Privacy

Privacy, is by all accounts, high on most peoples' 'needs' list when it comes to purchasing window coverings. It is, however, the degree of privacy and one's definition of privacy that ultimately plays into the equation. For example, products constructed from a sheer or semi-sheer fabric may satisfy daytime privacy requirements but do nothing for nighttime privacy.

Another example would be satisfying privacy concerns for ground level windows. Products that would normally be considered 'very private' in normal circumstances, may not provide enough on accessible ground level windows.

Light Control

Besides the actual aesthetics of the window treatment you select, light control is probably the second most important visual aspect of your purchase that influences the mood, look and feel of your home. Filtering light, redirecting light, blocking out light, all change a room's presence and, ultimately, mood.

Consider horizontal or vertical blinds - you can redirect the light or change the complexion of a room by rotating or tilting the slats or louvers.

Safety

When it comes to your home or work place, the importance of safety should never be overlooked. Especially when it comes to infants, small children and pets, the issue of blind cord safety on window coverings should be taken seriously. It is a fact that every year about 50 children in the U.S. are injured or killed by strangulation involving window-covering cords. That's fifty too many!

Virtually all Abbey and Graber products provide standard or optional safety features, though some offer more than others.

Convenience

Sometimes overlooked when selecting window treatments are the many options that are available to operate and control your blinds or shades. Even location of the controls is something that should well thought out. For example, with 2" horizontal blinds you have the option of either a tilt wand to operate the blind slats or a cord tilt. Both have their advantages, however, if one chooses a cord tilt and requests it to be on the same side as the lift cord, there will be a greater chance of both cords tangling with one another.

Most products also offer a continuous loop control. This option is ideal for locations where it is desirable not to contend with lift cords when the blind or shade is raised. The continuous loop cord remains at the same level no matter the position of the blind. Cordless blinds and shades also offer incredible convenience and peace of mind when it comes to safety and small children.

Energy Efficiency

One point that almost never is entered into the equation when purchasing window coverings is the payback in terms of energy savings. Since most window covering purchases are made based on privacy, light control and esthetic needs, little attention is placed on the fact that the window treatment you purchase, will, in fact, pay for itself in energy savings over the span of a few years. That, in itself, becomes a great motivator for many, when it comes to purchasing window coverings, especially with energy costs forever rising.

These energy savings can be realized both in the summer, keeping heat out, and during the winter keeping heat in and cold out.

Maintenance

All Abbey and Graber products are engineered and manufactured to endure for many, many years. In order that your blinds and shades remain looking as good as the day they were purchased, a little regular maintenance combined with proper treatment and care is all that's needed to ensure a long life.

Like anything with moving parts, wear is an inherent property. Blind and shade cords can last a very long time if they are operated as shown in the instructions. Regular dusting and vacuuming of your blinds and shades reduces dirt and dust buildup and is paramount in keeping your blinds looking their best.

UV Protection

These days there is a lot of attention and emphasis on harm from the sun. Slapping on a UV protection sun screen on our bodies has become, more or less, a way of life for many of us. As harmful as the sun is to our skin, it is equally as harmful to our homes and contents. So when it comes to window coverings, think of them as sun screen for your home.

Virtually every Abbey and Graber product filters out at least 75% of the sun's harmful UV rays when closed over double-glazed glass windows. Many products provide even greater protection, up to 99% when closed. Some of the very popular sun control products available offer detailed specifications that include UV protection and openness factors that are important to know when selecting the treatment that's right for you.

Window Shape

Angles, arches, skylights. These are just but a few of the challenging type windows one comes across when it comes to addressing the window covering requirements for anything but the square window. And with the greater appreciation for design, more and more windows are requiring such specialties.

Abbey and Graber offer an array of specialties in practically every product category that can satisfy these challenging windows. The advantage to this is that one is not dictated by one unique window on what to put on the rest of the windows in the home.

Sound Absorption

Abbey offers an array of product that is ideally suited to help reduce noise, both from inside your home and out. For example, because of their construction, CrystalPleat cellular shades offer excellent sound absorption. Similarly, because of their fabric construction, both Fresco and Tradewinds roman shades provide noise dampening that will reduce both inside and outside noise. Such products are all good candidates for large rooms with non-carpeted floors that create a lot of reverberation and echoes.

For rooms that may face a busy street where traffic noise is a concern, good double or triple-paned windows along with a fabric shade, such as those mentioned, will definitely take the edge off the noise intensity.

Budget

When it comes to purchasing window coverings for your home, there's a good chance you'll have a budget or at least an idea what you can afford or want to spend. Sometimes, however, it makes more sense to ask a few simple questions that may dictate a different outlook on budget. For example, maybe you're just starting a family and know you will soon outgrow the home your in. It then may make sense to choose a window treatment, such as wood blinds that offers an appeal to prospective purchasers when it comes time to upsize.

With young children, who can definitely put a home to it's test, upgrading to more durable products such as shutters may, in the long run, be the most economical way to go.

With rental properties, it's been proven, the nicer the interior decor (and window coverings), the greater the appeal to the more discerning tenant. And of course, the more discerning the tenant, the more care made to the property.