Every window comes with its own unique needs that require a tailored solution. Here, at Shading Specialists, we understand the intricacies of window recesses. That’s why we can offer alternatives that conceal shading solutions.

Recessed Curtain Track Systems

We work with numerous partners to provide industry-leading window treatments. So, for residences that need concealed shading solutions, we install Silent Gliss recessed curtain tracks into the property. The discrete aluminium profile is fixed above the ceiling and strong enough to carry medium and heavyweight curtains.

For large windows like floor to ceiling. This option proves to be beneficial as the installation process channels into the roof to hang curtains freely. Because of this, it eliminates the need for the curtain to hang outside the window recess. Therefore, this offers a clean, contemporary design.

This installation process means the recessed curtain track can be installed anywhere on the property and is not limited to a window. You can have them installed in any space to create an ‘open-door’ effect in the home.

These bespoke recessed curtain tracks come in different systems and can be hand-operated or electrically via remote control.

Recessed Roller Blind Systems

Recessed roller blind systems use blind boxes to conceal the roller mechanism within the wall, ceiling or side channel of the property. By choosing this particular system, the rollers mechanism is neatly hidden to create a clean, minimalistic look.

The benefit of this system is the blind sits near the window. This installation minimises the gaps on the sides, provides greater shading, regulates temperature and increases privacy in the home.

The subtle window treatment can work for different types of residential and commercial properties. Electrically operated, the roller blind systems wiring is discretely concealed within side boxes or within the blinds’ side channels.

Integrated Blind Systems

Blinds installed within the window are proving to be a popular modern design.

Inbuilt blinds, as the name suggests, are built into the window. The blind material fits in between the panels of glass, offering further thermal protection within the double-glazed windows.

They remain one of the lowest maintenance window treatments on the market as their concealed within the glass to avoid damage and dust. 

However, this alternative is best suited if you can’t install recessed curtain tracks or have blinds concealed in the walls or channels.

Because the integral blind is tucked within the glass, it offers excellent privacy as the gaps are minimal to provide optimal shading. The inbuilt blinds are operated by cords, sliders or motors that move the blind effortlessly.

Learn more about Concealed Shading Solutions

If you are still undecided on what shading solution is best for your home. Call our shading specialists or contact us today and we will happily advise you on the perfect treatment for your home.

The post Concealed Shading Solutions appeared first on Shading Specialists.

1. Lutron QS D105 Electric Curtain Tracks

These lovely lined curtains hang from QS D105 ultra-quiet tracks, which are easily able to hold light to medium-weight curtains. In conjunction, we installed Electric Roman blinds with Wave Curtains in the main bedroom.

2. Lutron Roller Blind 64 in Powder Coated headboxes

For this London-based commercial project, we fitted a set of Roller 64 Electric Roller Blinds. These were installed into Powder Coated 89 by 89 headboxes to perfectly match the black frame around it.

3. Handmade Curtains on Lutron Tracks and Lutron Roller Blinds

We chose a set of electrically-operated D145 curtain tracks and Sivoia QS Roller Blinds for these naturally bright office interiors.

4. Lutron Roller Blinds concealed in Blindspace Boxes

We had the privilege of doing this extensive project in The Boulevard Theatre, covering their one-of-a-kind theatre. A great use of technology to improve not only appearance but experience. See the full article here.

5. Lutron QS Sivoia Electric Roller blinds 64

These modern interiors needed equally sophisticated window treatments. We supplied handmade sheer Roman blinds on top of QS Sivoia Roller Blinds 64 with dim-out fabric.

6. Lutron QS Electric Roller 64 Blinds

Even though we love these blinds in their blackout fabric, what makes this project stand out is more subtle: integration. Indeed, we integrated the blinds into a Lutron Audio/Visual System for the best level of control and simplicity.

7. Lutron Triathlon Battery Operated Roller Blinds

It is almost never too early or too late to install window treatments. In this residential project, we installed a set of Triathlon blinds whilst the building was still in construction. All we needed was the windows to be ready!

8. Lutron QS Electric Roller Blind with Genuine Lutron fabrics

Even though we can mix different brands in some cases to produce a unique solution, it usually looks best when every element used is from the same manufacturer. To see an example of Lutron’s impressive range of fabrics see this article about their Experience Centre in London.

9. Handmade Sheer Curtains on a Lutron D105 Electric Curtain Track

In this domestic project, we installed a D105 track along with handmade Lined & Interlined self-stacked Roman blinds from our workroom, to make this home even more cosy.

10. Three small but notable projects

Lutron blinds from left to right:

1. Sivoia QS Roller Blind 64, fitted on a triangular window for the upper part and standard window for the lower part
2. Roller Blind Installed into a Blind Box, making the blinds virtually disappear when rolled up.
3. Serena Insulating Honeycomb Shades. An elegant solution to save energy and insulate windows.

Note: This is a live collection and may change over time.

