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Posts Tagged ‘window treatments’

Roman Shades: How To Choose One

March 1st, 2011 No comments

How can you make your room stand out from others? By choosing the right shades for the widows and a great option to go with is Roman Shades.

If you really enjoy having a nice stylish look in your living spaces then you should consider this option over the more traditional selections. This will help you to get a look that you will enjoy and that is all your own.

Quickly becoming a favorite, these shades give a more stylish look to an otherwise ordinary room. They come in many styles and colors to meet most people’s needs.

These shades offer good light blockage and a good look so it is hard to match this choice if that is what you have in mind for your room. People really like them for living areas.

If you want total light blocking abilities, you probably won’t get it here but you will get some depending on the style you select. But you will like what they do for your privacy.

First figure out where you want to install your new blinds. If it is in a room that people kind of hang around in then you might do well with these.

A great feature is that they open from the bottom and the top so you can pick and choose different looks every time. Some people really enjoy this.

They allow you to get some light into the room but to keep people from seeing in which is rather unique.

So if you think one of these will work for your room, then start looking at the options that are out there and pick one to install for your windows. Then you can enjoy privacy and light at the very same time.

In this article, I discussed roman shades, but my new blog discusses faux wood blinds.

Selecting Curtain Rods: A How To Guide

February 27th, 2011 No comments

Once you have your curtains all picked out, you are going to want to get them up on the windows somehow. The best way to do that is with a nice curtain rod.

There are a number of options to choose from when it comes to curtain rods and you will have to decide how to approach the selection process. Do you want to go for function, style, or both?

You will decide on style or function and sometimes you can even have both but not always. You should really see how they can work with the rest of the room and not just the curtains.

Decide how you want them to mesh with the rest of the room. For example, do you want them to simply blend in with the other looks in the room or do you want them to stand out a little bit? The choice is yours.

Next is deciding how much to spend. That is always a big question but one that will vary the selections that you can make so figure that out ahead of time.

Whichever way you go with that choice, keep in mind that you will want something solid that can stand up to the weight of your curtains. If it is too flimsy it might not be able to handle the weight and end up causing problems down the line.

So choose wisely and don’t skimp if you are using heavy materials for the curtains. This will be more expensive down the road.

You can really use your imagination with the curtain rods and you don’t necessarily have to choose something that is an exact match with the curtains.

Look around and see if you can find something that works and then enjoy the new look that you will have with the addition of a curtain rod.

Sheker has a lot to say about curtain rods, but he also writes about custom window treatments.

Decorating Your Household with Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors

February 5th, 2011 No comments

There are a lot of types of window treatments for sliding glass doors. Since you will find a lot of designs, it can be rather a time consuming job to pick which one could be the best design for the sliding doors without clashing with the designs of your house. As a result, it really is essential to uncover an item that’s usually attractive to take a look at but also functional too. Another factor that you need to put into your mind is the size of treatment. So greater do your research very first prior to hastily purchasing anything from the store.

The very good thing regarding these window treatments for sliding glass doors is that in case you do not like the designs that a store offers, it is possible to have one custom made for you. Even though doing so can price you a bit a lot more since you’re requesting a special type of service for your sliding glass doors. There are several designs for window treatments on your french doors for you to decide on from.

An option could be to basically frame out the double glazing windows so that the door will match the rest of the windows whilst not being too overly concerned about privacy. If you are leaning additional on the design as compared to towards functionality then this window treatment would be for you. Since there are a good deal less fabric that will be used, it is possible to save up loads of money putting in this design. Frankly speaking, this would be the optimum choice if you are on a quite tight spending budget.

One more option is to put up a film over your glass door and basement windows. This will assist you retain the warm or cool air within the confines of your home. This is a great design that can assist you save up a great deal of dollars with regards to keeping your house cool in those hot summer days and also the warm air throughout those cold winter nights.

If expensive curtains aren’t your thing for the sliding glass doors then you can go for shades instead. These won’t only maintain the harsh brightness of the sun away from your eyes but it also assists to maintain a deep sense of privacy in your house. Besides its functionality, it might also look good to any property as its designs are extremely flexible to mix and go with the household design.

