the duette handbook - luxaflex · with the luxaflex duette® shades honeycomb technology, in...

The Duette® Handbook

The beauty is in the details

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Luxaflex® has been adding style and sophistication to New Zealand windows since the 1950s.

Our design heritage is founded on innovation for today and tomorrow while taking care to celebrate the beauty in the details. To us, form and function are synonymous. Consistently pushing the boundaries, we are proud to be the market-leaders in daylight regulation and solar heat control solutions.

The international standard for window coverings

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Setting the standardIt was over thirty years ago that we ‘pushed the boundaries’ and revolutionised the blinds market with the introduction of Duette® Shades. Pioneering the original cellular shade, admirers of Luxaflex and customers alike have been hopelessly devoted to our Duette® Shades ever since.

Perhaps it’s to do with the unparalleled performance and beauty of our design. Or perhaps it’s simply because our competitors don’t stack up. One thing we do know, however, is that if you are after the best, then only Duette® Shades will do.

Synonymous with design and efficiencySo well liked in the USA, what Thermos is to vacuum flasks, Duettes are to honeycomb shades. This didn’t just happen by chance. Every year the company invests millions devising the best systems and staying ahead of international trends.

By Kiwis, for Kiwis, Duette® Shades are custom-made for your windows by hand. But that’s just the beginning of the story. Let’s look a little more closely at how Duette® Shades have conquered the world’s windows.

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What are Duette® Shades?Duette® Shades are the original cellular shades, engineered to provide beauty as well as offering levels of energy efficiency in both cold and warm climates. Made of two or more layers of pleated, reinforced fabrics bonded together and joined at the pleats to form compartments that trap air, Duette® Shades’ honeycomb structure creates insulation that can help lower your energy consumption and energy bills.

Duette® shades are available in a single-cell design as well as the industry-leading Duette® Architella®, which features a honeycomb within a honeycomb for maximum energy efficiency.

Why pick Duette® Shades?There are many reasons to choose a Duette® Shade for your home. Apart from our extensive fabric range and their versatility throughout the home, Duette® Shades have many other qualities that make them a perfect inclusion for almost any room.

5Luxaflex — The Duette Handbook

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01 Excellent Insulation

Most of us are familiar with the building standards of New Zealand’s past homes. Too hot in the summer, freezing in the winter. Most of this can be attributed to a lack of insulation and orientation to the sun, but the fact is, up to 30%^ of total heat loss from a home occurs through uncovered windows. Duette® Shades do something about that.

The designer alternative to double glazing

Dubbed “the designer alternative to double glazing”, Duette® Shades’ cells form insulating air traps, while the fabric can reflect heat. The overall effect is to help keep a home warm in winter and cool in summer, reducing your heating and cooling costs in the process.

Affordability Cost is a huge consideration for nearly all of us. In fact, 1/3 of Kiwi’s energy bills are attributed to heating and cooling. So why not offer one of the best products in the market today to help cut costs? With acceptable insulation, our customers can save more money all year round.


The 10mm Duette® is lower cost and suits smaller windows.These shades are at an ‘opening’ price point, yet offer the insulation benefits of air-filled double glazing. Visually, the closer pleats of 10mm tend to suit smaller windows or reveals.

The 20mm is the choice of more style-conscious customers.Developed more recently than the 10mm, 20mm Duettes have a much wider range of fabrics, specialty operating systems and higher insulation properties than gas-filled double glazing.

20mm Duette® Architella® incorporates a cell within a cell creating 3 separate air pockets.Duette® Architella® Shades represent the ultimate in window covering insulation. This is the preferred choice for hot and cold environments to stabilise the temperature.

Your optionsTwo pleat sizes: 10mm and 20mm cells; each creates a unique look.

The quiet achieverWhen we think of insulation, one of the things we often forget is the added benefits of sound insulation. Duette® Shades make the perfect choice when looking at blinds for the bedroom or across your home including media rooms.

