Norman Smart Drape Details
If you have a door or large window, then draperies or curtains are probably on your radar for window coverings. I recently went to a training seminar in Seattle Washington to see some new Norman Window Fashions’ Products. The Norman Smart Drape is one of the products that impressed me the most. Here is a video and discussion of this new product line.
I don’t want to irritate another company, Hunter Douglas, with this commentary, but this product does kind of offer a step beyond the Luminette Shading System. The Luminette and the Smart Drape are almost identical when it comes to the Sheer and Privacy layers that they both offer. What makes them different?
The primary difference between the Norman Smart Drape and the Hunter Douglas Luminette has to do with the “walk-through” capabilities. The Luminette, by Hunter Douglas is a one piece fabric. You can walk around the fabric, but not through it, whereas the Smart Drape by Norman allows you to walk through any part of the drape. I think this is a great feature, because it enables you to keep the drapery closed and still have access to the backyard or window handles, etc.
Norman Smart Drape Hardware
I also really like the hardware of the Norman Smart Drape. The baton to control the tilt and stack back is very sturdy. The headrail is also very stout. This is not to say that the Hunter Douglas Luminette is not sturdy, but in reality it is a bit more delicate. One of the reasons for this has to do with the way the vanes are made.
Vanes Make the Difference
The Luminette has stiff vanes. This means that they don’t like to be crimped or bent. The installation instructions even instruct the installer NOT to put the vanes over their shoulder. This keeps the vanes from getting stuck in a curved position. In contrast, the Norman Smart Drape doesn’t have a stiff insert in it’s fabrics. The difference between the sheer and light blocking materials are done via the type of weave.
Each vane of the Smart Drape has part of it that is sheer and part of it that is light dimming or light blocking. So, it is all fabric. 100%. No inserted vanes. That is what enables you to walk through the fabric. You are not risking damaging the fabric by walking through it.
Which is Better? Smart Drape or Luminette?
Ahh, the big question. Is the Norman Smart Drape better than the Hunter Douglas Luminette? It may be, or it may not be. The answer is ALWAYS based on your needs. To be honest, we sell far more Luminettes than Smart Drapes, but the Norman product is newer. So, in the long run, we will see. In the end, we always determine the best products for our clients and help them select what is best for them. If you hire us to help you with your project, you will see how we go through the process and I assure you that you will be happy.
About Us
Kempler Design is located in Reno NV and serves the northern Nevada and Lake Tahoe regions with a mobile design showroom. Paul Kempler, its founder is considered a window fashions expert. Kempler Design has been featured in many prestigious projects, including the HGTV dream home in Lake Tahoe. Kempler Design works with homeowners as well as interior design firms looking for a local contact in the Reno/Tahoe area or is available for travel.