Today I want to talk about something you might not have given a lot of thought to, window treatment components. Industry jargon can leave you feeling confused or even lead to making a choice you later regret. It’s important to understand the terminology when it comes time to purchase your new window treatments, so let’s dive in to see what some of your options are!
Continuous Cord Loop
Continuous cord loop window treatments operate using a cord attached to a pulley. Unlike standard lift cords, a continuous cord loop lift loops or returns to the headrail, creating one endless cord. The benefit of course is there is not a longer cord when the blind or shade is open.
Cordless
Window treatments that are considered cordless, have no visible cord for raising or lowering the blind or shade. The cord is inside the window treatment and the headrail, and the treatment is operated by raising or lowering the treatment manually by lifting the treatment or by remote control if it is motorized.
Motorized
Many blinds and shades can be motorized, to operate by remote control or a power wand. The window treatment must have enough room in the headrail to house the motor, and there are width restrictions on the size of the treatment, unless it is hardwired by an electrician.
A motorized treatment can utilize a rechargeable battery for its power, or it can be hardwired or plugged into a wall socket. If you are building or remodeling a home, and you plan to have motorized window treatments, your electrician can wire this for you during construction. Of course, an electrician can wire this for you at any time if you decide to add motorized window treatments.
Cord Cleats
A cord cleat is a small piece of metal or plastic which is attached to the wall or window frame near the blind or shade. When the window treatment is open, the excess cord winds around the cord cleat, to keep it off the floor. This helps to keep the cord clean, but it is also a safety feature for animals and small children.
Eco-Friendly
For a blind or shade to be considered eco-friendly, they must meet certain criteria. Generally, these window coverings are manufactured using natural materials, and they help to insulate homes and reduce energy costs.