Window blinds are seen in two different lights. Some consumers/homeowners see them as an annoying home expense; one that they will avoid at all costs. These consumers are doing themselves a disservice. Smart consumers and homeowners recognize window blinds as the home improvement that they are.

Agents looking to make their clients’ homes stand out look first to curb appeal. These savvy agents almost always look first to upgrading or installing window blinds throughout the house. Some homeowners don’t realize the importance of window coverings, but the presence of window blinds makes a drastic difference to prospective home buyers. Potential buyers looking for their new home recognize positives and negatives of the homes they are shown almost subconsciously and window blinds are an addition that adds a lot of value to the home. It’s a definite advantage.

The majority of people recognize the basic function of the window blinds: privacy and light blocking/filtering. Privacy concerns can be solved regardless of window placement, window size, or room function. The wide array of products on the market cover every eventuality. The other basic function is light blocking and/or light filtering. There are products available with varying degrees of light blocking capabilities on the market suitable for a variety of regions and situations. Light filtering is a popular feature enabling consumers to take advantage of natural light.

But the basic function of the window blind isn’t in question. We know that these functions can be fulfilled. Window blinds are now expected to do so much more. They are recognized for their many advantages offered to homeowners.

One such advantage is curb appeal. Real estate agents are aware of the emphasis placed on window treatments by many buyers. Homeowners need to be aware of this when they are considering window blinds purchases. Window blinds are not a design expense. They are a home improvement and homeowners should consider the expense an investment that is increasing the value of their home. Another obvious advantage that is somehow overlooked by many is the energy saving features incorporated into many window blinds products.

Energy savings products are flooding the market currently. The green movement has left many consumers interested in decreasing their carbon footprint and the sluggish economy has left many consumers looking for ways to decrease their monthly expenditures. Installation of certain types of energy savings window blinds can decrease homeowners’ monthly utilities bill by hundreds of dollars. Window blinds are a home improvement that offers distinct advantages in the additional curb appeal and the lowered cost for utilities after the installation of energy saving products. With all the options available out there on the real estate market…making the right choices when it comes to your next “home improvement” is vitally important! Start with window blinds…it’s hard to go wrong.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Whether it be the windows in their living rooms, bedrooms or workspaces, people want to be able to look out of the windows and enjoy the view while still being able to adjust the amount of glare and the amount of heat that enters an area, thus solar window shades were created. And now, a recent introduction to the market is turning heads; Designer Solar Window Shades, the shades that offer a little spice to a room!

With unique patterns, colors and weaves, Designer solar window shades come in a variety of options. The most popular of these options is the solar shade containing a 5% openness factor. This unique fabric filters out natural light while still maintaining the view from outside. With summer, many people are rushing out to buy these shades, perhaps because they are not only practical but also because they add character to a room.

To meet the needs of all customers, solar window shades come in every size, weave and quality level of manufacturing. Many companies have adopted a Green approach and are offering solar window shades that are GREENGAURD Indoor Air Quality Certified for low emissions (LEED). This certification is obtained when a product offers air quality, environmental materials as well as energy savings. Blinds Chalet is proud to provide GREEENGUARD for Children and Schools Certified.

Because every company has their own time for turnaround, delivery varies. But because many variety and options of designer shades are kept in stock in-house, if you find the color and the size you are looking for they should be available within two days.

When shopping for solar blinds, make sure you do your research to ensure you are getting the best deal. Now that the demand for solar shades is increasing as spring and summer arrive, many companies offer discounts as much as 30% off of designer solar blinds. Make sure you find the designer blinds with the biggest discounts.

Because solar shades reduce the amount of heat that enters a room, these shades are great for keeping the potentially damaging heat and light from harming furniture, pictures, artwork and more. Additionally, they reduce air conditioning costs by blocking heat without blocking the view.

“While glass tends to heat up the sun’s rays as they enter your home, these transparent shades continually block and reflect this thermal energy before it has a chance to come into the room. But the real beauty is that just like sunglasses or car tints, you are still able to look out and enjoy the view from your house. This makes these shades ideal for any weather climate in any geographical landscape, city, or countryside,” reports servicemagic.com

Solar shades provide benefits that can be enjoyed far into the future. Additionally, solar shades prove to be very affordable and certainly worth the cost. Solar shades are a necessity for anyone in a warm area but also those in cool areas can enjoy the glare reduction offered by the unique shades.

Chris Stanley is a window coverings expert at Blinds Chalet. Their focus on high quality, company tested and approved window coverings at budget prices has made Blinds Chalet a resource for everything shades related. With over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry, Blinds Chalet successfully provides info to consumers about purchasing and installing shades before they buy.

Consumers who go into their search for new blinds or shades with extensive knowledge of the market’s products are rare. Most individuals looking to make a new blinds or shades purchase aren’t very aware of the wide array of products available. And they definitely aren’t aware of the extensive number of options and features. Some may even find it just a tad distracting until they know exactly what they’re looking for.

In retrospect the same consumers that found the countless options overwhelming often discover that each and every option is there for a reason. Finding out the reason for each option and applying it to the situation at hand makes purchasing the right blinds or shades much more probable. And purchasing the right blinds or shades for the situation at hand equals buyer satisfaction.

There are four main categories into which most options and features can be divided: privacy/light control, safety features, enhanced function or general appeal/aesthetics. Each of these categories should be carefully considered prior to beginning the search for new blinds or shades. Consumers should prioritize in their mind which is most important and keep their priorities straight throughout their search.

One of the most popular features in the light control/privacy category is the top down, bottom up feature. This particular feature provides owners with a unique light control ability. The light blocking can be adjusted throughout the day depending upon the needs of the household or office. This category is particularly important to those who require daytime sleep or those who live in regions that experience prolonged daylight hours.

When it comes to safety features the most popular amongst today’s products is the cordless option. A large majority of blinds and shades products now offer cordless options on their classic designs. The cordless option totally eliminates the safety issues created by visible cording. When it comes to function features some popular options are: remote control, tile cutouts, and more. When it comes to features that appeal consumers want something that increases the aesthetics of the product’s general look. Some popular choices are: extensive color choices, wide variety of fabric and stain choices, valance design, etc.

If consumers know the basics going into the search they are much more likely to come out of the search with an appropriate and satisfactory shades purchase. The right purchase will increase the value of the property, increase the appeal of the interior and exterior decor, and provide the privacy and light control that is necessary in a home or office.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.