Atlanta Window Coverings Archives - Page 2 of 2

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Standard for Custom Window Coverings

Written by mcampbell on November 3, 2022. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — In an effort to reduce the risk of strangulation deaths and serious life-threatening injuries to children from corded window coverings, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted today, by a vote of 4 to 0, to approve a new federal safety standard for operating cords on custom window coverings. Custom window coverings include shades, blinds, curtains, drapery or other cord-operated products, created to a consumer’s specifications. The Commission also approved a new federal safety rule that added non-compliant window covering cords to CPSC’s substantial product hazard list.

Young children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords or any other accessible cords longer than 8 inches on window coverings. On average, about nine children under 5 years of age die every year from strangling in window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords, according to CPSC’s latest data.

The new rules address the risk of strangulation deaths and injuries to children 8 years old and younger on all types of window cords:

Custom window coverings: The new mandatory consumer product safety standard establishes performance requirements for safe operation of custom window coverings. The products subject to the new standard present an unreasonable risk of injury. Less stringent measures have historically been ineffective in addressing the risk of strangulation. The new rule goes into effect 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Stock and custom window coverings: The rule deems the presence of hazardous operating cords and inner cords on stock window coverings, and hazardous inner cords on custom window coverings, to be a substantial product hazard. The new federal safety rule incorporates the most recent voluntary standard developed for window coverings, ANSI/WCMA A100.1 – 2018, American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products (ANSI/WCMA-2018). This rule goes into effect 30 days after publication in the Federal Register for window covering products manufactured after that date.

CPSC urges consumers to choose cordless window coverings, which are the safest option for children. For more information, visit CPSC’s Window Covering Safety Education Center.

CPSC Commissioner Statements:

Chair Alexander Hoehn-Saric Statement

Commissioner Richard Trumka Statement

Commissioner Mary T. Boyle Statement

About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of injuries associated with consumer products over the past 50 years.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.

For lifesaving information:
– Visit CPSC.gov.
– Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts.
– Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
– Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
– Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 301-595-7054).
– Contact a media specialist.

Release Number: 23-029

SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Child Safe Window Coverings - Atlanta, GA

What You Need To Know About Window Coverings & Child Safety

Written by admat on November 6, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Child Safety.

According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), a child between the ages of 7 months and 10 years old dies each month from window cord strangulation. Additional children suffer from the injuries of near strangulation.

How Safe Are Your Window Treatments?

Ways strangulation can occur:

Place their heads through a dangling cord loop.
Wrap a single long pull cord around their neck.
Pull out and play with the inner cords of the window blind.

Child Safety Above All

The window covering industry has worked closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), industry stakeholders and others to develop strong voluntary corded window covering safety standards to mitigate risk and protect consumers. In fact, the current U.S. safety standard is recognized as the most stringent in the world.
The window covering industry, federal officials and Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta all agree that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords should be used in homes with infants or young children.
The industry has invested millions of dollars to develop technology that has resulted in a wide platform of cordless products and products with inaccessible cords. Today, just about every product category on the market is offered with cordless or inaccessible cord options.
The industry has invested additional millions of dollars to develop, promote and distribute child-safety education and awareness materials at point-of-sale, online and in digital and social media campaigns.
We firmly believe that even one child fatality is one too many. We also believe that new product development and increased consumer education is working, as the number of fatalities has declined dramatically over the last five years.

Keep Kids Safe Around Window Coverings

Keep cords and chains far out of reach of children.
- This includes the ladder and lift cords running through the blind slats which young children can pull out and quickly become entangled.
Never tie, loop, or knot cords together.
- Ideally, completely cordless window treatments are best especially in rooms where young children and pets are likely to spend a lot of time.
Make sure blinds & shades are properly installed.
- Read all instructions provided by the window blind manufacturer and make sure the window treatment is installed securely.
Children should never play with window treatments.
- Never allow children or pets to play with or chew on window treatments. Teach them early on to stay away from the window blinds.
Keep children & pets away from windows.
- Move furniture and toys that children could climb on away from windows. Never place cribs, playpens, or children’s beds near windows and window treatments.
Check child’s caregiver’s window treatments.
- Make sure your child is safe when they’re under someone else’s supervision. Share your concerns and verify that your child’s caregiver has taken steps to ensure safety.
Eliminate dangling cords and secure them out of the reach of young children and pets.
- The Window Covering Safety Council recommends that if at all possible upgrade to only cordless window coverings in homes where infants and young children are present. Sometimes replacing every window treatment simply isn’t an option. However, installing safety tassels and securing cords out of reach is a safer alternative to dangling cords.

Child Safety is a very important focus at Peachtree Blinds. We will work closely with you to make sure your child has a safe, worry free environment. If you would like assistance making your window treatments safe please give us a call at 770-664-0027. Together we can educate others and save lives.

