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Window Covering Trends
Drapes
Pinch Pleat
Alternate Drape Pleating Methods
Tab Top Drapes
Grommet Top
Sheers
Drape Valances
Organic, Natural, and Eco-Friendly Drapes
Drapes Versus Blinds
Blinds
Vinyl Blinds
Wood Blinds
Faux Wood
Vertical Blinds
Cellular/Honeycomb
Interior Sun Control Roller Shades
Blackout Roller Shades
Eco-Friendly and Natural Roller Shades
Anti-Microbial and Anti-Bacterial Roller Shades
Trends, especially in decorating, often follow two discernible paths:
A. There are trends that are transitory and fleeting with immense temporary popularity. Think of this type as a decorating fad that lasts awhile, then usually dissipates as quickly as it emerged. Sometimes decorating fads are the result of strategic propagation by the sellers through heavy advertising campaigns. Regarding other temporary decorating trends, consumers frequently just want to migrate toward what seems popular and in style.
B. The other path a trend generally takes is when something new literally redefines the norm and becomes more of a permanent style and standard.
| Window Covering | Trends and Predictions |
| Drapes | Drapes and soft window coverings are definitely the winner as a long-term decorating trend! Although the advent of natural, eco-friendly, and durable drapes led to a heightened market share, blinds, roller shades, and other window treatment options are here to stay as popular alternatives. |
| Pinch Pleat Drape | Pinch pleats will be around for decades to come. There will, however, be increased interest in alternate pleating methods for drape headings. |
| Alternative Drape Pleating Methods | Some of these alternate pleating methods (or how the drape heading looks) have been around for quite some time. There is increased interest in seeking contemporary and modern options to the traditional appearance of French pleat drapes. For example, the hot current trend is toward grommet drapes/curtains, tab top, and inverted pleating. Expect the popularity of these alternate drape products to last 3 to 5 years. |
| Tap Top Drapes | Although there is a current increased popularity for Tab Top drapes, in the long-term its limitations will preclude it from heavy use. Tab Tops are a "hot" contemporary choice for home or offices; and will continue to be for 5 to 7 more years. |
| Grommet Top Drapes | Grommet Top drapes will not be around forever, but you can count on them for another 10 years or so minimum. These drapes are red hot window coverings. |
| Sheer Drapes | Sheers are perfect for light filtering and privacy. You can expect them to be around 20 plus years or longer. Market share will even grow larger for sheers during the next 3 to 5 years. |
| Drape Valances | Valances will be around as long as drapes are still sold. After years of being undervalued as an option, valances are making a strong come back and will most likely continue to be a serious cost efficient decorating option. |
| Organic, Natural, & Eco-friendly Drapes |
Future of 10 to 50 years. The short-term recent popularity of organic and natural drapes will easily and certainly transition to long-term use. |
| Horizontal Aluminum Mini-Blinds | Horizontal mini-blinds are here to stay for at least the next 10 years. However, they will continue to lose market share. Mini-blinds have begun and will continue to lose market share to other products. There has been a discernible shift of 10% to 15% market share back to drapes, curtains, and organic fabric window coverings. There is also an equal shift from blinds to shades; both roller shades and cellular. |
| Vinyl Blinds | Vinyl blinds will continue to hold, at most, a 5% to 10% market share that is in a decline. Vinyl blinds are losing major ground to better quality blinds ASAP. |
| Wood Blinds | Wood blind market share will continue to grow. This product adds visible value to the property and is a good serviceable window covering. Wood blinds represent a long-term trend. Look for market share growth of 10% to 20% minimum in the next 3 to 5 years. |
| Faux Wood Blinds | Faux wood or composite wood is here to stay. The green and natural movement may eat away at it a bit until recyclable faux wood materials become readily available. Slight growth in the next 3 to 5 years. |
| Vertical Blinds | Until something comes along to replace it, especially on sliding doors with functionality, vertical blinds will be around for at least the next 10 years or longer. Custom size vertical blinds will be used more frequently on smaller windows. Vertical blinds however, will lose slight market share with the continued growth of alternative window treatments such as roller shades, cell shades, and drapes. |
