Window Treatments Dress Your Room

When it comes to interior decorating, windows offer an amazing canvass to continue a design scheme. Window treatments allow you to use colour, pattern and style to dress a room and showcase your personal taste. Bright coloured blinds can be used to make a bold and funky statement, while black and white monochromatic drapes can inspire a modern vibe to a home. Bamboo roman shades can create a natural feel, while crisp linen curtains can inspire a serene, beach-like atmosphere. There is no right or wrong way to dress your windows, as long as they support your personal taste and style.

There are many different options when it comes to choosing window treatments, however there are three general styles to consider: blinds, shutters and curtains. Classic window blinds are made with horizontal slats of fabric, wood, plastic or metal that adjust by rotating from an open position to a closed position by allowing slats to overlap. Custom blinds can be cut to fit windows of varying dimensions and are extremely versatile as they allow you to adjust the amount of sunlight you would like to shine in, or block out. Not only can you adjust the angle of the slats by rotating the lever, you can also raise the slats from the bottom up, to expose as much or as little of the window as you would like. Blinds are also available in vertical slats and hang by a track at the top of a window. Like the horizontal version, the slats can be rotated to allow light to shine in, or they can gather at one end of the door or window to allow for full sun exposure. Vertical blinds are very good at controlling how much natural light comes into a room, due to the ability of the slats to close tightly.

Shutters are a timeless and versatile window treatment that can add class and style to any room. In addition to being esthetically pleasing, shutters serve a much more significant purpose: they control the sun, heat and air flow entering through a window. Shutters consist of a frame of vertical stiles and horizontal rails that are attached to the window sills. Mounted within this frame are horizontal louvers that can be adjusted by pulling up or down on the stabilized lever to control the sun, heat and airflow. Shutters offer great privacy, as well as protection for furniture and flooring from damaging UV rays.

Curtains and drapes offer a far more relaxed and romantic style to a room than any other window treatment. Curtains can be made from a wide variety of materials ranging from heavy velvet, to sheer linen and depending on their material, they can block out a lot or a little sunlight. Although whimsical and attractive in any room, curtains are inferior to other window coverings in terms of sun protection.

When it comes to interior decorating, choosing the appropriate window treatments for your taste and style will allow …

Window Treatment Ideas

The best window treatment ideas are those which enable the buyer to pick the best possible materials and styles for getting the perfect look for the window.

Out of the many popular window treatment ideas, you can decide on the one you want to go for depending upon the type of window that needs working on. If the window is placed in the room where ample amount of light is required, then light colored curtains are suitable. The material of the curtains which would be most desirable in such a case would be cotton, linen, polyester and net. These styles of curtain fabrics allow light to pass through without compromising with the privacy. These types of curtains use up light colors like white and cream. Window treatment ideas like these are best suited for study rooms and kitchens where the interiors are supposed to be bright.

Apart from the light colored curtains, you can also put light colored shades and blinds. The blinds can be placed in a vertical, horizontal or rolling fashion. The material of the blinds also varies depending on the use. For a contemporary look and low budget solutions, one of the best window treatment ideas in blinds are the PVC blinds. These are heavy, strong and easy to maintain. These come in many colors and their slats can be placed horizontally or vertically depending upon your preference. The wooden blinds have a good visual appeal to them. These are best suited for rooms and houses with wooden finish. The wooden blinds are good for excessively bright rooms where the interiors of the rooms require darkening. Roman blinds are also quite popular. This category of window coverings are easy to handle can also be made at home using either new or old curtain fabrics.

Other window treatment ideas for overly bright rooms are curtains with heavy fabrics and dark colors. Such curtains coupled with the valances complete the whole look of the window treatments. Heavy shutters can also enhance the look of the windows drastically. The various shutter styles suitable for the purpose are raised panel or colonial style. Rolling blinds are available in various printing designs, semi-light filtering and black-out type and these also give a new look to the windows. The rolling shutters can be placed both inside or outside the house and can be decorative due to the use of different colors or materials such as bamboo. Awnings are a common choice for highly lit rooms. The positive point in the case of awnings is that the window treatment ideas which make use of awnings allow breeze to come inside while keeping the sun out.

