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Window safety when it comes to children and pets Unfortunately, some window treatments can cause serious injuries to children and pets, especially treatments that are a tad older or outdated. The good news is that you can greatly reduce the risk of harm to your loved ones by simply upgrading your home with modern technology. Follow along as we break down some of the best solutions that are currently available on the market.    We’ll discuss the new safety requirements that have recently been implemented in Canada, some great window treatments that follow the guidelines, and some other ideas that will protect your little ones and furry friends. Current safety requirements As of May 2021, Canada has implemented a new law that will reduce the risk of harm caused by corded window shades and blinds. The Corded Window Coverings Regulation restricts the length of cords and the size of the cord loops. Parents, caregivers, and pet owners are encouraged to switch to cordless options altogether, as the new regulations apply to both custom-made and off the shelf products.    Canada is the first country in the world to have regulations go so far to protect children and pets when it comes to window coverings, and we’re proud to already have some amazing options available if you’re looking to make the switch. Best window treatments The most obvious switch that you can make if you’re looking to move away from cords altogether is to install motorized roller shades. Motorized shades are a smart and clean solution for any window covering. They come in a variety of fabrics, such as designer, solar shades, blackout, or green (meaning environmentally friendly!) Roller shades are classic for all types of rooms and are easy to install.    Motorized drapes are also a wonderful option if you’re looking for a window treatment that is a bit more stylized. We currently offer the ability to BYOF (bring your own fabric) so you can customize the drapes to your home.    Elite High-Lite® Shades are perfect if you’re looking for something modern, functional, and stylish. The best thing about these shades is that they break away from traditional styles but are still high-performing. The shades alternate horizontal bands of opaque and sheer fabric so you can customize the amount of light you want in any given room. Since these shades can be motorized or operated with our Elite WandControl™ system, they’re not only convenient, they’ll keep your children and pets safe. These shades are a wonderful alternative to corded treatments, elevating your home’s safety and style.    Elite SpringDrive™ is another child-safe cordless option to choose from. These shades have no cords, chains, or wands and instead work by having you pull the bottom rail of the shade to both close and open them. The shade has an adjustable tension system so you can pull the shade down to cover the window, or with a gentle tug, the blind will lift and stay in place wherever you want it to. This feature is great if you need to quickly adjust your shade for desired light control or privacy. Elite SpringDrive™ is an approved safety measure for families with young children and pets as they significantly reduce the risk of injury.    Any window treatment that you currently have in your home can be motorized, no matter the material or type of shade or blind. If you’re curious about this solution and want to learn more, then reach out to one of our representatives. Other things to consider If you already have corded window treatments, we’d like to offer a few things to keep in mind.    Corded window treatments can be an even greater risk if they haven’t been installed properly. If you’ve purchased corded window treatments in the past and either haven’t installed them yet, or you’re unsure if they’ve been installed correctly, reach out to a professional. Always keep the cords out of reach and never place cribs, couches, or playpens near a window that has a corded window treatment.    Never tie knots in cords and make sure to untie any that form accidentally. Additionally, installing a cleat or tie down device is a must. These devices should be high up on the wall with the cords out of reach so that little hands (or paws) cannot grab at them. Connect with us The best way to prevent injuries when it comes to window treatment is to upgrade and remove cords altogether.    Motorized blinds and shades are safe and reliable. But not only that, they are convenient and elevate your home. Make your home child and pet safe by installing motorized blinds, or speak to a professional retailer if you have any questions about purchasing new window treatments.