There are numerous designs to decide on from, specially on the internet alone. But in case you want a more hands on take a look at the designs, you may ask your local store if they’ve specific books that will support you come to a decision on particular designs. They can also assist you make that vital decision as they understand their window treatments quite well. Again, ensure you do your research initial to get the correct window treatments for the french doors.

Your initial two spots to start your investigating must be window treatments for sliding glass doors and additionally basement windows.

Top Reasons for Installing Blinds and Shades for the Holiday Season

December 11th, 2010 No comments

Window treatments including blinds and shades are not the first thing people generally put on their list of holiday wants, but they are practical for a number of reasons. For those hosting holiday gatherings, having the home look good is a big concern for some people. Blinds and shades are the easiest and one of the least expensive ways to change the look of a home, or update the style or change the feel with color choices. Here are a couple more things to consider when getting your home ready for the holidays:

1. Privacy. That’s right. There are more people getting out and walking around during the holidays especially if you live in a neighborhood with lots of decorations up. If you don’t have blinds or shades, you might find more than Santa Claus peeking in your windows.

2. Holidays usually equate to celebrations. Celebrations sometimes lead to noise. Noise can prevent a good night’s sleep and cause crankiness instead of gratitude. An easy way to prevent that? Install double cell shades to help reduce noise in the home. When your head hits the pillow you should be thinking about candy canes and sugar plums, not calling the cops on noisy neighbors.

3. We mentioned holiday lights before. If you have neighbors like the Griswold’s, the light pollution from their holiday display might make it feel like you have 24 hours of daylight in your home. If this is the case, install some blackout blinds so that you can get the sleep you need.

4. The song ‘I’m dreaming of a White Christmas is a nostalgic song for a lot of people, but for others, they want a little sunshine to stay warm through the bitter cold winter. Those people who want to save on energy bills and stay warm should purchase some energy efficient blinds to keep the cold out and the warm cheer in.

5. You Aunt or Grandmother never thinks anything is good enough. She always has something negative to say about your home or your life. Don’t give her a reason this year. Install Roman Shades. With their silky rich coverings, your relatives will be too busy complimenting your style to complain.

If you find yourself in any of the above situations, hurry to an on-line window treatment store to purchase your blinds and shades. Some companies offer express manufacturing, meaning you could have custom fitted window treatments in close to a week. Once the order is placed, sit back and enjoy the season. When the blinds and shades get to your home, you’ll have them up in a matter of minutes and you can enjoy the peace, quiet and privacy of the holidays.

Looking to find the best deal on custom window shades, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.

Blackout Shades Will Make Your Home Look Amazing

September 9th, 2010 No comments

Despite the name, blackout shades are not necessarily black in color. They are available in a sizable selection of colours, styles and materials. Most folks use them in their homes to keep sunlight at a minimum while others use them in a completely different manner. In large auditoriums and small offices alike, they have been used to darken the room adequately so that presentations may be given without disruption from daylight. Still others enjoy the design of a room that is dimly lit at the peak of the day.

Blackout shades are primarily used for blocking the sun’s rays from paying you a rude awakening. Nurseries are frequently fitted with darkening blinds as to not disturb a sleeping baby. Many people who work the night shift also use them to sleep undisturbed during daylight hours. Some have tried using night masks as an alternative, but they don’t keep sunlight from illuminating the whole room. Total darkness can be very beneficial towards having restful sleep. Even if you don’t wake up, daylight or artificial light could be irritating and disrupt normal sleeping patterns.

There is no one set kind of material blackout shades are made from. Characteristically, they are all relatively tough and plastic like in texture. Most are made from plastic, vinyl, fiberglass or a mixture of any of those materials. These are available in the traditional roll style or curtains. Pricing points vary depending on the style, manufacturer and quality of materials used. Usually they are light to medium brown in color, but other colors such as blue and yellow are also available.

Making blackout shades is a good option, especially if many shades are needed. A hard-wearing sewing machine, thread, and several dozen yards of material are needed to make curtains. A few extra items such as hardware and a wooden rod are needed to make shades. Measure the the length and width of the window for a base, making sure to add 1 inch to the total width when making shades. For curtains, the length and width will depend on the desired style. Feel free to follow any pattern for making window shades or curtains taking into account that the material will be relatively tougher than traditionally used materials. A do it yourself project will take a bit time but will save more money when compared to custom orders or retail purchases.

