Blog - CFS Interiors & Flooring

8 Jul 2022

Understanding Window Coverings

Considering new window treatments but not sure where to start? The CFS Interior Design team is a great resource to help guide you through the possibilities.

Here are a few general definitions to start with:

Blinds and shades: These are not the same type of window treatment. While many people use these terms interchangeably, they are not substitutes for each other.
- Blinds refer to any type of treatment that has slats and is able to be lifted up and down or side to side. Examples of these would be horizontal blinds made of wood, metal, or faux wood as well as vertical blinds. These are not meant to go up and down on a daily basis because they are too heavy on the mechanical systems. They should only be lifted for cleaning purposes. However, if they are lifted daily be aware that you will be repairing them frequently. They are economically priced.
- Shades refer to coverings that are all one continuous piece that move up/down or side to side.
  Roller/solar shades are usually around the same price point as slatted blinds but are lighter in weight, which make them a nice alternative to slatted blinds and at a great price point. Other examples include roman, cellular (also known as honeycomb), pleated, and roller shades (also known as solar or screen shades). In addition, many manufacturers have vertical roman and cellular shades to cover large areas such as patio doors or long lengths of windows.
Interior shutters are actually an entirely unique category. This product can come in wood, faux wood, and PVC materials to suit any climate. They would not be designated as blinds because they are permanently fixed to the window trim. They also are meticulously measured and custom built which lends them to be more of a distant cousin of carpentry than a “true” blind.
Shutters can be used on a variety of windows/doors and are truly customizable. While they are gorgeous and adaptable, the cost is a considerable investment.
Lastly, there is one category that contains combinations of both blinds and shades. One large manufacturer such as Hunter Douglas has been a leader in developing styles that transcend basic window covering definitions.
- Silhouette and Luminette shades are examples of these. For example, Silhouette shades have fabric slats with attached sheers that offer a softer, more elegant version of a blind and shade all in one covering. Luminettes closely mimic Silhouettes soft appearance and shape except they operate from side to side like a vertical blind- a great solution for patio doors.
  
  Lafayette Interior Fashions, another US-based manufacturer, has created Allure shades. These have flat bandings on a continuous loop of fabric that give the appearance of slatted shades without having slats to tilt. They operate on a roller, sliding vertically to diffuse the light through the fabric banding.
  
  Hybrid shades such as Silhouettes, Allures, can vary widely in cost depending on application. They are another great alternative to slatted blinds because they are lightweight which means they can be raised daily (without added mechanical stress). Plus, they also offer another option of gently filtering light through vanes/bands instead of a harsher separation of light and shadows supplied through slatted blinds/shutters.

The cost of window coverings can vary greatly, and will depend on the material, hardware, and size involved. That’s why the CFS interior design team is a great resource to help guide you through making the best selections. Reach out to us with inquiries at 651-681-8100, [email protected], or www.cfs-floors.com

30 Nov 2021

CFS_Admin Industry News commercial furniture, commercial interior design, senior living

Investing in Commercial Furniture

Bargain DOES NOT Equal Value

Senior Living Upholstered Chair-
Perfect seat height, seat depth, arm height

Let’s face it, when we see chairs for sale on Amazon or at Costco for $99, it’s difficult to rationalize paying more for what appears to be the same item elsewhere. While bargains may work as a quick fix, they can be disappointing and even dangerous when used in public spaces.

