As mentioned in our last outing, where I went over some of the 2021 interior design trends, technology has become pervasive in our lives and our homes. RBS, Traverse, and Motorized hardware continue to be in high demand and the industry is making improvements consistently. Helser Brothers is no different. We have been adding new products here and there to bolster our more technologically advanced lines and will continue to do so in the future. For now, however, here is a quick rundown of what we have added over the last year.
1″ Square Ruffino Assembly
Above (Left to right, top to bottom): Available plated finishes – Chrome, Satin Nickel, and Matte Black (Left). Painted finishes also available. A profile view of the 1″ Square Track Rod (Top right). A Double rod treatment in Satin Nickel (Center right). A painted version with a Ruffino Strap Bracket, Paragon Finial and Frost finish (Bottom right).
One of the standouts is this sleek and modern traverse rod. At 1” square, it is relatively low-profile for those that like the CS tracks utility minus the plain appearance. You can get it in either standard or Ripplefold, which is available with overlapping or buttmaster master carriers. Choose between a variety of brackets, including double and ceiling mount versions, all of which come with either our standard strap or hidden mount bases. Finish it off with one of our painted finishes or select from a limited palette of plated finishes, which include Matte Black, Chrome, and Satin Nickel.
If you love the size and shape, but want something a bit more substantial, then consider using one of our painted finishes and adding a finial from our Artigiani or Jackie Von Tobel lines. With dozens of finish and finial combinations, you will have no shortage of options when it comes to dressing it up.
Traversing French Poles
Above (Left to right, top to bottom): An unassembled Traverse French Pole viewed from the bottom, finished in Liquid Silver (Top left). A Ripplefold Traverse French Pole with black carriers and master carriers, finished in Coal (Bottom left). Available base plates – Round, Strap, and Artigiani (Right).
Combining French Poles and Traversing rods, two of the most popular types of hardware we offer, is a daunting task. It is difficult to find the best radius for the bend without impairing the traverse function, resulting in most companies having to offer separate return arms with a set clearance. This limits the type of windows it can be used on and has an unsightly splice right at the curve of the arm, where it is next to impossible to effectively hide.
Our fabricators were not daunted though! They have worked hard to find the best way to create Traverse French Poles that are not only a single piece (or at least are not spliced in awkward places) but have customizable clearances. Pair that with a selection of bases including Round, Strap (either vertically or horizontally oriented), and Artigiani style.
New Finishes for Metro, Dresden, & Deventer
To complement the 2021 trending colors, most of which lean on the warm and earthy side, we are now offering some new finishes for our Ruffino 1 ⅛” Traverse rods and Vervo motorized products. Currently, these colors are limited to select products in those lines, but we are always looking to increase our finish selection. Here is a rundown of the new finishes and where you can find them!
- Satin Brass – A brushed gold-toned brass available on Ruffino 1 ⅛” traverse.
- Brushed Gold – A beautifully diffused gold available on Ruffino 1 ⅛” traverse and Vervo Dresden rods.
- Graphite – A modern smokey gray available on Vervo Deventer rods.
- Antique Bronze – A shimmery bronze brown available on Vervo Deventer rods.
iOn Battery Powered Motor & Wifi Enabled Dongle
Above (Left to right): iOn Motor with battery pack remove (Left). Wifi Dongle both unattached and attached to motor (Right).
Have you been stuck on a houseboat? Are you a van lifer? Maybe you just don’t have a wall plug anywhere near your windows and/or no way to hide an unsightly cord. Have no fear, iOn is here!
iOn is the newest motor in the Shuttle line, and is the only one that is battery-powered, making it perfect for those situations where you want the luxury of a motorized rod but can’t or won’t use a power supply. Here are some facts:
- Can be used with any of our remotes and wall switches
- Can be used with wifi-enabled apps, hubs, and home automation if using a separate WIFI dongle.
- Holds up to 55 pounds (40 pounds if the rod/track is bowed), making it a great option for lightweight and sheer draperies.
- Due to the enclosed battery pack, the motor is a bit longer than the other shuttle motors by just short of 5” (7 1/2” for the Eco-Shuttle and 12 ¼” for the iOn). However, the lack of a power supply and cord makes it a more versatile and unobtrusive option.
- The battery takes 5 hours to recharge fully but a full charge lasts up to 6 months, so you will only need to recharge it a couple of times a year!
- The battery comes with a 2-year warranty.
Finally, just like all of our motors, the iOn comes with a 10-year warranty on the motor itself.
Clear Snap Tape
It has been a bit since we added a new snap tape to our traversing lines and bulk workroom supplies, but many may not realize it is there. The new snap tape is ‘clear’, which is a bit of a misnomer as It is translucent, not transparent. However, in terms of textiles, it is about as clear as you can get without sacrificing structure and sturdiness.
Color aside, it is otherwise identical to our regular white snap tape. It is 1” wide and has 4 ¼” spacing between the snaps. We offer it per snap, or in 50 yd. and 100 yd. rolls. It is perfect for sheers and other lightweight, semi-translucent, fabrics where the standard white tape sticks out like a sore thumb.
Child Safety Tension Device
While our standard RBS Tension Devices are ANSI/WCMA approved, there is a new kid on the block (*rimshot*), the Child Safety Tension Device. When compared to our other tension devices, it is smaller and more compact. It comes in 2 pieces that are semi-transparent and easy to assemble: the spring-loaded body and screw cover. The bead chain snaps into the body before it is mounted, allowing for a more precise placement so the chain is taut. The cover clips over the front once the device is mounted, providing extra protection while hiding the screws, making it both beautiful and practical!
We sell individually in our Obscura line (F.K.A RBS) and in boxes of 250 in our Workroom Supplies. If you are having trouble using the devices, check out this video by our affiliate to see how to assemble, install, and use the Child Safety Tension Devices.
When will the 1 1/4” ruffino poles be in stock?
Do you motorize ruffino hardware?