If your sleep is disrupted by sunlight coming through your regular blinds, then blackout blinds could be just what you want. While they come in designer styles, less expensive options are also available. Although these are mainly thought of as a household item, darkening blinds have long been used in corporate and educational settings. Large scale electronically controlled shades have been used in symposiums during visual presentations as a means to quickly and efficiently transition from daylight to pitch black. One of the best ways of finding specific information on a particular brand or style is by locating a licensed retailer and asking a trained sales professional. Always get the particulars on a product before making a buy.

Blackout shades are a fantastic way to make your home or office look fantastic. These shades will definitely wow anyone with great taste.

The Different Styles Of Roman Shades

August 25th, 2010 No comments

There are all kinds of Roman Shades. They come in all types of fabrics and colors. Some fabrics include satin, woven wood and linen. The popularity of these shades hasn’t diminished for a long time. They are elegant and perfectly suit a rich, luxurious environment. Because of the way they are constructed, these blinds are also energy efficient and help keep out 99% of UV rays. Here are a few favorites:

1. Light Filtering Roman Shades. These shades are usually made with polyester. They are some of the more basic roman shades available. As the name indicates, their primary purpose is to filter light. They are also soil and dust resistant, which makes them great for kids rooms or playrooms. Because they let light in, they don’t have to be raised and lowered. There are plenty of color options to choose from. Another benefit is they come in a cordless style making them safe for kids and pets.

2. Blackout Roman Shades. These are a lovely compliment to a home theater room. Instead of using bland, boring shades, these roman shades will bring a little style to the room while at the same time keeping out light. The bright colors available are a great contrast for rooms that are usually kept in the dark.

3. Woven Wood Roman Shades. Woven wood roman shades bring the feel of the south pacific to any home. These cheap roman shades cost less than most real wood woven shades. The polyester construction ensures there won’t be any warping or fading, yet to the eye, they appear fragile and delicate. These blinds soften the light that enters a room and are easy to raise and lower. Woven wood shades are also available in a cordless version.

4. Textured Linen Roman Shades. Linen is a fabric associated with summer. It’s breezy and soft. These help open up French doors or large windows. They also work to bring a design element to smaller windows.

5. Satin Roman Shades. These window treatments are classic elegance. They aren’t a shiny satin, more of a brushed satin. They heaviness of the fabric makes them a good match for bedrooms or larger rooms that can take a heavy fabrics.

Most Roman Shades are available in cordless versions, but you may have to ask for them. If you have kids or pets, make sure you get a cordless version. At any given time, some company is usually offering discounts on roman shades, so be sure to look around before you purchase any.

As new materials are developed, you can be sure the best of them will be incorporated into Roman Shades. These blinds never go out of style. They look great and increase the resale values of a home. They insulate and block UV rays. There’s no reason not to buy some Roman Shades today.

Learn more about custom window shades. Stop by Blinds Chalet to find out more about quality discount roman shades, blinds, shutters and custom drapery.

American Blinds are Obviously Made in the USA

February 1st, 2010 No comments

Major purchases in every industry come with a unique set of priorities for every consumer. Consumers looking to buy window coverings often treat the buy as a major purchase. And they give it the careful consideration of any major purchase.

Potential window coverings buyers have expectations and to close a sale successfully the product needs to meet the expectations fully. Some consumers come to the table with their top requirement being for American blinds; meaning made in the USA.

American blinds are, of course, available. There are a wide variety of American made products of many styles. A wide variety of manufacturers offer American blinds and/or window coverings in many different styles. Looking into each manufacturer will provide consumers with the information they need regarding point of origin on the products of interest.

If time is an issue contacting each manufacturer may seem a little too wasteful. In this instance consumers can instead opt to get in touch with a reputable distributor to discuss point of origin on the products of interest even if they are offered by a variety of manufacturers. Point of origin info is available on any products being sold by a distributor, retailer or wholesaler.

Finding American blinds is just the first step. Consumers have to have further priorities. Once a list of American blinds have been identified consumers should continue on with further priorities to ensure that the product meets their other priorities. For instance some materials are more eco-friendly than others. Some products provide more energy savings than others. Some products are stronger. The most important thing is to make sure that the American blinds of choice compare favorably to other products in the industry.