What’s your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Editor’s picks: Top projects using Lutron appeared first on Shading Specialists.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

What better way to celebrate #WorldTheatreDay than with a sneak peek inside our incredible revolving auditorium – guaranteed to turn heads from Autumn 2019 ?: @sodalondon #theatre #londontheatre #soho #building

A post shared by Boulevard Theatre (@boulevardsoho) on Mar 27, 2019 at 3:50am PDT

Because of the installation’s sophisticated style, the window treatments needed to have a modern look and feel. Moreover, the ability to filter and block light was just as important.
Hence, we used a combination of Lutron roller blinds, with their tracks concealed in Blindspace boxes. Specifically, the chosen blinds were Lutron Sivoia QS Electric Roller Blind Systems in fabrics specified by the responsible architect. The blinds’ bottom bars were sealed and covered in matching fabric.
To make the tracks ‘disappear’, we used Blindspace Powder Coated Headboxes, cut to size in site to ensure perfect fitting.

Having addressed the ‘look’ part of the installation, the ‘feel’ part needed us to ensure smooth electric operation. For this, we connected the blinds to the existing power sources and provided full AV integration.

To finalise, we conducted client training and demonstration, ensuring they would be able to use the products correctly for the years to come.

Looking for Specialists for your project? Contact us

The post Case study – Boulevard Theatre, Roller Blinds & Blindspace appeared first on Shading Specialists.

Our top recommendations for this Spring

The short list below showcases, a range of shading solutions and features that are best suited to enhance and control the lighting and weather conditions that we can expect this Spring.

• Blindspace
• Awnings
• Skylights
• Duettes
• Shutters
• Fabrics
• Sunlight Sensors

Blindspace

If you are looking to make the best possible use of window space, look no further than Blindspace. In their own words, ‘our solutions are made to make any blind disappear’.

Allowing you to conceal any kind of blind and skylight, Blindspace is the possibly most discrete complement you can have to cover your windows. They also recess curtain tracks, achieving the same level of discretion on the ceiling.

For the maximum, unobstructed lighting coming through windows, this is our first recommendation in new installations and wherever it’s possible to integrate it in the ceiling.

Awnings

For those who enjoy the outdoors and have a garden or terrace, an awning will give you the best combination between shading and comfort. With the right model and fabric choice, they can also enhance the outside appearance of a building. That being said, weather is sometimes unpredictable and the occasional chilly breeze is enough to make some people not want to go outside unless absolutely necessary. Even in these occasions, awnings

Skylights

Most houses have some sort of skylight or rooflight, yet only some have them in the bedrooms. If you happen to have one in your bedroom, you’d probably want a blind that can protect you from the cold Spring nights, while allowing a good amount of light in during the day and a total blackout at night to get the best sleep quality. The Duo Blackout Blind from Velux does all three.

Even though skylights may seem not to have as many options compared to blinds, there actually are plenty. Some to consider for Spring include Insect Screens, Roman Blinds and Venetians.

Less common but still worth mentioning, a Sun Tunnel is for those cases where the roof window is distant or with obstacles in between. It allows to redirect the light to any corner of your home.

Duettes

Whereas the previous shading solutions were all about making light abundant, some blinds can also help keeping the cold at bay and saving energy. In particular, Insulating Honeycomb Shades from Lutron are a great choice for privacy, style and heat preservation, while incorporating the smooth and silent electric control features that Lutron is well known for.

For more choices on Duettes & Pleated Blinds, please have a look here.

Shutters

Shutters come in so many kinds and styles that it’s almost difficult not to think of a use for them. If you have a look on our Shutters page, you will see how easily they allow for hundreds of combinations. Decor, light blocking, privacy, insulation and soundproofing are some of the features that make them specifically suitable for Spring time.

Fabrics

Less evident but still important, fabrics are responsible for more than just the appearance of the blinds and curtains. Depending on properties such as thickness, colour, UV blockage, opacity, and composition, blinds can be more suitable for light and heat control. For instance, a thick, opaque, light-coloured fabric with a high mesh density will effectively block the sunlight while also acting as a blackout. With a fabric of similar properties but looser meshing and less opacity, becomes a sheer blind. A hybrid option is the Duo Roll, also known as Day & Night or Zebra fabric.

In terms of composition or material, polyester and vinyl fabrics are also easy to clean, which makes for more durable blinds.

With so many options, choosing the right fabric can seem like a task only a specialist could do, but that’s what we’re here for! We can give you advice anytime you need it and also send you product samples if you so wish. However, for the best experience, we recommend visiting our Watford Showroom.

Sunlight Sensors

As we mentioned on the Skylights section, getting a blackout blind is ideal for a good night’s sleep. In case you’re sceptic, there’s plenty of evidence suggesting that we need to sleep in total darkness. However, what happens in the morning, when you can’t rely on sun light to wake you up? That’s when solutions such as the Radio Window Sensor from Lutron enters the scene, to save the day! In essence, it’s a wireless controller that can handle multiple shades at once, based on natural light levels.

For more traditional versions of light control, we have many timer-controlled motors for blinds and curtains in our range. They allow you to set a custom time of day to open and close your window shades.

To sum up

We’ve reviewed here some of the solutions we think do the best work at using day light and keeping your home warm.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!

The post 7 Clever ways to use shading for this Spring appeared first on Shading Specialists.