Window Treatments for Uniquely Shaped Windows

Written by admat on October 26, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Treatments.

Large and uncommonly shaped windows bring a unique look into your home. These windows allow maximum natural light and, in many cases, added ventilation, making them a valuable addition to any room. However, there is one challenge that uniquely shaped or exceptionally large windows present. Finding window treatments to fit these windows can be difficult and expensive. At Modernize, we know curtains are an important aspect of completing the style of your home. In addition to this, window coverings can block drafts during the winter and the heat from the sun during the summer, increasing the energy efficiency of your home. Continue reading for five window treatments that you can use for your uniquely shaped windows.

Custom Atlanta plantation shutters

Plantation Shutters

Shutters from Peachtree Blinds can be custom made from real wood components to perfectly fit the special shape windows in your home including arch-top windows. Additionally, the bi-pass shutter tracks allow for use of plantation shutters for large windows and doors. These shutters allow for maximum control of light in privacy and are easily operated to open or close.

Window Tint or Window Film

Covering large or uniquely shaped windows provides a unique problem of blocking light from entering the home. Window tint or film can be cut custom to fit your window, and it blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering your home. Known for reducing energy costs by up to 40 percent and providing added security, window tint is become the standard in new home construction.

Custom Drapes

Drapes serve two purposes in every home. First, they block out light, increasing energy efficiency and protecting you from UV rays. Secondly, they provided an aesthetically beautiful and customizable look for your home. Custom-made drapes from PeachTree Blinds can be created to fit the unique windows in your home.

Remote Controlled Shades Atlanta

Custom Panels

Panels hang from above your window, straight to the floor. Their uniquely uniform shape allows them to be placed strategically to cover windows of all shapes and sizes. When panels are not being used, they can be pulled to the side and secured, allowing for light to enter the home. Custom panels can be created from various textiles, allowing you control of the design and light block capacity of the fabric.

Motorized Window Treatments

In many homes, large windows are difficult to cover and overcover because of the size of the window treatments. Motorized window treatments are easy to use, darkening a room or allowing light in with the push of a button. The motorized window treatments at Peachtree can be customized to fit various window sizes.

Finding the perfect window treatments for your special shape or large windows is possible, you simply need to exercise a little creative and know exactly where to look. We love Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta because of their versatile inventory of window coverings and the assistance they provide in their free shop-at-home appointments. While a do-it-yourself window treatment may be possible, the ease and time-savings provided by a professional installer can’t be beat.

*Mary Sauer is a writer for Modernize.com a home improvement website based out of Austin, Texas that focuses on design ideas.

Professional Made Curtains, Atlanta Georgia

Add That WOW Factor To Your Atlanta Home’s Interior With Professional Window Treatments

Written by admat on May 8, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Interior Design, Window Treatments.

Window treatments are easily overlooked yet they are an important part of any interior scheme. Not only can they add interest and texture, but they can also help regulate the temperature of your home. Tailored styles of window treatments work well in larger rooms and formal settings. These more structured designs will often feature valances that cover the poles or tracks and can be covered in matching or contrasting material.

Other formal styles add details such as swags and tails or pole drapery which add richness and flourish to the design.

An Atlanta professional curtain maker will ensure a crisp and neatly tailored design, whatever the style and dimensions of the window. If you are looking for a softer, more relaxed look, layered curtains are a huge trend now. Sheer or lightweight fabrics in varying tones or contrasting colors provide warmth, softening the light as it enters the space while keeping the overall appearance light and airy. This style is also a great way to mix prints in to your room without overwhelming your scheme.

When hanging a layered window treatment, it is important to invest in a multi-channel track or multi-rod curtain rail so that there is not too much bulk at the top of the window. Layered looks are easily achieved with ready-made curtains from the shop shelf.

When choosing fabric for your window treatment, it is also important to consider how much light enters the room. Lighter colors are generally more resilient to sun damage, but will benefit from blackout lining if used in bedrooms so that you can darken the room for sleep. If your room gets a lot of sun, lining the curtains will also help them to last longer, and will help to regulate the temperature within your home. Lined curtains help to keep the sun out in the summer while keeping the warmth in during the winter months.

Another option is wooden shutters. Not only are they the perfect choice for the allergy prone as they are easy to wipe clean, there is also a huge range of styles suitable for any type of home. These range from solid panels to louvered blades and half-height, cafe-style shutters that are a great option for privacy while allowing maximum sunlight to flow into the room. A great tip is to choose a slightly thicker louvered blade because these are great for the Atlanta climate as they let in more air and block out the hot sunlight.

