Window Blinds: Construction Materials

When it comes to window blinds very few homeowners are aware that blinds are made from a wide variety of different construction materials. This lack of knowledge can be attributed to the rather inexpensive and cheap window blinds found in retail stores that are typically made of low grade vinyl. These are usually the only blinds homeowners see.

In actuality window blinds can be constructed from wood, plastic/vinyl, metal, as well as a combination of these materials. In addition to utilizing different construction materials for window blinds many different styles are incorporated into the construction process allowing homeowners to find not just a design they like but a construction material as well.

The type of building material homeowners select for the new window blinds will depend largely on their budget, personal tastes, and existing decor. It's not uncommon for homeowners to want a new window blinds that either sharply contrast with or match their existing interior decor. Homeowners also needn't worry about quality of construction materials as all blinds, save for those found in local retail stores, are generally constructed with only the highest quality of materials regardless of what those might be.

Should you have any questions about window blinds or be unsure of which material to select for your home please don't hesitate to contact us as be happy to assist you!

Raymonde Draperies
1555 North Cuyamaca Street
El Cajon, CA 92020 
Phone: 619-448-5160
Email: info@RaymondeDraperies.com

Raymond Draperies specializes in the following:

San Diego Window Blinds, San Diego Shutters, and San Diego Draperies

Plantation Shutters: What They Are And What They Do

The decision to add shutters to a home can be both exciting and nerve-racking for homeowners. Exciting because there is new window decor coming into a home and nerve-racking because there are so many different styles to choose from and selecting one that's right for their home can be very arduous indeed. Fortunately for those homeowners who want a combination of both traditional interior design and effectiveness there exists plantation shutters. Plantation shutters provide all of the privacy, protection, convenience, and aesthetics that homeowners wanting new shutters could ask for. Moreover plantation shutters, especially modern ones, are extremely durable and easy to use.

While plantation shutters are certainly a great choice for homeowners concerned with both looks and efficiency, many homeowners don't actually know what a plantation shutter is. In most cases a homeowners mental picture of shutters is actually plantation shutters though they are unaware of that. Very simply plantation shutters are shutters whose makeup consists of multiple rows of wooden slats and a single vertical bar that runs down the center of the shutter. Plantation shutters are great insulators as well as providers of privacy. Homeowners will find that modern plantation shutters are available in a wide variety of construction materials as well as colors, styles, and designs.

Should a homeowner elect to have plantation shutters installed in their home they will quickly find that there are number of benefits that come along with them. Chief among these benefits are the design aspect of plantation shutters. In sharp contrast to shades and blinds plantation shutters can be constructed/painted so that they match perfectly with a homeowners existing decor. This saves homeowners the hassle of having to redecorate the rest of a room or purchase new furniture.

Secondly and as mentioned previously plantation shutters are great insulators. A large part of their popularity stems from the fact that they're very good at helping to regulate the internal climate of a home. In fact good plantation shutters can help homeowners reduce energy costs considerably by negating the need to run both air conditioning and heat more than they like to.

In addition to their ability to insulate a home and their fantastic design options, plantation shutters are also selected by homeowners because of their excellent ability to control light. With plantation shutters homeowners have the ability to allow as much or as little light into their home as they like. When completely shut plantation shutters can make the room extremely dark during even the brightest of days and when opened can illuminate a room completely. Those homeowners who want to create a moody atmosphere in a room or the whole of a home can slightly open their plantation shutters to achieve the desired effect.

Plantation shutters are beautiful, effective, and simple in concept. When it comes to installation however it behooves homeowners to seek out the assistance of a professional. Generally speaking homeowners will find that the very vendor who sold them shutters also offers installation services, sometimes at no additional charge. Getting measurements precise and installation completed properly is key to ensuring that a homeowner gets the most out of their new plantation shutters and that they last for years to come.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego shutters and San Diego window treatments.

