In the late ’70s the current owner of Australian Window Fashions secured a job with a local firm that manufactured and installed all types of furnishings for windows.
“The first thing the boss taught me was how to use a metric tape measure,” Carl Paolini says.
“At school I was tutored in the imperial system, so it took a bit to get used to 2130mm instead of 85 and 1/4 inches but after 40 years of measuring windows in metric I think I’m getting used to it.”
Carl started his own business in 1984.
“Having spent so many years in the industry I’ve witnessed the cycles. In the ’70s it was drapes and Terylene, in the ’80s it was vertical blinds, in the ’90s it was slim-line and timber venetians, and in the early 2000s Roman blinds took over.”
Then roller blinds began taking over on the back of the introduction of sunscreen fabric.
Today the upcoming product seems to be plantation shutters, Carl says.
“Some people would not agree with me but that’s how I see it.
“Mind you, all the products I’ve mentioned are still used today. They all have their own particular advantages and disadvantages but there’s always one product that customers are keener on than others.”
Technology has also made an impact with motorisation available for just about anything,” Carl says.
Anyone looking to buy window coverings should decide what they need before looking, he advises.
“Privacy, light, heat and glare from the sun, internal heat retention and decoration are the things to think about.
“If your window faces south you don’t need to worry about the sun streaming in. If no-one can look in through your windows you don’t have privacy issues.
“Once you know what you need you can choose a product that will make you happy.”
Carl refuses to think of himself as a salesperson.
“I hate selling stuff,” he declares.
“I like to help my customers choose what they need. My office produces a written quotation within 24 hours and then it’s up to the customer to buy if they wish to purchase.
“That’s how I prefer to do business.”
