Commercial blinds and shades can help create a motivating ambiance in any work and business environment. It can also add a pop of color in a monochromatic themed room. A pop color in an office can help break the boring and monotonous tone. This will motivate you and/or your employees to work amidst all the deadlines and repetitive tasks.
Decorating your office or commercial establishment is very important to motivate yourself and/or your employees. But this is not the only benefit of commercial window coverings, there’s more! Find out everything you need to know about commercial window blinds and shades and why it’s important to choose the right ones.
Difference between residential vs. commercial window coverings projects
Windows are essential to any establishment, both residential and commercial. However, they are not the same. The structure of residential and commercial windows is completely different. Windows are categorized into four classes by CSA Canadian Standards Association, namely R, LC, CW, and AW.
- Residential (R): Used in one and two residential homes.
- Light Commercial (LC): Low-rise and mid-rise multifamily residential homes.
- Commercial Windows (CW): Low-rise and mid-rise commercial buildings. The windows are larger, have deflection limits, have higher loading requirements, and are more durable which are ideal for heavier applications.
- Architectural Windows (AW): Mid-rise and high-rise commercial buildings. The windows are larger, have deflection limits, have higher loading requirements, are more durable, and the use of fenestration products is frequent and extensive.
Key factors
Technically speaking, for residential homeowners, you can choose whichever type and size of windows you have. However, that is not the case with commercial windows. They should be made with durable, high-quality materials and provide insulation depending on the commercial space. All commercial windows should pass safety inspections and be up to code. That is why commercial window coverings and treatments should be installed by professionals.
Residential window coverings should be able to prevent any heat loss or gain to help lower your monthly utility bills. But, commercial buildings typically generate more heat. Meaning, it can be very hot and humid inside the commercial building because there are many people inside, commercial lighting is usually used, multiple computers, and more. To compensate for this, the HVAC system has to work extra hard to make the building cooler.
When choosing commercial blinds for the office, you need to consider these things and not just any type of window covering and treatment can be used.
The biggest and main difference between residential and commercial window coverings is the cost. Residential window treatments are more affordable compared to commercial window shades because they need extra treatment.
Features of commercial window coverings
There are many options when it comes to commercial window coverings. It can be tricky and hard to choose which one you need for your business. That is why we listed 8 features you need to consider before choosing your commercial window blinds in Canada.
Style and Décor
It is very important to make the office and/or work environment look and feel motivating, uplifting, and positive to help boost the morale of your employees and yourself. When choosing your commercial window coverings, we highly recommend considering the overall feel and look.
Energy Efficiency
Businesses are always on the lookout for ways to help save money which is normal and more sustainable for many business owners. Energy-efficient commercial window coverings are extremely beneficial for all commercial buildings and establishments. They provide light control, sun protection, insulation, and superb cost efficiencies.
Light Control
The main purpose of commercial window coverings is to protect yourself and your employees from sunlight. Proper commercial shading solutions should also offer superb light control to help you save on your monthly electric bills. Light control is also important because you can avoid too much glare from entering the office which will make it difficult to see the computer screens.
Durability and Sustainability
Commercial window coverings might be costly upfront and considered a brilliant investment but in the long run, you will be able to enjoy big savings. That is why the durability and sustainability of your commercial window blinds are very important to get a high ROI or return of investment.
Privacy and View Control
Another main benefit of commercial window coverings is their ability to provide privacy and view control. In low, mid, and high-rise commercial buildings, you will surely have breathtaking views. High-rise establishments will have unblocked views. It will be such a waste if you can’t enjoy it.
In addition, the right commercial window coverings can provide sufficient privacy and view control which are necessary for handling important documents and meetings.
Convenience and Automation
Who doesn’t like convenience, right? There are commercial motorized blinds and shades to provide convenience and automation. With a smartphone app, you can easily schedule how much visibility and light enters your office or building. This is very convenient and you can save a lot by utilizing the sunlight and lowering your electric bills.
Because of the technological advancements, commercial window coverings can now be upgraded to motorized. Somfy motorized window blinds and shade lets you adjust and control your commercial window coverings with just a click. They are ideal for commercial buildings with tall and wide windows.
Safety and Commercial Building Codes
As we talked about before, there are certain building codes you have to follow to ensure the safety of your employees and yourself. That also includes commercial window coverings. We highly recommend hiring professionals to install and help you choose the window blinds and shade for your commercial establishments.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The last thing you need to consider is your commercial window coverings’ maintenance. They should be easy to clean and maintain for you to enjoy the return on your investment.
Choosing easy to clean and maintain commercial window coverings should be one of the things you need to consider. You can hire janitorial services or if you have a small business, you do the cleaning yourself.
Types of commercial window coverings
Now that we identified all the things you need to keep in mind when looking and choosing your commercial window coverings, we will proceed to the types of window coverings. We will take you through the 8 commercial blinds and shades perfect for your commercial windows.
Aluminum blinds
Aluminum blinds are the most traditional type of window coverings in many commercial establishments. A lot of business owners choose aluminum blinds because they are less expensive than other types. Also, they are very practical and offer amazing light control. These commercial window coverings are easy to operate and can withstand humidity and temperature changes better than the others.