Hunter Douglas: Synonymous With Quality

There are a number of different brands sold by window decor vendors though perhaps none are more sought after by homeowners than those manufactured by Hunter Douglas. If there's one word that's constantly associated with Hunter Douglas its quality. Over the years and decades Hunter Douglas has provided homeowners with high-quality sheers, shades, honeycombs, blinds, and of course shutters. Not only has Hunter Douglas offered many different types of window decor but many different construction materials for these items as well. Whether it's fabric, aluminum, faux wood, or window treatments homeowners will find it Hunter Douglas.

Focusing solely on quality however there isn't just one thing that makes Hunter Douglas stand above all its competitors, there are a great many things that make their products a higher quality than any of their competitors. Of course one of the most popular things they give Hunter Douglas products an advantage over that of that their competitors is energy efficiency. With regards to window treatments the company places a heavy focus reducing the amount of hot and cool air that leaves through their clients windows. The company and its talented staff now design windows and window treatments that reduce hot cool air loss by up to 50%. This translates into lower energy consumption and costs for consumers and dramatically reduces the need to run air conditioning and heating units around the year.

Insulation is key in any window treatments/decor that comes from Hunter Douglas. It is their insulation, be it in window treatments or any of their decor, that reduce the loss of air through their windows. The designers working at Hunter Douglas understand that heated objects gradually lose their heat to colder surroundings and have taken special care to design insulated products that make a home much more comfortable to reside in.

In addition to insulation Hunter Douglas products also feature solar heat control. This means that not only are Hunter Douglas products good at reducing heat loss but are excellent as allowing heat to enter a home during the winter and minimize the amount that comes through during the hottest months of the year. This aspect of Hunter Douglas products gives homeowners quite a bit of control over just how hot or cool their home will be during different parts of the year.

Hunter Douglas products are also designed with "daylighting" in mind. What this essentially means is that consumers will have window decor that's diffuses and disperses sunlight deep into room to make for even lighting, regardless of the room or home in question. Not only do they handle sunlight efficiently and illuminate a room better than other window decor products and treatments but they allow homeowners to reduce the usage of lamps, chandeliers, and other products designed for interior illumination.

These are just a few of the things that fall under the category of energy efficiency with regards to Hunter Douglas products. These things should also give homeowners who don't yet own any Hunter Douglas products a good idea of why they been the number one choice among homeowners looking for new window decor in window treatments.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in Hunter Douglas window treatments, San Diego window treatments, and San Diego blinds.

Our Three Services

We often talk about the different types of window decor we offer but is a rare thing for us to discuss the types of services we actually offer here at Raymond Draperies. While it's true that we sell things like shutters, window blinds, and even draperies we offer three distinct services for homeowners to take advantage of.

The first of these services is our design consultation service. Our extremely experienced and knowledgeable staff assists our customers with the selection of their window coverings. Many homeowners find this particular service extremely valuable because they often hit bumps in the road when they realize there's so many different types of window coverings to choose from. Our friendly staff begins by introducing our customers to the many different types of fabric and possibilities that we offer. These include texture, style, and color among other things.

While some homeowners may opt to install new window coverings on their own we actually offer measuring and installation services. We offer these so that homeowners, who may not be as experienced as our staff, won't have to rely on possibly inaccurate measurements. Homeowners can let our experienced hands get precise measurements which will ensure proper creation and installation.

Residents of San Diego who want a first-hand experience can visit our showroom as opposed contacting us via telephone. In our showroom our staff will begin the consultation just as they would via phone but the hands-on experience customers will receive will give them a much clearer idea of what's available and what will and won't work for their home.

Should you have any questions about any of these services, our showroom, or our window decor please be sure to contact us that we may be of assistance.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in:

Window Coverings San Diego, San DiegoShutters, Draperies San Diego, and Blind Repair SanDiego

From Inspiration To Installation We Are There For You

Getting good customer service isn't easy these days. This is especially true in the home improvement industry. Here at Raymonde Draperies however we do things a bit differently than do our competitors. We place a heavy emphasis on both customer service and satisfaction to ensure a superior product and service.

