H&LSummer2017eMAG

What blind is best? Sharon Tieman from Premier Shades at Wyoming, runs

1# What are good “no fuss” tenant blinds? There is a rule of thumb that if the property is well maintained the tenants will look after it. Agents tell me, blinds that are out dated, ripped and torn will not encourage a tenant to look after them. The secret is to choose low fuss fabrics and low fuss operations. There are fabrics around now for Roller Blinds (Holland Blinds) and Vertical blinds that are easy to care for and just wipe clean. If there is a scuff mark or spill, they can be wiped with an eraser or damp cloth. The colour through the 3 biggest questions they get in their showrooms and the best options to solve them...

palette ranges from 5 shades of whites to cream, beiges greys and chocolate browns. Most landlords choose an oatmeal or grey colour to keep marks to a minimum. As far as operation goes, stay away from spring loaded roller blinds if you want low maintenance, as multiple users often grab on the fabric, not on the ring pull and the blind is damaged. Instead, opt for an easy care chain control that is fitted directly to the frame. They can be moved up and down easily and safely with no choking hazard. A simple roller blind can be just as cost effective as a vertical blind, and may be more suitable for bedrooms. Apart from being easy to replace and maintain, Vertical blinds are versatile and very cost effective. If a tenant moves out you can often replace just 1 damaged blade, rather than the whole blind. Avoid having chains on the bottom of vertical blinds. Apart from being a dated look, they have proven to be a choking hazard for small children and pets. If you have existing chains it’s easy to swap themover to chainless weights. Contact a local blind manufacturer (Premier Shades). Expect to pay around $1 per chainless weight. Although custom made blinds are more expensive than off the shelf blinds, it’s a case of “pay cheap, pay twice”. “We get many customers coming into the Showroom after parts or to replace bits off cheap blinds made in China. The parts are not available in Australia” Sharon says. 2#What is the best “block out” blinds? A block out blind fabric blocks 100% of the light coming into the windowwhere the fabric is. There are 100’s to choose from. From white to black, they can all be 100% blockout fabric. What some people don’t realise is there will be a gap on either side of the blinds where the brackets have fixed the blind to the window frame. If you are after total darkness in a bedroom, you may be better off looking at side channels and a cassette system on the roller blind, curtains, or even an external roller shutter. We have successful recommended motorised roller blinds with side channels for shift workers and baby’s rooms that can operate easily with a remote control. It is very difficult to get 100% blockout without some light bleed. It may require 2 blinds, or something inside and out to get the “dark as midnight” effect. 3# What is the best insulation blind? If you are after a block out blind for insulation, then the thicker the fabric the better. Any window coverings you put on your window will make a difference to the temperate of the room. With over 20% of the heat or cold coming through your window, it makes good sense. The latest reports have indicated Quality Plantation Shutters or thick heavy curtains are your best insulation. Whist vertical blinds are probably one of the most versatile blinds, they offer the least insulation compared to other styles of blinds. Don’t be afraid to consider a quality 95% Mesh external window awning

for outside. It can blockout the heat and the glare from the window, but you are not sitting in a dark house in the middle of Summer. Article supplied by Sharon Tieman. Director. Premier Shades. 18/482 Pacific Highway, Wyoming. NSW, 2250. Ph; 0243248800. www.premiershades.com.au

& Lifestyle Magazine | Summer 2017

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