Do you need to replace the window treatments at your hotel or motel? If so, here are a few suggestions to help you make the correct decision.

 

Start by narrowing the selection process down to the major type or classification of window coverings you prefer. For example, primary treatments include: soft window coverings like drapes for room darkening or blackout, sheers; horizontal mini-blinds, real and faux wood blinds; and roller shades that include eco-friendly, blackout, varying opacities, etc.

 

Drapes come in several distinct styles to match your tastes and needs. The most prevalent in hospitality use are blackout drapes for room darkening. There is perhaps no better way to guarantee a restful night's sleep for guests than with room darkening drapes and materials. Moreover, unlike blinds or even shades, blackout drapes offer significant sound reduction from outside noises such as from traffic and other guests. The next most popular soft window treatment is light filtering sheers. You can leave your drapes open while allowing light to comfortably filter into the room. Sheers can be used as a stand alone window covering (i.e. by themselves) or along with a drape. Another great option is to combine one or both types with a valance. This is absolutely the best way to top off or highlight a drape than with a cost efficient and affordable matching valance. Of course, along with these products, you will probably want to consider drape rods or heavy duty "guest tough" drape tracks. You should purchase longer lasting commercial grade rods to avert frequent replacement or maintenance issues.

 

There is a strong movement toward using green, natural, and organic drape fabrics. They are safe, non-toxic, and do not emit vapors or VOC's. Plus, natural drapes look great while providing superior long-term durability. They last forever. There are several beautiful variations of this fabric including: 100% organic cotton; bamboo fabric; hemp; soy; and others.

 

Although blinds are not used as frequently in hotels and motels as drapes, they are definitely a custom option. The main point to emphasize with blinds is to select ones that are "guest tough" and constructed for commercial use; not light weight products that are more suitable for infrequent use in residential settings.

 

The next thing you should think about is the insulation or comfort level of the room. According to the utility experts at Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), window coverings provide the following levels of insulation value: horizontal mini-blinds approximately 10%, unlined drapes insulate about 30%, and lined over 50% total insulation (e.g. blackout lined drapes).

 

Points to look for in commercial grade mini-blinds is whether they come with a Lifetime Warranty on the mechanical operation and parts (if it is not cheap short life imported blinds, you should be able to get this warranty). Durable "guest tough" mini-blinds should also come with child safety features such as bead stop cords and split tassel cones to prevent accidental entanglement and/or strangulation which occurs with 200-300 children and infants each year. In addition to facing tragic injury or deaths with cheaply made mini-blinds, there is also potential major financial liability if these accidents occur on your property. Finally, the blinds should also come with custom sculpted matched valances.

 

Roller shades are a fashionable option although they have less utility or functionality in hospitality settings. This is because they are more difficult to open or close than either drapes or mini-blinds. Roller shades come in varying opacities (degree of openness of the mesh or material for light control and visibility). Shade products also offer several choices in color; texture; materials; and essential variations such as blackout, antibacterial/fungal/microbial, environmentally safe, GREENGUARD® Certified, and several other choices.

 

Those are a few of the typical major categories of window treatments for the hospitality industry. Of course, any materials you select are mandated both at the state and federal levels that they must be made from fire-retardant materials and therefore meet the strict requirements set forth.

 

For more information or free fabric samples go to the sample request page on our website or "click and connect" to call us.