We do this in a number of ways but in large part by standing by our customers 100% of the time from the moment they contact us right on through to the end of installation. We're also there for customers after installation has been completed as well! It doesn't matter whether our customers are ordering expensive draperies or less expensive window blinds, we are always available for contact and can not only answer questions our customers may have but provide inspiration as well for those customers who aren't sure which styles or window decor to select for their home. We give every customer's project and home the same love, care, and attention we would give our own.

Should you have any questions about any of our window decor or our customer service please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in:

Curtains San Diego, Window Treatments San Diego, San Diego Shutters, and Draperies San Diego

Wood and Faux Wood Blinds

Whether you choose real wood blinds or faux wood blinds, you should be able to blend them perfectly with the remaining wood in your office. Even if you’re the only person who enters the room, you’ll be happier and more content when you cover your windows with the elegance of wood. Real or faux wood blinds shout success and you will want success in the room where you spend the biggest share of your time.
  
The beauty of wood that shields the light from the heat of the sun, or lets a bit of light to enter is just one more thing that you control. To change your room from a bright glare, that would be welcomed in some instances, but dim it at times when you desire a quiet serene area. Whether you’re studying or resting, you are still in control.
  
 Do you know what faux wood is? Faux wood is made from PVC and is a composite of man-made materials that is then combined with wood particles. The faux wood blinds look like real wood, but they are washable and are unaffected by moisture. They are a lot cheaper too so when you want the look of wood, but don’t want to pay the price, faux wood will fill that bill.
  
Both types of wood blinds help reduce your energy costs. Close them in the summer to keep the heat out and open them in the winter to let the sun shine in. The blinds act as another barrier and helps insulate your windows. We have no power over the weather, and it’s there no matter how hard we try to keep it out of our homes or offices. Windows, as you know, are the biggest culprit where we lose our biggest fight against the weather.
  
However when we add wood blinds, the culprit seems smaller and easier to direct our attention away from the outside world. Check online to find a company that specializes in real wood or faux wood blinds. Most companies will be happy to come to your place of business or home to give you a free quote. Or if you prefer you can always visit their shop to see the many options for your windows.

Many people don’t want to stop with blinds, but want additional window coverings like sheer curtains across the windows, or across the rod at the top of the window. Others want draperies. Everyone wants something unique and different. You’ll be able to pick and choose to find just the wood blind that will blend or contrast with your rooms.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego blinds, blinds in San Diego and San Diego window shades.

Blackout Curtains

You may not even be aware that anyone would want or need blackout curtains, and no, they don’t have to be black in color. In order to change a room from day to night you may want to invest in blackout curtains.

Before you head out to purchase the curtains, you will want to measure your window or windows and find the exact measurement. You’ll also need to know that the curtains or blinds will have to be larger than the window otherwise light will seep through the curtain’s gap. That alone will defeat your purpose.

In order to entirely blackout your windows you must allow at least two inches outside of the window itself and that is where you’ll have to install the curtain rod. If you aren’t worried how the window will look on the inside of the room, a blackout shade may work as well. But if you want the room to be stylish as well as functional there are a few things you can do in order to achieve that.

You can use an ordinary drape or curtain, with the blackout curtain liner underneath and unseen. The liner can be permanently fixed or have the ability to roll up or pulled to the side and out of the way of the window. When it is in the closed position, the room should be entirely dark with the drape or curtain also closed.

It is also important to have the correct type of window rod. If the blackout curtain will hang on the rod with rings, the rod should extend above the window so no light penetrates under the rod. There are also valances that hang above the curtain or drape on a separate rod. They can also help to block out the light.

Why would it be necessary for anyone to have a blackout curtain? For those that work while the world sleeps will then want to sleep while the world is awake. The blackout curtain will fill that bill. Also there are those that have a theater room when the room must be dark in order to show their films.

There is also another very important reason why blackout curtains would be necessary. During World War II the Americans feared Japan and Germany’s ability to bomb our country. For those old enough to recall the city would call for blackouts. Cars with the authorities driving without headlights drove through the streets to make sure no lights escaped from the windows. It was a scary time especially for small children.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego drapes, San Diego blinds and San Diego curtains.

