OK, generally rental units and kids play areas should be considered two different topics. But not when it comes to blinds. I've seen many "How in the world did that happen?" situations. Kids can at times be fairly rough on your window treatments. Some like to color on them, bend them, pull the cords and all kinds of other fun stuff. And likewise with Rentals, occupants generally don’t have the ‘care’ quality in them at that time. Consider durability, what punishments will the fabric take; and is the blind easily cleaned/ repaired. Or is the blind just designed as a throw away when it is slightly abused, so you have to re-shop for a replacement when a more robust product would get by with a simple scrub or replacement part. Beware a lot of cheap blinds are non repairable, they’re designed to throw away at the slightest break or soiling. Scotch- guarded and sanitized fabrics can be invaluable.
Ask your Burns for Blinds consultant how easy it is to repair a Burns for Blinds product compared to many others on the market.
Recommendations
Remember that children love to play and long drapes can be a tempting plaything for them as well as pets. They will grab anything in sight and it may be better to go with wood blinds or shades, such as “whispers” that will stay off the floor or at least hang high enough out of a child's reach. ”Whispers” are great as they are top-down bottom-up shades, which will also increase your privacy and let you control the height of your blinds from either direction. High-end window treatments can be ordered with many options, including light sensitive and remote control operation. If you decide on transparent shades remember that they offer restrictive privacy, but will still cut the UV rays and glare considerably. They work like a regular roller shade and are made from spun polyester. If you are equipping a baby's room with vertical blinds, will you need light-blockout? Will you need controls to be short and fastened back to the wall? Roller shutters are great in that they solve all these issues in one. Go to Roller Shutters.
Here are the DO's:
- Polyester Roller Blinds
These are real easy to care for. Just use a damp cloth with nothing stronger than dishwashing detergent to wipe away those annoying marks - Sunscreen Blinds
Pretty much the same as the polyester Roller Blinds. A little more expensive but what price do you place on retaining your view? The ability to have your view while the shade is down gives you the best of both worlds. - Polyester Vertical Blinds
Same matching fabric as roller blinds but with the added advantage of light sun reflection control. Sometimes these blinds can be shared because of matching fabrics.
Here are the DON'Ts:
- Aluminum Slimline Venetians
The metal slats, come in different thicknesses, some crowned or curved for superior closure. Don’t buy thin gauged slats if you want to help prevent creasing I’m sure you’ve seen them at the local surgery accountants. Ask your Burns for BLIND consultant for the necessary tips in purchasing the correct Venetian for your application. - Sheer Verticals & Cellular Blinds
Any drapery or sheer type fabric not scotch-guarded, may stain and this means the whole window treatment needs removing and professionally cleaned. - Timber Shutters & Venetians
One of the most beautiful products you could put on a window, but not the best in areas that may take a beating. The price to replace slats can add up real fast. Cedar slats in particular are very soft wood and easily dented and bruised. Try a basswood hardwood; this will take far more abuse without showing the telltale signs.
Hope this information was helpful. If you ever have a question as to what may work best in your particular application don't hesitate to call one of the window treatment professionals in customer service at Burns for Blinds – Ph: 8131 3333.