Consumers looking to buy American blinds shouldn’t be nervous that they won’t find very many options. The options are out there. And there are American blinds that hold up against the best competition in the industry. The window coverings industry has very high standards. Make sure the American blinds chosen in the end meet the standards and long term satisfaction will be a given.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has over 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Horizontal Wood Blinds: Pretty and Able

January 17th, 2010 No comments

There aren’t many who would deny that horizontal wood blinds are a classic in the window coverings industry. They provide all the basics of standard window coverings. And they look absolutely fabulous in the home and/or office.

Horizontal wood blinds offer additional options in both aesthetics and function. Many consumers are unaware of the options or unaware of the benefits that they offer. The basic aesthetics of horizontal wood blinds can be adjusted by adding a Cornice Style Valance. The cornice style valance adds additional class to the design; a finishing touch that eliminates all visible valance clips.

The 5 inch valance option on horizontal wood blinds can also make a big difference. The standard valance measurement is 3 inches. The additional 2 inches is very noticeable and dresses up the look of the horizontal wood blinds considerably. n

Decorative tapes provide both aesthetic benefits and elevated function. The aesthetic benefit is that they block the view of the vertical cording that runs through the blinds vertically. The visual enhancement isn’t the only benefit, though. The decorative tapes also offer additional light blocking. They prevent light from leaking through the routing holes.

Routless ladders actually eliminate the route holes from the blind slats. Like the decorative tapes it also provides additional light blocking. Routless ladders mean that the lift cords run on the outside of the slats. Small notches on the edges keep them in place so that the blinds function just as easily.

Every additional option/feature has specific advantages and some have specific disadvantages. Awareness of both is a necessary part of the blinds purchase in order to ensure that the final product fulfills the needs of the buyer. Make sure to look into both prior to deciding upon any optional feature for a blinds product.

Chris Stanley is a window treatments expert at Blinds Chalet. Blinds Chalet has more than 25 years of experience in the window coverings industry and strives to educate consumers about purchasing and installing window blinds before they buy. Focusing on high quality, company tested and approved window treatments at affordable prices, Blinds Chalet is a resource for all things window blinds related.

Choosing the Perfect House Shutters

January 8th, 2010 No comments

Most shutters, whether interior or exterior, are designed to look like they’re made out of wood. This is due to the fact that wood shutters are the most popular kind of house shutters since their wooden appearance is very attractive. Unfortunately, since the shutters are sometimes exposed to the elements, especially when they’re on the outside, the wood begins to deteriorate and the shutters become difficult to maintain.

That’s why most times faux wooden shutters are the better pick over the real thing. Technology has advanced so much that faux wood can be made to look almost exactly like real wood, that the average person wont be able to tell the difference. Interior shutters and blinds are also available in faux wood, which allows people to have shutters and blinds in damp environments that they couldn’t otherwise fit with wooden shutters and blinds.

Additionally, the price for faux wood shutters is often less than shutters made out of real wood. If you are intent on getting shutters made out of real wood, basswood is the consensus best choice as it does not have a problem with warping and it withstands the elements better than other types of wood.

Another thing you should consider when it comes to getting shutters for your house are fiberglass house shutters. However they’re more costly than wood shutters, but the cost is easily offset by how much more durable they are and require less maintenance than wood shutters. That’s why top of the line shutters are commonly made of fiberglass since they don’t rot or warp and need minimal maintenance. Regardless of the style you’re looking for, most shutters can be found in fiberglass and most times are accompanied by a 10-year+ warranty.

When you think of exterior shutters, you might also think of vinyl. Good exterior vinyl shutters work well because of their durability and their ease of maintenance. When you put exterior shutters on your house, you want something that is going to be able to stand up to the elements. Wood is not really a good choice because it warps and cracks leaving the shutters to need constant cleaning and maintaining. With vinyl shutters you not only have something that you can install and forget about, but you also have one of the least expensive materials as well.

Are you looking to learn about cafe shutters and other types of shutters? If you are, please take a look at my website House Shutters Ideas where you can learn more.