Why you should invest in Motorized Solar Shades? If you’re like many contemporary homeowners, you’ve likely spent at least some time thinking about how you can update your home with some modern technological conveniences. Motorized window shades, particularly solar shades, are a prime example of smart technology you can easily add to your home that can reduce the costs associated with maintaining your home, increase your home’s intrinsic value, and will be of considerable benefit to you and your family. Convenience If your residence is home to a dozen or more manually operated sets of blinds, you know exactly how cumbersome it can be to raise and lower them throughout the day to allow the right amount of light in. Some windows are a considerable hassle to access, especially those located behind a sizable piece of furniture like a sofa or bed. If you ardently try to regulate your home’s temperature, manual shades or blinds simply won’t cut it. Investing in automated window coverings allows the operator to simply configure the position of the motorized shades and can even have the changes scheduled depending on the time of day or the position of the sun.  Security Even if you live in a secure neighborhood, the security of your home and your loved ones is never far from your thoughts. The raising and lowering of remotely controlled motorized solar window shades at different times of the day gives the appearance that someone is home when in fact there isn’t. This can be especially useful if you and your family plan to go on vacation or for when you’re out for the day.  Reduced energy costs If you’ve ever wondered what the best way to lower your heating and cooling costs was, you simply need to consider the sun and how much daylight is allowed to enter your home. In the summer, you’re likely to keep the shades drawn on windows facing the sun; doing so will keep the ambient temperature in your home low, thus requiring less intervention from your home’s A/C unit. In the winter, the opposite may be true. Allow the sun’s rays to permeate your window to heat your home to a comfortable temperature. Motorized solar window shades can make it easier to reduce your home’s energy costs, as they save you from having to strategically raise and lower your blinds. An automated solution is by far the easiest and most cost-effective way to control the amount of sun permitted to enter your space.  Protection of furniture You should also be aware that while the sun’s rays can be used to heat your home during the colder months, it can also be detrimental to fabric, furniture or rugs. Though the damage is not noticeable in the short term, unprotected fabric or wood exposed to hours of harmful rays on a daily basis will end up looking prematurely faded and weaken fabric fibers. In fact, UV rays and heat account for 40% of damage to furniture and flooring in the long term — this is a substantial number and can easily be avoided. With automated solar shades, you won’t have to sacrifice the location of your favourite furniture pieces to keep them looking their best, and they will also last dramatically longer. Aesthetics and a variety of styles Automated shades are sleek and clean in appearance and come in a variety of rich fabrics and weave to accommodate any style. You can alter the look of your window treatments by choosing different cassette profiles and fascia.    If you haven’t yet considered the many reasons you should invest in motorized solar window shades, consider this article a crash course on the many benefits associated with them. Dollar for dollar, they are the most sensible way to make your home safer, more comfortable, and more cost-effective.

Automate your window shades with smart home technology If you’ve been paying attention to recent trends and developments in home decor, there’s a chance you’ve heard about Smart Home devices. You might be skeptical of how this technology could benefit you in your home, or maybe you’re interested but still need more information. Smart Home technology not only has enormous potential when it comes to making daily life easier but also when it comes to saving you money each month. Many homeowners looking to get the best of both worlds might think that automated lighting is the way to go — but there’s one Smart Home technology with a greater capacity to achieve these goals: motorized window shades. Are motorized blinds worth it? It wasn’t that long ago when the Internet was considered a luxury. Now, just about every home across the country is wired to humanity’s greatest collective achievement, so it stands to reason that a considerable number of homes are more than familiar with the virtues and convenience of a virtual assistant. But how do remote control blinds work? And what benefits do they offer? Whether your assistant of choice is a product from Amazon, Apple, or Google, automated solar window shades can be integrated into the overall Smart Home system. The accompanying mobile app will prompt you to create groups or channels that allow you to control an individual window treatment (or all those contained within a room) using nothing more than a simple voice command.    Motorized blinds and shades offer convenience and style, and can make a home more comfortable as they offer a sense of ease. It might be a little mind-boggling to some, but something so simple can truly enhance your day-to-day activities . To think that a basic voice command can increase or decrease the amount of natural light that is permitted to enter a room, promote privacy once the sun goes down, and reduce heating and cooling cost is truly remarkable and well worth looking into. How to connect and control your smart shading systems? Though the actual process may vary from product to product, the principles generally remain the same. First, you need to purchase an automated window covering solution that is compatible with your Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Homekit device (these days, many products are compatible with a variety of different platforms). It’s important to note that it’s not the blinds themselves that will connect to your virtual assistant, which is a common misconception. You’ll need to purchase a device, or hub, that will act as an intermediary between the automated shades and your virtual assistant. Though it may seem like an unnecessary money grab to those that are inclined to pessimism, it’s important to realize that these hubs are necessary to take full advantage of the numerous benefits these smart devices offer and when used effectively, will pay for themselves over time.    You can connect your smart blinds by simply downloading the appropriate app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Then you’ll need to create an account within the app and connect it to your home’s WiFi network. While doing this, make sure the hub itself is plugged in and turned on. After that, you’ll just need to follow the in-app prompts to create profiles and schedules for different rooms in your home. Minimize energy use, maximize energy efficiency. It might sound too good to be true, considering most products on the market attempt to appeal to consumers with promises of savings. When it comes to automated blinds however, the results speak for themselves. Since they can be controlled remotely or by voice command, blocking out the sun’s rays during the hottest part of the day has never been easier or more convenient. Making the adjustment to manage the amount of sun permitted to permeate your home will help you manage the home’s interior temperature more effectively, which in turn translates to a lower air conditioning bill.    