Whether you're looking for elegant draperies, Roman shades, or a simple swath of
fabric, we have window treatment ideas that will complement every room in the
house.
BY JENNIFER JACKSON
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| click pic for more |
Caring for Your Plantation Shutters
Plantation shutters are a worthwhile investment. They not only provide style to a home, but help save on energy costs, and increase the resale value. Whether they are real wood or faux plantation shutters, if they are well made, they can last for many years. Proper care is essential, but fortunately this care is relatively easy.
Plantation shutters are a wise investment, but a big one, so you want to keep them looking their best. A crucial part of the care of plantation indoor shutters is keeping them clean. Otherwise, dust and dirt can build up and ruin the sheen. Regular dusting and cleaning are important to keep dust and dirt from building up.
Cleaning Real Wood Plantation Shutters
How you clean your indoor shutters depends on what they are made of. Real wood plantation shutters if well painted with a high quality finish, are as easy to clean as faux wood shutters, but do not use water, which can damage or warp wood. At least once every month, spray a dust cloth with wood polish, and dust the shutters thoroughly. If your shutters have small grooves or crevices that collect dust and dirt, spray a toothbrush lightly with spray polish and use it to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning Faux Plantation Shutters
Most faux plantation shutters are made of some type of vinyl. Indoor vinyl shutters should be dusted at least once a week. You can use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose. Tilt the slats up and gently vacuum them. Then turn them down and do the same. Don't forget the tops and bottoms of the shutters.
For cleaning, soap and water can be used on vinyl shutters. Some experts recommend using distilled water because it does not contain minerals that will cause spotting. In a bucket, combine warm water and mild dish soap or any mild soap to form a sudsy cleaning solution (about one teaspoon with one quart of water).
Dampen a soft cloth in the sudsy water, and wash the shutters thoroughly. Next, dampen a second cloth with just water, and rinse away any soap residue. If your shutters have small grooves or crevices, don't forget those, as they can easily collect dirt and grime. Dip a toothbrush in the soapy water to clean those areas. It may be tempting to use an all-purpose spray cleaner, but these can be too harsh, and can discolor or stain your shutters. Dry the shutters thoroughly with a towel. This is important, to prevent spotting.
A big advantage of indoor faux plantation shutters over the real wood variety is that they can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, where they are subjected to heat and moisture. However, in these rooms, shutters will collect particles from hair spray, grease, and other things that can stick to them. These may require a little more cleaning. You can make a solution of one teaspoon dish soap and one gallon of hot water. Wet a cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Then wipe the shutters down on both sides while in the closed position. Rinse the cloth as necessary and continue until they are clean. Again, don't forget to dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
Handle with Care
Quality shutters are durable, but you still need to be gentle with them. When opening and closing the slats, twist the rod gently. If you are going to be opening the shutters all the way out to the side, make sure they are fastened and will not bang against the wall. That will damage the framework (not to mention the wall).
The best way to ensure that you are providing the proper care for your shutters is to consult the plantation shutter manufacturers. If you do not have the documentation that came with the shutters, call the manufacturer, or check their website for information on what they are made out of, and for instructions on proper care to preserve the life and appearance of your window coverings.
Plantation shutters are a wise investment, but a big one, so you want to keep them looking their best. A crucial part of the care of plantation indoor shutters is keeping them clean. Otherwise, dust and dirt can build up and ruin the sheen. Regular dusting and cleaning are important to keep dust and dirt from building up.
Cleaning Real Wood Plantation Shutters
How you clean your indoor shutters depends on what they are made of. Real wood plantation shutters if well painted with a high quality finish, are as easy to clean as faux wood shutters, but do not use water, which can damage or warp wood. At least once every month, spray a dust cloth with wood polish, and dust the shutters thoroughly. If your shutters have small grooves or crevices that collect dust and dirt, spray a toothbrush lightly with spray polish and use it to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Cleaning Faux Plantation Shutters
Most faux plantation shutters are made of some type of vinyl. Indoor vinyl shutters should be dusted at least once a week. You can use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner hose. Tilt the slats up and gently vacuum them. Then turn them down and do the same. Don't forget the tops and bottoms of the shutters.
For cleaning, soap and water can be used on vinyl shutters. Some experts recommend using distilled water because it does not contain minerals that will cause spotting. In a bucket, combine warm water and mild dish soap or any mild soap to form a sudsy cleaning solution (about one teaspoon with one quart of water).
Dampen a soft cloth in the sudsy water, and wash the shutters thoroughly. Next, dampen a second cloth with just water, and rinse away any soap residue. If your shutters have small grooves or crevices, don't forget those, as they can easily collect dirt and grime. Dip a toothbrush in the soapy water to clean those areas. It may be tempting to use an all-purpose spray cleaner, but these can be too harsh, and can discolor or stain your shutters. Dry the shutters thoroughly with a towel. This is important, to prevent spotting.