Popular Wood, Vinyl & Fabric Blinds

Blinds are available in so many varieties, it would be impossible to list them in this article so we’ll only discuss three types of blinds: wood, vinyl and fabric.
The vinyl blind is relatively new on the scene when you compare metal, wood or even fabric materials. There are vertical and horizontal vinyl blinds. Vinyl is easy to clean, and is not affected by moisture. Vinyl has replaced many of the metal variety of blinds. Vinyl is cost effective and functional. Some view vinyl as a cheap imitation of sturdier types of blinds, however they’re still popular.

Fabric blinds are normally vertical and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Because they are vertical, you’ll find them on many large windows and patio sliding doors. They are both functional and elegant and the PVC backing on some adds extra insulation to any room. They normally cost a bit more than the vinyl type of blind.

Many people prefer the look of wood blinds that have the added benefit of being durable as well as their luxury appeal. The manufacturer may stain and seal wood blinds or the homeowner may choose to finish the wood to match the décor of the home. The wood blinds can be repainted and sealed.
Wood provides good insulation during cold and hot weather.

If one installs wood blinds in a place where moisture gathers, like in a kitchen or bathroom, then seal the blinds properly. Wood will swell and warp if it is not treated.

Wood blinds are more expensive than their fabric and vinyl counterparts, but there are definite advantages. Wood blinds can be painted, re-painted, stained or left bare in their rustic state. Wood will blend with every type of décor.

When you are ready to change the look of your home and have decided on blinds, but still don’t have a clue what would look best in your home, go online and find a local professional who specializes in Wood, Vinyl or Fabric blinds. They will have answers to all of your questions, and may surprise you with a few ideas of their own.

They may have a showroom where you can see the different types of blinds and since they are professionals they’ll help you decide on the best blinds for you. If you prefer to educate yourself, then visit those big box stores and see what they have. There are numerous books that show exactly what’s available and the advantages and disadvantages of the blinds.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego draperies, San Diego blinds and San Diego window coverings.

Stylish Window Coverings

As you consider new window coverings, you will discover the vast amount of materials and designs especially when you want your window coverings to be stylish. You’ll find everything from roll up shades that attach on the inside frame of your windows to shutters that are installed on the outside. Then there are the exterior shutters that enclose the window entirely, or have no other function than to be ornamental.

You can layer the entire window coverings or many can simply stand-alone. As you compare vertical or horizontal blinds, you may remember the horizontal metal venetian blinds of the past. It’s doubtful that anyone makes those anymore because their replacements are so much more attractive, easier to clean, and cheaper to buy.

The aluminum mini-blinds have been popular. They open and close, by turning a rod to slant the blinds open or closed or in between. The entire blind slides open by pulling on a heavy string. Those strings can break over time and the blinds themselves may bend out of shape.

So if you plan on the blinds lasting for many years, you may want to consider other materials.

Vertical shutters are one of the most versatile window coverings. They can be made of wood, vinyl, bamboo and even fabric. You can paint the wood shutters and the vinyl shutters never need painting. They customize the shutters to fit your windows that will give you privacy besides the ability to block the sun out of your home entirely. They can be open by swinging out to leave the window bare.

Many people prefer curtains and/or drapes that add a stylish finish to their windows. There are many styles and colors ready-made to fit many windows. There are many companies that specialize in custom draperies and curtains. You can choose the materials and they will come to measure your windows to ensure an exact fit. Installation is available and they will even provide the rods.
Look for companies that are familiar with all of the above. They will offer suggestions and samples of the materials that will best suit you and your home. You can go brief, or install several layers to make your window covers unique and stylish.

Of course you can always purchase and install your own window coverings. Whenever you order custom-made items from anyone, you should insist on a contract that will explain exactly what the company will do for you, the materials used, and the time they will install them.

Never pay them in full, but pay a reasonable down payment with payment in full when the job is completed.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego draperies, San Diego blinds and San Diego window coverings.