With the Luxaflex Duette® Shades honeycomb technology, in addition to their energy efficiency properties that help keep your home warm in winter and cooler in summer, the technology also helps to reduce everyday sound energy. Sound energy is absorbed within the cell, dulling exterior noise by up to 55%^^ even with Translucent fabric. Allowing light to enter your home while keeping noise at bay.

^ Based on information from NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System). Visit www.nabers.com.au for more information.

^^ The scale of sound absorption is in a range from 0.00 to 1.00 where 1.00 means 100% total absorption of sound. The scale can be equated to percentages - for example a value of 0.35 would indicate approximately 35% sound absorption. Source: Hunter Douglas USA Reference Guide April 2010.

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Duette® Architella® is a more sophisticated high-performance shade.A product’s “R-value” is a measurement of its ability to resist heat flow. In a home during winter, R-values indicate the ability of walls, roofs and windows to keep the heat inside. The higher its R-value, the more insulation a product provides. A fully recessed, reveal-mounted Duette® Architella® Shade can increase the R-value* of a 3mm single glazed window from 0.127 to 0.775, reducing heat transfer by 83%. Independent modelling has shown that this, in turn, can reduce an average home’s heating costs by up to 43.3%.**

Insulation ‘R’ Values of Duette® Shades

Uncovered glass (Double glazing) 0.26

Standard 10mm (Translucent) 0.31

Standard 20mm (Translucent) 0.42

Standard 10mm (Blockout) 0.45

Standard 20mm (Blockout) 0.52

Duette® Architella® (Translucent) 0.61

Duette® Architella® (Blockout) 0.77

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* The R-values are the combined measurement of 3mm (one-eighth inch) CI glass (R=0.127) plus the window covering and are reported in metric SI units. Thermal properties are determined by a certified third-party laboratory utilising accepted ASTM, NFRC and WES standards and procedures. Measurements may vary based on window type and method of installation.

** Savings are based on the installation of fully-recessed, reveal-mounted Duette® Architella® Shade with 20mm Panache Blockout fabric in an average home in Sydney, compared with the House Energy Rating standard of Holland Blinds from AccuRate, in that home. These calculations have been modelled by an independent third party. Savings will vary based on the window type and installation.

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Whether the main goal is light filtering, total blockout or privacy, Duette® Shades are the blind for the job. The combination of Duettes’ structure and the translucency of the fabric, diffuse and filter the sun’s rays, lending interiors a softening glow. The nature of the fabrics chosen can create interesting ‘plays of light’ or block it completely.

02 Control the Light


Blockout These are fabrics that won’t let any light through. Ideal for media rooms or bedrooms; these excel anywhere people choose darkness.

Note: A combination of blockout and sheer fabric, is a clever choice for a day-night two-in-one shade configuration. (See page 12)

DaylightingAnother important energy-related function of window coverings is to diffuse incoming sunlight to soften it and bring it deeper into a room. This function is called “daylighting.” In addition to reducing glare and improving visual comfort, daylighting can often save energy by reducing the need for electrical lighting.

TranslucentThese fabrics aren’t see-through but do let light in, while protecting your furnishings from damaging UV. Vague shapes can be discerned through translucent fabrics but rooms remain private.

SheerSheer is a very see-through fabric, like net curtains. It blocks very little light but does ‘soften’ and colour the view outside.

Note: Sheer fabrics are often used to create a gentle mood; a little like seeing the outside world in soft-focus. Use in combination with either blockout or translucent fabrics for a day-night solution.

Fabric classes

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Top-DownTop-Down allows the shade to cover the lower part of the window whilst allowing light and view from the top. A great option for privacy.

Day-NightThis shade has a seamless central rail separating two fabrics (like blockout and sheer). The rail can be raised or lowered at any time to expose the desired area of either fabric. This set-up, using fabrics that perform differently, is often used to change the shade according to the time of day.

