American Sourced and Manufactured Since 1954

If you’ve been following us this month you may have noticed that we’re introducing some of the culturally-rich Americans working at American Draperies & Blinds. Americans can be born, but there is another road to becoming American fueled by choice, desire and love for this country. America is composed of many rich cultures and ethnicities many of whom have chosen to become American citizens and raise their coming generations as Americans. The naturalized American is as valuable to the American workforce as someone fortunate enough to be born in this country.

We employ Americans at American Draperies and Blinds and we have a solid commitment to our community to keep these American citizens working. They produce high-quality products that carry a lifetime guarantee, a guarantee you would never see in so many of the inferior foreign-made products. We stand behind our products in the same manner we stand behind our hard-working Americans that produce each item right here in our factory with a high sense of pride and integrity.

Our success and longevity (celebrating 60 years in business this September) are directly rooted in the dedication of our employee team. We are fortunate to have many workers with us for 20+ years. In fact, several families and generations chose our company as their work home. This experience translates to better service and quality.

Remember, Americans come in all shapes, sizes, colors and ethnic origins. We are proud to keep Americans working!

April 22nd is Earth Day!

Earth Day is a nationally recognized event designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. Many of our customers have expressed interest in launching sustainable and environmentally-friendly initiatives to support the movement on an on-going basis. One way to reduce carbon footprint, cut down on waste and build sustainability into daily operations is by using environmentally friendly window coverings. American Draperies & Blinds is committed to environmentally friendly, safe, nontoxic materials!

In honor of Earth Day, we're offering two promotions over the month of April:

• 20% off all eco-friendly draperies (discount code: SALE20) + free shipping!

• Tree with purchase- with each eco-friendly product ordered from our company, we will plant a tree on behalf of the purchaser through the National Arbor Day Foundation which is replanted in our nation’s forests; to date, we have planted 500 trees!

To learn about our earth-friendly bamboo, hemp and organic cotton drapes, check out our selection here. Your purchase of our American sourced and constructed green draperies and rods directly helps the environment:

• Eliminates emissions and VOC’s

• Stops the contamination in soil, air and the water supply

• Supports a system of sustainable agriculture

American Draperies & Blinds are proud members of the Arbor Day Foundation, the Organic Trade Association and the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council).

Drapes & Curtains = Style and Energy Savings

Draperies are the quintessential and classic way to decorate your windows thereby adding elegance and flair to all decors. But, you now have to think about more than just the look of your window treatments. Energy efficiency is a huge issue in today’s energy conscious times. Even if global warming doesn’t scare you, keeping the cost of utilities down is every household’s challenge. Adding drapes or curtains is a practical way to help your home stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Drapes and curtains can significantly lower your energy bills while using fewer of the earth's precious resources.

Pacific Gas & Electric states that approximately 16% of all heat in a room escapes through windows. Keeping your drapes or curtains closed during the day also keeps out unwanted heat and sunlight that can fade carpeting and furniture. Opening drapes or curtains on cold days lets extra solar heat into the room and then by closing them at night you can retain warmth. If you want your drapes/curtains to accomplish both style and efficiency, use a thicker fabric and insulate the drapes with lining. In addition, lined drapes will reduce and suppress outside noise. They also last 10-15 years longer than unlined drapes!

Lined drapes or curtains offer more than just thermal efficiency. Lined drapes or curtains hang better for graceful full folds. Pleats and folds hang better with the added weight an insulated lining gives them. The luxurious effect on pleating cannot be matched without lining regardless of the drapery fabric used.

A Drape or curtain style can be dramatically adjusted to fit your rooms needs. For exciting information on energy saving drapes check out sites like (www.americandrapery.com) and use the free “Virtual Room Designer” to try different stunning drape and valance styles. It allows you to match the wall, flooring, and furniture colors in your home to drape fabrics so you can see exactly how it would look before you purchase it.

Often, the cost of lined drapes and curtains compared to unlined drapes and curtains is minimal if you consider the savings you will receive with utilities expense reduction. Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer will also save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.

Spring Ahead and Brighten Your Decor

Spring is here. As the first trees bloom and bud so does the idea to freshen your décor. Making dramatic changes to the look of a room by re-decorating can be expensive. However, one way to easily transform or update your décor on a budget is to change the drapes or curtains. You will be surprised at the dramatic difference new drapes can make to freshen up your home. Creativity and knowing where to go for the best quality and price can also make this an easy and inexpensive project.