RESIST the temptation to put that “cheap-o” chair in your cart, and consider the facts:

Warranties: “Throw Away” furniture is NOT a sustainable solution. Purchase from a dealership that offers some form of warranty, even if limited, to protect your investment. Dealers who supply commercial seating are likely to have a connection with a furniture medic or upholstery fixer-upper who can potentially repair/replace parts.
Quality Foam: The industry standard for residential foam is 1.8 lbs, which is low on the density scale and often results in visible sagging and crushing within 2 years. Commercial manufacturers use foam typically in the 2.5 lbs density range, which results in a more supportive, durable seat. They also offer multiple foam upgrades and options such as a moisture-barrier wrap to prevent spills/liquids from penetrating the foam.
Fire Codes: There are no proper certifications available at Acme Furniture Palace that will meet the standards of your fire marshal. Commercial manufacturers will supply the flame-retardant components (and paperwork) necessary to meet applicable state/local codes.
Frame Strength & Construction: Residential frames are only required to hold up to 150 lbs. Commercial manufacturers use specialty weight tests to determine their strength. Typically the minimum capacity is 250 lbs, but can be engineered to meet 350-1000 lbs ratings. In addition, bargain pieces may have glued or stapled joints, where commercially manufactured products will use screws, dowels, and/or dovetail joinery for better stability. Those details may not seem important until a chair collapses, resulting in an injury or potential lawsuit which could have been avoided.
Dimensions: For maximum user comfort-, especially for seniors and those with limited mobility, look for seat heights between 18″-19.5″, seat depths of 18″-20″, and arm heights of 24″-26″. Many residential chairs have low, deep seats which may be great for your Netflix binge, but not ideal for getting up & out of the chair with ease.
Upholstery: You’re typically stuck with whatever fabric is sewn onto the piece you bought online/in-store. Commercial manufacturers offer “C.O.M.”, Customer’s Own Material options. This allows the consumer to utilize specialty, commercial-grade upholstery engineered to protect & maintain the furniture. Examples include protective treatments that resist stains, moisture, fading, anti-microbial, and are bleach cleanable.

Within healthcare & senior living communities, it is important to seek the assistance of a commercial furniture dealer, such as CFS, to ensure a safe and successful outcome. CFS designers will be able to guide you through the process by recommending upholstery, style/function, and even let you try out some sample chairs. Let us lead you in your furniture quest today!

Contact CFS Design Department today!

26 Mar 2021

CFS_Admin Industry News Forbo, linoleum, Marmoleum, self-healing, sustainable flooring

Linoleum- Ingenuity on the Flooring Frontier

Definition of linoleum: "1: a floor covering made by laying on a burlap or canvas backing a mixture of solidified linseed oil with gums, cork dust or wood flour or both, and usually pigments” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2021)

What comes to mind when you hear the word “linoleum”? Probably a marbled looking kitchen floor in a residential setting, right? In fact, people commonly mistake linoleum for sheet vinyl. Linoleum, created by Frederick Walton, was the pioneer in the resilient flooring and deserves more credit than that. In fact, linoleum is truly unique and stands apart from its vinyl counterparts. Ironically, the product blossomed into ideation on a most serendipitous occasion.

“The story goes that one night in 1855, he forgot to seal a container of linseed oil that he was using as paint thinner, and a skin of solidified oil formed on top of the oil. He peeled it off and began to think of ways that this rubbery substance might be used. Walton experimented with ways to speed up the lengthy process of creating a solid product.” (Hagley.org 2021)

After many years of exportation throughout Europe & the U.S., linoleum was added to the product line at Armstrong Cork and Tile Company in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1903 and quickly became popular.

Currently, linoleum still remains a strong competitor against sheet vinyl goods in the industry for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, linoleum is an all-natural product & inherently antimicrobial which means that it is eco-friendly with an added bonus of the ability to fight viral-causing diseases without any additional harmful chemical additives.

Since linoleum is both bio-based and biodegradable it is perhaps the original earth friendly product. It is a homogeneous product which means it is the same color throughout which metaphorically is similar to that of a carrot. Therefore, linoleum can be sanded and refinished when damage occurs thus expanding the life span of the product. In addition, it has self-healing properties which helps it withstand bumps, cuts, and serves as a great solution for tackboards and wall protection.

Overall, linoleum is not only advantageous for the earth, societal health, but also provides a sustainable flooring option.

