BLOG

Hunter Douglas Window Coverings Blog

Hunter Douglas
Window Coverings Blog

By Diane Goldsney 01 Apr, 2018
When you purchase 4 Duette® with PowerView® Motorization
By Diane Goldsney 01 Mar, 2018

Purchasing window coverings is a long term investment, so you’ll want to make the most of this by hiring a professional installer. Anything less than a perfect fit, means less than a perfect look.

We use only Hunter Douglas certified master installers. Your installation costs cover more than just the initial fitting of the shades. Our installers also check the lift system and ensure the shades are level and raise and lower correctly. If you are using motorized shades, we ensure that all shades and remotes are paired together. Home automation for the whole home now includes window shades and although you can do this yourself, it is always advisable to have a professional installer do the initial set up. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

A professional installer always removes all boxes and packaging after the job is complete. We also offer take down of existing window blinds so the whole process is seamless and worry free.

If you do decide to do this yourself, you can have an installer take on-site measurements to ensure a perfect fit. All blinds and shades come with installation instructions, so if you are a DIY person, you can tackle this quite easily, however, hiring a professional installer is always preferable.

Call Elite Interiors today to see the full line of Hunter Douglas products. All in home consultations and quotes are free.

By Diane Goldsney 06 Feb, 2018

Irregular  shaped windows come in all shapes and sizes – eyebrow, port holes, elliptical, perfect arch, trapezoid or even hexagon.

Covering these windows always presents unique challenges. Most treatments are stationary so keep in mind light and privacy.

If you do not need total privacy, consider using Hunter Douglas SILHOUETTE shades. This is one of the most beautiful coverings on ellipses and arch windows. It is always advisable to have a template made for a perfect fit. These treatments are stationary, usually in the open position.

If you need darkness for those long summer evenings and early morning sunrises, a beautiful drapery treatment over the shades is the answer. DUETTE honeycomb shades also work very well for irregular windows. Again, these are best if left stationary, however, on a perfect arch window, they can be made as an Easy-view arch that can be lowered. This is a good option if you need a blackout shade.

Hunter Douglas PIROUETTE and VIGNETTE shades also offer specialty shapes. These are soft covering options. If you have Hunter Douglas PARKLAND wood blinds,  or EVERWOOD faux woods, most specialty shapes can be made using these products.

Lastly, I have used PALM BEACH plantation shutters with beautiful results.

Call Elite Interiors for more information.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Feb, 2018

It seems every neighborhood has a barking dog. Or do you have rowdy neighbors, or heavy traffic on your street? There is an easy, inexpensive solution to lessen the noise in your home. There are many other added benefits as well such as light control, energy savings and pleasing decor. Also, honeycomb shade offer great UV protection.

If you are a light sleeper, they offer great noise reduction when the garbage pick-up starts at 5 AM, or the snow plow comes through during the night.

Honeycomb shades offer the best sound reduction as there are several fabrics choices that have multiple layers, blocking out most of the sound. Solid treatments such as Roller shades and Roman blinds offer greater sound block than slatted blinds such as Venetian or Vertical blinds, however, multi-layer treatment offer superior results. Another beautiful product is the SILHOUETTE shade. This product has the benefit of both privacy and view-through during the day.

Another thing to consider is indoor acoustics. Today’s home has less carpet, drapery treatments and fabric upholstery. These products absorb sound inside your home. The trend today is hardwood, granite, tile and leather. These can make you home seem noisy. Investing is good quality, multi-layer window treatment has so many benefits.

Call Elite Interiors today for a free consultation.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Jan, 2018

Many parts of North America have had record breaking cold temperatures this season. Alberta has also felt this bone chilling blast from the north. Cold winter days draw radiant heat through window glass, even the most energy efficient units. When a room feels chilly, our first response is to turn up the thermostat. We don’t feel the full effect of this until we receive our utility bills at the end of the month.

Hunter Douglas offers many high quality insulation window treatments that keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Most efficient is the DUETTE ARCHITELLA Trielle shade. This has five insulating pockets is the highest rated energy efficient shade available.

It is also a good idea to raise your shades during sunny days to allow solar heat to warm your home during the cold winter months. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

If you invest in a good quality, energy efficient shades, you not only have beautiful window coverings to enjoy and enhance the beauty of your home, but will keep your heating costs to a minimum. Large windows are a great source of heat loss and the right window treatments can greatly reduce this. Call Elite Interiors to see the newest Hunter Douglas products and latest color selections.

More Posts
By Diane Goldsney 01 Apr, 2018
When you purchase 4 Duette® with PowerView® Motorization
By Diane Goldsney 01 Mar, 2018

Purchasing window coverings is a long term investment, so you’ll want to make the most of this by hiring a professional installer. Anything less than a perfect fit, means less than a perfect look.