Conversely, allowing more sun into your home during the winter months will help to naturally raise your home’s temperature. Ensuring the window shades are drawn when the sun isn’t out will also create a barrier that will help reduce heat loss through your windows. Since controlling a home’s ambient temperature is so critically important in terms of minimizing energy use and maximizing energy efficiency year round, having blinds that you can control at the push of a button or via a voice command will play a key role in achieving energy efficiency in a way that simply isn’t possible otherwise.  Smart blinds offer privacy, security and are child safe. In addition to the primary perks enumerated above, home automation blinds contain additional benefits that may not be marketed as heavily, but are just as useful. First, automated shades can give the impression that people are home when in fact the house is empty since they can be raised and lowered at any time and from anywhere. The versatility will also help to improve your home’s privacy and means that you’ll be able to comfortably enter any room in your home without worrying about anyone being able to see in.   Lastly, motorized shades are markedly safer than traditional window coverings as pull cords aren’t required to manually raise and lower them. These pull cords pose a very serious choking hazard to young children and pets, a fact that has prompted the Government of Canada to implement new regulations surrounding the manufacturing of corded window treatments. The new regulations will take into effect in 2022 and effectively prevent manufacturers from producing new corded window treatments. It also details regulations for current corded blinds and shades that might be in your home.    It goes without saying that Smart Home technology is here to stay – and while it may seem as though embracing it feels like you’re telling the world that you’re not willing or not capable of performing these small tasks on your own, it actually… Continue reading Automate your window shades with smart home technology

How do different cordless systems work? The type of lift system you choose for your window can make a drastic difference in the convenience and safety of your home. Cordless options not only create a cleaner appearance than pull cords, but they are necessary if you wish to eliminate the risk of hazards with young children or pets.    While all the cordless systems are child-safe, and provide an effortless neat appearance, there are key differences between the manual options and automated window coverings and blinds.    Cordless lift options for window treatments work with almost all modern shades and blinds. Depending on your lifestyle and budget, how one particular cordless system operates may be more suitable for your home or personal preference. Continue reading to learn more and find which system will work best for you.  Elite Wandcontrol™ Elite WandControl™ features a modern, updated design of a traditional stick wand which typically works to raise and lower the shade. The system features a singular mechanism; a sleek operating wand with a retractable cord.    There are several features which make this system perfect for family homes, including safety, easy maintenance, and budget.     Elite WandControl™ eliminates looped pull-cords completely and replaces them with a singular wand which remains safely out of your child’s reach. If your child is able to reach the wand control device, there is no potential harm of them getting caught or tangled, which could lead to injury or strangulation.    Older models of blinds and shades can come with chains or cords which can become tangled, easily break, and need replacing. The mechanics of the Elite WandControl™ are stored within the housing unit, making it harder to twist or snap them from physical handling.     As they are a manual alternative to automatic systems, Elite WandControl™ is suitable for average budgets. With the cords unexposed, the design is more durable, and wear and tear lasts longer than other pull-cord or chain designs.  Elite Springdrive™ Elite SpringDrive™ is another child-safe cordless operating system. The design has no wand, cords, or chains and works simply by pulling gently on the bottom rail of the shade.     Cordless blinds such as the Elite SpringDrive™ are an approved safety measure for families with young children. It’s designed to also protect pets who may play with dangling cords which is not only a safety hazard, but can permanently damage your blinds.    One benefit of the SpringDrive™ system is that it lowers and raises the shade instantly. This feature is perfect for quickly adjusting your shade for desired light control or privacy. Pull-down cordless systems work with an adjustable tension system without the need for chains or cords. With a gentle tug, the blinds will stay in the place you leave them. Elite Smart Shades™ Automated window coverings and blinds are a modern home owner’s dream. Elite Smart Shades™ provide a flawless touch to your decor with convenient control. They can provide a complete automated window treatment solution, or you can select custom shades which work with your home’s current automation system.    In addition to being safe for children and pets, Elite Smart Shades™ provide several other benefits.    Elite Smart Shades™ can be programmed to open and close at certain times of the day , whether you’re home or not. Conveniently adjust the privacy of your shades instantaneously by using the app or remote.     Your Elite Smart Shades™ can be programmed to close when the temperature of the room rises in the summer or gets cooler in the winter. By maintaining the temperature of the rooms, your heating and cooling system will work more efficiently and reduce energy costs while creating an environmentally responsible home. Cordless window treatments for child-safety and a clean appearance. Cordless window treatments are becoming an increasingly popular choice in modern homes. Child-safety is a key benefit, and unlike pull-cords or chains, cordless options provide a neat appearance without the hassle.    Whether you choose a manual cordless treatment, such as the Elite WandControl™ or SpringDrive™ , or upgrade to the automated Elite Smart Shades™, you can be sure they pass Health Canada’s current safety measures on corded window covering products.    The Elite cordless window coverings are available in many varieties and styles to perfectly match with your home’s decor. Now that you’re aware of the different systems, you can browse through our website and find the perfect blinds and shades for your home. 