Every room requires different window coverings. The living room or the lounge windows must be both decorative and stimulating. Apart from the decorative curtains and valances, your windows can undergo a complete makeover by adding a huge ornate glass or a crystal shelf to the window. This would replace the simple and drab look with exquisiteness.…

How to Choose a Security Door

Finding the right door is not easy, especially when it has to adhere to the exterior and interior design of your home, as well as security measures. You will find many options ranging from wood, fibreglass and metal. Here is a checklist while you are choosing a security door:

o What is the best option for security doors? We would say metal. Even though wood may look appealing, stainless steel and aluminium doors provide extra protection, do not corrode easily and are difficult to break down. Stainless steel doors can be laminated with wood and other decorative patterns.

o A good frame is essential for a good fit. The fit should be snug with no gaps and unnecessary spaces. This way the door cannot be forced open. Inspect the frame well; a weak frame can be detrimental.

o Choosing and installing your locks is just as important the door itself. Always choose locks that are of good quality. You have the option of single and double cylinder locks. Single cylinder locks uses a key and knob, while double cylinders uses a key from both sides. Use multiple locks and install a peep hole or a visual aid. During installation of the locks, make sure you have the master key as well as the duplicate one. Take extra care that no key remains with the locksmith. You can never be too careful.

o Be aware of the fire regulations and home security rules enforced by the local council. You could be penalised for not following the rules and instructions.

o If you need a pet door installed, choose a secure door with multiple security lock settings. The different settings can be one way where the pet can only go out and you have to let him back in or vice versa. It can also open both ways or be locked both ways. There are smart doors now that actually recognise your pet and open it only for them through infrared technology.

o Make sure the basic framework of your door allows you to install a shutter if necessary. Shutters enhance the look and safety of your home. With a shutter you can control the amount of sunlight seeping in. You also have the option of trellis doors for the main entrance.…

Cheap Window Blinds – Discount Window Treatments – Key Considerations

There is not many choices you could settle for than discount window treatments for quality yet cheap window blinds, especially when you have a tiny budget to spare. That said, you will be delighted with the wide variety of fabrics, colors and designs available to you. Here are some key considerations you need to take when you decide to go for the more affordable discount window blinds.

Most people going on a budget shopping spree for discount window treatments tend to prefer no frills for easy installation and adaptations. The Minimalist, clean and simple look and feel is the order of day. Less is more, when the uncluttered and simple ambiance exudes less antics and more warmth that speaks volumes about the homeowner. Vinyl vertical blinds are good candidates for the modern minimalist home.

Often, there is the misconception that cheap window blinds never lasts. Barring the fact of normal weathering on your selected discount window treatments, and proper maintenance, they should last as long as they quality counterparts if not longer. The key reason is that with no frills, there is little to break. Conversely, your quality Hilarys Blinds or Hunter Douglas Wood Blinds might require more complicated cleaning procedure, which when managed incorrectly, could damage the blinds.

Almost all blinds, regardless of their quality, serve the key function of light control. And your discount window treatments does this brilliantly with different sized horizontal slats, roman shades letting in partial lighting when lifted, and verticals for an alternative ambiance altogether. And the insulation functionality is in fact enhanced with new, lighter, more effective materials for better insulation effects.

To the interior designers and budget homeowners alike, as long as these are of quality, cheap window blinds serve as the purpose as well as branded products. Discount window treatments can be creatively managed to give the entire home a whole new fresh ambiance if you simply get innovative enough.…

Bay Window Curtains – Finding the Best Window Treatments For Your Bay Windows

If you are lucky enough to have a property with bay windows, you also know the troubles that come with finding the best bay window curtains for these very classy windows. Getting the right window treatments is not easy and many people spend lots of money initially trying out various things until they find the right curtains. You don’t have to do this if you follow the tips in the article below.

So how do you treat a bay window? Well, we need to first establish what exactly bay windows are so that we can figure out what type of bay window curtain ideas to get for them. They are nothing more than three sided windows: one large in the middle and two smaller ones by side. Having such a window type in your home will give you much more light and the feeling of extra space to your room. Many times homes that have them are built near beautiful places that are worth watching from the inside.

Usually they are common in Victorian architecture that became popular around the the 1870s. Currently San Francisco is a great example of a place that has many homes with these types installed. Most of the times they are available in several styles such as double hung windows, casement windows and various other window configurations that are more suitable.

