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How Much You'd Expect to Pay For a New Set of Blinds


By
Expert Author Cookie Maxwell


Window blinds can be a beautiful and functional alternative to cloth curtains on your windows. Blinds come in a variety of materials and styles, and they can be functional as well as decorative. They come in a variety of materials that include wood, plastic, vinyl, metal, fabric and even bamboo. There are many different styles of blinds to choose from to customize the design of your windows. Vertical, horizontal, honeycomb, flat, and roller are just a few types of blinds that you will find from retailers. Blinds that are labeled as energy efficient insulate the windows that they cover and help keep the heat and air conditioning bills lower. There is no typical cost for blinds because of the variety of materials and designs. However, there is a range that a homeowner can expect to find when they are pricing window treatments.

Accounting for the large variety in material, quality, quantity and size, people can expect to pay anywhere from $8 to $1000 per blind for their home. That range includes budget blinds from a hardware store that can cost between $15 to $180 per window and the moderately priced energy efficient blinds from a large home store that will run $30 to $130 per window. Designer custom blinds made from the highest quality materials cost from $100 to $1000 per window. The lower end of the price range covers smaller window blinds that are made from wood and fabric. The highest end of the price range encompasses woven silk blinds and tapeless ladder system blinds.

There are additional costs to account for when planning the window treatments budget. Professional installers charge to install the blinds for home windows. The rule of thumb is that the cost increases as the complexity of the job increases. Keep in mind that larger windows cost more to cover. That is also true for windows that are oddly shaped and are not traditional. If you do not want to hire an installer, most blinds can be installed without the help of a professional.

Installation is not usually part of the blind package price, but there are a few more extra parts that a person will need to factor in when purchasing new blinds. A purchased blind includes a blind that is the right size to cover one window, any hardware necessary to install the blind, a rod, a cord, and a system to position the blind. If the blinds are vertical then there is an included head rail or valance from which to hang the blind from. Most custom blind retailers will offer a warranty for the blinds that they sell.

MyReviewsnow.net offers information regarding selecting blinds. For more about window treatments, please shop with us at MyReviewsNow.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cookie_Maxwell


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Select Window Treatments by Asking The Right Questions


By
Expert Author Valarie Baser


Since each window treatment has its own pros and cons, it's important to answer the following questions first before you begin browsing and shopping. By answering the following questions, you will have a clear understanding of what you need from your treatments. Knowing what you need before browsing and shopping will end confusion while saving you a lot of time and money.
Practical Questions
Does privacy need to be created?
Some apartments in big cities usually lack privacy when it comes to windows with views. Views can sometimes include awkward views of their neighbors or opportunities for neighbors walking by to take a peep at your dinner. So purchasing curtains that provide privacy will make a home feel comfortable, making you feel less exposed.
Does heat gain/loss need to be controlled?
If you live in a older home or apartment, the windows may not be insulated to prevent cold weather from entering the home. This will usually cause you to use more heat in the home which will eat up your electric bill.
Is there a need to get rid of glare from the sun?
Depending on the location in the home, if it's a home office, think about how annoying a glare from the sun would be when trying to focus on a computer screen. This makes working from home less productive which may hurt your earnings.
Does it need to be easy to maintain and clean?
If you're the type of person who is always on the run then I doubt you'd like to spend time cleaning window treatments when you'd rather be outside doing real things.
Does it need to be durable?
If your house has a lot of occupants, that means whatever you select needs to be able to tolerate more wear and tear in high traffic areas such as living rooms or hallways. Treatments that frequently need to be replaced is both a waste of time and money.
Is it within my budget?
The tricky part about this questions is that if the curtain quality is too cheap then it may not last. So in the long run, you'd be spending more money than you thought you would be just to replace them, frequently. Think about which is more worth it to you in the long run. Good Quality + Expensive = Durability or Bad Quality + Cheap = Needs to be replaced frequently.
Once you've answered those set of questions, you can move on to the less serious stuff. The next thing you want to think about is style. Here are a set of questions to ask yourself.
Decorative Questions
Can the treatment add to an architectural detail?
Lets say you have a custom window that's floor to ceiling high. A custom length of the window treatment can add to the architectural detail and help create a beautiful focal point.
Is there a need to bring out color, pattern or texture into the room?
If the room is lacking some kind of pattern, color, or texture; window treatments will dramatically change the space. The right window treatment can also accompany a type of texture used in the room to create a more harmonious space.
Should the style be contemporary, traditional, period etc?
Depending on the style your going for, contemporary window treatments should be surrounded by a contemporary setting. Unless the style is eclectic which has to be cleverly balanced out.
Should the pattern be geometric, naturalistic or stylized?
Depending on the mood of the room, geometric patterns can add a youthful vibe to the space, naturalistic patterns can add a bit of a relaxed vibe and stylized patterns really depends on your personal preference.
Should there even be pattern?
Maybe there's so many different patterns and shapes already being used in the space. Skipping the idea of including patterns for window treatments will keep the room from getting too busy.
Once you answer the following questions, it will be much easier to select the right window treatments. I would recommend taking the time to write each question out and filling in the answers so you don't change your mind once you enter a store. Entering a store with a lot different ideas and selection can easily distract you, so keep a list of your needs and wants to prevent this.

