The terms “Blackout”  refers to the fabric used for the product.  Blackout Shades are made with fabric that has a solid opaque layer, which prevents light from passing through the cloth or fabric.   Blackout Draperies are made with a blackout lining, which prevents light from bleeding through the weave of the cloth.    Whether you are ordering blackout shades or blackout draperies, the term does not imply absolute or complete blackout.  The fact is, light will glow around any opening, crack, crevice, split or junction which is not completely sealed off.  When a greater degree of light blocking is desirable,  additional features may be added for a surcharge which will increase the room darkening effectiveness. For example, Cassette Headboxes may be added to the top of a shade to block light which would glow around the roller.  Side Channel strips may be added on the sides, which will enclose the fabric within the channels.  Both these features increase the light-blocking capabilities of the treatment, yet even these are not guaranteed to eliminate 100% of light.  Frequently,  the condition of the sheet rock, squareness of windows and other features may make it virtually impossible to create a very blackout environment.  Relative to Draperies, the tracks which the draperies ride on are mounted out from the wall a few inches, so light will glow around the top of the system.  This can be greatly reduced by addition of a cornice which is mounted to the wall above the window opening, extends out over the top and comes back down a few inches over the top of the draperies.  Even here, it is still possible for light to bounce its way through and create some glow in this area.  Where the two panels meet in a center split drapery,  even though the panels will overlap, there may still be some light glow in this area.  In summary, the only way to create an environment devoid light is to cover the window with a completely sealed fixture. We hope that this information was helpful, and that you fully enjoy the room darkening effects of our “blackout” draperies and shades.  Thank you for doing business with Automated Shade, ShadeCrafters! ...read more

Custom Solar Shades are a lovely way to experience personal comfort in your home while adding to your home décor, and creating energy savings. First you must decide what you want your window shades to do for you. Several of us have purchased homes with large windows with a wonderful view; however, we find that we need to block the sun, heat, glare, and ultra violet rays. What are we going to do? We don't want to give up our view but our energy costs are rising, and that annoying glare is bothersome. Solar Shades are the perfect solution for this application. The shades block out as much as 99% of the heat, glare, and ultra violet rays and your beautiful view is not compromised. Solar shades also help to protect your fine furnishings and eliminate the annoying glare on your television or computer screens. The range of colors and textures available in today's market will work with most any home décor. You just need to choose one to suit your taste. Now that you've decided on solar shades and chosen your fabric, you will need to determine how you would like to operate your solar shades. There are several different options available. If your windows are high up, difficult to reach or extra large, motorized shades are really a must. You can operate your solar shades with a hard wired wall switch that is wired into the wall (this application is especially good if your home is in the construction stage as well as commercial building applications). You can also operate with a wireless wall switch that requires no hard wiring. You will need a source of power to plug your shades into if you are choosing either of these options. Another option is a remote control, either a radio remote or infrared remote. The radio remote works much like your television remote.  It is not even necessary to point directly at the object to operate it and is good up to 50 feet. The infrared remote has an infrared eye usually up on the end of the unit, with the infrared you must point your remote directly at the infrared eye to operate and it is good up to 20 feet. Now that you have chosen your solar shade fabric and decided how you are going to operate your shades, you are ready to measure for your shades. First, you need to decide if you want to mount inside of the window casing or outside of the window casing. In either case, measure bracket to bracket (where you will place the bracket on the left to where you will place the bracket on the right.)  Then, measure from where the bracket will be to the length you would like the shade material to come to. The factory with take care of the rest. You can install your custom solar shades yourself or have someone install them for you. Now you are ready to call us and place your order. Now is the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the comfort and ease of custom solar shades, while maintaining your view, watching your energy bills decrease and being the envy of your friends and neighbors. ...read more