A big advantage of indoor faux plantation shutters over the real wood variety is that they can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, where they are subjected to heat and moisture. However, in these rooms, shutters will collect particles from hair spray, grease, and other things that can stick to them. These may require a little more cleaning. You can make a solution of one teaspoon dish soap and one gallon of hot water. Wet a cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Then wipe the shutters down on both sides while in the closed position. Rinse the cloth as necessary and continue until they are clean. Again, don't forget to dry them with a clean, soft cloth.
Handle with Care
Quality shutters are durable, but you still need to be gentle with them. When opening and closing the slats, twist the rod gently. If you are going to be opening the shutters all the way out to the side, make sure they are fastened and will not bang against the wall. That will damage the framework (not to mention the wall).
The best way to ensure that you are providing the proper care for your shutters is to consult the plantation shutter manufacturers. If you do not have the documentation that came with the shutters, call the manufacturer, or check their website for information on what they are made out of, and for instructions on proper care to preserve the life and appearance of your window coverings.
Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges
Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Treat your windows right
Beautiful window treatments can make all the difference
to any room.
Window treatments are essential for blocking out light, maintaining privacy and, for interior decorator Candice Olson, hiding her pregnancy. “Thank God for blinds,” says the host of Divine Design on W. “It's my way of protecting my neighbours from me!”
Window treatments come in a variety of styles, colours and materials to help you achieve the look you want and the coverage you need. But with so many options, narrowing them down can get a little tricky.
Selecting window treatments
Function should be your first consideration, says Kimberley Seldon, host of Design for Living on HGTV Canada and STYLE AT HOME decorating editor. That includes the desired amount of sunlight and privacy, as well framing or distracting attention from a view. “Look at the room architecturally,” adds Candice. “If it's a beautiful window, sheers are the answer. If it's a problem window, drapery can hide a lot of flaws.”
Window treatments come in a variety of styles, colours and materials to help you achieve the look you want and the coverage you need. But with so many options, narrowing them down can get a little tricky.
Selecting window treatments
Function should be your first consideration, says Kimberley Seldon, host of Design for Living on HGTV Canada and STYLE AT HOME decorating editor. That includes the desired amount of sunlight and privacy, as well framing or distracting attention from a view. “Look at the room architecturally,” adds Candice. “If it's a beautiful window, sheers are the answer. If it's a problem window, drapery can hide a lot of flaws.”
Next, think about the look you want. “Any style of treatment can be used in any type of room – it's the decor that dictates the style,” says Kimberley. “An elaborately pleated drapery and valance look perfectly fine in a formal, traditional room, but absolutely out of place in a modern interior.” Still, some rooms have issues that need to be addressed. In a kitchen, for example, Candice prefers to keep things simple, taking into account airborne grease and food particles. For the bathroom, a soft sheer and simple valance work to soften hard surfaces. And don't forget about the humidity. “Anything with body will just sag, so it needs to be on the simpler side,” she says. Bedrooms are tricky with both softness and light-blocking priorities. “Typically, we'd do multiple layers, like a decorative side panel, a sheer behind that and then a blackout roller blind,” says Candice.
Budget is always an important factor. “It's amazing how much drapery fabric costs,” says Candice. “And wood shutters are a nice, clean, simple treatment, but they're super-expensive.”
And finally there are the trends. Trim is all the rage for fall, with traditional flat braids, cords, gimp and ribbons taking on a new life in tone-on-tone modern window coverings, says Kimberley. “It's like adding a beautiful necklace to a simple dress – it makes all the difference.” Going natural is also turning heads. “Anything that has a natural texture just takes the edge off of modern interiors,” says Candice. “It's a way to balance everything else that's so sleek and streamlined.”
Weighing the pros and cons
Window treatments fall into three major categories.
Blinds are screens typically on a roller or have vanes or slats and come in an enormous variety of materials, from fabric to wood. Keep in mind that many also come with poles and cords, which could be hazardous if you have children.
Window treatments fall into three major categories.
Blinds are screens typically on a roller or have vanes or slats and come in an enormous variety of materials, from fabric to wood. Keep in mind that many also come with poles and cords, which could be hazardous if you have children.
- Venetians offer flexible light control and can be inexpensive.
- Cellular shades are coveted for their honeycomb shape: two layers of pleated fabric connected to produce air pockets, which increase insulation.
- Verticals, usually made of PVC or fabric, also offer high light control and extra insulation.
- Roman blinds, which fold together when up and lie flat when down are well-suited to modern interiors and offer a tailored look.
- Motorized blinds are a boon to loft living and two-storey windows, but are very pricey.
- Shadings, another expensive alternative, have fabric vanes held together by sheer fabric on either side. Light always penetrates to a certain degree, but vanes allow for privacy.