Sources: https://jacobsens.co.nz/knowledgebase/environmental-product-information/linoleum/#:~:text=Linoleum%20is%20the%20oldest%20form,both%20residential%20and%20commercial%20settings.

https://www.hagley.org/librarynews/evolution-linoleum

https://forbo.blob.core.windows.net/forbodocuments/814062/Truth_About_Linoleum2020.pdf

5 Feb 2021

CFS_Admin Industry News 2021 Emerging Professional Award, Floor Daily, Flooring Focus

Andrew Marden named one of the 2021 Emerging Professionals

CFS Interiors & Flooring is proud to announce that Andrew Marden has been graciously bestowed the 2021 Emerging Professional Award.

“Challenging times require exceptional leadership, and 2020 showed just how critical that can be. Across the country, young men and women in the flooring industry were rising to the challenge, from establishing safety protocols for staff amid a pandemic to helping their communities’ most vulnerable populations, and their creative and thoughtful solutions drew the attention of colleagues and peers.

Each year, the Emerging Leaders Awards recognizes the outstanding talent of people under 40 like these within the dealer/retailer/contractor sector. And this year saw the largest pool of submissions in the award’s history, which was judged by field veterans Ralph Boe and Paul Friederichsen. Among the winners are a president, vice presidents, managers and directors, all of whom are bringing new perspectives and fresh ideas to the flooring world and shaping the future of the industry.”

Resource:

https://floorfocus.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?m=62450&i=692811&p=66&ver=html5

21 Jan 2021

CFS_Admin Industry News antimicrobial upholstery coating, Shield Plus upholstery protection

Shield Plus Upholstery Protection-The Undercover Superhero

How long does COVID-19 live on surfaces?

Did you know that the Coronavirus 2019 can live on the outside of a surgical mask for 7 days, paper money for 4, and stainless steel for 3? Or that a hearty sneeze can travel up to 100 MPH and spew 100,000 droplets? While these are daunting facts to digest, there are advanced scientific technologies, such as Shield Plus upholstery protection, that have been developed to help keep panic (and infection) at bay.

Brief History of Upholstery Surface Protection

Surfaces haven’t always been “antimicrobial” but scientists have made great strides to arrive where they are currently. There are two ways to make a surface “stop the growth of disease-causing micro-organisms.” One is physical alteration- much like sanding a surface so as to deter organisms from attaching. The second is chemical coatings that can destroy the outer layers of the microbes. However, not all methods/coatings were created with butterflies and rainbows in mind.

Nitty-Gritty Truth about Past Upholstery Coatings

Some common predecessors of Shield Plus include coatings such as silver, copper, and zinc. Typically these coatings will seep into the microbe and destroy it. A similar analogy would be walking face first into a spider web and being unable to remove the silky strands. Grappling at your face, you go on with your day visiting place to place taking the spider web with you, leaving a residue wherever you visit. Sadly, science discovered that while the spider web was effective initially, it had negative impacts on the environment, particularly marine life. In addition, it didn’t protect against any mutated strains of the microbe and would eventually wear off through regular daily use.

Okay- what about new technology like Shield Plus?

So how is Shield Plus upholstery protection different from earlier technologies? Instead of sticking to the microbes like a “spider web”, scientists discovered that they could attract the organisms to the surface by using a “permanent, bonded, positively charged molecular coating”. Once the microbe cell nears the surface, it is then pierced by the structure of the coating & BLAMMO!– microbe annihilated. Since Shield Plus is permanent and non-toxic it spotlights as the superhero of the story. Marine life is happy, the surfaces last longer & humans are better protected from nasty disease-causing organisms. The clouds suddenly part, rainbows and butterflies explode onto the scene excited for the scientific breakthrough.

Put your mind at ease.

Shield Plus comes permanently fixed on Panaz upholstery and has been widely used in the UK for many years. Along with vigorous surface disinfection procedures currently in place, clients will be able to feel more at ease knowing that their furniture in public places has Shield Plus applied.

Contact CFS today to learn more.