Blinds Chalet Promotes Child Safety

Phoenix, AZ (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 20, 2009 -- Seemingly harmless home furnishings can be a threat to small children. Loop pull cords are only one of the hazards but they have caused the deaths of hundreds of children. Blinds sold after 2001 have mechanisms that secure the inner cord of blinds to prevent tangling in the loops however, for ultimate peace of mind, a number of cordless window coverings have hit the market and are recommended for families with young children.

Roman shades were once considered dangerous as the backside of the shades had a series of loops that developed as the curtains were pulled up. Now cordless Roman shades are available such as the Valencia Cordless light filtering roman shades. Cordless roman shades are available in a wide variety of textures including woven wood, textured linen, suede and satin.

Cellular shades filter light while offering privacy, making them a good choice for children's nurseries and bedrooms. Be sure to request cordless Cellular shade options when ordering. Cordless blinds are also available in top down, bottom up versions to let in views.

If new blinds are cost prohibitive, the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) offers a retrofit kit for older blinds. While WCSC recommends moving cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords, they also instruct parents on how to tie-down cords to the floor or wall so loose cords aren't left dangling.

"It's easy to replace or retrofit blinds," says Jay Ellingson of Blinds Chalet "but there is nothing in the world that can replace a child's life."

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Types of Window Blinds for best window treatments

Window blinds have become a preferred option over curtains and drapes due to their incredible benefits. They offer excellent insulation, greater privacy, and a contemporary styling to the place. Today, you can find an extensive range of horizontal and vertical window blinds in the market and, it is very difficult to select one from such a wide choice. The factors that you should keep in mind while purchasing window blinds are the interiors of the place and your budget. Make sure you make a selection that offers best value for your money. Here is a detail of some of the different types of window blinds available in the market.

• Wood Blinds: Wooden blinds are one of the most popular window blinds and are widely used by people to decorate their windows. The richness of wood and the essence of nature is the secret behind their popularity. Wood blinds are a blend of traditional and contemporary style and look amazingly beautiful. If you have wooden furniture then these will be the best option for you as they will complement with interiors of your place perfectly. Real wood blinds are available in painted and stained finishes and there is an extensive range of colors to choose from. These beautiful window blinds not only enhance the décor of the place but also create a refreshing ambience in the house.

• Faux Wood Blinds: If you are looking for sleek, classy, and practical window covering then faux wood blinds are the best option for you. Faux wood blinds carry the natural beauty of wood blinds and strength and durability of the aluminum blinds. These window blinds are made of high-quality PVC or combination of vinyl and wood. They are popularly used in kitchens and bathrooms because they are moisture and heat resistant. Faux wood blinds are very easy to maintain and are available at very reasonable prices in the market. Faux wood blinds do not warp, crack or split easily. Some of the colors in which these window blinds come are white, eggshell, cherry, oak and dark walnut.

• Aluminum Blinds: If durability is your first choice while purchasing window blinds then you must go for aluminum blinds. They have solid construction as they are made from 6 or 8 gauge aluminum. They provide excellent light control and insulation. Aluminum blinds are light weight, durable, and very economical. Their sleek and shimmery look makes them perfect for business houses with high tech décor. Aluminum blinds provide perfect covering to those large and hard-to-fit windows.

Transparent plastic solar cells fitted into windows

May 8, 2009 8:49 AM PDT

Solar company Konarka has developed a transparent solar cell that it hopes will be built onto electricity-generating windows.

The Lowell, Mass.-based company on Tuesday said it has reached an agreement with Arch Aluminum & Glass to use Konarka's plastic solar cells in building materials, including windows.

Under its Arch Active Solar Glass development, the company has built prototypes of windows with the solar cells between two panes of glass. The photovoltaic cells can be tinted different colors.

"It is energy-efficient and transparent with superior vertical performance and a subtle red, blue or green aesthetic. With these features, BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) will no longer need to be confined to spandrel or overhead applications," Arch CEO Leon Silverstein said in a statement.

Konarka makes organic solar cells made from flexible plastic. Last fall, it opened a factory in Massachusetts to manufacture the cells which come off assembly lines as spools fitted with wires to carry electricity.

The advantage of these flexible cells is that they can be used for a wide range of applications, such as power-generating military tents, portable chargers for electronics, and sensors.

For more information: Transparent plastic solar cells fitted into windows