Add Zing to your Business with Commercial Outdoor Shades

Small and medium businesses are constantly under the threat of competition; they have to face shifting loyalties of customers, rapidly changing business models, nimble players with deep pockets, not to speak of a more serious threat from well-organized big-brand tycoons.

To thrive in such a competitive marketplace, businesses need to upgrade every aspect of their operations including their infrastructure and premises. This is especially true of industries such as retail and hospitality, where first impressions make all the difference.

The role of commercial outdoor shades

Various aspects of the exterior and interior décor of a building can evoke positive responses from visitors, residents and others, who frequent the premises. This does not imply that the company has to invest in expensive or flashy décor, but rather attend to finer details, which make significant differences.

Outdoor shades are precisely one such example of a simple décor element that can make a huge difference. Exterior shades keep out the excessive glare and heat from sunlight, without affecting visibility or losing out on the advantages of natural lighting.

In the process, users inside the building can have a better ambience and comfort level; the organization can save on air-conditioning and hence utility expenses too.

Benefits and advantages

• Better protection against UV rays: UV rays are known to cause skin cancer in certain categories of individuals. Outdoor shades help minimize the solar heat gain as well as direct exposure to sunlight; there is no need to use artificial lighting or compromise on visibility.
• Better climate control: To achieve the desired levels of ventilation, lighting and temperature, most types of outdoor shades can be raised fully up, or lowered fully down or kept anywhere in between. At the same time, they can ensure a feeling of connectedness to people and things outdoors and improve the morale of people and productivity of the workspace.
• Better aesthetics and overall ambience: Modern shades come in a variety of colors, fabrics and designs; they can complement existing window treatments too. Hotel lobbies, resorts, and conference venues can achieve a color-wash by using the right shade, and thereby add a subtle yet dramatic effect to the interiors.
• Branding opportunities: Digitally printed shades can carry logos of the company or its products, taglines, photos, images, any merchandising information and motifs that serve to enhance the brand persona and memory recall.

Trends and advances in commercial outdoor shades

• Motorized shades: Motorized shades make possible precise positioning compared to manually operated ones.     
• Increased use of remote control: Wireless remote controls reduce the need for electrical wiring, and ensure light and clean overall assembly. No wonder, they find increased use.
• 99-100% light control: Solar screens can block out 99% of the sunrays. Blackout screens can mask light completely, while still allowing for some visibility of the exteriors.
• Insect cum solar screen: Current versions of shades combine screening of light with that of insects, making it very convenient and adding value for the money spent.
• Home automation integration: Open architecture window shades integrate seamlessly with home automation systems, allowing users to manage the shades remotely through their smartphones.

Window shades have become more complex and sophisticated with multiple controls, settings and variations. You would do well to engage a professional décor company who can give you expert advice on the best possible options suited to your unique needs.

Blinds or Shadings : Get them Right

Window treatments are an important decor element of homes and offices. They can enhance or mar the looks and feel of your interiors. Selecting the right treatment for your windows is a complex task, as there are various options available depending on the type, shape and size of the windows.

They could be woven woods, shutters, roller shades, sheers and shades, honeycomb shades, roman shades, horizontal blinds and vertical blinds. You should examine all the window treatment options, assess their pros and cons and then select the right one for your windows.

Blinds

The earliest patent of window blinds can be traced back to 1888, which bears testimony to their popularity. With time, manually-operated blinds have given way to automatic or motorized blinds, which can be operated with a remote control.

Blinds are generally of two types: vertical and horizontal, depending on how the slats are aligned. They are one of the oldest options for window coverings and can be used with or without curtains. In addition to ready-made blinds that are installable as they are, you can order blinds to fit the size of your windows.

Blinds are made of different materials like fabric, wood, metal, bamboo, etc. They can be broadly classified into five categories: roller blinds, roman blinds, venetian blinds, pleated blinds and vertical blinds.

Shadings

Window shadings are large coverings with different opening patterns and systems. They are much older than blinds and can be traced back to 17th and 18th century England, France and Holland. Early patterns of shadings were manually pulled up to a hook and tied with the help of a string or lace.

They evolved into different types of roller shades depending on the requirements: in 1855 alone, ten different patents of roller shades were applied for. There are several more patterns and types of shades in vogue today, and the right type must be selected carefully, keeping in mind the interior colors and style of the windows. Honeycomb shades, roman shades, roller shades and sheers are a few popular examples.

Blinds or shadings?

The choice between blinds and shades depends solely on your preference, and the requirements of light and air through the window, in a given area. If you want a mild quantum of adjusted light and air to circulate in your home you can select blinds, and if that is not a priority, shades would be the right option.

Selecting between window blinds and shades is an important decision. It would make your windows appear significantly dark or bright subsequently. Most of the time, the shape and size of the window become the determining factor; only a particular type of covering may be suitable in contrast with the rest.

It’s important, therefore, to seek guidance from experienced professional experts or a reputed interior décor firm. They would survey the interior area, take into account the optimum light and air requirements, examine the external environment, and then arrive at the right option for you.