Without window treatments, about 76% of the sunlight that falls on double-pane windows enters a room as heat. This makes it more difficult for your cooling system to do its job and raises your energy costs.
Additionally, in winter months, you can save about 12% on your energy bill by employing shades or blinds.
Even if your New York City business makes money hand over fist, blinds are a money saver you can’t afford to miss. But there are so many different types of commercial blinds and even more materials.
Where do you even begin?
If you are in the market for new window treatments, then you have come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know before purchasing new blinds or shades.
Window Treatment Materials
The materials used for window treatments are almost limitless. Here we discuss some of the most common materials used, but there are other options available as well.
Aluminum Blinds
Aluminum blinds are easy to repair but difficult to clean. Because they reflect the sun, they are energy-efficient. This makes rooms cooler in the summer and hotter in the winter.
These blinds are available in 6, 8 and 9-gauge thicknesses. Higher gauges are more durable than lower gauges. Aluminum blind slats range from a 1/2 inch to 2 inches.
Wood Blinds
Wood blinds come in a wide variety of textures and looks because they can come in practically any type of wood. Common wood choices include pine, beech, bamboo, and mahogany.
You can clean wood blinds much easier than most other types of blinds. All you need is a feather duster or microfiber cloth and you are good to go.
One other perk of wood blinds is privacy. These blinds are completely solid, so you won’t even be able to make out shadows from the outside.
Faux Wood Blinds
Faux wood blinds, or composite blinds, have the beauty of real wood but are a much cheaper alternative. They also don’t absorb moisture as some wood blinds do.
Many people prefer composite blinds because you don’t have to cut down trees to cover your windows. If you are extremely Eco-conscious, you can go a step further and buy recycled faux blinds.
Like wood blinds, their faux cousins are easy to clean and more private than other blind options.
Synthetic Fiber Shades
Polyester, fiberglass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and blends of polyester, linen, and cotton are common types of synthetic fibers for window shades.
Depending on the type of weave, roller shades using these materials are either sunscreens or black-out shades.
The biggest benefit of synthetic fiber shades is their versatility. You can get a shade that looks great and transmits as much or as little sunlight as you desire. And most will still let you enjoy your skyline view.
Blinds Versus Shades
When purchasing window treatments, it’s important to know the difference between blinds and shades.
Blinds have either vertical or horizontal slats.
You can adjust the length of horizontal blinds with a pull cord on one side. A rod on the other side lets you rotate the slats.
Most vertical blinds only have a rod you can use to both pull the blinds closed or rotate them.
Unlike blinds, Shades are one full piece of material making them ideal for privacy. Some roll up, while others are accordion-style and raise like horizontal blinds.
Types of Commercial Blinds and Shades
There are a ton of commercial blind and shade types to fit every need. You only need to decide which ones work best for your company.
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blinds consist of individual slats that hang from hooks in an upper track. When maintained well, they are easy to open and rotate. In most cases, each slat is removable for easy replacement or cleaning.
Vertical blinds are ideal for large floor to ceiling windows or to cover glass doors. They are perfect for showcasing your Manhattan skyline view during board meetings. They also keep your energy costs low when the room is not in use.
Panel Blinds
Panel blinds are like vertical blinds but seated directly inside the of the track. The panels slide open and stack on one side without blocking door openings.
These blinds are contemporary in look and feel. They are also available in a variety of materials including solar screen, woven wood, and fabric.
Venetian Blinds, Micro Blinds, and Mini Blinds
String or cloth tape holds together each slat of a Venetian blind set. When raised, the slats lay one on top of the other. You see them every day in homes, but they also look great in a corner office.
They come in a variety of colors, so it’s easy to match any color scheme and they are cost-effective.
Micro blinds have the same design as Venetian blinds, but with smaller 1-inch slats. Mini blinds have slats that are only a half-inch wide.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are a type of roller shade, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Solar shades are quickly becoming one of the most popular types of commercial blinds.
When lowered, they don’t block the view, but they do let in less sunlight which saves energy. They also prevent UV rays from entering.
The most expensive versions come with fascia, cornices, and valances to hide all the moving parts. Cheaper models come without all the trappings and still serve their purpose nicely.
Solar shades are perfect for restaurants with large windows. They allow customers to look outside without getting sun-blinded.
They are equally great for large call center spaces. A recent survey by Future Workplace reveals that a view of the outside world improves the “employee experience.” Solar shades give employees the views they crave minus the glare on computer screens.
Which Commercial Blinds Are Your Favorite?
Now that you know more about what is available for your company, which types of Commercial Blinds are your favorite? Do you have something different in mind that isn’t listed here?
Tell us about it!
We would love to hear your thoughts, so please use the comments below to let us know!