Top-Down / Bottom-UpProvides complete versatility allowing the shades to be open from the top, from the bottom, or even somewhere in between for the perfect balance of light and privacy.

Bottom-UpFeatures traditional operation where the bottom rail is raised to open the shades and lowered to close the shade.

At your controlDuette® Shades not only open and close in the usual way; they can also be built and installed to work with light, shade and privacy in unique ways.

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VersatileThe Duette® Shades versatility enables speciality design options. Made to measure Duette® Shades are manufactured to exact window sizes to guarantee a first class finish. All shades are measured, crafted and installed to perfection. This includes shaped options for difficult windows, including semi-circles and bays. They can be mounted inside or outside frames, and horizontally on skylights.

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They may look delicate but Duettes’ fabrics are made from a remarkable and very hard wearing material called spun-bonded polyester. This modern environmentally friendly material is 100% recyclable.

Hard wearing In spite of its delicacy, this fabric is extraordinarily robust and hard wearing. Naturally anti-static, it inherently resists dust. The cords, rails and internal mechanisms too are all of the best quality materials, precisely engineered to exact tolerances and exquisite finishes.

Hand made In fact, the majority of Duette® Shades are made by hand here in New Zealand, not in an overseas manufacturing plant like some other suppliers. We firmly believe in Kiwi Made. Thoroughly tested and rigorously quality controlled, we proudly offer a three-year warranty on all fabrics, parts and other materials for our Duette® Shades.

03 Made to Last

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Duette® Shades can be paired with your choice of the largest range of operating systems Luxaflex Window Fashions offer, allowing them to be easily adapted for any window or door. Operating systems include child-safe options such as UltraGlide®, the cord-free LiteRise, or our tech-savvy PowerView® automation system.

UltraGlide® (Child Safe)In an effort to move towards a seamless, cord-free product offering, the existing UltraGlide® operating cord has been replaced with a new retractable soft touch Wand available in six lengths. UltraGlide® features a click and walk away system using a retractable wand mechanism to raise and lower shades.

LiteRise (Child Safe)This completely cordless system lets you move the shade up or down by hand without cords or visible mechanics. The stylish and sophisticated handle is slightly contoured and is comfortable in the hand. The sprung reaction system inside the headrail is so perfectly balanced that the shade stays in position at the height you leave it.

PowerView® SkyLift (Child Safe)Duette® SkyLift with PowerView® Automation is the ideal solution for large hard to reach windows. They combine the energy efficiency and light control benefits of honeycomb shades, with the added convenience of smart technology.

Operating systemsWith a choice of five, the right operating system makes life a little easier.

04 Smooth Operator


PowerView® Automation (Child Safe)A completely cordless battery operated system that provides one-touch operation. Perfect for hard to reach windows and no cords in sight. The sleek, control side end cap features a discrete button and visible indicator lights, flows cleanly into the headrail profile.

Standard cord lockThe classic operating mechanism using a long cord which is pulled to raise the shade. Lock in place at the desired height with a sideways pull; another sideways pull releases the cord and lowers the shade to the chosen level.

Child SafeWhen it comes to our Luxaflex® products, child safety is always a number one priority. We know what kids are like, that’s why we go out of our way to not only comply with child safety standards, we exceed them.

*Child Safe means that the operating system featured has no looped cords in which small children could become entangled or injured.

Fabric compatibilityNot all systems can be used with all fabrics. This chart shows the options…

Standard Cord UltraGlide® LiteRise PowerView® SkyLift PowerView® Automation

Nightfall 10mm ✓

Classic 10mm ✓

Sabelle 10mm ✓

Midnight 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Sabelle 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Symphony 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Sheer 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓

Sunterra 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Brushstroke 20mm ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Alexa 20mm* ✓ ✓ ✓

Panache 20 Arch ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Elan 20 Arch ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Aurora 20 Arch ✓ ✓ ✓

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There’s nothing that compares with Duettes® for sheer versatility. There’s a version to suit just about any room in the house. Beautiful and aesthetically pleasing in themselves, their linear shape looks crisp and clean; the honeycomb profile creates interesting shapes with highlighted and shaded tones on the blinds themselves.