Additional Benefits Of Drapes

Of course when people think of drapes they think of extravagant designs and colors designed to create specific moods within a home. What many people often overlook however is that drapes can provide a homeowner with much more than just aesthetically pleasing designs for specific rooms within their homes.
Draperies of all types can be utilized to not only control the light flow in and out of the room/home but the temperature in any specific room as well. Of course the amount of control in either area a homeowner gets from their drapes will depend largely on the materials used in the construction of their drapes and the amount of money that they're willing to spend on them. While your basic drapes can block out a fair amount of sunlight and can even prevent heat from escaping or entering a room, only those draperies that are of a  more luxurious nature can dampen or block out ultraviolet light and/or provide reasonable climate control.

A good set of drapes in any room will help homeowners keep room cool in the summer and warm in the winter. By purchasing a good set of drapes homeowners can also keep out excess light during the day and thereby not only create a nice mood for the interior of their home but they will protect their furniture, their walls, and their floors as well. Good drapes prevent excessive sunlight from fading out carpets, wood floors, and furniture. So in essence by purchasing a good set of drapes for any specific room a homeowner will, in the long run, save themselves the money and hassle. By properly insulating a room with good drapes homeowners can also reduce monthly energy bills and consumption.

Any homeowner who might be considering having new drapes put into their home should first consult with a professional if for no other reason than to get an idea of what their home needs and what their budget will allow. Other benefits of working with a professional drapery firm or individual include getting accurate measurements, ensuring drapes compliment they room they are to be installed in, and alternative outside ideas that might work better than what a homeowner originally had planned.

As mentioned previously most homeowners will immediately turn to the aesthetic benefits of drapes without ever giving much consideration to the climate control and atmospheric properties of drapes. Additionally many homeowners also often overlook the security aspects that drapes bring with them. Sure things like blinds and shutters can provide homeowners with some benefits but none match the benefits of good drapes.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego draperies, San Diego blinds and San Diego window treatments.

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Custom Made Draperies

Homeowners have a number of different options when it comes to window coverings. Some homeowners locked and inexpensive and often fragile assembly line window blinds while others will opt for shutters. There than those homeowners who take things to the next level with their window coverings. These individuals will like to have custom draperies created for their home.
Among the many reasons homeowners choose custom drapery for their homes Windows none seem to be more popular than that of choice. Having draperies custom-made allows homeowners to get exactly what they want at a cost they want. They can perfectly match the color of their draperies with their home as well as the budget.

The process of designing custom draperies varies from company to company and some companies are much more accommodating than others. Some companies will offer homeowners just a few color and style choices while others offer an almost unlimited number of choices. These choices include not only color and style that pattern, design, and material as well. Once these choices have been settled upon some companies will offer homeowners the opportunity to work with one specific individual to create the perfect draperies for their home. Of course going mistrials little more expensive but ensures that the drapes being created are truly customized and one-of-a-kind.

Working with a specific individual will also give homeowners insight as to have the dimensions of specific rooms their home will affect their options for drapes. From here a professional in the homeowners are working with can begin to put together ideas and eliminate those that work well on paper but not so well in reality. Working with a professional one-on-one will also give homeowners a bit of insight into things that they may not have taken into consideration previously. Things such as room shape, dimensions, intended atmosphere, and existing furniture all need to be complemented by new drapes and homeowners going it alone often overlooked these important matters. Having the expertise of the season drapery professional at their side will ensure there are fewer problems, if any at all down the line.

Find companies that offer custom drapery and even those that offer one on one services aren't difficult to find. A simple search on the internet will likely yield a great number of results both locally and nationally. Homeowners need only to spend a little time scrutinizing each company by reading reviews and comparing pricing, work, and client satisfaction. New custom made drapes can bring a room and even an entire home to life by adding vibrancy, light control, and even atmosphere to the homes in which they are installed.

Raymonde Draperies specializes in San Diego draperies, San Diego blinds and San Diego window treatments.

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