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With energy prices skyrocketing, now is the perfect time to consider an eco-friendly home makeover to help reduce your household energy consumption. Lower electricity bills will be complemented by a lower carbon footprint and other positive environmental impacts. Increasing your home’s energy efficiency could also make it more attractive to potential buyers, if you plan to sell in the near future.

Investing in solar panels and roof insulation are obvious choices that can make a huge difference to your energy bills, and depending on where you live and the type of system you intend to install, you could qualify for government assistance.

Even small changes can make a real difference – switching your light globes to LEDs, turning off power points when not in use, and selecting energy efficient appliances, for instance. Installing appropriate window furnishings is another important strategy for increasing your home’s energy efficiency.

How Insulating Your Windows Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

We all know that a well-insulated home can be a smart way to save energy – but did you know that up to 40 per cent of your home’s heating energy can be lost through the windows alone? Similarly, in summer, poorly insulated windows can allow too much of the sun’s heat inside and prompt increased use of air-conditioners to keep cool.

Block-out curtains offer fantastic insulating properties, as they help to trap hot or cold air next to the windows and prevent it from entering the main part of the room. Roman blinds, which are constructed of solid fabric, are another great choice for insulating windows and doors.

Whether you choose curtains or blinds to insulate your windows, it’s important to ensure they are snugly fitted without gaps that can allow trapped air to escape into the room. This will maximise their insulation benefits and help to reduce your household energy consumption. For help with this, contact us for a free measure and quote.

Selecting Natural Fabrics for Your Window Furnishings

Sustainable and ethically produced materials are a perfect place to start when selecting your fabric-based window furnishings. Organic linen is a great option for nature-inspired décor that won’t cause an environmental hazard when it reaches the end of its useful life.

According to Sustainable Jungle, around 80 per cent of furniture and furnishing waste eventually ends up in landfills. Therefore, selecting materials that are durable and biodegradable will help to minimise both the volume and environmental impact of waste these products are likely to produce.

The Natural Beauty of Sustainable Timber Shutters and Blinds

What better way to adorn the windows of your eco-friendly home than with the natural beauty of sustainable basswood timber? A plantation timber grown in cold alpine regions, basswood offers the strength and durability of premium hardwood, plus the fine texture needed to create a stunning, uniform finish.

Our Adagio timber shutters, crafted from sustainable basswood, are designed to meet the needs of the most discerning decorators. They come in a wide range of paint colours and natural stain finishes, and are backed by a generous five-year warranty.

Sustainable timber shutters infuse any space with the classic elegance and beauty of solid timber, while having the versatility to accommodate a range of window designs. Indeed, no other window furnishing is so adept at capturing the light and breezes while simultaneously providing privacy and security.

If venetian blinds are more your style, we also stock a range of sustainable basswood timber venetians, which can be customised to fit any space. Available in multiple blade widths and an extensive range of colours to match your décor, timber venetian blinds are a timelessly elegant addition to any room. They also come with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind.

Timber shutters and blinds both provide insulation against heat and noise when correctly fitted. Their light-blocking properties can also help to keep your interiors cool during the day in summer.

Good Quality Shutters and Blinds Will Stand the Test of Time

While you should certainly aim for value when buying new shutters or blinds, price is not the only consideration. Buying too cheap is often false economy that can result in a poor-quality product that needs replacement within a year or two. Such unnecessary wastage is bad for your hip pocket and terrible for the environment.

Look for product warranties as an indicator of quality, and when comparing prices, ensure you are comparing like for like. As your local window furnishing experts, we offer a huge range of high-quality fabrics and materials, and all our products are backed by generous warranties. We also guarantee the best prices all year round – if you find a lower price for a comparable product, we’ll beat it.

Ready to install new eco-friendly window furnishings that will last for years to come? Simply give us a call on 1300 077 125 or get in touch via our website for an obligation-free consultation.

Slimline Venetians

To keep your shutters and blinds looking as fresh and clean as the day you first installed them takes a bit of light maintenance. Unfortunately, many people struggle finding the best and most efficient way of cleaning their shutters and blinds, i.e. the method that will give them the best return without having to apply maximum effort!

Your least favourite household chore doesn’t have to be such a chore though, with the help of these handy tips:

Internal Shutters

Internal PVC Shutters are a breeze to clean and maintain. Extruded PVC is incredibly durable and is guaranteed to never crack, warp or change colour, and no maintenance is required at all.

Over time your shutters will collect dust. As shutters don’t blow around in the breeze or move when handled, they can be simply wiped down like you would a piece of furniture.

A micro fibre ‘anti static’ cloth or glove is ideal. Otherwise a damp cloth to collect the dust with a quick wipe. Simple and easy.

For real wood shutters, painted or stained, should be kept dry at all times. If wet from a window left open. Dry off with a towel as soon as possible. Continued exposure to water or steam can damage or alter the timber. Do NOT use any kind of water or soap. Dust with a dry micro fibre cloth. Some furniture polishes are suitable for stained timber, or lacquered cedar shutters.

Outdoor Shutters

Because your outdoor shutters are subjected to harsher grime, dust, and debris, you can stand to be a little bit more ‘robust’ in your approach.

With the shutters closed, use a broom to brush away as much dirt as possible. Using a garden hose, rinse your outdoor shutters thoroughly. Make a mix of detergent and warm water in a bucket, and then use a mop to gently wipe away any remaining dirt from your shutters.