05 Simply Beautiful


A wide array of colours and texturesAvailable in a wide variety of colours, textures and fabrics, our revolutionary (and super stylish) design provides thermal insulation and sound absorption – without losing on form or efficiency.

Classic, Nightfall, Symphony and MidnightSoft, translucent fabrics whose texture has the pattern of a subtle weave and the faintest sheen. The colour palette across 10mm Classic and Nightfall, 20mm Symphony and Midnight fabric ranges have been modified to ensure colours are consistent in matching translucent and blockout opacities.

Aurora — filtered with IllumaCellThe Aurora fabric range features our revolutionary clear inner IllumaCell that allows more light to illuminate the texture and lustre of the fabric. This, combined with the subtle woven linen weave of the fabric, allows light to filter through emphasising its sophisticated beauty whilst creating a statement at the window.

Elan — colour that shimmersWith a fine fabric texture reminiscent of chiffon, Elan has a refined shimmer. These fabrics are available in a modern palette that includes bold colours and warm hues. Available as translucent and blockout.

Panache — subtle and softThe Panache fabric range boasts a sophisticated colour palette that consists of soft neutral hues, and an almost velvety finish. The colour palette is predominantly neutral and earthen tones. Available in matching blockout and translucent opacities, this range is sure to complement any room setting.

Alexa — inspired by organic elementsExperience the beauty of nature’s imperfections with the Alexa range. Providing variations between its fibres giving each shade its own character in a living space. Available in translucent opacity only. *Gallery Exclusive fabric range.

Sabelle — soft neutralsThe colour palette across 10mm Sabelle has both translucent and blockout fabrics in a range of natural shades. The texture is a very clean, matte, flat colour that responds to the light in a way similar to a painted surface.

Sheer — maintain the viewThe most translucent in the collection, Sheer fabrics have the character of fine gauze, filtering sunlight and creating ambience without blocking the view. Sheer fabric is ideally combined with a blockout to create an atmospheric Day-Night shade. Suitable for living rooms, kitchens.

Sunterra — rich earthy neutralsInspired by the rich earthy colours of nature and accentuated by a radiant finish that glows in the sunshine, the Sunterra range of cellular fabric is truly stunning. Available in translucent and blockout options that will complement the Day-Night applications.

Brushstroke — organic textureThe Brushstroke range features a beautifully textured colour palette that is distinctively organic. Available in matching Translucent and Blockout opacities, the Brushstroke range offers a modern take on brushmarks and is sure to complement any home décor.

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Signature headrailThe Duette® Signature Headrail is available across the Ultraglide®, LiteRise and PowerView® operating systems. Matte finish headrails provide a premium look and feel. New flush-mount end caps cleanly finish the edge of the shade.

Modern Bottom Rail DesignA modern Bottom Rail design that features soft square edges. Reduced stack height of this new hardware allows the shade to be neatly pulled back for an optimal view to the outside.

New Duette® Signature headrailAs part of our ongoing dedication to innovative design, we are proud to introduce the new Duette® Signature headrail design. Drawing inspiration from the honeycomb fabric shape, a consistent look is achieved from the headrail right through to the bottom rail. The textured matte finish of the hardware presents a soft, refined appearance that coordinates with the look and feel of the fabric.

