Perhaps one of the most crucial factors you will consider when selecting a window shade for each window in your house is aesthetic and functionality. While having beautiful window shades is essential, some people often overlook other important factors such as durability and maintenance. Durable window shades ensure that you are set for the long term. They also save you a ton of time, money, and energy on maintenance efforts. We have compiled the following article highlighting the top 5 most durable and functional window shades. Let’s take a look.

Types of Window Shades

Roller Shades

Roller shades are ideal if you care about keeping things neat, clean, and simple because of their basic, uncluttered appearance. They are a terrific alternative to traditional curtains and drapes since they still provide the warm texture of fabric but are generally seen to be easier to clean and maintain than standard fabric versions. They are also extremely practical, allowing for simple retraction for an unobstructed view.

Roller shades take up less space than other shade varieties, which also contributes to their sleek, modern look. Roller shades can also be customized to the look of your home, as they come in different fabrics, colors, and sometimes even patterns.

Like all window shades, the durability of roller shades depends largely on the quality and investment of the shades themselves. While cheap roller shades may tear, quality roller shades such as those from Polar Shades are a great and lasting addition to your home. These shades offer a seamless, classic look, and are easy to adjust.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades are elegant and reasonably priced. They are loved for the warmth they provide to a space and the exceptional light-filtering capacity made possible by their distinctive, honeycomb-style layout. These shades are ideal for families with children and pets due to their straightforward design and snug fit in the window. They don’t come into contact with the ground and are less prone to attract dust.

Cordless Shades

Cordless shades are an excellent choice for various reasons, including their ability to clean with ease and versatility. They are also ideal for environments with kids and pets as they eliminate the chances of choking or strangulation.

There are many different alternatives for cordless shades, from efficient and reasonably priced micro blinds to beautiful solid wood types. Cordless shades also have a low risk of component failure and a low maintenance rating because there are fewer parts. Cordless shades may be automatic or manual, depending on your preference and price range. Whichever you choose, these shades are easily retractable.

Wood Blinds

Wood blinds are the best option for durability and cleaning convenience since they are beautiful and natural. Basswood blinds, in particular, are extremely durable since they don’t show any symptoms of fading, chipping, or warping.

Roman Shades

Roman shades give every window a cozy, timeless aesthetic. They have a flat piece of cloth that uses a string to raise accordion-style. These shades require very little upkeep and are simple to clean and maintain. They are also great for giving a sophisticated, elegant appearance with the design aesthetic of fabric window shades, but without the drooping or dust-gathering difficulties that come with draperies.

Combination Shades

It is also possible to enjoy the benefits of different types of window shades by purchasing a combination window shade system. Companies like Polar Shades in Las Vegas, NV, maximize benefits of some of the most durable window shades by combining qualities of different types of shades to result in an incredibly durable and high-quality shade. One such shade is a cordless roller shade, which rolls up and offers a clean, sleek appearance, elevated even more by the absence of the standard shade cords. Polar Shades also offers a type of combination shade called a ‘duo shade’, which allows customers to use 2 different types of shades according to their needs and preferences, and includes both a blackout shade and a sheer shade from one mounting. This shade provides the highest level of functionality from a window treatment, allowing customers to enjoy the controlled sunlight through the sheer shade or complete darkness from the blackout shade.

Enjoy Quality Guarantee With Our Durable Window Shades

When it comes to window shades, price is not always a reliable measure of durability. Customized designer curtains may cost thousands of dollars and require frequent maintenance. You can, however, get a pair of durable window shades for a much lower price and worry less about maintenance.

Polar Shades has provided durable shades for over 20 years. Although we’re dedicated to giving our clients high-quality window shades, we are also aware that some window shades are more robust and resilient to harsh circumstances than others. Aesthetics and utility don’t have to be pricey, especially when you purchase Polar Shades. Contact our team today and get durable window shades.

Motorized shades are a great way to utilize modern-day technology in your home. We use technology to simplify many aspects of our life- texting, vacuuming, using kitchen appliances, and even the device you’re reading this blog from! Technology is evolving to assist our everyday tasks, so why not implement technology to help you manage the natural light and privacy of your home?

Below we have outlined some of the most important things to know about motorized shades for your home, including durability, available systems, and more!

What Are Motorized Shades?

Motorized shades are window treatment systems made of a durable fabric that roll up for a sleek, clean look. They appeal to the tech-home industry and meet the increasing popularity of automated home systems, such as smart home locks, voice-controlled lighting and audio, and other automated systems.

Motorized shades, as suggested by the name, are easily retractable via their motorized system. This system is controlled by the click of a button or by a sensor, or even by a combination of the two. Whether you want your motorized shades to be controlled based on the sunlight or your personal preferences, there is a system for you!