We use only Hunter Douglas certified master installers. Your installation costs cover more than just the initial fitting of the shades. Our installers also check the lift system and ensure the shades are level and raise and lower correctly. If you are using motorized shades, we ensure that all shades and remotes are paired together. Home automation for the whole home now includes window shades and although you can do this yourself, it is always advisable to have a professional installer do the initial set up. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

A professional installer always removes all boxes and packaging after the job is complete. We also offer take down of existing window blinds so the whole process is seamless and worry free.

If you do decide to do this yourself, you can have an installer take on-site measurements to ensure a perfect fit. All blinds and shades come with installation instructions, so if you are a DIY person, you can tackle this quite easily, however, hiring a professional installer is always preferable.

Call Elite Interiors today to see the full line of Hunter Douglas products. All in home consultations and quotes are free.

By Diane Goldsney 06 Feb, 2018

Irregular  shaped windows come in all shapes and sizes – eyebrow, port holes, elliptical, perfect arch, trapezoid or even hexagon.

Covering these windows always presents unique challenges. Most treatments are stationary so keep in mind light and privacy.

If you do not need total privacy, consider using Hunter Douglas SILHOUETTE shades. This is one of the most beautiful coverings on ellipses and arch windows. It is always advisable to have a template made for a perfect fit. These treatments are stationary, usually in the open position.

If you need darkness for those long summer evenings and early morning sunrises, a beautiful drapery treatment over the shades is the answer. DUETTE honeycomb shades also work very well for irregular windows. Again, these are best if left stationary, however, on a perfect arch window, they can be made as an Easy-view arch that can be lowered. This is a good option if you need a blackout shade.

Hunter Douglas PIROUETTE and VIGNETTE shades also offer specialty shapes. These are soft covering options. If you have Hunter Douglas PARKLAND wood blinds,  or EVERWOOD faux woods, most specialty shapes can be made using these products.

Lastly, I have used PALM BEACH plantation shutters with beautiful results.

Call Elite Interiors for more information.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Feb, 2018

It seems every neighborhood has a barking dog. Or do you have rowdy neighbors, or heavy traffic on your street? There is an easy, inexpensive solution to lessen the noise in your home. There are many other added benefits as well such as light control, energy savings and pleasing decor. Also, honeycomb shade offer great UV protection.

If you are a light sleeper, they offer great noise reduction when the garbage pick-up starts at 5 AM, or the snow plow comes through during the night.

Honeycomb shades offer the best sound reduction as there are several fabrics choices that have multiple layers, blocking out most of the sound. Solid treatments such as Roller shades and Roman blinds offer greater sound block than slatted blinds such as Venetian or Vertical blinds, however, multi-layer treatment offer superior results. Another beautiful product is the SILHOUETTE shade. This product has the benefit of both privacy and view-through during the day.

Another thing to consider is indoor acoustics. Today’s home has less carpet, drapery treatments and fabric upholstery. These products absorb sound inside your home. The trend today is hardwood, granite, tile and leather. These can make you home seem noisy. Investing is good quality, multi-layer window treatment has so many benefits.

Call Elite Interiors today for a free consultation.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Jan, 2018

Many parts of North America have had record breaking cold temperatures this season. Alberta has also felt this bone chilling blast from the north. Cold winter days draw radiant heat through window glass, even the most energy efficient units. When a room feels chilly, our first response is to turn up the thermostat. We don’t feel the full effect of this until we receive our utility bills at the end of the month.

Hunter Douglas offers many high quality insulation window treatments that keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Most efficient is the DUETTE ARCHITELLA Trielle shade. This has five insulating pockets is the highest rated energy efficient shade available.

It is also a good idea to raise your shades during sunny days to allow solar heat to warm your home during the cold winter months. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

If you invest in a good quality, energy efficient shades, you not only have beautiful window coverings to enjoy and enhance the beauty of your home, but will keep your heating costs to a minimum. Large windows are a great source of heat loss and the right window treatments can greatly reduce this. Call Elite Interiors to see the newest Hunter Douglas products and latest color selections.

More Posts
By Diane Goldsney 01 Apr, 2018
When you purchase 4 Duette® with PowerView® Motorization
By Diane Goldsney 01 Mar, 2018

Purchasing window coverings is a long term investment, so you’ll want to make the most of this by hiring a professional installer. Anything less than a perfect fit, means less than a perfect look.

We use only Hunter Douglas certified master installers. Your installation costs cover more than just the initial fitting of the shades. Our installers also check the lift system and ensure the shades are level and raise and lower correctly. If you are using motorized shades, we ensure that all shades and remotes are paired together. Home automation for the whole home now includes window shades and although you can do this yourself, it is always advisable to have a professional installer do the initial set up. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

A professional installer always removes all boxes and packaging after the job is complete. We also offer take down of existing window blinds so the whole process is seamless and worry free.