A guide to understanding popular window treatments. The right window treatment can be a revelation in your home. Not only do window blinds and shades regulate the amount of natural light your home receives, but their style will complement your decor and really tie a room together. This article will serve as a guide to some of the most popular types of window treatments available today. If you’re in the market for new window treatments, you’re in the right place. Read on to find the style that suits you and your home best. Roller Shades Roller shades are essentially one large piece of fabric that rolls up and down to efficiently cover up your window. The sleek, simple design of roller shades can contribute to a clean, uncluttered and minimalistic look in your home.    Like cellular shades, many modern roller shades are made with high-quality fabrics that can help you manage heat penetration in your home and the amount of sunlight your space receives. Roller shades are also available in motorized options that allow you to control the amount of light entering your home at the touch of a button. Motorized options also provide extra safety for kids by avoiding the potential dangers of exposed cords, making them great for family rooms. Given the simple design, roller shades – especially the vinyl and solar varieties – are also very easy to clean as you won’t have to sort through individual slats.     Solar shades have become a more common option in recent times due to their eco-friendly nature. Instead of penetrating through your window, solar shades reflect the sun’s rays and absorb heat from outside. Solar shades differ from traditional roller shades in that they are made with UV resistant, antimicrobial materials. They can reduce your energy costs by at least 15% and offer select styles with 100% recyclable materials that have a 20-year life span, which can lead to huge savings in the long run.  Cellular Shades Cellular shades are a very popular option that have been a stylish staple in homes across Canada for many years. Cellular shades come in a wide variety of fabrics and colours. As such, they can be matched to just about any style of home decor.    Depending on how much light you want to be able to reach inside your home, cellular shades vary from sheer fabrics to complete black out options which can be particularly useful for the bedroom or home theatre. Honeycomb style cellular shades are designed with horizontal air pockets which work to regulate temperatures in both winter and summer. This is particularly useful for Canada’s long winters and hot summers. This energy saving factor has contributed greatly to the popularity of cellular shades.    Cellular shades can be cordless or operated by chains and cords. The cordless option is ideal for households that have children or pets. As well as providing more safety, this cordless style offers a clean and modern appearance for your home. Like roller shades, cellular shades can also be motorized. Instead of manually opening your shades, they can be controlled through an app on your phone, handheld remote control, or wall remote. High-Lite™ Shades For window treatments that leave a lasting impression for both versatility and design, our High-Lite Shades have become a popular option among homeowners looking for something a little more unique. The fabric combines the look and performance of traditional shutters and blinds with the modern flair of roller shades, providing the best of both worlds.    High-Lite Shades feature alternating opaque fabric with sheer inlays in a continuous piece of fabric. This design creates an impressive balance of privacy and light control that is hard for other window treatments to match.     Motorized options are also available for our High-Lite Shades. Windows of opportunity Picking out the perfect window treatment really can be a game changer for your home decor. While there are endless options out there, these are just a few of the most popular options that are sure to meet your particular window treatment needs.   Be sure to explore our extensive collection of wholesale window shades and blinds and begin putting your dream home together.

