When you are considering window treatments for your home, it is important to know about many different options, besides curtains or standard miniblinds. As more people are putting money into their homes, it is easy to see why they are opting for something different. Plantation shutters offer many different looks for a home. You can use them to create a very traditional look and feel, but they can also be a more modern touch if you use a colored finish, rather than just a stained wood. There are so many options to condsider when you are choosing which plantation shutters are right for your home.

Once you have decided to go with a shutter, you must decide on which material is right for your home. Wood is very durable, can be painted or stained, and is a renuable resource, for those interested in using materials which are considered earth friendly. These shutters offer privacy, heat insulation, sound insulation and light control. The nice thing about shutters is that you can control, very easily, the amount of light that you let into each room. Also, when your home has an outstanding view you can set up your blinds to allow people to be able to see outside and enjoy the view, while still having some privacy.

The louver size determines how big of an opening you have when the blinds are opened. They can range from and inch and a quarter, to four and one half inches. It is a good idea to look at each of the different sizes and determine which type of opening would be appropriate for each room. A room with a view, for example, would be more likely to have the larger louver size, so that when the shutter is opened you can see out and enjoy the view. A bathroom or bedroom might be a good room to use the smaller louver size. This is because even when they are open, there is still a relatively small opening to see in and out of.

Overall, plantation shutters are a wonderful way to add elegance to your home, while also providing it with some practical uses and wonderful finished appearance. They are a simple way to make your house stand out from the others, and add a personal touch based on the color choices and sizes you choose for your home. Compared to finished product, the cost for plantation shutters is very reasonable overall.

Simon Harris writers about Plantation Shutters at http://www.shutter-world.com

Replacing window glass begins with safety glasses and a good pair of work gloves.

Replacing window glass or a broken window associated with an older window is something a homeowner can do with a few basic tools.

Start by removing the broken glass pane remnants still stuck in the window sash. You may need to use one of your pliers to help pull out any smaller pieces.

Next, remove the old glazing compound with your putty knife. Work your way around the entire window sash, in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and scrape the old glazing compound out.

You may want to use a hair dryer to heat the glazing compound up. The heat will soften the old glazing and make it easier to remove. Apply heat to a localized section of the old glass to soften it up, and then scrape it out with your putty knife. Keep stepping around the window sash in this process.

Also, in the process of removing the old glazing, remove any glazing points that may still be attached to the window sash. Use your Needle-nose pliers to remove the points.

After you have removed all of the old compound and glazing points, sand the area down to the bare wood to remove any old glazing or paint. Then apply a sealer to the bare wood to protect it.

Now install your piece of glass and place it into the window sash. Note that the glass should be slightly smaller than the window sash, e.g. 1/8th inch narrower in both length and width.

With the glass in place, install glazing points approximately every 4-6 inches, making sure you have a couple of glazing points near each of the corners of the glass. Be careful not to break the glass when doing this.

With the glazing points installed apply the new glazing to the window sash. It is best to roll out a ¼" string of glazing material, and using your fingers and putty knife push it into place around the window edges.

Once you have pressed in the new glazing material use your finger or a moist rag to smooth out the glazing and to clean the glass.

Let the window dry overnight, and then apply paint to the window sash. When the paint has dried reinstall it into the window frame.

About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com

"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:

1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems
5. Cool and unique projects ideas.

1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier

Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ½ vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block).
With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ½" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.

3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system

The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry.
These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy.
For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.

Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows

- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality
- If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows
- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows - (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)
- If you like a slimmer frame around your window
Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows
- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.
- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.
- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.
- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.
- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.
- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).
- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window.
With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs - projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/ - bathroom glass block windows, acrylic block windows, colored glass block, vinyl framed glass block windows

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/product_new-construction.aspx vinyl framed glass block windows, color glass block, glass block sizes, acrylic block windows, installing glass block windows

Double glazed windows are definitely a great way to save money on your heating and energy bill, there is no question about that. However, there is a lot that needs to be done when upgrading to double glazed windows, and although the installation and upgrade process is not too complex, there is a lot of research that needs to be done to insure that you get the best deal and the highest quality of work.