| Cellular & Honeycomb Shades | In part, due to the energy efficiency of Cellular or Honeycomb shades, they will continue to thrive for more than a decade to come. In the next 3 to 5 years, look for innovative product improvements in this category, increased popularity, and more options with organic and natural cellular shades. |
| Interior Sun Control Roller Shades | Roller shades, like blinds, have been around for almost 100 years. They will certainly increase in popularity during the next decade, primarily they will pull market share away from horizontal mini-blinds by at least 10%. Interior sun control shades will continue to experience rapid growth particularity in the next few years by at least 20% to 30%. |
| Blackout Roller Shades | Accelerated popularity and growth, particularity in hospitality (hotel/motel), institutional use such as educational facilities, and healthcare along with residential. Blackout roller shades will experience explosive popularity, use, and growth during the next 3 to 5 years; mostly pulling market share away from blinds. |
| Eco-friendly and Natural Roller Shades | There will be continued growth and increased sales of this product. Natural and eco-friendly roller shades will grow exponentially and remain that way for quite some time. Expect 30% to 50% growth in the next few years. |
| Anti-Microbial and Anti-Bacterial Roller Shades | Again, expect serious growth in this type of window covering. The demand will be tremendous over the next decade. Moreover, it is difficult, if not impossible to replicate the benefits derived from this roller shade (e.g. anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-mildew, and anti-mold, etc.) with other types of window treatments like drapes, blinds, etc. There is an immediate need for this product. |
A perennial favorite, drapes have been used to effectively cover windows for thousands of years: talk about a long-term trend! Fabric, textiles, and curtains are the dominant preference to block out sunlight and insulate. Although they are certainly the oldest form of window treatment, drapes, or variations thereof, have evolved in many ways. For instance, synthetic fibers were developed that offered several functional benefits to consumers. Innumerable fabrics are now available that are inherently fire retardant because of the nature of the fibers. These are incredibly useful as safe window coverings in public domains such as motels, hotels, schools, subsidized housing, senior facilities, meeting halls, offices, and many other places frequently mandated by the Law to use fire retardant materials.
Another example is the fabrication of polyester fabric. Drapes made solely with polyester or those with a high polyester content milled with cotton usually make a very washable fabric. So, the consumer can buy long lasting drapes that are also washable. While textiles have certainly become more sophisticated, fabric finishing technology has advanced substantially too. Heat setting is a process that changes the molecular structure of the fabric to inhibit shrinkage. Less harmful dyes, chemicals, and natural/organic processes are now used as safer alternatives. Similarly, styles of drapes matured and evolved over time. Originally, plain sheets of fabric and tapestries were affixed flat across window frames. Then, pleated drape headings became popular for a more customized appearance. Nowadays, more sophisticated treatments have developed such as room darkening blackout drapes, light filtering sheers, tab top drapes, grommet drapes, Velcro attached drapes, valances, stage drapes, plus dozens of other choices. These are reviewed below.
Pinch pleated drapes are a long-term trend that is here to stay in one version or another. The typical pinch pleat is a 3 prong pinch pleat called a French pleat. It is bar tacked at the bottom and fans out slightly at the top with 3 fabric prongs. This type of drape provides a nice flat heading across the rod/hardware with a relatively customized appearance.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Definitely pinch pleats will be around for decades to come.
Short-term – There will, however, be increased interest in alternate pleating methods for drape headings.
Alternate Drape Pleating Methods
There is increased interest in selecting a variation to the standard pleating method of French pleats. Typical alternate pleating options, include, but are not limited to: accordion pleated with snap tape, inverted pleating for a more modern appearance, Velcro attached drapes for easy tear down, grommet drapes, tab top, plus a few others.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Some of these alternate pleating methods (or how the drape heading looks) have been around for quite some time.