What types of Sensors are Available for Motorized Shades?

There are several different types of sensors available for motorized outdoor shades. These include different types of sun, wind, and combination sensors. Some sensors must be wired with your shades, while others are wireless. These sensors use radio, vibration, and other technologies to determine when the appropriate time is to raise and lower your shades. These sensors are particularly appealing in areas like Las Vegas, where the sun shines over 300 days a year on average and winds can often reach 15-20 miles per hour in certain parts valley.

Why Choose Motorized Shades?

Motorized shades are appealing to people looking for ease and convenience with regard to their home systems. We’ve discussed how motorized shades are a great fit for those looking to take advantage of technology in their homes, however, motorized shades have many other benefits, as well.

Motorized shades retract via a motor, which allows for the shades to last even longer due to less user error than occurs with manual roller shades. If used correctly, the motorized system will keep your shades in tip-top shape. When there are heavy winds, sensors help your shades to know when to retract, protecting them from damages that would otherwise occur due to these heavy gusts of wind.

The sun sensors on automatic shades also help to protect your furniture from the sun. Sun shining through the windows of your home can commonly cause fading of your furniture, so utilizing this feature will help to prevent unnecessary wear and save you money on new furniture.

Contact Polar Shades Today About Motorized Shades for Your Home!

At Polar Shades, we have led the industry in producing technologically-savvy motorized outdoor shades since 1995. We have pioneered systems that have simplified one of people’s everyday tasks. Whether you are looking to display unobstructed views of the great outdoors, dim your living space, or maintain the privacy of your home, Polar Shades offers electronic & automated window shades that are perfect for your space.

As you consider shopping for blinds or shades, you may be stuck trying to figure out the differences between the two. How do you pick the right window covering, and what pros and cons do each have? Basically, blinds and shades both offer a unique yet personalized look to any built structure. They are available in different styles, allowing you to pick one that meets your needs. Here are the factors that can help narrow down your choice.

1. Design

Blinds are designed in a slat-like manner that makes them easy to move and control. You can adjust them to open or close at certain portions. It’s also possible to raise or lower the blinds to let light in a room.

On the other hand, shades are soft window treatments built with softer textiles to fit snugly into a window and neatly roll up at the top. You can roll them up using a chain or motorized system. Roller shades are often more ‘clean-looking’ than blinds. Because of the design of blinds, there are often hanging cords or visible slats, even when retracted. However, because roller shades roll up when retracted, you are left with a less obstructed view and a less cluttered window treatment.

In terms of installation, both blinds and shades require accurate measurements to fit correctly. It’s therefore important to hire a professional for this task.

2. Durability and Maintenance

Blinds made of aluminum and vinyl are not durable, unlike those made of wood. Unlike most blinds, shades are naturally durable since they are built from a fabric material.

It’s easier to wipe down or remove residues or dust on blinds. However, you shouldn’t consider them if you have allergies since the slats tend to accumulate dust and dirt. Shades just need to be wiped down with a wet sponge if dusting or cleaning is needed.

A common misconception in the debate between blinds and shades is that blinds are more durable than shades. While blinds may be built from a physically harder material, the factor that plays the largest role in the durability of window treatments is the quality of the material. Cheap roller shades can tear, and cheap blinds can break or malfunction. However, when you invest in quality window shades, such as a roller shade system from Polar Shades, you are guaranteed to enjoy long-lasting and durable window treatments.

3. Versatility and Other Benefits

Blinds and shades share some similar benefits when compared with a bare window frame. Both blinds and shades, when closed, help to better insulate living spaces. Blinds and shades can assist in the climate control of a home, whether that is keeping the home cool in the summer, or keeping the home warm in the winter. In addition, when closed, both blinds and shades help to protect furniture from fading and aging in the sun. This is particularly useful with wood or leather furniture, or in places where the sun shines more, like in Las Vegas.

Blinds and shades are also helpful for maintaining privacy. In Las Vegas, many homes are built close together or are visible from other properties due to the lack of tall-growing trees and relatively flat landscape of the valley. If you live in a place like this where you have neighbors living close or would like increased privacy in your home for other reasons, choosing an effective blind or shade system is important, such as shades from Polar Shades in Las Vegas.

The functionality of blinds and shades is also important. While blinds are typically manually-retracted, meaning you have to retract the blinds yourself, you can purchase both manual and automatic roller shades. Roller shades are typically considered to be easier to retract because of their mechanics, regardless of whether they are automatic or manual.

Looking for High-Quality Window Shades?

We hope this guide settles the blinds vs shades debate that people have when choosing window coverings. Count on Polar Shades Sun Control for the finest quality window shades with the best warranty at a cost-effective price. Get a customized quote for interior and exterior sun shades today.

