palettes we mentioned above.

If rattan shades don’t appeal to you, then try mixing textures in other ways. We’ve seen a lot of interior designers matching classic wooden shutters with thick fabric curtains – creating a cozy, textured look in elegant materials.

High contrast

Here’s another bold trend we love in 2020. Try matching pale window treatments with dark-colored window frames, or the other way around. These contrast colors look amazing from both inside and outside the house and are a subtle way to enjoy the 2020 fashion for bold patterns. Speaking of which…

Bold patterns

According to Hunter Douglas, big, colorful patterns are back! We’re seeing more fabric shades with floral patterns, contrasting colors, and strong geometric designs. Try pairing these fabrics with accent walls or window frames in bold, dark colors for a maximalist effect.

Metal accents

As part of the trend for big, luxurious designs, metal accents and hardware are making a comeback. Think of curtain rails in shiny brass or wrought iron, chrome and gold blind cords, and classic pewter shutter hinges.

Looking for inspiration? Flip through our online catalog or call today!

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Part of solar shade’s appeal is their protection against UV light, but their transparent material allows you to see the scenery outside. With many other shades disrupting your view of the outside world, solar shades can be carefully chosen to allow in the perfect amount of sunlight while maintaining your view. Perfect for places with a lot of heavy sunlight pouring in, they can even help you lower your energy bill!

Before you make your decision, keep in mind the color of the fabric you choose to use when designing your solar shades. While a darker color may result in a better see-through window, lighter colors will work to reflect the sunlight better and more effectively reduce the heat than a darker color would. That being said, if you’re looking to shade a room with smaller windows, then a lighter color would best suit you. If you have big windows with an outdoor setting you just can’t live without, then a darker shade is for you.

While solar shades give you the ability to choose the color and opacity, they also protect your privacy, at least during the day. The fabric’s tight weaves reflect the sunlight, meaning you can’t see into your home during the day, and vice versa. In the evenings, lighting up the interior of your home will mean people can see in, so we recommend getting a thicker curtain or adding a liner.

Whatever the case is, solar shades will make any person happy! With the ability to choose your color and opacity, while also lowering your energy bill, you’ll walk into your living room with an enormous smile on your face.

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They’re eco-friendly

Bamboo is a natural plant material, so it’s good for the planet. It matures quickly, doesn’t require any chemicals to grow, and will eventually biodegrade without leaving any plastics behind.

They’re strong and light

Bamboo has been a favorite with builders and carpenters for centuries. Why? Because it’s exceptionally strong and durable – but it’s also lightweight, flexible, and easy to cut into custom shapes. You can get bamboo shades to fit any size or shape of window.

They’re easy to clean

Bamboo window treatments are very easy to care for. Just dust them or wipe them down with a soft, damp cloth. They don’t need polishing, special sprays, or washing.

They have a natural gloss

Bamboo wood has a beautiful natural sheen, even without varnish or polishing. The natural shade and shine of bamboo looks good with any design or color scheme.

They’re affordable

Most natural wood is on the expensive side. But bamboo is very affordable, because it grows fast and it’s easy to work with. If you want a natural wood look without the cost, bamboo is a great option.

They go with everything

Bamboo shades look good anywhere: as part of a minimalist modern home, in a rustic setting, or as a subtle window treatment that doesn’t overshadow the rest of your interior design. What’s not to love?

Want to know more? Speak to one of our experts in Boca Raton, Broward County or Palm Beach!

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Here are some easy home improvement projects to try during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Make a window sun-catcher

Let’s start with an easy activity that’s fun for kids as well. Bring some color into your home with simple sun-catchers made from tissue paper or colored plastic! Click here for some Pinterest inspiration.

For a more grown-up version, you could use stained glass adhesives or even glass paint to create a stained-glass window effect.

Sort or cover cables

Mobile phones, computers, voice assistants, kitchen appliances… our modern homes are full of cables. If you have some spare time on your hands, this is a good moment to get organized!

Look into wall-mount cable ties so taht you can fix long cables in place and stop them from tangling. If you’re feeling ambitious, try this Home Addict idea for covering kitchen cables with stained wood panels.

See to the stairs

Staircases often get neglected in our home improvement projects. We use the stairs every day – but just because they’re so essential, they’re easy to overlook.

Try freshening up the baseboard along your stairs with a lick of paint. If you have uncarpeted stairs, you could add some extra color by painting the rises between stairs, or covering them with an adhesive finish.

Line cabinets and bookshelves

Cleaning out cabinets might seem like a chore… but trust us, the result is super-satisfying. Now is a great time to turn out your cabinets, throw out the junk, and re-line them with some pretty adhesive paper or giftwrap paper. Lining the backboard of your bookshelves will also create an artsy, vintage look.

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#1 Install double glazing

Double glazing is the gold standard in construction these days. The two layers of glass in your windows create a barrier between them, keeping your home insulated from the outside world. Whether you want to keep cool with air conditioning, or stay cozy in a storm, double glazing gives you an extra layer of protection.

If you don’t want to install double glazing, there are other options. Look out for a home window insulating kit. These usually include a film to cover the glass and some paste to seal any gaps around the window itself. Home insulation kits like this are a great budget option, but they won’t be as effective as genuine double glazing.

#2 Keep blinds down

When you have the blinds down on your window, they create another pocket of air. Just like double glazing, that puts up a barrier between your home and the temperatures outside. Closing the blind isn’t as effective as double glazing, but it still makes a difference. Thick, vertical blackout blinds are especially effective at blocking out any draughts.

Click here to find out the perfect angle and position for your blinds, at every time of year.

#3 Add extra insulation

You can maximize the insulating effect by installing the right type of blinds. We’re proud to offer the latest technology with Duette Honeycomb insulating shades.

The Honeycomb shades have a cellular, hexagonal design – like the compartments of a beehive. This unique shape helps to trap air and add just a little bit more support to that barrier between indoor and outdoor temperatures.

We install Duette Honeycomb shades vertically, so that they cover your windows as efficiently as possible. And they even have a slight soundproofing effect!

Want to improve your window insulation, at home or in the office? Come in and speak to one of our experts today!

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#1 Clean and dust blinds regularly

Spend a few minutes with a duster and soft cloth to keep your blinds clean and dust-free. And it’s not just for aesthetic reasons. Clean blinds are safe from mould or blockages that could damage the roller mechanism.

#2 Keep a spare slat

When your new blinds were installed, they may have come with a spare slat or two. Don’t throw these out! If any of the slats in your blind get bent or broken, you can replace them quickly and easily.

#3 Act fast on stiff blinds

If your blinds do start to stick, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Try to figure out where the sticking point is, and check for any blockages or issues with the roller mechanism. If it’s just a little stiff, then use some silicon spray or liquid graphite to make the mechanism run smoothly again.

#4 Make your home pet-proof

If you have cats at home, you’ll know that they often love to climb up the blinds, sit in the windows, and play with any dangling cords. You can’t change cats – but you can make your home pet-proof. When you have new blinds installed, choose a cord-free option. If you already have blinds that are operated with a cord, then try tucking the cord out of sight, or looping it around a hook so there is less length for your pet to play with.

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