In order to figure out what type of bay window drapes or window treatment to use for your specific home, you need to look at the features that make your window different and unique. Also you need to look at what features have yours in common those of your neighbors and find something that works really well for you.

For example, if you have a set of windows with beautiful window frames that you want to emphasize, you can use Roman shades and other types of inside mounted cafe curtains and shades. Roman shades will give your room a more tradition look. If your windows are spaced quite close to each others, you could be well served by using some beautiful curtains or drapes on rings or even the well known rod-pocket curtains. These two types require a rod that quite flexible and hinged so it won’t have troubles fitting your glass perfectly.

Depending on how far away they are spaced from each other, you could even use a stationary panel that is hung at the outside windows and between each other. If the space is quite limited though, you might get away with some panels on the glass area and a cornice at the top window treatments.

People are initially scared when they are moving to a home with bay windows because they fear that the right curtains will be quite difficult to find. However here is a great tip for you. Having the right bay window curtain rods will have you installing any types of bay window treatments in …

Quality Cheap Window Blinds – How and Where to Find Great Discount Window Treatments

So you are the proud new owner of a new duplex that you worked hard to save up for the down payment. Now is the time to prep it up with the relevant furniture and more importantly, window blinds and shades. There is a tiny little problem though. You got carried away by the shopping and seem to have a very tight budget now that you have spent overtly on furniture, yet you need the space to look chic and updated. Fret not, as there are countless ways to find cheap window blinds with good quality and personality. Great discount window treatments abound if you simply look hard enough.

Fortunately enough, you can never run out of great ways to find discount window treatments. Simply check out the newspapers and you will find endless dealer promotions. Dealer promotions are usually run due to stock clearance and they often do not mean that quality is compromised. In fact, most dealers run regular weekly or monthly sales promotions to push out old stocks to make way for new designs. Some times, you get the best deals on items on sale if you are fast enough to grab the best bargains.

And there are the advertisements on manufacturer warehouse sales for window blinds and shades. Manufacturer warehouse sales are also common and offer even better bargains as discount window treatments since they could be about 70 to 80 percent off the list price. However, these bargains do not come often and some run their warehouse sales twice a year for stock clearance.

If you have a problem about buying things online, you are losing out on a lot of bargain deals. Nowadays, in this day and age, you can purchase almost anything via the internet. Of course if you belong to the group of people who need to feel, sample and choose the best item amongst the stock, online purchases are probably not your cup of tea. But there is a tip you could use to ensure that at least you will be able to sample and feel the texture and product before you purchase online. Check out your online bargains, go on to your neighborhood drapery store and test your choice. When you are fully convinced of the quality, place your order over the internet. Another tip is to buy from reputed online stores and manufacturers affiliated online stores to protect yourself from online scams and ensure delivery of quality window blinds and shades.

If you only look hard enough, you could really find cheap window blinds with quality materials and great designs to match your tight budget. Warehouse sales, dealer sales promotions and online shops are just a few popular options to buy your discount window treatments. Oh yes, you might wish to check out the garage sales as well too.…

Cheap Window Blinds – Spoilt For Choice by Endless Discount Window Treatments

Many homeowners tend to complain that quality cheap window blinds are difficult to find. Unknown to most of them, all you need is a little patience, persistence and you can easily find discount window treatments that best fit the style and color themes for your home at the right price.

Window treatments that puts personality and your very own style into your space include vertical vinyl blinds, bamboo window shades, wood window blinds and shutters just to name a few.

Get the retro feel with the 2 inch faux wood window blinds for versatility, light control and easy visibility. The great thing about this type of blinds is that you could simply find them in almost any color you can imagine. And as these are made of synthetic fibers, they can be used in almost all areas, in high or low humidity, extreme heat or cold. This means they could be used in kitchens where humidity runs high, used as external shutters where extreme heat and cold reigns at different times of the seasons.

Ready made vertical blinds are evergreens available in both painted and wood stains and are very low maintenance with removable veins in either wipe or washable fabrics. Vinyl vertical blinds, in particular, are just about the most popular for the office or the home office as they look very professional yet require almost little to no maintenance. In fact, if you do not wish to soak your vinyl vertical blinds when cleaning, you can spray them with water or remove dust with a chemically treated dust cloth. And when you do choose soak them in your bathtub, all your need to do is to rinse, wipe and air dry.