Double glazed windows are very expensive and that is the primary reason that it is important that you do your research. It is recommended that you spend some time online doing searches on various companies and finding all the info available. Then compare all companies and ask at least four or five for a custom quote and a few references to contact about the company and the quality of work. Doing this almost assures that you will hire someone reputable who will be able to give you everything you want at a fair price. Like with anything else in life, just remember that you get what you pay for. There are also a few questions that you should ask each company you seek a quote from. You should find out if the windows have a BSI number or some other standard, if installers are covered in the code of practice, if there is an official trade organization that can recommend companies, and of course if there are any discounts.

The second major aspect about double glazed windows is a contract and you need to make sure that you get one. The contract should include all details about the job including rates and any additional fees or charges that may be implied, plus the number of people that will work on the job and the estimated time required to complete it. Also, the contract should contain the materials that will be needed and any insurance programs, and finally, if you agreed on anything else not in the standard contract, be sure to get it in writing and signed.

Payments are also a big issue and you should be sure to get all payment details in writing. Most companies should require a deposit of somewhere between 20-30% of the total offer. If they are charging substantially more that that, you may want to look into the company further and find a possible explanation. The rest will be paid on completion. When it comes to payment, just make sure that both of you agree on all the details and be sure to get everything in writing.

Finally, the last aspect of this process is the legal part of ordering this service. According to the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982, consumers of home improvement and service goods have special rights and you need to be well aware of these rights. For example, if the installation is not completed to the quality that it should be and you have to pay another company to fix this problem, you can pass this bill to the original company. There are a number of benefits that this Act provides so be sure to read it thoroughly. There are also a number of things that could go wrong so getting some insurance may be very helpful.

Getting things double glazed shouldn't be a difficult process, but if you follow the steps outlined above, chances are, your buying experience will be much more enjoyable.

David A. Howarth has been working in the home restoration and improvement business in the UK for over 20 years now, and enjoys writing about home improvement features such as double glazing and conservatories.

If your searching for a discount window blinds company, find a good company that offers a heavy selection of blinds to choose from, they must have horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb or cellular shades, roman shades, roller shades, and a selection of the very popular choice of bamboo products, the more choices you have, the better the chance is of finding the right discount window blinds your looking for. Search for a discount window blind company that offer's and affordable and stylish window covering solutions, whatever your choice or budget. It's best not to have a such narrow selection of horrible or low quality blinds just because the amount you want to spend is limited.

Discount window blinds should be inexpensive, not cheap in quality,you should be able to purchase them with confidence that these blinds you have chose will satisfy your tastes and stand up to the abuse they might receive over the years of use, and other conditions they might go through.

Search for the discount window blinds company that guarantee's all their products with lifetime warranties. Generally if there is a great warranty, it means the manufacturer is pretty confident in their product, and you won't need to use the warranty. Also, another great way to ensure that your discount window blinds are not going to be a purchase you regret is by finding a store that does not say that all sales are final. You should get the satisfaction of knowing that if the blinds aren't working out for you, that you can return them.

If you decide to order a set of discount window blinds, be sure that your order arrive's on time. If you save thousands of dollars on discount window blinds, then you don't get them for eight months, then you have eight months of loss privacy, lots of sun where you don't need it, so all that money you just saved wouldn't feel worth it.

It's also probably a good idea to consider price. Just because the company or store claims they are a discount window blinds provider, does not mean they are really giving you a discount. Shop around for the competitors, look at quality and how it compares, and ensure that you are not just being told you are getting a good price, but to make sure you know you are getting that good price your looking for. Quality is going to be the most important decision, and the more you shop around, the better chances are your going find the high quality blinds at a discount price that your looking for.

Another thing you should be aware of is alot of discount window blind stores pay their sales people on commission, so they are going to try and talk you into an expensive set of blinds even if something less expensive can satisfy your taste. This means that you will need to find someone that is ready and willing to provide professional advice about the window blinds you need and the cash you want to save.

At Window Blind Dealers you can find detailed information on Discount Window Blinds, faux wood blinds,fabric window blinds, Metal Window Blinds and more. Window Blind Dealers is an affiliated window blind dealer.

Stained glass reached the state of the art in the early 11th century. Many gothic structures used such windows and even today they impose themselves with their beauty and their ingenuity. In those times men set up a glass factory wherever nature allowed one to be built, namely near a silica deposit. Silica is the main and most important ingredient in glass making. To obtain colored panes, people used the help of chemistry. While still liquid, an amount of metallic oxide was mixed in the melting pot. This gave the material its color.