Short-term – There is increased interest in seeking contemporary and modern options to the traditional appearance of French pleat drapes. For example, the hot current trend is toward grommet drapes/curtains, tab top, and inverted pleating. Expect the popularity of these alternate drape products to last 3 to 5 years.
This type of drape uses tabs sewn into the tops of the drapes that attach a stationary rod. With a tab top drape, the user must open and close the window covering manually by hand. High or frequent use situations or abusive tenants probably should not use a tab top drape since the fabric must be physically grabbed to open or close them. This drape use is more amenable to residential, limited use commercial, or in conjunction with tie backs to hold them open (so they will not need to be frequently opened and closed). Therefore, factors to consider include wrinkling or getting drapes dirty due to increased physical handling.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Although there is current increased popularity for this item, long term its limitations will preclude it from heavy use.
Short-term – Tab tops are a "hot" contemporary choice for home or offices; and will continue to be for 5 to 7 more years.
Grommet top drapes are "red hot" window treatments with immense popularity. Brass or silver/nickel color large rings are sewn into the drape heading as the attachment device that connects the drape to the rod. Customers find grommet top drapes to be very visually appealing and practical, although they too must be used in conjunction with a stationary rod. These drapes can be used with or without tiebacks.
One popular decorating strategy some customers utilize is combining permanently opened grommet top drapes with light filtering privacy sheers beneath them. By doing this, you can combine functionally with contemporary designers aesthetics, (i.e. gain the great modern appearance of grommet drapes without having to manually open and close them).
Prognosis:
Long-term – Although grommet top drapes will not be around forever, count on them for another 10 years or so.
Short-term – These drapes are red hot window coverings
Translucent light filtering sheers are mainstay window coverings. They have been around for quite some time and will remain a standard treatment. Sheer curtains can be used either as a stand-alone option or as an under treatment used beneath drapes. Sheers are super functional window coverings that allow the customer to let filtered light into a room and easily see outside, all while providing outstanding privacy. These curtains are washable, cleanable by simple spot cleaning, and fire retardant too. Elegant sheers require skilled craftsmanship, quality voile material, and hand made seamlessly for a refined appearance.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Sheers are perfect for light filtering and privacy. You can expect them to be around 20 years or longer.
Short-term – Market share will even grow larger for sheers during the next 3 to 5 years.
Fabric valances are one of the best ways to highlight or top off a window covering. It is a cost efficient way to customize any drape and thereby greatly enhance its appearance. There are several different styles of valances including: pinch pleated, continental, embassy, balloon, halo, and scarf to name a few. Most valances fit securely using a secondary rod that is placed on the outside tops of the draperies.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Valances will be around as long as drapes are sold.
Short-term – After years of being undervalued as an option, valances are making a strong come back and will most likely continue to be a serious cost efficient decorating option.
Organic, Natural, and Eco-Friendly Drapes
The move toward green and environmentally friendly products is here to stay. Going green and natural is not just a fad, instead it represents a permanent movement and major market shift.
Drapes are one of the few window treatments that can be entirely organic and eco-friendly For example, almost all horizontal mini-blinds are constructed with some type of plastic brackets, cradles, or components. Most, if not all, natural roller shades likewise still contain non-recyclable parts. Only drapes can be wholly natural.
Natural, green, and organic window treatments are products that receive low/no VOC's or emissions. Non-toxic material, recyclable, and natural means the product was never subjected to harmful chemicals or treatments, etc.
Additionally, there are natural and organic drapes and window coverings that are inherently fire retardant for use in public, commercial, and senior buildings. Other natural drape products are even washable.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Future of 10 to 50 years.
Short-term – The short-term recent popularity will easily and certainly transition to long-term use.