You may not have noticed but the spirit and life of your space is enhanced by the type of shades you choose. Creativity always triumphant over budget so work around your problem with quality yet cheap window blinds. Discount window treatments are capable of giving you not only privacy, light control but also character and ambiance to your space.…

Your Wood Fence: How to Enhance Its Beauty and Life

Not only are wood fences a visually attractive addition to your home, they also provide the family with privacy and help to keep children and pets safe. Restoring the beauty and durability of your wood fence is a fairly simple process. Applying a quality stain will ensure your fence is able to withstand the damaging effects of sun, rain and snow.

Most fences are made of pine, fir, cedar, spruce, or redwood. Prior to staining, it is important that the fence be clean, dry, and free of dirt and mildew. In addition, make sure to replace any broken boards and pound in or replace loose nails and other faulty hardware. You will want to cover hardware such as gate handles with tape and cover any concrete, plants, grass, and other areas with plastic to avoid getting stain on them.

Prepare your fence by cleaning it with a wood cleaning product. The cleaning product can be sprayed on using a common garden hand pump sprayer. Apply it directly in an up and down motion, with the grain of the wood, beginning from the top down. This is a perfect job for the fall, as summer heat may make the cleaning solution evaporate too quickly. Rinse with a power washer at a low psi or use a brush and garden hose to rinse. Again, use an up and down motion, following the direction of the boards.

Applying a brightener brings out the original wood beauty and removes unsightly tannin staining and rust stains from corroded fasteners. Apply brightener in a similar fashion as the cleaner and rinse. Brightener may not be required, but for redwoods and some cedars, it will really make the natural colors come out.

Of course, if your fence is brand new there is no need to use a cleaning or brightening product. Simply make sure the surface is free of dirt and dust by rinsing it with a garden hose. Allow the wood to dry before applying a finish.

Finally, finish your wood with a product that both stains and seals the wood. A quality finish will protect the wood from the sun and water, and will contain a fungicide. You can spray, roll or brush the finish on. Using a combination of these tools, such as a roller and a brush, will help you reach cracks and crevices a roller alone may not cover. Apply enough stain to saturate the wood; most fences will need a gallon for every 100 to 200 square feet of wood surface. After about 15-30 minutes, look for shiny areas indicating over application, and brush out any excess product on the fence.

In all cases, read and follow the label directions of the products you select. Dispose of roller covers, brushes and other waste in a water-filled container and dispose of it appropriately.…

Instill Individuality and Style Into Your Home Decor Without the Cost

Indeed, if you look hard enough, you would be able to find affordable, quality, cheap window blinds that suit your personality and style. Online stores, thrift stores, flea markets are common places which could give you inspiration and great surprise buys. In fact, you might not need to look further than your basement or garage where you keep those forgotten items bought at the spur of the moment.

There are easy tips on how to prep up your home to look chic and stylishly you without having to spend a fortune on it. First thing first, you need to know what décor you have in mind for your interior decorative needs, the theme, color scheme and your very own style. Knowing what you want from an overall basis is half the battle won. Here are some examples of really affordable home decor which will not make your home look cheap at all after you are done doing it.

Giving your old items a new look can have surprising results. Try sending your 5 year old curtains and draperies to the laundry for a change and the next time you hang them up again, enjoy the fresh clean and bright look around the house. They always have that effect of perking up your mood. You might have bought quality but cheap window blinds, but a simple cleaning session with a damp cloth will brighten up the entire space too.

The simple act of rearranging the furniture in your rooms could give your home a new look altogether. Painting the walls will totally change the mood of your home, and each of your rooms can exude different character with different colors. Not to mention, you also have a choice to use wall paper to create your own uniqueness and ambiance.

Have you ever refurbished your chairs and couches before? Give them new lease of life with new wrap, color and even reshape them if you wish. If you are on a budget crunch, simply give them a new look with discount new slipcovers and a several fun, odd shape throws.

If you are food with handiwork, try refreshing your old wardrobes and cabinets with a new coat of paint, change the knobs, and replace parts of the wood with glass.

Indeed, giving your own home a brand new look should be fun and enjoyable, even if it is done with discounted but quality cheap window blinds, the right kinds of paint colors, putting up flowers around the house and rearranging your furniture.…