Choosing a drape or curtain style to suit your environment should be exciting. With the number of options available, it is easy to get carried away with trendy brick-a-brack window treatments that can leave your windows over dressed and your pocket book empty. Pick classic styles such as pinch pleated or tab top drapes and add a stunning valance to define the style of a room. If you want to create a more formal look, include a pinch pleated sheer that can be opened and closed to create an airy look as well as adding privacy. Finish with simple tie backs in the same fabric as the drapes to hold the drapes or curtains back away from the window.

Many times, a valance with your existing window treatments will highlight the drape or curtain and “top” it off adding a perfect frame to your view. If you have mixed types of window coverings in a room, valances on all of the windows also provides continuity to really bring the room together.

The most important way to save money on home improvement projects is to buy directly from the manufacturer. Purchasing directly from the factory ensures you are getting wholesale prices without made products.

The total impact of your drapes, curtains, and window coverings can be very enriching and add the perfect finishing touch to your décor. Doing it for less will enrich your bank account too! Buying direct from the factory or manufacturer will also save you the costly 50-80% mark-up many retail stores and decorators add onto the product cost.costly mark-ups. You can receive the highest quality by purchasing American and you help keep Americans working!

Certified Organic Products Benefit Everyone!

There are several important reasons why 100% Certified Organic Cotton fabric and drapes continue to substantially grow in popularity.

Environmentally, green and eco-friendly construction and products are on the rise. Consumers are vitally interested in supporting products that are healthier and ones which protect the increasingly fragile environment and planet.

But, you don’t necessarily have to be an environmentalist to appreciate organic drapes. There are other people who want 100% Certified Organic Cotton drapes because they are sensitive to chemicals that may be found in dyes or those suffering from allergies. People with respiratory issues, like asthma, would also benefit from “organic cotton drapes”.

Many individuals are looking for or organic foods and natural products. Nothing is more natural or comforting than 100% organic cotton.

Some of you may also have infants or small children and feel more comfortable with natural un-dyed and non-chemically treated, 100% organic, pure cotton drapes in their bedrooms or family rooms. It makes a lot of sense when you think about it doesn’t it?

What is Certified Organic Cotton?

100% Certified Organic Cotton means cotton plants grown in fields that were not chemically treated or sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers, or harmful substances for three or more years. With organic drapes, it also means that the drape fabric was not subjected to chemical treatments or harmful dyes during the processing and finishing of the material.

Organic cotton is basically softer, more durable, and healthier for humans and out environment.

The use of “Certified Organic Cotton” drapes helps:

 - Eliminate contamination in soil, air, and water supply

 - Supports a system of sustainable agriculture

 - Supports the incidence of chemical sensitivity, allergies, asthma, rashes, and other health issues for both farmers and consumers alike

Organic cotton drapes are a great choice for those persons that are concerned about our fragile environment and sustainable agriculture; people with chemical sensitivities, allergies, asthma, respiratory illnesses; or those desiring clean air and natural products in your home both for yourselves and children.

How to Choose Window Treatments and Save Money

Whether you want curtains and draperies, or custom valances, window coverings can be a large part of your decorating budget. Since window treatments cover such a large area in any room, you want to make sure that you choose wisely and get the best value for your money. Here are some great tips on how to choose window treatments and save money!

Pick the appropriate window covering for each room.

You will want to think about what purpose the window treatment in your room will provide. Is it all about privacy, or are you simply wanting to add warmth and style? Do you need both? Do you need insulated drapes or curtains for energy savings? Once you answer these questions, you can narrow down your choice. The most common window treatments are curtains, drapes, blinds and valances.

Curtains
The words curtains and drapes are often used interchangeably. Curtains tend to be more casual, and are usually gathered on a rod. They are well suited for more relaxed rooms such as bedrooms and dens. Curtains tend to be made of lighted fabrics, and don’t block the light completely.



Drapes
Draperies are usually a more formal window treatment for the home. They are often lined, and are good at blocking sun and keeping out cold. Draperies can be pleated, tab top or grommet. Some require specialty rods. Draperies are a good choice for living rooms, and are often made of more substantial fabrics.


Visit Factory Direct Drapes and use their free Virtual Room Designer to help you choose the best draperies and curtains or valances for your home. Kathy Woodard is a freelance writer and home decorating expert. You can visit her atwww.TheBudgetDecorator.com

Happy Valentines Day Drape Lovers!

Valentine’s Day makes us day dream about warm cuddly nights, with someone special in a beautiful setting. Why not spruce up your personal setting with drapes, valances and hardware from factory bargain drapes and factory direct drapes and make every day Valentine’s Day? Changing the drapes in your bedroom might just strike the perfect set for a romantic evening or just a more relaxing space to pamper yourself. 

You will get a “sweetheart” of a deal on your window coverings this month as we launch new fabrics and gear up for spring cleaning.