Window-ology offers window covering products and services to residential and commercial customers throughout the Bay Area. The company provides sales, installation and repair services for blinds, shades, shutters, draperies, motorized window treatments, solar screens, exterior awnings, and more.
Owners Alan and Chris Robinette explain that since Window-ology manufactures many of its own products, the quality of its materials and workmanship is consistently high. All the company’s window coverings are built specifically to order and size, and it offers free consultations to guarantee clients’ specifications are met.
Window-ology’s expanded showroom lets customers see window covering options in various home environments. The company can also bring its services to clients’ homes to measure windows, discuss options, help choose treatments and follow up with professional installations. “We’ve been serving clients in the Bay Area for over 30 years, and we look forward to serving every customer,” says Alan Robinette.
“We’re a business based on pride and confidence, and those qualities are exemplified in everything we do. We don’t just sell window covering products; our goal is to establish relationships with our customers. We aim to provide them with great selections, quality products and exceptional customer service.”
Choosing the right window coverings is an exercise in personal preference.
Blinds are either meant to be practical and decorative or protect privacy and control sunlight. Because there are so many styles and colors, shopping for new blinds may seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips to consider:
• Measure and determine the proper size and fit.
• Make sure they control privacy and sunlight.
• Consider the product’s energy efficiency.
• Determine if it allows for simple cleaning and care.
• Choose the right size and mount for your windows. Older window frames are usually deeper and more suited for an inside mount, while newer, shallow window frames are built for an outside mount.
Some windows, such as those in bathrooms or bedrooms, require extra privacy. Choosing PVC vertical blinds, pleated shades or cellular shades with privacy backing can help. Some mini and wood blinds also offer additional privacy.
If a window faces a brightly lit area, the same qualities that provide privacy can also keep light out of a room. Some people prefer blinds that offer more privacy on the bottom while allowing light to come through the top. Look for blinds that offer a top down/bottom up control.
Dusty homes can present a challenge for blinds. Aluminum mini blinds are easy to maintain and only require an occasional dusting; some aluminum mini blinds come with an anti-static finish that repels dust. If necessary, they can be easily cleaned with a mild soap and water. If you have children or pets, PVC vertical blinds are durable and can be easily wiped clean with a cloth and mild cleaning solution.
If you put blinds above a sink or in a room with high humidity, choose a water-resistant style. PVC vertical blinds, vinyl blinds and aluminum mini blinds hold up well in damp rooms.
For businesses and other commercial projects, choose products that are durable and can easily be maintained and operated by different people.
When looking for a window coverings contractor, check the following:
• Does the company offer a wide variety of options and manufacturers?
• Can you view samples?
• How knowledgeable is the contractor at the first meeting or call?
• What’s their background in design?
• What’s their experience with installations?
Pleasanton’s Window-ology is the corporate office of a national retailer and manufacturer of window covering products. The company has franchises and professional sales personnel throughout the United States, and its offices are locally owned and operated. “We have expertise in everything from soft fashions to custom draperies and specialty motorized products,” says co-owner Chris Robinette. “We pride ourselves on our ability to assess and identify our clients’ particular needs, and we’re able to recommend the right products for every situation.”
Window-ology also manufactures and repairs many products onsite and can help customers review samples. To help the company’s sales professionals know what products to recommend, Ms. Robinette suggests customers ask themselves why they want to cover a particular window. “Is there a sun or privacy issue? Is it for heat or cold? Is there a need to block glare on a TV or computer screen? These details will help customize window coverings for maximum performance.”
Window-ology also offers a variety of shutter options from several different manufacturers, including solid wood, composite wood and other combinations.
The company’s focus on workmanship and quality control is enhanced by its staff of long-term employees, who, according to Ms. Robinette, know how to build and repair all products and take pride in their work. “All our installation crews are trained to uphold our professional standards,” she says.