Now that you know how to select the right window treatments, there's still more to learn. Visit http://www.vmdecor.com to discover different styles and learn what's in the interior design market today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Valarie_Baser


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Lush Window Treatments Add Style To Any Room


By
Expert Author Cookie Maxwell


Any type of covering used on the windows of commercial or residential buildings is generally referred to as window treatments. They are effective for blocking out sunlight, insulating against the heat that the sun generates, and maintaining your privacy when you don't want people looking into your home. Despite these beneficial characteristics, most homeowners view them as being decorative and use them solely for room décor. Fortunately, the most common types of window coverings (blinds and curtains) are both functional and stylish.

There are a number of places where you can purchase window treatments and install them yourself such as home improvement stores or the larger department store retailers. However, you can also hire professional companies that sell and install them if you have the budget for this. There are several types to consider when you want to change the appearance of your home or spruce up a particular room, including:

• Blinds - although these are the most functional window treatments available, they have little if any decorative value. Most of the styles that you find today are constructed from plastic or wood and can be mounted on the sides or top of a window frame. The slats can be operate horizontally or vertically.
• Curtains - these are one of the more popular forms of window treatments because they are available in a wide range of styles as well as being very decorative and functional. Curtains are manufactured in a variety of materials such as cotton, suede, and even velvet. They are available in different lengths and are oftentimes considered to be an essential component of a home's décor.

• Shades - like curtains, shades are used more for function instead of style and are available win a wide range of materials such as bamboo, canvas, and woven plastic. Additionally, they are also manufactured with several operational features including roll-up sprockets that enable you to retract them or ropes.

• Sheers - these window treatments are used more for decoration rather than function. However, they are typically used as a window covering that allows light to enter the room while maintaining some privacy for anyone occupying the room. Sheers are most commonly hung in art studios, kitchens, and rooms facing east.

• Valances - swathes of fabric that are used to decorate the top of window frames are more commonly referred to as valances. They are most commonly used to compliment and enhance other types of window treatments such as blinds, curtain sets, and shades. They are typically hung in dining rooms, living rooms, music rooms, and parlors.

In addition to selecting your window treatments out of an interior designer's catalog or from home improvement store displays, many styles can be customized to fit odd-shaped windows and tailored to address your exclusive needs. Where store-bought window coverings are made to suit the average homeowner, customized ones are more personal and cater to the particular home they are to be mounted in. Be sure that you select a covering that best reflects your lifestyle when making your decision.
MyReviewsnow.net offers information regarding window treatments. For more on window treatments, please visit our Home Decor portal at MyReviewsNow

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cookie_Maxwell



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12 Most Romantic Bedrooms



Soft throws, canopy beds, and glam chandeliers — it doesn't get much more sexy and sophisticated than these rooms.


http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/12-romantic-bedrooms?click=pp#slide-1



Basic Rules for Selecting Window Treatments





By

In simple terms, window treatments refers to the interior decoration for a window or window frame with the primary goal of installing elements that enhance its artistic beauty.
Window treatments is divided into two categories; the hard treatment which includes the installation of shutters, window blinds and shades, and the soft treatment which refers to the installation of soft materials such as curtains and draperies.
Applying window coverings might seem simplistic, but for someone who doesn't have good artistic taste and sensibility, purchasing a set of window dressing materials on impulse can end up in disappointment. You need to consider several factors before choosing window treatments to meet your room's functional and artistic needs.

Here are the basic rules for selecting window treatments:
1. Assess the room's functional requirements.

 Window treatments are primarily intended to add beauty and class to a room, but they have a secondary function which is to protect the room's interiors and furnishings from the heat of the sun. These hanging wonders also work to optimize the room's functional requirements including sound and sunlight blocking.
If you want your room to receive light without the harmful ultra-violet rays from the sun, a solar shade, which allows light to penetrate through it, will be perfect for this purpose. Drapes or curtains with neutral colors are also ideal for rooms that receive a large amount of sunshine. Sunlight plays a considerable role in the fading of brightly colored window covering materials.
If you intend to insulate a room, you can use materials like velvet, suede and tweed. A lot of window dressing professionals recommend these materials because they are known to block heat during summer and keep the room warm in winter.
If your windows are placed at street level, privacy might be one of your concerns. In this case, you will need shades or blinds that help to protect your privacy from the curious eyes of passers-by. Shades and blinds also allow you to get full privacy or full sunlight whichever is appropriate for you at any particular moment.

2. Consider the shape and size of your windows.
The shape and size of your windows is one of the most important things to consider when choosing window dressing materials. For small windows, you need to make them look taller and wider by installing curtains that are longer than the windows by six inches and install them above the window frame.
For oddly shaped windows, you need to customize it by engaging the services of a professional interior decorator that will create the design of a tailored curtain. Looking for perfect ready-made curtains for oddly shaped windows is a difficult mission and it could be a waste of your time.


3. Consider safety or convenience when dressing windows.
If you live in a house where there are lots of small children and pets, you should consider using remote control blinds. These do not have dangling cords that could become safety hazards to curious children and pets.

Proper window treatments are one way to make a room express its character and purpose. Window coverings also help to preserve your furnishings while adding accent, elegance and style to your home or office interior. Remember, window treatments involve cost. When you consider dressing your home, you should avoid disappointing results. Get your money's worth by seeking the expert advice of a window treatment specialist.

Bill Fleck is a professional window treatment specialist in San Diego who specializes in all types of window coverings, blinds, draperies, shutters and shades. Learn how he does his trade by visiting the website of San Diego's first and longest lasting window covering company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_S_Fleck



Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
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Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
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