While drapes have been around for thousands of years, blinds were first used about 100 years ago or so. Since then, styles within the category of blinds have also vastly changed. For example, Venetian or 2" to 3" wide aluminum slats were replaced eventually with horizontal mini-blinds that come typically with 1'' slats. There are also wood blinds, faux wood, cellular shades, vertical blinds for sliding doors, top down and bottom up treatments, along with a plethora of variations. Undeniably, blinds captured a larger share of the window covering market particularly during the past 20 years. Whereas drapes dominated the marketplace with perhaps at least an 80% plus market share at some points in history, that figure may be as low as 40% to 50% currently. So, what are the pluses and minuses of choosing either drapes or blinds?
A. Advantages to Purchasing Drapes
Drapes offer several distinct advantages over blinds including:
| I. | Insulation – Drapes offer superior insulation over any horizontal mini-blind products. Specifically, the experts at PG&E have cited figures as follows: Lined draperies provide about 50% value for insulating against cold air entering your room/s directly thru windows as well as heat loss from inside. Unlined drapes offer about 30% insulation. Most horizontal mini-blinds only have about 10% insulation benefit. So, areas with warmer or colder environments fare better with drapes. Also, as utility costs continue to escalate and become of greater concern for everyone, the use of drapes have to be a major consideration. |
| II. | Organic/Green/Natural - While mini-blinds can be made with recycled aluminum, it is difficult, if not impossible to make them 100% natural or organic. That is, they still have to be made with steel, there are metal and plastic components, etc. However, with drapes and curtains, there are pure organic fabrics, hemp, recycled fabrics, 100% natural cotton, bamboo drape fabrics, and many other fully Green and organic window treatment products. Only drapes come in 100% fully natural choices. Even natural organic and natural roller shades, still have plastic bead chains and parts. |
| III. | Warm and Inviting – Drapes discernibly provide a soft warmer atmosphere, cozy, and comfortable. Softer window coverings are more home like. Blinds and other metal or plastic treatments often feel colder and create more of a commercial/office sterile environment. |
| IV. | Sound Reduction– Drapes, especially lined ones, provide significant levels of sound reduction from outside noises. Streets, traffic, and urban living can produce noise pollution that invades your rooms. Lined drapes act as great sound barriers to dampen external noise. |
| V. | Cleanability– Drapes show substantially less dust and dirt accumulation than blinds. Additionally, there are electromagnetic qualities both on PVC louvers used for vertical blinds or vinyl blinds and also with aluminum horizontal mini-blinds that actually attracts dust and dirt accumulation. |
| VI. | Durability - Product durability, especially with window coverings, is an important consideration in cost effectiveness. This is specifically applicable in terms of replacement expense, frequency of replacement, both labor and material expenditures for unforeseen product maintenance and repairs. All these costs need to be factored into the initial purchase price. This concept becomes even more important when contemplating using economy or budget products. |
| Drapes are more difficult to damage than blinds. Additionally, drapes do not contain any mechanical components susceptible to wear and damage. What is the average lifespan? It depends on the amount of abuse and or care of the window treatment. But generally speaking, our American Made drapes should last 10 to 15 years without too many problems whatsoever. Blinds often last less time simply because of slat damage that is difficult to control. |
B. Drapes – Issues to Consider
| I. | Rods Required - Drapes require the use of some form of rod, either traversing or stationary, to hand operate properly. However, you may have existing rods that still work thereby negating the cost of a new rod. Many drape rods last 15 years or longer. |
| II. | Aesthetics/Appearance - Your décor sometimes is a determining factor in deciding whether to use a hardscape cover (e.g. blinds) or a soft window treatment such as drapes. Offices and commercial settings may be more amenable to blinds. But, similar environments may be equally suitable to drapes/curtains when energy efficiency, natural and organic products, or sound suppression are important issues. Additionally, concerns over modern versus traditional are mitigated with sophisticated versions of either type of product line. |
| III. | Cleaning –While drapes need to be cleaned less frequently than blinds, the cost per cleaning is generally higher. Both drapes and blinds can be cleaned on site if the customer selects washable drape fabrics. However, dry cleaning of drapes requires removal, temporary loss of the window treatment during the product's servicing, and added cleaning costs. |
Prognosis:
Long-term – Drapes and soft window coverings are definitely the winner as a long-term decorating trend!
