Many years ago, PPL started the popular display using light bulbs and a colored cellophane wrap in each window. Then came an 18-year hiatus until, in 1990, they decided to re-institute the holiday light tradition. They came to K&H for urgent help with the shades. Sandy Kuhns, president, remembers, “We were given only a few weeks to come up with the method for displaying the colors, making the shades and installing them.”

Originally, K&H used roller shades made of backlit awning fabric; now PPL has devised a special system of lights and a plexiglass casing to enhance the color of those roller shades. The entire process is computerized and set to turn on at a scheduled time each evening. The only catch? They still rely on people to remember to pull down their shades each night. Even shades not involved in the display must be pulled so they don’t disrupt the design! We are grateful for our part in this special Lehigh Valley holiday tradition and hope you enjoy it all during the holidays.

Monitor glare can make it tough to work, as you constantly adjust yourself and your screen to stay out of the light. And the ‘big game’ can become a big letdown if your TV is awash in glare.

Energy-efficient cellular shades do a great job of controlling glare in the office or at home. They stack up neatly at the top of the window when not in use, then provide immediate protection when sun glare makes your screens hard to see.

Cellular shades also provide great insulation from cold and heat loss. Most offices have large windows, which can create cooler interior temperatures in the winter. Your home can also lose a lot of heat through its windows. So enjoy the sun in your office and family room until it’s time to turn on the big screen—then drop the shades and drop into your favorite chair and enjoy!

Hunter Douglas also does its part to balance the trade deficit by exporting its window covering products to 38 countries on six continents. Here at home, their innovations such as Duette® Honeycomb Shades, Silhouette® Window Shadings, and Luminette® Privacy Sheers have elevated the entire category of window coverings.

Confidence in the quality of American workmanship stands behind the Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee. As with any all-American company, the 5,000 employees of Hunter Douglas support the local communities where they work and live.

We at Kuhns and Heller join Hunter Douglas in celebrating American craftsmanship and American workers.

Solar shades provide privacy while allowing light to softly filter through. They are simple, effective and economical. Solar shades block out harmful UV rays to help protect your valuable furnishings, and help minimize glare on TV screens and computers. Best of all: you can keep the outside view while staying cool in the hottest weather.

How do I know what to buy?

Different styles of solar shades have different degrees of weave density, giving them different openness factors. The larger the percent of openness, the more light that filters into the room. For example, if a shade has a 5% openness factor, it will let less light in (and consequently interfere more with your outside view) than a solar shade with a 10% openness factor. You can choose from 1% up to 20% of openness.

Color is another aspect worth considering. Dark colors are best at cutting glare and allowing the view to come through. Lighter colors are best at heat reduction. Some of the newest fabrics have a light color on the back for heat reflection and a darker color facing the room for glare reduction. Use degrees of openness and color options to determine how bright or dark your room will be.

Are Solar Shades the Right Choice for Me?

Solar Shades are an ideal choice if you want to maintain your view to the outside while reducing heat transmittance to keep your interior cool and comfortable. They are the product of choice for offices, restaurants and schools; people are increasingly realizing their value for residential use. Whether solar shades are being used for residential or commercial purposes, K&H Custom Window Treatments can help choose what is best for your needs.

Been in the same home or office for a long time? Everything looking a little drab or shabby? If it’s time for a change, window treatments are a great place to start. Here is a three-step plan to decide which window coverings will bring your rooms back to life.

First step:  purpose of the room

First, give the use of each office or room some fresh consideration. Has its use changed over the years? Is there a more modern way to treat its particular light requirements? Start by looking at the room with fresh eyes and determining its current purpose.

Second step: purpose of the window coverings

Now that you know the job of the room, determine the role of the window coverings. Will they give privacy? Screen the sun? Be purely decorative? It could be one, or a combination of these purposes.

Third step:  coordinate with the room’s décor

Now that you’ve determined the purpose of the room and the window treatments, you can decide how your window treatments will match the room’s furnishings. For a classic, traditional look, you might consider floor-length draperies. Honeycomb cellular shades and wooden blinds can look traditional or contemporary, depending on their color, design and width. For a more contemporary look, consider wooden shades with thinner slats. Colors and prints can brighten up a room with neutral furnishings; a room with busy fabric on its furniture will benefit from calmer – colored window treatments.

Whether you decide to decorate the room yourself or call in the professionals, you’ll be ahead of the game if you begin with these three steps.