Friendswood window shades

Posted by shane in News on 02 2nd, 2010 | no responses

Let in the right amount of Friendswood sunlight with soft, attractive cellular shades.

Form, function, beauty, and versatility – cellular shades (sometimes called "Prism" or "Honeycomb" shades) offer all these features, making them the ideal choice to adorn any size or shape window. Enticing colors and fabrics combine with a host of specialty systems to harmonize cellular shades with any decor. Options for cellular shades include cord free lift, top-down and/or bottom-up control and motorization.

Cell Size

Cellular shades get their name from the way the two layers of fabric are stitched together to create pockets (or cells) of air. In the fully lowered position, the cells open wide. The fully opened cells are measured from fold to fold and these measurements are used to give the shades their "size". Shade sizes range from 1/2" to 1". The larger cell sizes separate the horizontal line patterns from the top of the shade to the bottom. Larger cell sizes may be a better option for larger windows.

Colors and Fabrics

Honeycomb shades come in a large range of colors and fabrics. They are at home in almost any style or room design from neutral earth tones to bold, solids. While the inside of the shade shows a color, the outside color is white for a uniform appearance from the outside. The white outer liner allows for true color expression on the inside of the home. Here are just a few of the available choices…

White Lace	Shell White	Creamy White	Alabaster	Beige
Cottonwood	Taupe	Rattan	Brandy	Bouquet
Cabernet	Green Moss	Olive	Sky Blue	Navy

Sunlight Control

Cellular shades offer 2 ways to control sunlight through a window. Obviously, they can be opened either fully or partially to allow direct sunlight in. The second type of control depends on the fabric used to make the shade.

A light filtering shade is made with a fabric that allows light to pass through. This is the most common type of shade.

A blackout shade has a foil liner or non- translucent fabric backing that prevents any sunlight from passing through. Blackout shades are the perfect choice for TV rooms, and bedrooms. They are especially popular with people who work rotating shifts.

Lift and Lower Operation

When it comes to versatility, nothing compares to cellular shades. Basic operation is from the bottom of the window up to the top – called "bottom/up." However, operation from the top of the window to the bottom is also possible – called "top/down". "Top/down" operation allows the top of the shade to be lowered to a point where those standing inside the window can see out, but still have perfect privacy. This feature makes a prism shade the perfect window treatment for bathroom windows or windows facing the front of the house. If ultimate control is desired, these amazing shades can be also made with both "bottom/up" and "top/down" operation. Regardless of the way the shade opens, when the shade is fully closed, it collapses into a very tight stack giving the window almost a totally unobstructed view.

Cordless Operation

Although it is standard for cellular shades to operate by pulling cords, it is possible to have them made completely cordless. All that is required is to simply move the shade to a desired position and let go. Small tabs made from clear plastic are placed on the bottom and top rails to use as handles.

Single or Double cells

Cellular shades are created with either a single column of cells or a double column. When a second set of cells are added to the shade, the energy efficiency of the shade increases.

Single cell shade - closeup
Single cell

Double cell

Energy Efficiency

Cellular shades also offer the added bonus of energy efficiency by blocking some of the heat that passes through sun facing windows. The open cells trap air and act like insulation. In fact, single and double cells have stated "R" values just like wall or ceiling insulation. Summer R values range from 2.80 to 4.35. Blackout shades have the highest R value.