The Environmental Benefits of Roman Blinds
About 50% of unwanted heat gets into houses through exposed windows. In the UK, 45% of carbon emissions emanate from buildings, which account for 50% of energy consumption. It is therefore important to use environmentally friendly products on the windows, among of which are Roman blinds.
The blinds are made of horizontal fabric panels that fold up when drawn. Different types of materials can be used to design them and thick materials are especially good at stopping drafts of heat from escaping in the winter season. The type of material will determine the degree of warmth in the room. Lowering the blinds during hot seasons helps to reflect heat, thus keeping the room relatively cool.
The use of closely woven fabric that fits tightly on the window helps to prevent the transmission of heat through the windows. The blinds also make it easy to control the required amount of light in the room. They allow in ample natural light while keeping out the sun's heat. People get the opportunity to cut their expenses on energy by taking advantage of natural light while still maintaining their privacy.
The Roman blinds can be designed for top to bottom operation or vice versa, which provides more flexibility that helps in fine control of the amount of light that gets into the room. At the same time, the blinds are useful in keeping ultraviolet rays out of the house. Furnishings last longer when they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
Many of the blinds are made of such eco-friendly materials as bamboo, reeds, woven wood, grass and rattan. Apart from their eco-friendliness, the blinds add a casual appearance that blends in well with different informal furnishing styles.
For a more formal style, use can be made of organic hemp, which is another environmentally friendly material. The insulation properties of such blinds are enhanced by using organic cotton lining. Other organic fabrics that may be used to make the blinds are wool, muslin, linen and cotton. Irrespective of the materials used, these blinds generally double the insulation properties on windows.
However, it is not just a matter of placing the blinds on the windows. Using them correctly makes them even more useful. For example, they should be raised in the afternoons to absorb and store heat. In the evening, they should be down to keep in the stored energy from the sun. They should also fit tightly on the windows.
The blinds provide shade for the window glass during hot weather, which is important because glass magnifies heat. The blinds are ideal for covering large areas of glass.
Besides creating an appealing style in the home, Roman blinds help homeowners to conserve energy and save money. This is especially important considering that heat lost through windows accounts for about 25% of household heating costs. In addition, the materials used do not destroy the environment through either their manufacturing process or use.
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For more information on Roman Blinds please visit http://www.roman-blinds-direct.co.uk/
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