How To Clean Your Blinds and Shades

Written by admat on April 6, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Roman Shades, Window Blinds, Window Treatments.

Dusting your shades and blinds is not a fun chore to do and you probably do not attempt it very often. Many times window treatments do not get cleaned because homeowners are not quite sure what to use or how to clean them. But it really only takes around 30 minutes to an hours, depending upon number of windows, to clear your conscience and your view. Below is a list of common window coverings and how best to clean them. *Important Note: for shades with delicate fabrics such as silk, you should contact the manufacturer for instructions on proper cleaning. A professional cleaner may be needed in this case.

Faux and Wood Blinds

Faux-wood blinds are one of the most popular types of window coverings. If your faux-wood blinds are just dusty, using a vacuum with a dust brush attachment can make cleaning them a breeze. Simply close the blinds all the way, hold the bottom rail, vacuum one side, then turn the blinds the other way and vacuum the other side. When using the vacuum, make sure that the suction is on its lightest setting to avoid twisting or warping the slats. Handheld dusters like a Swiffer can also be effective here.

If your faux-wood blinds are in the kitchen however, they may have collected some grease and grime in addition to dust. This calls for a bit more thorough cleaning, but nothing that can’t be handled with some good ol’ white vinegar. Simply fill a small bowl with a mixture of one part vinegar and one part water, and then use a clean sock or microfiber cloth to dip in the bowl. Turn the blinds one way and wipe them while holding the bottom rail, then turn them the other way and clean the other side. The vinegar will take care of the grease and grime, and your blinds will be looking as clean as the day they were put up!

Most wood blinds are treated with a special finish to repel dirt and stains. Wood blinds can be cleaned with a good quality furniture polish and a soft cloth or clean sock. Spray the furniture polish on the cloth and wipe each slat individually. Avoid touching the cords.

For heavier cleaning, you can use plain water, but be careful not to saturate the wood. Wipe excess water immediately to prevent spotting, discoloration, or warping.

Insulating Blinds

Dust these with a hand-held vacuum brush on a low setting and spot-treat dirty areas with lukewarm water and a mild dish detergent. Dab, don’t rub, the fabric.

Panel Track Shades

These durable panels for large windows or doors are low-maintenance. Just glide your vacuum dust-brush tool over the panels to keep them fresh.

Roller shades

Roller shades now comes in a wide range of textures and fabrics. Give them a quick once-over with your vacuum’s soft brush tool and maybe a little spot cleaning. To clean classic vinyl roller shades, use a well-wrung cloth or sponge dipped in a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water and wipe the shade in sections. Start at the bottom, and continue working (washing and rinsing) upward until the entire shade is clean. Leave the shade fully extended to dry.

You can also give really dingy vinyl shades a bath. Cover them in warm water in the bathtub and add several squirts of mild dishwashing soap. Using a soft brush, clean the shades on both sides. Rinse, allow to air-dry, and re-hang.

Cellular Shades (honeycombs)

Cellular shade window treatments are a hot pick for their energy efficiency, but they have a secret cleaning advantage, too. Just use the dusting tool on your vacuum. Give them a once-over on low suction, and you’re done. After dusting, most stains can be lightly blotted with a sponge, lukewarm water, and mild dish detergent.

Roman shades

Roman shades, whether they’re flat, pleated, or draped with swags need to be cleaned with your vacuum’s soft dusting brush attachment on low suction. If necessary, spot-clean any stains with a cloth dipped in mild suds. Do not saturate; rinse and blot dry.

Sheer shades

Sheer shades can be adjusted to diffuse the light. These trendy translucent window shadings look delicate but are fashioned from sturdy, knitted polyester. Vacuum with the brush attachment on the lowest suction setting.

Window Treatments & Energy Efficiency – Atlanta, Georgia

Written by admat on March 30, 2015. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Treatments.

Windows have a huge impact on how our homes look, feel and function, so we want to get them right. But even the best windows have a hard time doing everything we want them to do — let in light and views, keep out the cold, etc. Happily, homeowners can make their windows perform better by choosing energy-efficient window treatments such as insulated curtains and blinds.

You can find some great solutions for how to make windows more energy-efficient, and your home more comfortable, without spending a lot of money. You can even make some insulated window coverings yourself.

Windows are often described as “holes in the wall” for good reason. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that windows typically account for 25 percent of annual heating and cooling costs in older houses, and can even be responsible for as much as 40 percent.

Even those of us whose homes have high-performance windows want them to work better. “It doesn’t matter whether you get the best window in the world. The first thing that anybody is going to do is change the way it works,” says Peter Yost, vice president for technical services at the publisher BuildingGreen. These changes take place with the addition of blinds, insulated shades, thermal curtains or other coverings.