Short-term – Although the advent of natural, eco-friendly, and durable drapes led to a heightened market share, blinds, roller shades, and other window treatment options are here to stay as popular alternatives.
Blinds, in one form or another, have been around for quite awhile. For over 100 years, horizontal mini-blinds have been a mainstay as a viable window covering option. Wide horizontal mini-blinds such as 2" Venetian blinds were extremely popular during the 1920's to 1960's. Then, mini-blinds with 1" aluminum slats emerged as a popular product. This product line continues to evolve with more sophisticated items including micro mini-blinds, wood blinds, horizontal faux wood blinds, vinyl blinds, plus several others.
Blinds also include vertical blinds that are frequently used to functionally cover sliding glass doors, although these blinds can be easily used for smaller windows too.
A. Commercial
Often commercial applications seem more suitable for hardscapes such as blinds. Blinds allow for light filtering that is achieved by angling the slats into an opened or partially opened position. Generally blinds require little maintenance and cleaning. They are, however, prone to damage when the slats/louvers are bent or crimped by the user. No gauge thickness or mini-blind manufacturer can prevent this, other than switching to hard slats found on real or faux wood products.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Horizontal mini-blinds are here to stay for at least the next 10 years.
Short-term– Mini-blinds have begun and will continue to lose market share to other products. There has been a discernible shift of 10% to 15% market share back to drapes, curtains, and organic fabric window coverings. There is also an equal shift from blinds to shades; both roller shades and cellular.
B. Horizontal Aluminum Mini-Blinds
The horizontal mini-blinds are a natural progression in the development of blinds (i.e. which have been around for a hundred plus years).
The most popular form of this blind are aluminum slat blinds. However, the quality, durability, and replacement rate varies tremendously depending on where/who you purchase the product from.
Likewise, the type of headrail used on a blind is a good indicator of longevity for several outstanding reasons: 1) Composition – horizontal mini-blinds using a heavy duty steel headrail channel are most durable and less susceptible to damage than a light weight aluminum one; 2) Size – size of headrail matters – 1 1/2" wide is specially constructed to allow for larger metal (not cheap plastic) mechanical components that offer increased durability. Whereby, the typical headrail you buy at most improvement centers and retail outlets only uses a 1" wide headrail. The smaller headrail generally can only use cheaper, smaller, plastic mechanical parts. The smaller mechanical components often lack long-term durability and can readily malfunction in as little as 1 or 2 months.
Be sure to ask for a horizontal blind with a 1 1/2" headrail. They will last longer and require less replacement and maintenance.
There are also micro horizontal mini-blinds that use a 1/2" slat; but, they are far less popular and functional.
Slat gauge is probably one of the most important parts on your blinds.
Bottom-Line – you want the thickest possible mini-blind slats you can buy. The first point of damage for most blinds are the slats. If the mini-blind slats are crowned or formed properly, the thicker the slat (such as our .008 gauge Hercules mini-blind), the more damage resistant and longer lasting.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Horizontal mini-blinds have lost some definite ground back to drapes, soft window coverings, and alternatives and will continue to no longer dominate the market like they did a few years ago.
But, the other discernible shift is away from the bottom of the barrel imported foreign manufactured blinds that need frequent replacement toward more durable American Made mini-blinds products.
Customers want "value" of longer lasting products not ones they have to replace every couple of years.
Short-term – The move will be twofold:
I. There is a shift away from economy imported blinds toward longer lasting mini-blinds
II. Mini-blinds will continue to diminish perhaps 10-30% over the next 3 to 5 years while drapes, roller shades, and other items continue to increase in popularity.