If you do decide to do this yourself, you can have an installer take on-site measurements to ensure a perfect fit. All blinds and shades come with installation instructions, so if you are a DIY person, you can tackle this quite easily, however, hiring a professional installer is always preferable.

Call Elite Interiors today to see the full line of Hunter Douglas products. All in home consultations and quotes are free.

By Diane Goldsney 06 Feb, 2018

Irregular  shaped windows come in all shapes and sizes – eyebrow, port holes, elliptical, perfect arch, trapezoid or even hexagon.

Covering these windows always presents unique challenges. Most treatments are stationary so keep in mind light and privacy.

If you do not need total privacy, consider using Hunter Douglas SILHOUETTE shades. This is one of the most beautiful coverings on ellipses and arch windows. It is always advisable to have a template made for a perfect fit. These treatments are stationary, usually in the open position.

If you need darkness for those long summer evenings and early morning sunrises, a beautiful drapery treatment over the shades is the answer. DUETTE honeycomb shades also work very well for irregular windows. Again, these are best if left stationary, however, on a perfect arch window, they can be made as an Easy-view arch that can be lowered. This is a good option if you need a blackout shade.

Hunter Douglas PIROUETTE and VIGNETTE shades also offer specialty shapes. These are soft covering options. If you have Hunter Douglas PARKLAND wood blinds,  or EVERWOOD faux woods, most specialty shapes can be made using these products.

Lastly, I have used PALM BEACH plantation shutters with beautiful results.

Call Elite Interiors for more information.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Feb, 2018

It seems every neighborhood has a barking dog. Or do you have rowdy neighbors, or heavy traffic on your street? There is an easy, inexpensive solution to lessen the noise in your home. There are many other added benefits as well such as light control, energy savings and pleasing decor. Also, honeycomb shade offer great UV protection.

If you are a light sleeper, they offer great noise reduction when the garbage pick-up starts at 5 AM, or the snow plow comes through during the night.

Honeycomb shades offer the best sound reduction as there are several fabrics choices that have multiple layers, blocking out most of the sound. Solid treatments such as Roller shades and Roman blinds offer greater sound block than slatted blinds such as Venetian or Vertical blinds, however, multi-layer treatment offer superior results. Another beautiful product is the SILHOUETTE shade. This product has the benefit of both privacy and view-through during the day.

Another thing to consider is indoor acoustics. Today’s home has less carpet, drapery treatments and fabric upholstery. These products absorb sound inside your home. The trend today is hardwood, granite, tile and leather. These can make you home seem noisy. Investing is good quality, multi-layer window treatment has so many benefits.

Call Elite Interiors today for a free consultation.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Jan, 2018

Many parts of North America have had record breaking cold temperatures this season. Alberta has also felt this bone chilling blast from the north. Cold winter days draw radiant heat through window glass, even the most energy efficient units. When a room feels chilly, our first response is to turn up the thermostat. We don’t feel the full effect of this until we receive our utility bills at the end of the month.

Hunter Douglas offers many high quality insulation window treatments that keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Most efficient is the DUETTE ARCHITELLA Trielle shade. This has five insulating pockets is the highest rated energy efficient shade available.

It is also a good idea to raise your shades during sunny days to allow solar heat to warm your home during the cold winter months. Hunter Douglas has the PowerView motorization system that allows you to program your shades from your smartphone or tablet.

If you invest in a good quality, energy efficient shades, you not only have beautiful window coverings to enjoy and enhance the beauty of your home, but will keep your heating costs to a minimum. Large windows are a great source of heat loss and the right window treatments can greatly reduce this. Call Elite Interiors to see the newest Hunter Douglas products and latest color selections.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Dec, 2017

Hunter Douglas has introduced the long-awaited SONNETTE. This is an update on the classic honeycomb shade. Sonnette is a cellular roller shade that gently diffuses light through an innovative curved shape.

If you like the efficiency of a cellular shade but want the contemporary look of a roller shade then this is the product for you. You have 3 lift options. Always a first choice is the LITERISE cordless lift. For taller windows, SoftTouch motorization is the answer. This has a wand to activate the shade and is battery powered. Lastly, you can add PowerView Motorization to create personalized shade settings.

With an exciting new color palette, you will find just the right texture and color to fit your decor. For superior light control, you can select between two opacities. Semi-opaque diffuses light for a soft glow and moderate privacy from the outside in. Room darkening blocks the majority of incoming light and provides additional in-home privacy.