So how do we make window treatments work for us, and still be efficient? To get the most out of our windows, we need them to be adjustable. Depending on the season and time of day, we may want to let in as much light, heat, fresh air and view as possible, or do our best to keep those things out, in the name of comfort, energy efficiency and privacy.

Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta has a complete range of energy-efficient, adjustable window treatments such as roman shades, plantation shutters and blinds and custom draperies. We are the home for Atlanta Hunter Douglas products.

Motorized Screen and Solar Shade Anti-Blocking Systems (ABS)

Written by admat on October 16, 2014. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Home Automation, Motorized Screens.

Motorized Retractable Solar Screen Installer, Atlanta, Georgia Motorized solar screens and solar shades offer a modern look with practical, energy-efficient benefits. They also provide instant privacy and allow for easy access to hard to reach window coverings. Motorized solar screens and shades absorb heat and reduce glare all while having a quite striking appearance on your house or business.

Combine solar screens and shades with a state of the art, high-tech, Somfy motor system and you can enjoy a home automation experience that not long ago, was financially out of reach. Smart homes which have long been portrayed as a popular concept are fast becoming a reality. With the push of a button located on the wall, a remote control, or your mobile phone you can operate these motorized screens and solar shades with ease. You can also operate these screens and shades from your vacation spot via the Internet or have them setup to open and close on a schedule.

Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta has worked closely with Somfy motor systems for years to provide you with the best solar screen and solar shade motors available. Somfy motors is a world leader in specialized motors and control systems for exterior screens and solar shades, rolling shutters, interior shades, blinds, retractable awnings, and projection screens for commercial and residential. Somfy shares Peachtree Blinds’ reputation as a service orientated manufacturer and together we provide a quality and service for our customers that is unsurpassed by any other exterior screen and shade company.

Braking System for Electric Retractable Screens Somfy motors latest development is the anti-blocking system (ABS) wheel. This (ABS) wheel was development for new and existing motorized zip screen applications. It works by detecting obstacles in the track or path of screen operation and stops the motor within .5 seconds avoiding fabric unroll, a zip that falls out of its track or guide, or any other damage to the screen system. This safety feature also protects children and the customer’s belongings.

This new anti-blocking system is compatible with the 400 and 500 series motors and is easy to install. Contact your professional Atlanta Motorized Solar Screen Installer today to discuss adding this feature to your existing screen system or to find out more about the vast benefits of installing motorized solar screens and shades! (770) 664-0027

Choose Quality When Purchasing Window Blinds for Your Atlanta Home

Written by admat on September 1, 2014. Posted in Atlanta Window Coverings, Window Blinds, Window Treatments.

In the minds of many consumers, all blinds are created equal. To these individuals, blinds are blinds. Why bother worrying about who makes them? Who cares where they come from in the end? If you feel this way, you may want to rethink your stance. There are quality blinds, and there are flimsy and cheap blinds. Do you want something that looks good and lasts for years? Blinds made with care are the answer.

Custom Blinds Have a Longer Life than Mass-Produced Blinds

Blinds, Woodstock, Georgia You can get blinds at your local hardware store – but are you getting the best deal? Cheaper blinds may be a relief for your monthly budget, but these blinds end up costing you more in the long run. They break easily, suffer from yellowing, and warp. If your household has pets and kids, this is something to keep in mind. Consider the UV rating of blinds you want to purchase. Quality blinds made of faux wood have a 500 hour rating or greater. Feeble Chinese blinds fall short of this.

You Get More Options with Quality Blinds

When you buy custom blinds for your Atlanta home, you get something tailored to the unique needs of your home. You don’t get exactly what you want with generic blinds. You may end up with blinds that don’t fit the window properly and require labor-intensive alterations. Some material options available for blinds include faux wood, real wood, aluminum, and vinyl. Each has their positives and negatives. For example, real wood looks attractive but needs special care. If you have a theme in mind for a room, it’s possible to get quality blinds in a color that compliments it. It’s up to you and what you want to achieve. Out of the box blinds limit your choices. They leave you up a creek if you don’t like what you see at the store.

Privacy Is Always Intact

Wooden Blinds, Woodstock Cheap, light blinds make it easy for people to see the inside of your home. Slats may fall off if someone pulls at them. If you have a cat, he may put his head through the blinds and leave them stuck in an open position. When you lift the blinds, it may be difficult to lower them at a later time. If you have possessions that you wish to keep hidden, this is a hazard. Quality blinds made in the USA make it painless to keep everything you love away from prying eyes. Their structure ensures stability and durability. Give your family more control over their environment.

Still think all blinds are the same? When push comes to shove, quality blinds give you more for your money. They offer you style, comfort, and appeal. Contact Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta to find out what you can do to get blinds customized to all your needs and will last.