Man knew colored glass from ancient times so the Romans, the Egyptians and the Greeks were renowned glass artisans. During the 5th and 6th century, the technique we know today as stained glass began to show its face. Early creations can be admired today in museums. At first, they combined thin pieces of alabaster inside a wooden frame; this gave a similar effect. Later on, Asian manufacturers used pieces of colored glass to create what we know today as stained glass.

For more detail, artists use painting techniques that enhance the overall design and complete difficult to fill areas. One interesting thing about these marvelous windows is that the only role they play is to dose the light and to make it difficult to see what happens inside the structure. The themes used in these masterpieces are religious (inspired from bible), symbolic or inspired from literature and myths. Some of them display scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and other religious figures. These are present everywhere on the windows of medieval churches.

Creating state of the art stained glass panes involves a lot of artistic genius and a lot of experience. Artistic skill and engineering skill are a must for designing the theme and the structure of such an artwork.

Nowadays, in the 21st century, this technique is used in combination with modern forms of art. A revival of the gothic style took place after WWII. Many monuments lost their windows during the war. Great German artists like Ervin Bossanyi, Ludwig Schaffrath, Johannes Shreiter, and Douglas Strachan took the matter in their own hands and struggled to make and old art form a contemporary one. Nowadays there are not many places where to study the traditional ways of stained glass making.

Despite this fact, stained glass is frequently used for home accessories and interior design elements. Either if it?s a lamp or a window, a piece of stained glass will always add a finishing touch to your home.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://www.stained-glass-info.info/ A website that specializes in providing information stained Glass that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.stained-glass-info.info/ now!

Vinyl replacement window are gaining importance. These windows are generally inexpensive. Vinyl replacement windows are made up of PVC, polyvinyl chloride. In a new house, the moldings are made from PVC material. This material has lot of benefits. Because of this material the home maintenance costs may go down. These windows are 100 percent maintenance free. This reduces costs and time. Since vinyl is colored, the dings and scratches are unnoticeable. Mostly people don't think about what type of window they should buy as they think it is a boring part and so they don't focus on it. Mostly homemakers do not think of replacing windows until they are rotten or when they receive high heating bills.

Start taking care of your window. Before buying a vinyl window decide if you want to shop or trust someone else for shopping. Some people do their research on the internet and find their favorite window and then find a window installation company. Many people may find a window company that offers replacement windows and installation service.

Most of the replacement windows are sold through qualified window dealers. These windows do not need painting or sealing and are less expensive than wood. These windows have a quicker turnaround time than wood windows. Some of the tips before buying a window are picking up a window that last for over 40 years. Choose a window that has low e glass. Buy windows that are gas filled for energy efficiency purposes.

Replacement windows come in different styles like double hung windows, picture windows, awning picture windows, hopper windows, sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, garden windows, bow and bay windows, storm windows, specialty windows. These windows have different colors like white, beige, cocoa brown, white interior and many other colors. Simonton vinyl windows are extremely durable, resists corrosion, maintenance free. These windows are available in a wide range of styles and shapes. It can be installed easily. Double hung windows are divided into two sections. One section can slide up and the other section can slide down. Do not confuse double hung windows with double glazed windows.

Many homemakers like double hung windows because they are good at inhibiting air intrusion into the house and have a classic appearance. These windows are so popular in style that the manufacturers and installation companies tend to price them competitively. In Double hung windows only one lower half or the upper half can open, both can never be opened at the same time. These types of windows can be cleaned easily. Casement windows have contemporary style windows and bring in more light than other window choices. In casement windows they do not have to push a window up, just turn the crank. Casement windows are tall, awning windows are wider. They work along the same line as casement window. Bay windows are usually three windows combined together. The middle window will not open but the two windows flanking it can be either double hung or casement windows depending on your taste. New windows will give your house a new look.