Because aluminum blinds reflect the sunlight, they are also energy-efficient and can keep the commercial establishment hot in winter and cool in summer.
Faux wood blinds
Faux wood blinds offer the same classic and rustic beauty as real wood blinds but are more affordable. They are popular because they are resistant to moisture and warping compared to real wood. These types of commercial window coverings are ideal in offices and locations where humidity and temperature change a lot.
Real wood blinds
Having real wood blinds in your commercial establishments and offices is an easy way to decorate and add texture to your space. They are classic, timeless, and will never go out of style. However, they are not resistant to humidity and temperature changes.
That being said, wood blinds are easier to clean than other commercial window coverings. All you need is a duster and/or microfiber cloth. Also, wood blinds are completely solid. Meaning, you will get excellent privacy. No one will be able to see the shadows or what you are doing in your commercial space.
Vertical blinds
Commercial spaces and offices typically have medium to large windows which is why many professionals suggest vertical blinds as commercial window coverings. They are easy to control and each slat is removable making them convenient to clean and replace.
Vertical blinds are ideal for large windows and glass doors. They are also energy-efficient helping save on your monthly energy bills.
Cellular shades
Cellular shades are one of the most energy-efficient commercial window coverings available in the market. It has a honeycomb structure where the air is trapped inside perfect for providing excellent insulation and energy efficiency. They also reduce the noise getting inside and outside the establishment. This is great for conference rooms and offices where privacy and information should be kept private.
Vienna shades
Vienna shades are a type of horizontal shades with alternating soft sheer fabrics. The best part about this type of commercial window coverings is you can enjoy the view outside without getting blinded by the intense sunlight when it opens and have complete privacy when closed.
Revolve shades
Revolve shades are also called zebra shades because of the design. It has a stripe design alternating sheer and solid fabric just like the zebra stripes. You can enjoy the view outdoors and not be blinded by the intense sunlight.
These commercial window coverings are versatile, practical, and affordable.
Roller shades
Roller shades have become more and more popular these past few years because it allows you to see and enjoy the scenery without getting blinded by the sun. When you lower your roller shades, there will be less sunlight coming into the room without blocking the view. In addition, it prevents UV rays from penetrating through the room damaging all your computers and books.
This type of commercial window coverings is easy to maintain and clean and helps regulate the temperature inside.
Benefits of commercial window coverings
As a business owner, one of your concerns is how can you save while providing the best and most motivating environment for yourself and your employees. This is where commercial window coverings can help you. Here are the advantages and benefits you can enjoy if you have high-quality and durable commercial window coverings in your commercial establishments and offices.
Improved privacy
One of the main concerns of many business owners is the privacy and security in the office and establishment. This is really important if you are handling important documents in your office. Commercial window coverings can provide much-needed privacy in your establishment and office.
Reduce energy bills
Commercial window coverings block out the sunlight and prevent the room from getting too hot during summer. Meaning, you will not need to turn your air conditioning too much resulting in more savings.
Outstanding light control
Commercial window coverings offer exemplary light control. However, it will depend on the type and material your chosen commercial window coverings has. Light control is very important because your commercial window coverings can reduce the sunlight and glare that enters the room and establishment.
UV protection
As a business owner, you know the importance of every appliance, gadget, and furniture you bought for your commercial establishment and office. The furniture, painting, and other decorations tend to become brittle and fade when exposed to too much sunlight. While computers will overheat when it is too hot. The best way to protect your investments is to have commercial window coverings and provide UV protection.
Save money with commercial window coverings
You might not be able to see the potential of enjoying huge savings when purchasing commercial window coverings at first. Because they are a bit costly upfront. However, in the long run, you will actually save more money.
By controlling how much sunlight enters the establishment and office, your furniture and decorations will have a longer life. Also, there are commercial window coverings that offer insulation and temperature control, helping you save on your monthly utility bills.
Lastly, commercial window coverings are nice to look at. You can choose the type and color of window coverings where you can enjoy the view but decrease the glare and UV rays that enter your office. It is a nice way to decorate the room and add a pop of color which can help your employees to break their monotonous tasks.
Why choose Wholesale Blind Factory for your commercial projects
Commercial establishments are not like residential homes where your main goal is to make your home more cozy and homey. They have different requirements and dimensions. In addition, you need to make sure your office and/or commercial establishment should be motivating.
You need to make sure your office and your employees’ workspace are nice and comfortable enough so your workers can do their tasks effectively. Calling a team of professionals from Wholesale Blind Factory can help you choose your commercial window coverings for your establishment and office space.
We have a team of experienced professionals that will help you choose the best commercial window coverings for your space without going over your budget. Here at Wholesale Blind Factory, we have a wide array of commercial window coverings to choose from. We also offer custom commercial window coverings.
Our team will work closely with you throughout the whole process of choosing and installing commercial window coverings until the whole project is finished. Contact Wholesale Blind Factory or call us at 📞 (604) 942-4201 to talk to our team of professionals today!