Vinyl Blinds are an economy or budget option with limited utility. There are a few points to consider before using this product. First, make certain the imported vinyl blinds you purchase do not contain dangerous lead. Many imported blinds contain lead which is dangerous to users and create a significant potential liability. Second, vinyl can easily warp, sag, and discolor in intense sunlight. However, they are just about the cheapest window coverings you can buy.
Prognosis:
Long-term –Vinyl blinds will continue to hold, at most, a 5% to 10% market share; that is in a decline.
Short-term – Vinyl blinds are losing major ground to better quality blinds quickly.
Horizontal wood blinds have immense appeal for several good reasons. Wood blinds insulate well in most windows. They are a beautiful and attractive addition to any room. Wood blinds come in a variety of colors, stains, grades, and custom treatment options. For example, you can select color matched cloth tapes to cover the slat ladders, sculpted custom wood valance boxes, and several other choices to further enhance your wood horizontal mini-blinds.
Any concerns about wood warpage are mitigated by using a furniture grade product like the one we carry that is specially fabricated to resist any warping through a careful kiln drying process.
Well made wood horizontal mini-blinds can easily last 10 years or longer without any significant maintenance or repairs.
Prognosis:
Long-term – The wood blinds market share will continue to grow. This product adds visible value to the property and is a good serviceable window covering. Wood blinds represent a long-term trend.
Short-term – Look for market share growth of 10% to 20% minimum in the next 3 to 5 years.
This is a great alternative to wood mini-blinds. Faux wood is made from a composite material that simulates the appearance of wood and comes in a variety of colors similar to wood blinds. The cost of this product is generally lower than its counterpart of real wood.
However, the savings between purchasing a synthetic product and real wood is frequently nominal; maybe faux wood is 10% - 20% less expensive depending on the size. This lack of significant price difference often drives people back toward real wood, but faux wood certainly still attracts a lot of attention.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Faux wood or composite wood is here to stay. The green and natural movement may eat away at it a bit until recyclable faux wood materials become readily available.
Short-term – Slight growth in the next 3 to 5 years.
Vertical blinds come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Start with the two predominant types of vertical blinds: 1) baton operated; and 2) cord and chain operated.
The cord and chain product precedes the baton by many years. With the cord and chain, you turn the louvers/vanes into the open position with one of them. The other mechanism pulls the louvers/vanes across the track of the vertical blind to neatly stack on one end of the blind. If you are using a vertical blind on a sliding door, you will always want the louvers to stack up on the side opposite the door opening.
The baton operated vertical simplifies the process into one smooth operation where you turn and pull the baton to efficiently open the louvers all in one smooth operation. Plus, baton operated verticals are safer because they prevent accidental cord/chain entanglement and potential strangulation that can and does unfortunately occur each year.
There are several upgrades you can make to vertical blinds that are relatively inexpensive. One example is that you can always add valances to make your vertical appear a bit more custom and elegant. Vertical blind valances come in three basic styles: (1) an inexpensive wrap around slat valance, (2) a custom box valance with "returns" on the ends that go back to the walls, and (3) a round corner valance with returns.
Other custom options include replacing the standard smooth PVC vanes with pretty textured or patterned decorative louvers that beautify the entire vertical blind.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Until something comes along to replace it, especially on sliding doors with functionality, vertical blinds will be around for at least the next 10 years or longer.
Short-term – Custom sized vertical blinds will be used more frequently on smaller windows. Vertical blinds, however, will lose slight market share with the continued growth of alternative window treatments such as roller shades, cell shades, and drapes.
Cellular shades or cell shades as they are commonly referred to are constructed with a collapsible honeycomb structure. This type of shade traps air thereby acting as an outstanding insulating barrier. These shades effectively keep cold air from pouring into a room as well as heat loss from inside the room escaping.
The other outstanding feature on cellular shades is that they pull tightly to the top of the window so they stack (when wide open) in a way that provides you with maximum visibility through your windows. Finally, they give you great noted light filtration.