Mari milian is a expert author for Replacement windows and New Construction Windows. She has written many articles in various topics such as Vinyl windows, Custom vinyl windows, Vinyl Replacement windows. For more information visit: customorderonline.com Contact me at caterina.milian@gmail.com

One of the simplest ways of making your home slightly bigger and giving it that classy look is to install a conservatory. The sole purpose of a conservatory is to enjoy the surrounding landscape within your home whilst being sheltered from unpleasant weather conditions. As are mostly made from glass it is important that they last for a long time which means they withstand external conditions such as severe weather. They should also insulate your home and provide security and comfort. For these purposes it is beneficial for your conservatory to be made from double glazing.
Double glazing was filed for a US patent in October 1989 by inventors Dariush Arasteh, John Hartmann and Stephen Selkowitz and the patent was issued just over two years later in November 1991. Double glazing works by spacing two or more sheets of glass apart and then hermetically sealing them to form a single glass unit with air between each sheet. The technical term for double glazing windows is insulated or thermal glass as the production of such windows was not solely exclusive to two panes of glass. However as most of the windows were manufactured using only two sheets of glass the term double glazing stuck.

Double glazing is one of the simplest ways of saving energy in your home as they greatly reduce the amount of heat that is lost in your home. Due to this they can be classed as a very sustainable piece of technology as the use of central heating in the home is immensely cut. Moreover the troublesome condensation and damp problems caused by single glazed windows is non-existent in double glazing. Condensation is created due to the contrasts of the air within our home and the outside environment. The air in our homes contains many droplets of water resulting from the use of kettles and even our breathing. The warmer the air gets the more water it can hold until it reaches a limit and becomes saturated. When the saturated air comes into contact with a surface which is cooler then itself it forms vapour on the surface. Double glazing combats this as the trapped air within the two panes of glass does not mix with either the room air or the outside air, and therefore creates an insulation barrier.

For the same reasons double glazing also prevents the amount of noise that enters the home. The trapped air or 'insulation barrier' also creates a vacuum of air which prevents the majority of sound frequencies from entering our home. In a world of increasing noise pollution created from cars on our roads and airplanes in our skies this is another perk that double glazing offers. This is important for your as there is a large amount of glass meaning that a lot of noise can enter the home.
Double glazing windows also give your home a heightened sense of security. The robust frames that now come with these types of window feel much more durable and the fact that they are visibly more secure gives you a much added sense of comfort within your home. For these reasons double glazing windows are ideal for windows in your home or business and are a very good for conservatories which require many groups' windows within a confined space of the home. Aesthetically double glazing is also superior to its predecessors in that they come in many different styles and materials and so really make your look modern. They do commonly come in UPVC which is what may spring to mind if you think of double glazing however they are also come in wood which gives them a more traditional look.

Modern design should really take into account sustainably in a world where there is apparent global warming. Double glazing is the way forward now and is not just an investment in improving your home and standard of living but also an investment to improve the future.

James Forbes is a specialist in conservatories having worked for many years in Yorkshire for a company specialising in conservatories. More information can be found at http://conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

Real quick...Here are seven reasons to install energy efficient windows:

* Save energy
* Save money from using less heating or AC
* Add to appearance of the house
* Protect a home's interior furnishings from fading
* Higher impact resistance
* Make outside noise less audible
* Insulate your home better, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer

With reasons like those, it's no wonder energy efficient windows are all the rage. If your windows need to be repaired or even replaced, consider installing energy efficient windows.

How exactly do I pick out energy efficient windows?

When picking out energy efficient windows, you want to look for windows that are Energy Star certified.

Energy Star was developed by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. The government program's purpose is to help individuals and organizations protect the environment through energy efficiency. The standard does not just apply to windows but to other products as well.

For the purpose of this article, we will be taking a look at windows that are Energy Star certified. What makes windows Energy Star certified? Any Energy Star product including windows must meet the following criteria:

* Have an NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. The NFRC tests the insulating quality of the entire window.
* Be 40% more efficient than the product usually requires under most building codes.
* Reduce energy bills by up to 15%.

Customers cannot just rely on the Energy Star label to pick out a good energy efficient window though. An important consideration for consumers is to select windows that are appropriate for the area of the country in which they live. Energy Star labels windows three ways:

* "N" for northern climates
* "S" for southern climates
* "C" for central climates

The three types of windows are designed to address the heating or cooling concerns in each climate: mostly heating for the Northern Zone, mostly cooling for the Southern Zone, and both heating and cooling for the Central North Zone and Central South Zone.

