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Shades Aesthetics Guide

Brand GuideTable of Contents 04 - 08Large Shades09 - 10Light Gaps 11 - 12Cleaning & Maintenance of Shades12Consideration of Stackback SpaceWhen Selecting Drapery 13Light Filtering Vs. Room Darkening

This document outlines design guidelines to ensure consistent visual appeal in flat shades for largerapplications. Customer feedback has indicated that inconsistencies like V-shapes or waves in largeshades can be unexpected and sometimes unacceptable. This guide addresses the factors thatinfluence these inconsistencies, such as tube deflection, shade width, and shade height. Large ShadesTerminology1. Tube deflection: the sag in the shade tube influenced by shade width, tube diameter, and fabricpanel weight.2. Batten: a horizontal stiffener made of fiberglass that is inserted into a small .25 inches (6.4mm)pocket in the fabric panel, typically near the vertical center of the shade or at a seam. 3. V’s / Smiles: a sagging in the fabric panel of large shades which has a V shape.4. Ripples / Waves: a vertical ripple in the fabric panel.5. Edge Curl: vertical edges of the fabric panel curl in either direction typically creating an hourglassshape. 4

Addressing Tube Deflection As shade width increases, tube deflection increases. Deflection can amplify the addressed aestheticcharacteristics. There are options to reduce deflection:1. Reduce shade width. i.e. split one wide shade into two or more shades (refer to Figure 5 in theAppendix)2. Increase tube diameter and add a batten, i.e. move from a roller 100TM tube to a roller 225TM tube- refer to Figure 7 in the Appendix. Increasing tube diameter will require a larger pocket forinstallation. Please refer to technical information on our website for pocket sizes.Addressing Wide ApplicationsAs shade width increases, typically over 108 in. (2743 mm), waves and edge curls tend toincrease. See Figure 3 in the Appendix for a representative shade.Options to reduce waves and edge curls include:1. Reduce shade width, i.e. split one wide shade into two or more shades (refer to Figure 5 in theAppendix.)2. Add a batten (Guideline - add one batten for every roll width [i.e. 72 in. (1828 mm),98 in. (2489 mm), etc.]) - refer to Figure 4 in the Appendix.Addressing Tall ApplicationsAs the shade height increases, the edge curls and waves tend to increase (Refer to Figure 1 in theAppendix for a representative shade).Options to reduce these characteristics:1. Add a batten (Guideline - add one batten for every roll width [i.e. 72 in. (1828 mm), 98 in. (2489mm), etc.]) - refer to Figure 2 in the Appendix.2. Reduce vertical height of shade, i.e. split the shade vertically into two or more shades.Large Shades5

Large ShadesAppendixFigure 1 - Tall, Narrow ShadeFigure 3 - Wide, Low Deflection ShadeFigure 2 - Tall, Narrow Shade with Battens Figure 4 - Wide, Low Deflection Shade with Batten6

Large ShadesAppendixFigure 5 - Wide Shade Split into Two Narrower ShadesFigure 7 - Same Shade with Reduced Deflection and a Batten Figure 6 - Wide High Shade Deflection7

Light gaps around window coverings refers to the space or opening that allows some amount of lightto pass through around the edges of the window treatment. It is the area where the window covering,such as blinds, shades or curtains, does not fully meet or cover the window frame. These gaps canresult in some light leakage into the room even when the window covering is closed, impactingprivacy and light control. Manufacturers often provide specifications on the light gaps associatedwith their window coverings.Light GapsLight Gaps on Roller Shades Light Gaps on Honeycomb or Cellular ShadesLight Gaps on Roman Shade Light Gaps on Drapery8

Solutions to Eliminating Light Gaps:Inside Mount InstallationMount the window covering inside the window frame rather than outside. This helps to minimize gapsbetween the covering and the window frame.Precise MeasurementsTake accurate measurements of the window before purchasing or installing window coverings.Ensure that the dimensions match the specifications provided by the manufacturer.Top-down/Bottom-up ShadesChoose window shades with a top-down/bottom-up feature. This allows you to adjust the position ofthe shade both from the top and the bottom, providing better control over light gaps.Side ChannelsInstall side channels or tracks along the sides of the window frame to guide the window covering andreduce gaps. This is especially effective for roller shades or blackout blinds.Cordless or Motorized OptionsOpt for cordless or motorized window coverings, as they often have better light-sealing capabilitiescompared to those with cords or chains.Layer Window TreatmentsCombine different window treatments, such as using curtains in addition to blinds or shades, tocreate an extra layer of light-blocking capability.Light Gaps9