The drawbacks or limitations are that cell shades are susceptible to requiring cleaning more frequently than other window treatments. They are also not practical for all windows; especially larger ones where it would be a struggle to open them up to full height daily if you want complete visibility out the windows.
Prognosis:
Long-term – In part, due to the energy efficiency of Cellular or Honeycomb shades, they will continue to thrive for more than a decade to come.
Short-term – In the next 3 to 5 years, look for innovative product improvements in this category, increased popularity, and more options with organic and natural cellular shades.
Interior Sun Control Roller Shades
Interior sun control roller shades have immense current popularity. Much of this attraction is primarily due to the energy efficiency and sleek modern appearance of this product. The interior sun control shades come in several opacities that allow you to select the amount of filtered light coming into a room. These shades are usually controlled by a bead and chain pull mechanism. Roller shades offer great insulation that provide excellent energy efficiency.
They are less prone to damage and cleaning problems. Roller shades can be vacuumed, cleaned, spot cleaned and washed by hand. They are easy to maintain with minimum malfunctions.
There are eco-friendly and organic shade options to choose from with sun control roller shades.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Roller shades, like blinds, have been around for almost 100 years. They will certainly increase in popularity during the next decade, primarily they will pull market share away from horizontal mini-blinds by at least 10%.
Short-term – Interior sun control shades will continue to experience rapid growth particularly in the next few years by at least 20% to 30%.
Room darkening shades are excellent choices for offices, hotels/motels, and residential applications. They are extremely effective as an insulating window covering. Their superior energy efficiency is equally matched by the total privacy the blackout roller shades offer users.
Institutionally, room darkening and eco-friendly blackout roller shades are popular choices for healthcare, hospitals, and schools.
Similar to other quality American Made roller shades we sell, these shades are very durable and relatively maintenance free. Typically, they operate using a convenient cord and bead chain operation.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Accelerated popularity and growth, particularity in hospitality (hotel/motel), institutional use such as educational facilities, and healthcare along with residential.
Short-term – Explosive popularity, use, and growth during the next 3 to 5 years; mostly pulling market share away from blinds.
Eco-Friendly and Natural Roller Shades
The movement toward green, organic, and natural is permanent. It is not temporary or fleeting. It is here to stay and only going to increase in the future. Low VOC's and gaseous emissions from window coverings are a thing of the past. Roller shades composed of natural materials are even GREENGUARD® Certified which is an assurance of the safe and natural composition. In fact, eco-friendly roller shades are increasingly specified by architects and new construction projects.
They are easy to clean, maintenance free, and a durable window covering choice.
Prognosis:
Long-term – There will be continued growth and increased sales of this product. Long-term and eco-friendly roller shades will grow exponentially and remain that way for quite some time.
Short-term – Expect 30% to 50% growth in the next few years. Its popularity will only grow.
Anti-Microbial and Anti-Bacterial Roller Shades
The technology now exists to provide relatively effective anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and mold/mildew resistant window treatment systems.
There is an increased legitimate need in several venues to purchase products that are safe and complement the standards and service requirements for health and safety. There are also several levels regarding the technical aspects of these roller shades. Anti-bacterial and anti-microbial roller shades are in demand for healthcare, hospitals, and other medical facilities. They are used frequently in LEED certified buildings and projects. These shades have equal utility in both senior facilities and schools/colleges. Additionally, the mold and mildew resistant attributes of this type of roller shade are critical to promote respiratory health in commenced building, public areas, and rental units. In addition to health concerns, these roller shades mitigate potential liability with the current proliferation of lawsuits over exposure to mildew and mold spores that frequently emanate from moisture around windows.
Prognosis:
Long-term – Again, expect serious growth in this type of window covering. The demand will be tremendous over the next decade. Moreover, it is difficult, if not impossible to replicate the benefits derived from this roller shade (e.g. antibacterial, anti-microbial, anti-mildew, and anti-mold, etc.) with other types of window treatments like drapes, blinds, etc.
Short-term – There is an immediate need for this product.
