My favorite provider of all sorts of wonderful roller shades with fabulous options published a post in 2014 for those who struggle with the idea of using roller shades - especially solar roller shades - in traditional residences.  We have done many projects with roller shades, in other than modern residences, and can say the results are always impressive.  However, maybe the bloggers at Insolroll can convince you.  They opine, "Some people think solar shades are perfect for “modern decor”. Maybe they’d go so far as “contemporary” (not interchangeable terms!). If you share that opinion, I’d like to try to change your mind…

Energy Efficiency goes with every style

With every day that passes, we become more conscious of energy usage in our homes. Solar panels go up, incandescent light bulbs get switched out for CFLs or LEDs. Weather stripping is applied, smart power strips are investigated. We all want to save energy, and see our electric bills go down. We all want to do our part to leave a smaller footprint… Solar shades in your home are an easy way to bring down cooling costs during the summer, and have control over the winter sun to allow passive solar warming. Whether your windows are efficient or old and inefficient, solar shades will make a difference. It’s a no brainer, really, when it comes to energy efficiency.

Comfort never goes out of style

Who hasn’t experienced a room that gets uncomfortably hot? Or uncomfortably bright? Glare on a television or computer screen can be both annoying and fatiguing, and calling upon your AC alone to keep a room cool is uncomfortable for your wallet. Solar shades manage the negative effects of the sun in your home, controlling the heat energy of sun coming in the windows as well as the glare of the sun’s light. You even get control of harmful UV rays in the deal, which cause fading and degrading of your furniture/drapes/flooring/finishes.

Solar shades and your aesthetic style

Truth be told, solar screen shades are style chameleons. They have clean, simple lines, and therefore can perfectly complement a minimalist approach, or blend expertly into the background of an ornate, traditional setting. What you're really doing is controlling sun and improving the view through your window, and this works in every decorating style. Hang with draperies or even dummy panels to add softness and layers. Opt for a Natural Weave fabric for an organic, beachy or British Colonial style. French country? Let light colored, slightly more open fabric play the role of sheers behind sumptuous draperies. Shabby chic? Light colored solar shades diffuse light and add another layer of romance to your room.  Industrial? Let a dark fabric hone the view and make it a centerpiece. The simple form of solar shades combined with the broad range of fabric colors, textures and densities are what make them such a versatile window treatment that works and plays well with other window fashion stars, including cornices, valances and trims.

So don’t get stuck in a rut when you think about solar shades! Think of them as one tool in your belt for increasing your home’s energy efficiency, but also think of them as an opportunity to express your sense of personal style."

Of course, we would love to help you choose the design for your roller shade project.  Also, be sure to check out our online roller shade calculator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.  Or, please use this contact form to describe your project with rough sizes, and we will gladly email you a rough estimate.

As we have repeatedly shared, not all roller shades are made with the same quality or care.  This is never more apparent then when operating the blind.  For manual control blinds the clutch will determine the lift-ability and the last-ability.

Our manufacturer uses the industry’s most dependable, reliable and strong clutches- the RSeries from RollEase. We believe this clutch sets the standard, and its proven track record spanning over 30 years speaks for itself. We offer 4 different clutches to match lifting capacity to to shade weight and tube size for the best shade appearance and to ensure that your solar shades are easy to lift.  Our shade size to clutch lifting capacity parameters tend to be more conservative that those of other manufacturers, but we believe that allows us to produce a better, more reliable product for our customers. Our clutch-operated shades are ideal for handling commercial applications or large weights.Key features and benefits:

• RollEase’s multi-spring design for easy pull makes even heavy shades feel light
• With manufacturing tolerances within .004″, clutch will never need adjusting
• Locking end plug bracket feature keeps shade secure and prevents slipping
• Fiberglass-reinforced resin PBT housing ensures trouble-free performance
• American-made clutches, not imported knock-offs

The clutch system on your roller shade will really be a major determinate in how pleased you are with your roller shade purchasing decision over-time.  This is why we are very careful in designing projects for type and ease of use.  Let's face it, one of the main reasons to opt for a roller shades is so you can adjust it as regularly as necessary to get the maximum light and climate control. and that experience will be lessened if it is too heavy or prone to failing while operating. 

Hopefully this little article better prepared you to understand whether you are getting good value with your roller shade purchasing decision as it relates to its operating clutch system.

Of course, we would love to help you choose the perfect clutch size for your roller shade project.  Also, be sure to check out our online roller shade calculator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.  Or, please use this contact form to describe your project with rough sizes, and we will gladly email you a rough estimate.

Solar roller shades help may your home more energy efficient in three ways. 

First, solar roller shades are almost magical when it comes to reducing the UV heat gain experienced through your windows glass.  The combination of the material used and the weave technology makes this miracle of modern science possible.  Secondly, because solar roller shades still allow natural light into your space, you can use less electric lights during the day.  Finally, because solar roller shades can be completely retracted, you can roll them up allowing the light to pass through the window unobstructed on a colder day taking advantage of the warmth generated as the sun passes through the glass.

Adding up all this flexibility, function and savings makes solar roller shades the energy star window covering.  And remember, if you need privacy or black-out of your space, then solar roller shades can be paired with other blinds or drapery for a dual application.

Of course, we would love to help you implement the energy efficient advantages of solar roller shades into your space.  Also, be sure to check out our online roller shade calculator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.  Or, please use this contact form to describe your project with rough sizes, and we will gladly email you a rough estimate.

In many ways, the roller shade is the perfect window treatment for schools and universities.  The old stand by in most of these institutions of education is the dreaded mini blind.  But let's face it - it's not 1952 any more and the world of architecture and technology has evolved to a place far from the mini blind.

The most oft heard reason for mini blinds instead of roller shades is budget, which is a reasonable concern especially if dealing with other priorities.  But, maybe the cost calculation should include, safety concerns, anti-microbial concerns, light control concerns, audio visual usage concerns, and energy cost concerns.  In all of these areas modern roller shades are superior to the institutional standard of mini blinds.

Why?  Because, roller shades can be made without cords, or with a single loop cord that is connected in a such a way as to greatly eliminate the chance of injury or death by accidental strangulation.  Roller shades can be made with a high-tech anti-microbial fabric which greatly reduces the spread of germs.  Roller shades reduce glare but allows for natural light and all the advantages of your educational architecture.  For audio visual usage, roller shades can offer various light control options which optimize the presentation while maintaining the ability to see the students and their ability to take notes.  And, modern roller shades are able to control heat gain in windows in way which provides for a more comfortable and efficient learning space.

Are you convinced that roller shades are a great choice for your educational institution? 

Of course, we would love to help you implement the advantages of roller shades into your school or university.  Also, be sure to check out our online roller shade calculator for a rough idea of what your project might cost.  Or, please use this contact form to describe your project with rough sizes, and we will gladly email you a rough estimate.