Ideas for door window coverings. Finding the right coverings for the windows in your home can be a fun and rewarding project. But it’s easy to forget that your doors deserve the luxury treatment too. Whether you’re looking for sliding door blinds, window treatments for French doors or traditional door window coverings, there are certain considerations that need to be taken into account. Treating door windows can be very different compared to how you treat standard windows. Let’s take a closer look at some of the different things you can do. Window coverings for sliding glass doors. Sliding glass doors are a wonderful feature in any home. While providing easy access to the outdoors, they also let a great deal of natural light enter the home and can offer a great view. When it comes to their coverings, you have several options.     Vertical blinds are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your room. Not only do they look great, you can easily control the amount of light that comes in through the window by rotating the louvers. When they’re closed, they completely protect your privacy and block out the sun’s rays.      Panel shades have been a growing trend when it comes to sliding glass doors. This type of blind is composed of a number of large fabric panels that slide on a track to open and close. These panels provide a sleek look with a number of different fabric styles to choose from.  Ideal window treatments for french doors. French doors offer a lovely entranceway to your home oasis. The ability to have two doors open at the same time allows a pleasant breeze to flow through your home. This two-door feature also offers you the opportunity to choose some beautiful window treatments.    A common issue with French door blinds is that the handles can hinder functionality. To solve this, purchase blinds that fit comfortably between the glass panes. This is called a tight fit or an inside mount, and will keep your door frame unobstructed.     Roller shades are perfect for this and come in a variety of different fabrics, like Solar Shades. Solar Shades might be an optimal choice for French doors, as they can minimize the amount of sun that enters a room, keeping it nice and cool on hot days.     If you plan on raising and lowering your blinds often, consider motorizing your blinds, a convenient solution, especially if you choose to place them between glass panes.  Optimal coverings for standard front doors. As the main entrance to your home, the front door is the first thing most visitors will see when stopping by. So a nice window treatment on your front door can be crucial to making a great first impression.     Hinged front doors can often use the same types of window treatments that work with French doors. These include minimalist roller shades that come in an assortment of different fabrics. Designer shades are a popular choice when choosing roller shades, as they come in various colours and textures from fabric mills around the world. You can also install Solar Shades, which help with minimizing light while protecting your privacy.     As with French doors, standard front doors with lever style handles might require inside mount blinds to avoid knocking into each other – so make sure you take this into consideration before making a purchase.  Open the door to possibilities. In the end, there are countless options for you to choose from when picking out door window coverings. Whether you’re looking for sliding door blinds or just need something simple for your front door, there are a few things to consider. Make sure you measure your door frame, take into account any handles or odd features that might impact your shades or blinds, and also consider the amount of light you want to let in. Once you’ve taken care of the functional side of things, the style, colour, and materials are basically up to you!    For some inspiration, be sure to check out our extensive collection of window coverings and shades.

How to dust & clean window blinds & shades When cleaning, people often focus their energy on flooring and carpets, while overlooking curtains and shades. However, window treatments require regular cleaning and care just like everything else in the home, as they can collect dust and dirt overtime. Below are some tips and best practices for cleaning your window treatments. Dust regularly Start by gently dusting the blinds or shades from top to bottom. This will remove most of the debris. You can use a duster or microfiber cloth. When dusting blinds, remember to reverse the direction of the slats for a thorough cleaning. Vacuum on low Once every few weeks, complete a deeper clean with a vacuum cleaner. Attach the soft brush head and only use it on the low suction setting to avoid damaging the fibers. This will draw out all of the dust. Wash with mild detergent (or dish soap) If you have fabric shades, the most important thing to do before washing is to read the instructions. Otherwise, the generally accepted method is to use a mild detergent with warm water. Spot clean the fabric where needed. For blinds, gently wipe clean with a sponge or cloth using a mild cleaning solution of warm water, dishsoap and white vinegar.    Again, remember to reverse the slats to clean both sides. Avoid harsh chemicals & temperatures Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures when cleaning your shades and window treatments. These agents have the potential to damage the material. Be mindful of direction Always clean in the direction of the slates or weave, because going against it will loosen or damage them. Ask for help If you’re uncertain about the best cleaning method or solution to use for your window treatments, be sure to contact your local window treatment manufacturer for guidance.