Product Maintenance In the following pages, you will find a list of careand maintenance recommendations for variouswindow fashions. Typically, a routine of lightdusting and gentle vacuuming is all that is neededto preserve their new appearance for years.Recommended Cleaning for Fabric ShadesFabric shades such as cellular or honeycombshades, roller shades and zebra blinds, areavailable in a diverse array of fabrics. These canbe effectively maintained using your vacuum’s softbrush tool. Additionally, occasional spot cleaningwith a damp cloth is recommended for optimalcare. It is crucial to avoid using the vacuumwithout the brush attachment, as the bare hosemay cause permanent damage and deformation toyour shades.Spot Cleaning Utilize a soft sponge or dust cloth along with milddish soap diluted in warm water to clean. Avoidproducts that contain bleach, CFCs, or petroleum.Dampen your cloth, blot the stain withoutscrubbing, and then blot the fabric again with a drycloth to prevent water marks.Regular Dusting For light cleaning, it is crucial to have a dustingtool on hand. Opt for microfiber dusters or clothsas they attract dust instead of dispersing it.Alternatively, use a vacuum with a brushattachment for optimal dust capture. Swipe themicrofiber cloth, duster or vacuum with a brushattachment gently across the blinds, from the topmoving downwards. If dust or bugs accumulateinside the cells, use a can of compressed air or ahair dryer with the cool setting to remove. Cleaning and Maintenance of Shades10

Steaming To eliminate wrinkles from certain fabrics,steaming is a viable option. It is advisable to use ahand-held travel-sized steamer that offerscontinuous steam. Avoid direct contact betweenthe steamer and the fabric, maintaining arecommended distance of 6 to 8 inches from thefabric folds.Recommended Cleaning for Real Wood,Alternative Wood or Metal BlindsBlinds may be vacuumed using a brushattachment.To ensure the prolonged durability of woodproducts, shield them from exposure to steam,high-moisture environments, rain, or sprinklersystems.Blinds with a stained finish, similar to woodenfurniture, benefit from occasional treatmentwith lemon oil or another wood preservative.This helps safeguard their finish and intensifytheir shine.For metal blind cleaning, it is recommendedbathtub cleaning/water immersion inlukewarm water with mild detergent.(important: Products featuring specificheadrails or bottom rails may not all besuitable for immersion.)Cleaning and Maintenance of Shades11

Fabric Behavior and considerationsIn the world of curtains and drapes, stackback refers to the amount of space the fabric takes up whenfully opened and stacked to the sides of the window. It is essentially the distance the curtains needon either side of the window to be completely out of the way.Here's why stackback is important:Planning your hardware: The stackback measurement helps determine the ideal width for yourcurtain rod or track. You need enough space for the panels to stack back comfortably withoutbunching up or hitting the window frame.Light and visibility: Sufficient stackback ensures the curtains open fully, revealing the maximumamount of window and allowing natural light to flood in.Factors affecting stackback:Drapery style: Different pleating styles (e.g., pinch pleat, goblet pleat) will stackback differently.Generally, more complex pleats will require a larger stackback.Fabric fullness: How full you want your drapes to appear when closed also plays a role. Fullerdrapes will naturally require more stackback space.Hardware type: The design of your rod or track can influence stackback. For instance, rods withfinials on the ends will add to the stackback distance.Typical stackback range: It usually falls between 2 to 6 inches on each side of the window. This is ageneral estimate and the actual measurement can vary depending on the factors mentioned above.12

Light-filtering shadesThese allow a significant amount of natural light to pass through, typically blocking less than 95% ofit. They soften the incoming light and provide a gentle, diffused glow. This is ideal for rooms whereyou want some natural light control but still desire a bright and airy feel, like living rooms or kitchens.Light Filtering Vs. Room Darkening Room-darkening shadesThese offer a higher degree of light blockage, typically blocking between 95% and 99% of light. Theycreate a dimmer environment suitable for privacy or blocking out sunlight for naps or movie nights.Bedrooms and bathrooms are common places for room-darkening shades.13

Adaptive DevelopmentsLOCATIONS &CONTACT INFORMATIONMetro Vancouver #3175 580 Nicola AvePort Coquitlan, BCV3B 0P2(604) 436- 3400customers@sonatadesign.caEdmonton#10620 170 Street NWEdmonton, ABT5S 1P3(780) 705-1412customers@sonatadesign.caCalgary#114 6170 12 Street SECalgary, ABT2H 2X2(403) 930-0332customers@sonatadesign.caRed Deer#102 - 284 Burnt Park DR, Red Deer, AB T4S 0K7(487) 391 4624customers@sonatadesign.caMetro Vancouver #3175 580 Nicola AvePort Coquitlan, BCV3B 0P2(604) 436- 3400customers@sonatadesign.caEdmonton#10620 170 Street NWEdmonton, ABT5S 1P3(780) 705-1412customers@sonatadesign.caCalgary#114 6170 12 Street SECalgary, ABT2H 2X2(403) 930-0332customers@sonatadesign.caRed Deer#102 284 Burnt Park DR, Red Deer, AB T4S 0K7(487) 391 4624customers@sonatadesign.ca#playwithyourspace