It’s no secret that furniture is often expensive and difficult to move, making most people’s ideal furniture pieces that are quality and long-lasting. In addition to purchasing quality furniture in the first place, there are several things you can do to increase the longevity of your furniture and keep it in top-notch condition until you are ready to replace it.

Tighten Screws & Repair Broken Parts

When furniture such as tables and chairs are used regularly, they are prone to loosened screws, which can lead to them being wobbly and eventually, becoming damaged. Regularly tightening the screws on your furniture is a great way to prevent damage to your pieces. If you don’t have time to tighten screws or fix damage immediately, be sure to store the piece of furniture away and out of commission until you are able to repair it to prevent further damage to the piece.

Polish, Clean, and Dust

Keeping your furniture clean is a surefire way to ensure longevity, however, improper cleaning methods can lead to residues and can actually wear down your furniture. Investing in quality microfiber cloths and soft brush vacuum attachments are a great place to start for gentle, yet effective cleaning methods. Click here for a great guide to cleaning different furniture materials.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Especially in sunny climates like Las Vegas, sun damage can be one of the biggest contributors to irreversible damage to your furniture. One way to prevent the damage done by the sun’s harmful UV rays is to install quality retractable solar shades to your home’s windows. Shade companies such as Polar Shades offer so many options available to customize these window treatments to your precise needs and preferences, protecting your furniture in a tailored way. Polar Shades offers both manual and automatic window shades options to provide convenience and accessibility. You certainly don’t have to sacrifice style and ease for this great hack.

Set House Guidelines

Setting house rules with regard to the treatment and upkeep of your furniture might seem
stringent, but will save you money and hassle in the long run. Ensure children understand not to jump on or use permanent markers on your quality furniture. Set guidelines for eating and drinking on fabric furniture.. Train pets to not chew on or tear furniture, or keep pets away from furniture they might scratch or otherwise damage. Setting rules can be tricky in the first place, but can be a saving grace from preventable damage to your furniture.

Follow Proper Upkeep

These are just a few ways to ensure that your furniture remains in good condition for the duration of its life in your home. When possible, research other methods of furniture upkeep, such as professional cleaning, purchasing furniture warranty plans, and other strategies.

If you are looking to protect your furniture from sun damage, which is so common in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact Polar Shades today! The expert team at Polar Shades can help you to create a customized window treatment plan, such as retractable sun shades, for your home that will save you time, money, and effort, and protect your furniture from the sun!

Solar shades come in many varieties, so you can always find what meets your needs, budget, and style. One of the factors that creates a significant difference when choosing solar shades for your windows is the openness factor, which ranges from 1% to 15%. It refers to how tight the weaves of the solar shades are during their construction and the amount of visibility the shades offer.

A high percentage of openness means the weaves are significantly loose and allow more light. On the other hand, a low openness percentage (0-1%) means the shades are woven tightly together for more privacy and less light penetration.

This article discusses the advantages of choosing high openness solar shades to help you make the right choice for your windows.

1. Unobstructed View

Solar shades with a high openness factor have very loose weaves and low opacity. They are easy to see through and offer a less obstructed view of the outdoors. If you are looking for solar shades for your windows overlooking the garden or scenes that you would love to watch from the inside, consider more than 3% openness solar shades.

2. More Natural Light

It is no doubt that natural light can lower your energy bills, enhance the colors in your spaces, and make your rooms look more airy and spacious. Solar shades with a high openness factor allow the most natural light into your room to keep it bright and lighten the mood. You also enjoy the healthy benefits of sunlight as you can get the Vitamin D you need without going outside.

3. Protection from Harmful Sun Rays

Despite the high visibility, high openness solar shades provide the protection you need
against the sun’s glare and harmful UV rays. The shades can successfully block 90% of the harmful UV rays and glare, keeping you comfortable and productive. Also, you don’t have to worry about your property, like furniture and fabrics, fading and experiencing sun damage.

4. Minimalistic Design and Easy to Install

You don’t have to contact a professional to set up and operate your solar shades. Most times, the only hardware you have to deal with is the metal or aluminum roller you use to manage the solar shades. They are also minimalistic, and you can install them inside or outside your windows. Doing so leaves you enough space to keep your room as uncluttered as possible or a place for your furniture and other items.

Remember, the color of your solar shades can also affect light penetration and visibility. Darker colors absorb light and provide more shade and a blackout effect than their lighter counterparts.

If you feel more than 3% openness solar shades are the right fit for your needs, don’t hesitate to contact Polar Shades. We provide high-quality solar shades in Las Vegas to fit your preference.