Call Elite Interiors today to see this exciting new product.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Nov, 2017

Nothing lasts forever and even the best products will, from time to time, need repairs. Is your shade under warranty, or, if the warranty period is past, is it worth repairing?

Most issues will be covered under the limited life time warranty. The warranty covers all lift systems, however, interior cords have a 7- year life - of course, most shades last much longer than this and many, many shades are still in perfect working condition even 20 years later. If you feel the shade is still in good condition it may be worth having it repaired.

If your shades have visible damage such as holes, broken slats, or bent vanes, it is not covered under warranty and these issues are very difficult to repair. It is usually more cost effective to replace the shade.

Hunter Douglas offers one of the best warranties in the industry.

To have a repair done under warranty, you will need the original reference number. This is located on the label that is usually found on the head-rail of the product. You may also need your proof of purchase as the warranty is to the original owner. Your first call should be to the dealer you purchased the shades from. They will help you find the information required to get a repair number.

There is usually a Hunter Douglas repair center in all major cities, so if convenient, you can drop the shade off, along with the repair number and have the shade repaired at no cost to you.

So repair or replace? If the shade is one of several in a group, it would be worth repairing unless you are ready for a whole new look. If it is one single shade, sometimes it is simply time to replace it and start with a whole new look.

If you are one of our clients and need a repair call us and we will get the process started.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Oct, 2017

Child safety is a responsibility we take very seriously. All Hunter Douglas products are designed with this in mind.

We have so many lift options available that your child's safety should never be compromised. This is something we discuss with each and every window treatment we offer.

Possibilities are endless – from cordless and motorized options to retractable lift cords, cord tensioners, and wand controls. The window covering industry has warning tags, labels and other methods to label the potential hazards of corded window coverings.

We are dedicated to educating home owners about the potential strangulation risks of window blind and shade cords. These should never be installed in a room where children play and sleep. Sometimes the danger is not so obvious – the cords are high on the window, out of reach of small children, however, cords are never acceptable in children's bedrooms, as just one moment of distraction can leave a child at risk.

If cords are unavoidable, such as a Venetian blind that has a lift cord, it should always be tied with a cord cleat that keeps it out of reach, even with an inquisitive child using a chair or other means of climbing to reach the cords. The consumer Product Safety Commission calls corded window coverings one of the five hidden hazards found in homes today. Hunter Douglas designs all products with this in mind.

For more info and repair kits for other window covering products, visit the Window Covering Safety Council website.

Call Elite Interiors for a free in-home consultation to discuss the many options available. Remember, safety first for our children and pets.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Sep, 2017

One of the most challenging windows is one that is two full levels in height. These windows have so much impact in a room that simplicity is the key.

I like to deal first with the light and privacy issue. If it is two separate windows, one above the other, we can cover each of them independently, often motorizing them to make them more functional. When we have on long opening, it is still sometimes necessary to use two shades as most products have size restrictions.

My favorite treatment is the Silhouette shade as this one gives privacy, light control, UV protection as well as being very elegant.

To bring the room together, I like to add stationary drapery panels to tie both windows into one. These majestic curtains can be the finishing touch and turn ordinary into wow!!

Call Elite Interiors for a free in-home consultation.

By Diane Goldsney 01 Aug, 2017

A screen shade is a simple rollers shade with different openness degrees. Openness is the weave density of the screen fabric affecting the degree of visibility, privacy, glare control and UV blockage. Screen fabrics are unique in their ability to convert sunlight into energy based on the color of the fabric. View-through is a characteristic of screen fabric, both from the inside-out and the outside-in, and is dependent of the openness factor and lighting in the room.

Light colored fabrics provide a softer view-through while preserving natural light. They reflect light, allowing less heat gain in a room. All screen shades block harmful UV rays that can discolor furniture, flooring and art work.

Dark colored fabrics provide a crisp view-through the shade, while absorbing light and heat gain at the window for energy efficiency. Dark colors also offer superior glare control by reducing visible light that comes through the fabric.

These shades are also available in superior performance fabrics. These are designed to outperform traditional screen fabrics. Special features built into the fabric provide enhanced glare and heat control with superior UV protection. They reflect solar heat to reduce room temperature. At Hunter Douglas we use the patented KoolBlack technology enabling the fabric to reflect solar heat, providing a more balanced environment and reduced cooling costs.

Another thing to consider is UV blockage. 1% blocks 99% while the 14% offers 86% UV blockage, with all the others somewhere in between.

Which one is right for you? Do you require more view-through and less privacy, or is privacy most important? A 1% openness shade will provide the most privacy and least view through. These shades are available in 1%, 3%, 5%, 10% and 14% openness.

For more information, book your free consultation with Elite Interiors today.

More Posts
Share by: