For many folks window treatments are all about light control. Having an effective way to control natural light levels in bedrooms especially for young ones is often the key to a good night’s sleep. If you work shifts, have light sensitivity issues, or consider light sources at night a health concern we have a variety of solutions for blackout blinds.
Widely understood in the industry as a misnomer, Blackout Blinds generally refers to blinds that are able to block outside light sources nearly completely. We can get awfully close to 100%, but there is some subjectivity built into this equation that needs to be acknowledged. We can eliminate light penetration at the window 100% with a stationary treatment, but that is impractical for most folks who want to be able to enjoy light and view when appropriate to their schedule. With an operable treatment even in intense sunlight we can get to around 99% blackout with only a little light refraction around the edges. With these systems the bigger issue with light control becomes light penetrating the room from the interior sources like clock radios, or around the interior door.
Most shades have an element of room darkening, but for true blackout performance there are some top performers!
Regardless of the colour, pattern or texture of the drapery fabric, it’s the lining that is key to creating a cozy environment with blackout drapery. With a topped valance, rich fullness and a generous overlap drapery can be a very effective method of light control. And the days of blackout drapery linings creating a stiff and awkward drapery are over. At least they should be, when a quality lining is used! We have a variety of options for linings that can compliment the hand of face fabrics beautifully, creating a lasting design statement.
This system is fantastic for home theatre set ups, and corporate boardrooms where near room darkening is the goal. Blackout roller shade fabrics with sidechannels, and extensive weatherstripping on the channels and top headrail cassette system. With this system we can create a consistent feel for office environments, and provide a high level of room darkening. Available colours : White, Black, Anodized and Commercial Brown.
Stevens Creek Shutter Co’s Blackout Cellular Shades with side channels combine energy efficient and insulating blackout cellular shades with a light blocking sidetrack, creating a amazingly dark room for a long, deep and restful night of sleep. Providing you are past the toddler stage!
Made from durable exterior grade PVC, the energy saving blackout sidetracks seal off the gap between the blackout cellular shade and the window to create a light blocking barrier. This exclusive sidetrack system seals tight around the window frame, without the light gaps you have with blackout curtains or other shades. Tracks are available in three colours: white, tan or bronze and are removable for cleaning.
The co-extruded blackout sidetracks are black lined to absorb incoming light. The inside of the sidetrack facing the room remains white for visual aesthetics.When properly installed, they block 99% of all visible light. In certain installations with intense sunlight, a very small amount of light may reflect around the edges of the honeycomb fabric along each side of the shade. This is a normal attribute of the system.
If you love the look of your current treatments but find that you don’t have quite enough control over the light entering the room we have a solution from our friends at Hunter Douglas. The Micro Pleat option that was originally designed as a backing for the Provenance line of Woven Wood shades is available as a stand alone option. At only 5/8 of an inch deep the Micropleat liner is our most compact blackout blinds option and can be used to provide a high level of room darkening to any treatment that has the room for this option to be installed!
Allow us to find the right treatment for your home. We bring samples, and explain the process thoroughly, no hassle, no pressure! Another way we make quality custom window treatments easy. Call us at 613-706-1250 or by email.
Did you know that you can lower your heating bill with effective window treatments? Your windows can lose as much as 50% of the heat in your home! Even modern energy efficient windows are still a major source of heat loss in the winter. This heat loss is also a major source of discomfort, which is explained by the Mean Radiant Temperature effect. (Time for a little science, bear with us!)
Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) effect is roughly the average temperature of all the objects or surfaces in a space. An MRT that is warmer than the skin temperature of a person will cause the person to feel warmer, and an MRT that is colder than the skin temperature of a person in the room will cause that person to feel colder. If a cold window is lowering the average room temperature it will feel colder than it really is. Raising the average increases home comfort. It is easy to see how an effective window treatment can not only save energy costs but will contribute greatly to your home comfort.
So let’s look at the top 5 options for putting a stop to your hard earned heating dollars literally flying out the window! In order here are 5 options to Lower Your Heating Bill;
Insulating cellular shades offer much more insulation than standard rollers or blinds. They do this by trapping air within the shades as well as between the shade and the window itself. The most efficient fabrics combine multiple cells with a metallized polyester layer that acts as a barrier to radiant heat. This layer of insulation is most effective when combined with side channel weatherstripping that increases the efficiency of this treatment by 2.5 to 3X. At a combined R-Value of over 7 this is your most effective option. We have hundreds of options of fabric for this system, with colours to suit any decor.
Some consumers prefer blinds that can be operated on the window, not strictly up or down like typical cellular or roller shades. Operable Cell Blinds offer the convenient operation of a blind with the soft fabric look and feel of a shade. Innovative fully functional vanes compress to offer a clear view and expand to 1″ cells to provide significant insulation for year round energy efficiency. On the left in the picture below you can see the shade in the closed position, like a standard cellular shade, but on the right the open position is illustrated. This is a very versatile option with a variety of hardware systems to choose from exclusively at Stevens Creek Shutter Co.
Roman Shades are a classic choice for traditional home style and function. When combined with a substantial face fabric and insulated lining Roman Shades can be a great choice. For maximum insulation value the shades should be mounted tight to the window and allow as little air flow as possible. The are versions available that combine the look of fabric with side channels to block airflow. Best of all the versatility of roman shades add control over view, privacy, and glare.
Sometimes the best choices are the tried and true.
Our Victorian ancestors would combat un-insulated walls, leaky windows and dodgy heating systems with heavy lined drapery. Often installed ceiling to floor and wall to wall the warm velvets and heavy brocades of the era did more than add romance and elegance. They acted as insulation to keep out the winter cold! Even beds were surrounded by beautiful draperies to keep things cozy. Now we are not trying to suggest that heavy draperies are a practical solution for everyone, but done well with a header to trap air at the top and well fitted they are in fact an effective option.
It might seem obvious, but in order for any of these treatments to work effectively they need to be closed completely in order to insulate. The highest level of efficiency is seen today in net zero commercial projects and what they all have in common is automated window coverings. By automating the treatments to close when needed, and open when there is sufficient sun for thermal heat gain you insure that the chosen treatments are getting 100% utilization. More affordable than ever, motorization with automated controls allows you to have total peace of mind that you are able to lower your heating bill as effectively as possible. Stevens Creek Shutter Co is a Somfy Motorization Expert and we have many options to choose from in all price ranges.
For more information on energy efficient window treatments that lower your heating bill check out this great independent resource from our neighbours to the south, Efficient Window Coverings.org
Contact us today for your complimentary in home consultation to find the right treatment for your home. We bring samples, and explain the process thoroughly, no hassle, no pressure! We make quality custom window treatments easy. Call us at 613-706-1250 or email info@stevenscreekshutterco.ca
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As a valued Hunter Douglas Priority Dealer we are occasionally offered additional savings on our product purchases which we gladly pass on to our customers. For our best Ottawa Blinds Sales feature from September 1 – December 31, 2017 we are pleased to offer the following rebates from our friends at Hunter Douglas Canada. The Hunter Douglas Smart Shadings Event is on now!
Receive a $200 rebate for every five units, any combination, of Silhouette®, Pirouette® or Luminette® purchased. Add PowerView® Motorization to a qualifying purchase and receive a bonus PowerView® Hub. Visit a participating dealer today for complete details.
Offer valid from September 1 – December 31, 2017.
Silhouette® shadings feature soft adjustable fabric vanes that appear to be floating between two sheer fabric panels that beautifully diffuse harsh sunlight. Simply tilt the vanes to achieve your desired level of light and privacy.
Receive a $200 rebate for every five units, any combination, of Silhouette®, Pirouette® or Luminette® purchased. Add PowerView® Motorization to a qualifying purchase and receive a bonus PowerView® Hub.*
For wide windows and sliding doors, our Luminette® Privacy Sheers come in an array of sheer and drapery-like fabrics for unlimited light-control and privacy options.
Receive a $200 rebate for every five units, any combination, of Silhouette®, Pirouette® or Luminette® purchased. Add PowerView® Motorization to a qualifying purchase and receive a bonus PowerView® Hub.*
Our innovative Pirouette® shadings feature soft horizontal fabric vanes attached to a single sheer backing, allowing for enhanced views to the outside while maintaining privacy and the full beauty of the fabric appearance on the inside.
Receive a $200 rebate for every five units, any combination, of Silhouette®, Pirouette® or Luminette® purchased. Add PowerView® Motorization to a qualifying purchase and receive a bonus PowerView® Hub.*
Contact Steven’s Creek Shutter Company today for your free shop@home consultation and take advantage of these limited time offers. Call 613-706-1250
*Please note this promotion is available to consumers who have purchased the qualifying product only. Employees of Hunter Douglas, the Hunter Douglas dealer and it’s affiliates, franchisees, agents, associates, advertising and promotional agencies and members of the immediate families of these employees are not eligible. Hunter Douglas will bill back the dealer for any claims that are in violation of the rules. Consumers must submit a completed online form by January 30, 2018. No late submissions will be honoured. HDOrigins is excluded from the offer. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American Express® Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of The Hunt Group. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued by Amex Bank of Canada. ® Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
Geometric patterns play with light in new ways.
Hunter Douglas Banded Shades are a new entry in this growing category of soft shadings. We knew it would only be a matter of time before Hunter Douglas came to market with some unique and fashionable solutions. And this product offering does not disappoint!
Hunter Douglas Banded Shades feature an extensive collection of fabrics to fit any décor style. From solids to textures to stripes to small-scale designs, these shades offer a fabric to fit your style. Top it off with a sophisticated colour palette featuring fresh neutrals, greys and pops of colour that excite. With Hunter Douglas Banded Shades you open up a world of choice.
Band Height and View Through
Three Sizes of Band Heights equals endless possibilities
OPERATING SYSTEM – Hunter Douglas has industry leading hardware options that are exclusive to Hunter Douglas. For the Hunter Douglas Banded Shades collection we can choose from several options.
CUSTOM CLUTCH – The Custom Clutch is the standard operating system for Designer Banded Shades. It provides superior functionality, shade-to-shade lift uniformity, precise operation and a minimal light gap that is even on both sides.
Discrete Fabric Wrapped Bottom Bar
SOFTTOUCH™ MOTORIZATION – Our new battery-powered motorized system enables intuitive wand-controlled shade operation. Gently pull down on the wand to close shades, and push up to move them to the fully raised position.• Favourite position functionality: a simple operation of the wand moves the shade to your favourite position in the window.• Superior child safety: absolutely no exposed cords.
ULTRAGLIDE® – The revolutionary retractable cord system with constant cord length enhances safety. Exclusive to Hunter Douglas.
BOTTOM BAR – The innovative bottom bar allows the shade to taper and narrow from top to bottom. By gently reducing the space between the front and back fabric, the shade maintains band alignment and uniformity. • Standard fabric-wrapped.• Optional unwrapped in 8 custom hardware colours.
Combine the superior functionality, stylish design, sophisticated fabrics and the Hunter Douglas proprietary operating systems for a product that fits any room and any style.
Contact us today for your free shop@home consultation. Remember that here at Steven’s Creek Shutter Company we are Specialists in Custom Window Treatments. We focus on one business in order to bring you the knowledge and experience required to guarantee you full value for your project. We are happy to hear from you with any questions you may have.
Call today 613-706-1250 or email info@stevenscreekshutterco.ca
Roller blinds are one of the most popular treatments that we carry, and today they are more versatile than ever. For Roller Blinds Ottawa there are many benefits to consider.
Some of the benefits of roller shades include;
The rising cost of energy makes energy saving roller screens an obvious choice. Even on windows where you have no desire for privacy you can lower your air conditioning bills significantly without losing your view by installing Screen Weave solar shades. We offer 100’s of options, and have in depth knowledge on the appropriate choices to get the results you desire for your project.
If you have a fabric or wallpaper that you just can’t get enough of we can laminate your material to a roller shade backing, making your favourite pattern a functional element in your room decor.
Primarily our commercial clients have been our best customers for this option. We can print logos and other graphics directly to plain or screen weave roller shades that highlight your business messaging. We’ve successfully installed many of these systems for national retailers that have a requirement for glare and heat control, but still want to make the best use possible of their customer facing window areas. And if you want to really get creative at home, we can print any image on your shades you would like. Are you an art fan? How about your favourite painting? As long as you hold the rights, or have common license we can print any image unto shades.
Created with child safety in mind cordless control options have come a long was from the roller shades of the past. Do you remember the yank, yank, and then zoom release to spin madly at the top of the window? Those days are long gone, with the internal control mechanism in today’s cordless roller shade making smooth and precise of your shades possible.
We are Somfy Certified Motorization Experts, with training and experience in specifying and installing motorized roller shade systems. They can be as simple as the Maxxmar Solo A1 system that employs a switched wand with a rechargeable internal battery. This system is available starting at only $99 per shade (plus the cost of selected fabric). We can integrate your motorized shades into a home automation system as well, with nearly limitless options to suit your project.
When you need 100% room darkening a blackout roller shade with side channels and cassette can be installed to make your room as dark as you need it. WIth weatherstripping closing the gaps it’s a great solution for boardrooms, home theatre rooms and other areas where total light control is essential.
Want it all? Privacy, light control, and transparency? You can have it all with dual shades, which combine two shades under one cassette. Combine whatever fabrics you want for total control.
We are proud to feature leading Canadian and International Manufacturers of Roller Blinds Ottawa.
Coulisse; a collection of beautiful fashion forward textiles from France.
Altex; a Canadian Manufacturer that specializes in Residential Roller Shades.
Maxxmar; Another Canadian company and a real innovative force in the industry, with dozens of patents and award winning products.
Sunproject; The Commercial Roller Shade company affiliated with Altex.
Hunter Douglas; With extensive collections of both Screen Roller Shades, as well as Designer Fabric collections Hunter Douglas is the market leader for residential roller shades. Exclusive hardware systems like the Ultraglide control system, and deep co-ordination with products like panel tracks
Contact us today for your free shop@home consultation. Remember that here at Steven’s Creek Shutter Company we are Specialists in Custom Window Treatments. We focus on one business in order to bring you the knowledge and experience required to guarantee you full value for your project. We are happy to hear from you with any questions you may have.
Call today 613-706-1250 or email info@stevenscreekshutterco.ca
Steven’s Creek Shutter Company is pleased to announce that we have achieved Somfy Expert Dealer status with the industry’s leading motorization provider Somfy Systems. Somfy is the world’s leading provider of motors and control systems for motorized window coverings. Somfy automates blinds, shades and drapery to work seamlessly with Smart Home or Commercial Building Systems. Somfy has produced more than 150 million motors since their inception. Today they manufacture a motor almost every second and serve 270 million users worldwide.
Motors in Production
As a Somfy Expert Dealer we are with you every step of the way on your project. From planning and design, to installation we are trained in the correct application and installation of Somfy motors and control systems. Through a commitment to ongoing training and our specialization in motorized window treatment projects you can be assured that your residential or commercial project is in good hands.
With myLink, it’s easy to transform your experience with Somfy-powered motorized solutions and maximize the benefits that they provide, such as energy savings, privacy, comfort and convenience. The myLink puts you in control, so that you can operate your motorized shades, blinds, and drapery with your favorite mobile device whether you’re home or not.
Harness the power of your favorite mobile device and upgrade to a convenient and relevant control option for Somfy-powered solutions.
Activate Somfy-powered applications even when you’re away from home with a single tap to maximize the many lifestyle benefits they provide such as energy savings, UV protection and privacy.
Schedule scenes to automate motorized applications on a seven day schedule so you can effortlessly enjoy their many benefits.
Intuitive installation and setup allows you to enjoy your myLink experience in a short few minutes.
Choose the best way to control your motorized applications with options such as individual control, group control, and more.
Controls all Radio Technology Somfy® RTS products including blinds, shades, curtains, screens, awnings, and rolling shutters as well as RTS enabled lighting devices.
Call us now and we’ll work with you to find the ideal solution to your window treatment project.
613-706-1250
Here is an installation we did recently of Hunter Douglas Roller Shades motorized with the HunterDouglas PowerView System, utilizing an Android Mobile App and Powerview Hub to control the shades.
Installing the PowerView Mobile App means your shades will be controlled with the swipe of a finger. Scene Settings add functionality, programming shades with automated commands. Your blinds can be programmed to follow the changing seasons and react to sunset and sunrise times automatically.
HunterDouglas PowerView on iOS
On this installation we utilized the Hunter Douglas product line, primarily for the choice of “Urban Loft” fabric that the customer loved. We’d have to agree that for this application the choice was stunning.
Powerview Pebble Remotes
The PowerView system can be operated via the PowerView App or via two different types of Pebble controls—a Pebble Remote Control or a Pebble Scene Controller.
The PowerView Pebble Remote Control offers a modern alternative to a traditional remote control, allowing you to pre-set and easily operate up to six different groupings of window treatments—either individually or together—with just a press of a button.
The PowerView Pebble Scene Controller features an advanced display screen that lets you conveniently preview and select room scenes—different combinations of shades and shade positions—that you previously programmed using the PowerView App.
Ergonomically designed and beautiful to look at, the PowerView Pebble is available in seven stylish colors to enhance any décor.
You can also wall mount a PowerView Remote or Scene Controller using the PowerView Surface, available in three on-trend colors.
The RemoteConnect™ feature, along with an internet connection, allows you to operate your shades from anywhere in the world, using your smartphone or tablet.
Imagine the convenience of setting up your system, and then not having to worry about manually adjusting your shades at all. Imagine being able to adjust your shades from the office? Or from the hotel? All the daily work of adjusting for time of day, or activities taking place in the room is taken care of.
Clients with health challenges or impairments are provided more accessibility in controlling their window coverings through the use of motorization and automation controls.
Motorized treatments eliminate the control cords on standard treatments that pose a serious risk for children. They ensure child safety adding the element of peace of mind.
And let’s not forget the cool factor, it’s pretty amazing to see these shades operate!
We also have similar functionality from some of our other manufacturers, including Maxxmar and Altex. We have options that include nearly silent motors, and hard-wired systems that never require a battery change! Working with leading edge companies like Somfy and NeoSmart blind control systems there are a world of options to meet the needs or your project.
The future is here, and it’s more affordable than you think! Call us today for more details and your own Shop@Home visit. 613-706-1250