How Energy Efficient Windows Improve the House Aside from saving energy, energy efficient windows are particularly fantastic in states that can get extremely cold. These windows work to make homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which becomes particularly evident in states with very cold winters and states with extremely hot summers. With these windows insulating well, homeowners spend less on heating and air conditioning bills. Energy efficient windows also improve the house due to their attractive appearance, though not all energy efficient windows are the same. Homeowners have choices concerning main parts of the window, such as the frame, panes, and spacers.

Parts of the Window

* The frame

Look for windows that have fiberglass, wood composites, or vinyl because these materials are better at insulating. One negative aspect of using wood material for framing is that wood can be difficult to maintain, often needing painting after a few years. Thus, if you choose to frame your windows using wood material, it's advised to get some exterior vinyl or aluminum cladding to cover the wood frame.

* Window Panes

If wondering whether having multiple window panes is preferred to having one window pane, remember the phrase 'Two is Better than One' or 'The More the Merrier.' Two panes of glass with space in between filled with air or krypton or argon insulates better than just one pane of glass does. Certain Energy Star windows have windows with three or more panes of glass, which do the best job of insulating and have greatest the impact resistance as well as improved energy efficiency. Another benefit of multiple panes is that they keep outside noise out better than a single glass pane does.

* Low-E glass coating

Low-E coating is a special coating on the window that is great to have. It reflects infrared light to keep heat outside in the summer and inside in the winter. It also reflects ultraviolet light to protect a home's interior furnishings from fading.

* Warm Edge Spacers

Warm edge spacers are great for reducing heat flow and preventing condensation. Made of foam, steel, fiberglass, or vinyl, they keep a window's glass panes the right distance apart.

There are many brands of energy efficient windows from which to choose. Manufacturers include those such as Accent Windows, Andersen, Cascade Windows, CertainTeed, Gorell, Marvin, Winstrom, and many more. Home improvement companies select which manufacturer brand they would like to make available to their customers. For example, Highland Windows, a Connecticut home improvement company based in Hartford (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/ct/hartford/) is licensed to install Alside, another energy efficient window manufacturer, which has won The Energy Star Window of the Year Award three times.

All Around the Home is an online directory that profiles contractors, allowing visitors to search by service needed such as windows (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/windows/) and by region such as Connecticut (http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/windows/ct/). Homeowners may request a free estimate from contractors they are interested in.

It's often be written that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't...!" and the traditional solution has been to go indoors to do whatever you want to do, or invest in some window blinds.

But if you really want to impress the neighbors with your technique, perhaps you should invest in smart glass.
Smart glass allows you to control the amount of light and heat, passing through it. At the flick of a switch the glass can change from being transparent to opaque, giving you privacy when you want it, but without the necessity of installing blinds, shutters or curtains.

There are several technologies that enable this to happen, including:

Liquid Crystal Glass uses a liquid film in a sandwich of two plastic interlayers inside two laminated glass panes. In the panes "off" state the glazing is translucent milky white. However, when an electric current is applied to the liquid film it turns slightly hazy clear. The switch between the two states is nearly instantaneous.

Suspended Particle Device - SPD Glass has light absorbing microscopic particles dispersed within a specially formulated emulsion, which like liquid crystal glass, is then sandwiched between two plastic interlayers inside two laminated glass panes.

The particles are activated by applying a low voltage; this forces them to align at various angles and thus various transparencies. This controls not just the light passing through the pane, but the heat as well.

These glass panes can repel up to 95 per cent of solar heat in their opaque state, making the conservatory a much more comfortable place to be on really hot summer days, even though the view is impaired.

This glass isn't a cheap option, it can cost ten or twenty times the price of conventional conservatory glass, but as glass only represents a small percentage of a conservatories total cost you might consider it a worthwhile investment.
Smart glass does of course save you from having to spend money on window blinds or awnings, so is a saving to be taken into consideration, and it comes with a huge show-off factor to impress visitors with, and for many people that is priceless.

Although this type of glass wouldn't be suitable for a traditional conservatory, or one with many small panes of glass, I'd certainly recommend you consider installing smart glass if you are having a minimalist conservatory designed...or if you have nosey neighbors.

I'll be adding these details to our Tips and Advice On Choosing Conservatory Glazing at Conservatory Glass in due course.

Ian Dewar, Consultant to Richmond Oak Ltd http://www.oakconservatories.co.uk