Architectural Window Shades 101 Guide

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Architectural Window Shades 101 Guide
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• There could be many reasons for you to like
  window blinds.
• For many people, window blinds (also known as
  architectural window shades) are a fashion
  statement.
• For many, it is keeping up with the technology
  and for some, it is the functional utility of
  window shades that makes them fond of window
  blinds.
• Window shades are also very different from
  curtains, not just in their look and feel, but
  also on how the two are purchased.
• With curtains, the majority of the decision is
  about the fabric design and colour.
• But thats not the case with architectural window
  shades. So, if this is your first time in buying
  window shades, follow this 101 guide.

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• Step 1 - Understand the different types of
  architectural window shades
• Today, architectural window shades are available
  in many types. The sheer variety of architectural
  window shades makes decision making difficult and
  challenging. Each type has a unique advantage and
  your choice of the type of fabric can depend on
  many factors such as utility, purpose, and the
  style you want the window blind to lend to your
  room.
• Window shades can be broadly classified into the
  following two types
• Horizontal Window Blinds
• These window blinds can be raised up or lowered
  along a vertical axis. These are ideal for window
  spaces that are narrow and tall. Additionally,
  they are also suitable for sliding doors
  windows.
• Majority of the window shades are horizontal
  window shades. These window blinds are called
  horizontal window blinds because the slats of the
  shades are horizontal in orientation.
• Vertical Window Blinds
• These window blinds can be moved from left to
  right or vice versa. Vertical window blinds are
  suspended from a single horizontal axis at the
  top. Vertical window blinds are perfect for very
  large facade windows.
• They are also good if you have an L-shaped window
  or a curving window. Vertical blinds work well on
  straight tracks as well as curved tracks. Certain
  types of cellular shades and drapery styles
  window shades are the most common types of
  vertical window blinds available.

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• Step 2 - Choose a model/ type of window blinds
• Once you have finalised the above choice, your
  focus will shift on determining the type of
  architectural window shades best suitable. Some
  of the most common types of window shades are
• Designer Roller Blinds
• This is among the most popular horizontal window
  blinds. Roller blinds are made up of a plain
  single fabric and as the name suggests, the
  fabric rolls up or down on a shaft. These are
  among the most simple types of architectural
  window shades.
• Roman Window Blinds
• These are made from fabric that is designed to
  pleat when raised up. The blinds are made up of
  slats, which are attached to the cord and give
  the pleated effect. Roman window blinds are also
  horizontal window blinds.
• Venetian Window Blinds
• These are again horizontal roller blinds.
  Venetian blinds are made up of aluminium or
  wooden slats and dont have a fabric. Unlike the
  roller blinds or roman blinds, the slats in the
  venetian blinds can be rotated to partly allow
  some sunlight to come in.
• Cellular Window Blinds
• These are the most modern in window blinds. They
  are made up of a unique honeycomb structure that
  acts as an insulation layer by preventing energy
  loss at the window. Cellular window shades can be
  horizontal window blinds and also vertical window
  blinds.

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• Step 3 - Choosing an operating system
• Unlike curtains, window blinds have a
  sophisticated operating system. When it comes to
  choosing an operating system, you have two types
  to choose from
• Manual Operating Systems
• As the name suggests, the manual operating system
  allows the window blinds to be operated manually.
  
• Some of the premium window blinds brand make
  available many different manual operating systems
  to choose from.
• Automatic Operating Systems
• These systems allow you to control your window
  blinds through a remote control or a mobile app.
• Because the blinds are electronically controlled,
  automatic operating systems allow you to more
  precisely control your window blinds.
• They also allow you to pre-program the blinds to
  open and close at a fixed time.

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• Step 4 - Choosing the fabric
• It is here that youll look at options such as
  design and fabric colour.
• Most of the premium window blinds companies offer
  a very large selection of fabric designs and
  colours that will ensure that you get exactly
  what you had wished for.
• We hope that this starting guide would have
  helped you in understanding the basics of
  architectural window shades.
• For more information, we suggest you to visit the
  nearest gallery of the worlds best window blinds
  brand and experience the different aspects of
  architectural window shades.