A Shade Above Window Fashions provides a unique experience for consumers shopping for window coverings. Their interactive showrooms allow customers to operate more than 100 different shades and blinds. Bruce Abramson, president of A Shade Above Window Fashions, has been in the window covering industry for more than 30 years. He recently answered some questions about his business and what differentiates it from the competition.
Please describe your showrooms.
We’ve been serving South Florida since 1984. In 2000, our Davie showroom was selected as the nation’s first Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Gallery. In 2020 we opened a second showroom in Sunrise near the Sawgrass Mills Mall to better serve our expanding customer base. Both of our state-of-the-art showrooms offer a wide variety of indoor and outdoor shades and blinds from top national and international brands. We have products to fit all budgets.
What products do you offer?
We provide many of the top products on the market, including plantation shutters, roller and patio shades, roman shades, horizontal and vertical blinds, automated awnings and patio screens, decorative grilles, Luminette, Silhouette, Pirouette and PowerView, and Somfy automation.
What products are currently trending in the window covering industry?
Plantation shutters remain one of our most popular products. They are a timeless window treatment that is always in style. If you’re looking for a decorative statement, plantation shutters provide trim work around your window, including a new contemporary frame. Depending on which shutter you choose, they can complement any decor.
What other trends can customers spot in your showrooms?
If you’re looking for a soft, contemporary look, transitional roller shades are an ideal product that can work in any room. These shades alternate sheer and solid fabric, allowing a single shade to transition from open to close. It’s a perfect shade for those who want a view but also light control and privacy.
Do you carry room darkening products?
We’re always adding to our collection of blackout shades and we have interactive displays that show different degrees of darkness. We offer stylish shades that provide total blackout in bedrooms and media rooms. Customers love our Duo Shades — during the day a transparent shade gives you a view of the outside while maintaining privacy and keeping out the heat.
At night the blackout shade keeps the room private while maintaining darkness in the morning. Both shades work together in one unique system.
What’s available for patios and other outdoor spaces?
Our patio shades allow you to relax on your patio without melting in the sun. These shades can be operated manually with a cable guide for wind resistance, or the shades can be motorized in a track. We also have retractable patio screens that protect you from bugs on muggy days but allow you to raise the screens when you want open air. For the ultimate in coverage, we have fashionable European style automated awnings that automatically retract on a windy day.
How have you adapted during Covid-19?
Early on in the pandemic, we knew we’d have a unique challenge. Many people are working from home and using this time to renovate their homes. So we had to ensure that we had a safe way for customers to shop. We introduced an appointment system where people can book a private showroom tour, either by visiting our website or calling us. We also introduced virtual showroom appointments where we can meet with customers via video. All of our staff and customers wear masks.
With so many choices, how do you help customers make a decision?
When customers visit our showrooms, they receive a tour of the newest shades and blinds available today. We recognize that it can be difficult to make decisions from small samples. That’s why our business model is special. Our full-size displays are available for the customer to view and operate as it will appear in their home. Our employees have decades of experience in the window covering industry, so they can answer personalized questions that will help customers make the best decisions tailored to their needs.
What’s the best way for customers to contact you?
To schedule an appointment at one of our showrooms, visit our website AShadeAboveFlorida.com or call us at 954-434-8701. Our knowledgeable staff will provide a personalized in-depth tour of our many interactive displays. Our full-service package includes professional measuring and installation by our Hunter Douglas certified technicians.
A Shade Above’s Davie showroom is located at 5967 South University Drive. A Shade Above’s Sunrise showroom is located at 13051 West Sunrise Boulevard. For more information, call 954-434-8701.