Fabric options

Fabric Range Opacity Duette Cell Type

Nightfall Blockout 10mm

Classic Translucent 10mm

Sabelle Translucent & Blockout 10mm

Midnight Blockout 20mm

Sabelle Translucent & Blockout 20mm

Symphony Translucent 20mm

Sheer Transparent 20mm

Sunterra Translucent & Blockout 20mm

Brushstroke Translucent & Blockout 20mm

Alexa* Translucent 20mm

Panache Translucent & Blockout 20mm Architella

Elan Translucent & Blockout 20mm Architella

Aurora Translucent 20mm Architella

*Gallery Exclusive fabric range

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06 Simplify Your Life

We didn’t invent light. We just created a smarter, simpler and more convenient way to control how it plays through your daily life. Welcome to PowerView® Motorisation from Luxaflex® Window Fashions, bringing you intelligent shades that simplify your life. This innovative wireless system controls Luxaflex Duette® Shades in your home. Operate a single blind or all of them in perfect concert - all on your command.


Voice ControlOperating your PowerView Shades just got a whole lot easier. Voice activate your PowerView Scenes using Apple® HomeKit™ technology, Amazon® Alexa® or the Google Assistant.

Apple® HomeKit™ technology provides an easy, secure way to control Homekit-enabled accessories, including your Luxaflex window treatments, using the Apple Home app and Siri on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and HomePod.

Amazon Alexa is built in the cloud, so it is always getting smarter. Ask Alexa to play music, check the weather, and now, control your Luxaflex® window shades. PowerView Motorisation with Amazon Alexa allows you to activate your PowerView Scenes.

Powered by Google Home, the Google Assistant makes it easy to activate your PowerView Scenes and control your shades with your voice.

Meet the HubWhether you are a home automation enthusiast or just getting started with connected devices, you can create a personalised whole-home connected experience by integrating PowerView Motorisation with compatible smart home systems.

The PowerView Hub is the central point of control for your home’s PowerView window treatments, with a brand new design sleek design to blend seamlessly within any home interior for beautiful discreet control. The Hub allows PowerView Motorisation to connect directly with some of the most popular systems on the market, Google® Assistant and Amazon® Alexa®, allowing seamless integration with the ability to control your shades blinds by voice command. Experience the ultimate in home automation!

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PowerView® PebbleMeet the PowerView® Pebble, the stylish handheld control and the entry point for the entire PowerView® system. Reach for the Pebble Remote and adjust your shades on the fly to block the glare on a TV set, open to the view, or lower the shades for privacy without lifting more than a finger. The Pebble is the perfect union of form and function, both simply elegant and elegantly simple.

With a range of contemporary colours, there will be a pebble to suit every personality and every room.

Download the AppThe choice is yours. Scenes can be created within individual Rooms and compiled into Multiple Room Scenes to activate a whole host of activity throughout the home with a single press.

Once you have your Scenes created, you can control them on command with the PowerView® Pebble Scene Controller or even your phone or tablet from anywhere in the world using RemoteConnect.

The PowerView® App is available on Apple App Store and Google Play stores for download. Click on the link to be taken to the app page, or within the store search for “PowerView” then download and install the application.

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Identifying Opportunities & Solutions

Multiple blinds Easier to close all at once

Convenience Operating all blinds by the touch of a button

Child safe No cables or cords

Timing functions Time blinds to go down and come up automatically

Insulation Only enhances insulation when blind is down

Link products Multiple products controlled from a remote control, device or both

Smart control Control products from smartphone, tablet or voice control

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Duette® Shades have proven very popular all over the world, and like any successful innovation, they are bound to be copied. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a number of poor quality honeycomb blinds are now even available in New Zealand

Don’t be fooled into buying cheap imitations. The Duette® copies aren’t realistic alternatives because they offer neither the features nor the quality of materials and manufacturing of Luxaflex® Duette® Shades.

07 Beware of Imitations

New Zealand Window Shades Head Office15 Lady Ruby Drive, Auckland, 1258

P 0800 223 224E [email protected]

Luxaflex is a division of New Zealand Window Shades Ltd. ©Copyright 2020 New Zealand Window Shades Ltd.

the duette handbook - luxaflex · with the luxaflex duette® shades honeycomb technology, in...

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