Finally, get out your hose again to wash away the remaining soapy water, so it doesn’t leave residue on your shutters.

Venetian Blinds

To prevent the build up of dust, run your vacuum cleaner over your venetian blinds once a week, using the soft brush attachment and your vacuum on the lowest setting.

Simply close the blind, hold the bottom slats for support, and gently run the vacuum nozzle across each slat. Don’t forget to reverse the slats to clean the other side, too.

Always work your way from top to bottom so that any dust and dirt falls down into your uncleaned zone.

Alternatively, you can also use a pair of cotton gloves or sock over your hand to run your fingers over each slat to remove dust and grime.

Once a month, a more extensive clean of your venetian blinds is recommended.

For PVC venetian blinds:

Combine a little bit of dishwashing soap and warm water to create a nice sudsy mix, and then wipe down each slat using a clean cloth. Make sure to use a second clean cloth to dry the slats afterwards.

For real wood venetian blinds:

Do NOT use any kind of water or soap, as this can damage your blinds. For wood products, use a small amount of a good quality wood cleaner or furniture polish on a clean cloth and apply it to each slat. Avoid getting the polish onto any parts of the shutters not made of real wood, such as the cords.

Oiled Western Red Cedar Venetians require re-oiling. This can be time consuming, but does bring dried faded cedar back to its lush original finish. Carefully wipe each slat with cedar oil being careful not to use too much. Allow the oil to soak into the wood and re-apply if necessary. Leave the Venetian in the open slat position until dry.

For aluminium venetian blinds or shutters:

Use the same method with a lightly dampened (not wet) cloth. Do not be tempted to remove put your aluminium venetian blinds in the bath to wash them liberally - you may damage your slats and the blind, as well as have issues reinstalling them.

Fabric Blinds - Roller Blinds, Panel Glide Blinds, Roman Blinds, etc.

Similar to indoor shutters and venetian blinds, fabric blinds should be maintained regularly by removing dust using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner, on its lowest setting.

To get rid of stains or built-up dirt, create a very diluted soap mixture (1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap to every 4 cups of water is recommended). Soak a clean sponge in your soap mixture, squeeze out excess water, then gently dab your blinds. Do not scrub them, as this can cause more damage.

Finish off by wiping away the soapy residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then leaving them to dry completely.

Keeping your shutters and blinds looking near new doesn’t require a whole lot of effort - just regular consistency in removing dust, and an occasional deeper clean. And all up, you’ll find the results are well worth it!

Read our Essential Guide to Buying Shutters

For more advice on shutters and blinds, call us today on 1300 077 125

 

How To Save Money By Installing Shutters & Blinds

There’s a weak link in your home that’s making you feel hotter in summer and colder in winter than need be, and no, it’s not your overworked air conditioner. It’s your windows.

Yes, these glass portals into the outside world can make all the difference to your household’s year-round climate; they’re estimated to be responsible for up to 30% of heat loss in winter and 40% of heat retention in summer. In other words, give your windows a little bit of attention and you could be saving yourself both the hassle of continually needing to crank the  heating or air-conditioning, and a significant amount of money.

Dress (Your Windows) To Impress - Why Choose Shutters or Blinds?

Shutters and blinds are by far the most superior choice for helping you save money through less energy expenditure. In the heat of summer, when the Queensland sun is unbearable, shutters and blinds can be adjusted to lessen the amount of solar radiation pouring in through your windows, making a significant impact on cooling down your house. During the colder months, they can act as insulation that stops warm air from escaping. It’s a win/win for your household budgets as well as a stylish addition to your living spaces.

Getting The Most Energy-Saving Benefits From Your Shutters or Blinds

Simply choosing this method of window dressing is already a great start, but there are a few additional ways in which you can maximize the overall benefits of your new shutters and blinds.

Think about the colour of your shutters or blinds...

And not just because of the aesthetic importance. Dark colours attract the sun, while light colours reflect those solar rays, so if keeping the heat out is the main purpose of your shutters or blinds (and in Queensland, it should be), opt for the latter.

You don’t have to keep your windows blacked out all summer long...

The great thing about blinds and shutters is that you can make adjustments to let your desired amount of light in, so it doesn’t have to feel like your home is in a permanent nocturnal state (unless that’s what you want).

That being said, to fully optimize heat-reflection, its recommended to keep your windows guarded the most during the late morning and early evening. You can also tackle the sun at it’s peak problem points by closing shutters and blinds on east-facing windows in the morning, and west-facing windows in the evening.

Additionally, the density of your soft fabric blinds (roller blinds, panel glide blinds, roman blinds) can also increase your cost savings. Ranging from translucent through to three pass and full block out, the denser your fabric weave, the more insulation you'll achieve from heat and cold.

Double layer blinds (one layer of blockout for night time use), one of translucent for day time use) also provide a clever and versatile option for giving you the ultimate sun and heat control.

Correct measurement is paramount...

As is the tightness between the covering and window can make or break how efficient your blinds or shutters are in saving energy. For this reason, having a professional handle installation is highly recommended, as they can make sure it’s tightly fitted and thus able to provide the best insulation possible.

Read our Essential Guide to Buying Shutters

Your bank account doesn’t have to be a victim of the harsh Queensland sun; install quality blinds and/or shutters in your home and discover the incredible difference they can make.

Need some advice on the best options in shutters and blinds for your home or office to save money? Call us today on 1300 077 125 today to talk to one of our friendly Factory Direct Shutters, Blinds & Awnings team members.