Curtains are fabric that hangs from a rod or valance and can be tied back. Curtains refer to treatments that don't reach the floor – those that do are drapes. While curtains add elegance, natural materials such as silk fade in sunlight, while sheers allow sun to penetrate and fade your upholstery and carpeting. Therefore it's best to add a blackout liner placed between two layers of fabric or behind single curtains in your choice of material and colour. For natural materials, Candice suggests opting for a synthetic mix – polyester and linen, for example – to help the coverings last a little longer. If you have children, be wary of any hazardous trim or accents.
Shutters are often wooden hinged or solid panels that cover a window for privacy and light control. Popular right now are plantation shutters, which have thick, wide slats. Wood offers great insulation and a clean look, but shouldn't be used in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms. In some instances, shutters can also come across as stark, says Candice. “If windows are small in scale relative to the overall wall they're on, or if there aren't numerous shutters to create a rhythm of repetition throughout the space, shutters can sometimes look quite cold or bare on their own."
Shutters are often wooden hinged or solid panels that cover a window for privacy and light control. Popular right now are plantation shutters, which have thick, wide slats. Wood offers great insulation and a clean look, but shouldn't be used in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms. In some instances, shutters can also come across as stark, says Candice. “If windows are small in scale relative to the overall wall they're on, or if there aren't numerous shutters to create a rhythm of repetition throughout the space, shutters can sometimes look quite cold or bare on their own."
Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
Faux-Wood Versus Real-Wood Plantation Shutters
Custom-made plantation shutters (which got their name because they were used in large plantation homes in the South) are distinguished by their louvers and divider rails. They are becoming increasingly popular in home décor as an alternative to draperies and can actually be financed into the purchase of a home.
Wooden custom-made shutters were around long before manufacturers began to make imitation versions from other materials. Now consumers are faced with the decision of whether to choose real or faux wood. Faux (or fake) wood shutters are simply those made out of anything besides wood. Some are made from vinyl or other synthetic material, while others are what is called composite wood, made of medium density fiberboard, which is chemically engineered wood broken down into fibers.
While faux wood plantation shutter doors are generally less expensive, is it worth it in the long run to pay less or to spend the money on the real thing? There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Advantages of Real Wood for Plantation Shutters
Real-wood shutters are the most durable and have the highest strength-to-weight ratio. While they are usually more expensive, they do tend to last longer; therefore, they are more cost-effective. For people who plan to be in their home or office for a long time, or those who just want to add value to it when they sell it, real-wood shutters are generally the way to go.
Real wood can be used for larger panels. A wider panel (more than 30 inches) made out of synthetic material will sag. It can also be painted or stained in a variety of colors, whereas synthetic materials are limited to shades of white and beige.
A common misconception is that real-wood shutters require more maintenance. However, they are just as easy to clean and maintain as their synthetic counterparts.
Advantages of Faux Wood for Plantation Shutters
The biggest advantage of faux wood shutters is generally the cost. Synthetics can run 10 to 30 percent less than wood. They might be the best choice for nurseries or children's rooms, which may have a change in décor more often than other rooms.
In areas where the shutters are going to be subjected to moisture or steam, such as bathrooms or kitchens, real-wood or composite-wood shutters can warp, crack or flake, and the finish can be damaged. Therefore, a vinyl or poly shutter would be preferable. They are also better in humid areas where the windows are open a lot. Note that moisture - not heat - is the problem. Although some people believe that wood will warp in the heat, that is not the case. However, real-wood shutters would not be suitable for exterior use.
This type of shutters requires no or little wood, so consumers concerned about unnecessary use of natural resources may prefer the vinyl or composite shutters.
There is no one right answer for everyone, or even for every room. The important thing is to look around and ask questions. Shutters are a big investment, and a critical part of any home or office design, so this is not a decision to be made lightly.
Reach out to a local bay window shutters manufacturer to find the right style to fit your preferences.
Wooden custom-made shutters were around long before manufacturers began to make imitation versions from other materials. Now consumers are faced with the decision of whether to choose real or faux wood. Faux (or fake) wood shutters are simply those made out of anything besides wood. Some are made from vinyl or other synthetic material, while others are what is called composite wood, made of medium density fiberboard, which is chemically engineered wood broken down into fibers.
While faux wood plantation shutter doors are generally less expensive, is it worth it in the long run to pay less or to spend the money on the real thing? There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
Advantages of Real Wood for Plantation Shutters
Real-wood shutters are the most durable and have the highest strength-to-weight ratio. While they are usually more expensive, they do tend to last longer; therefore, they are more cost-effective. For people who plan to be in their home or office for a long time, or those who just want to add value to it when they sell it, real-wood shutters are generally the way to go.
Real wood can be used for larger panels. A wider panel (more than 30 inches) made out of synthetic material will sag. It can also be painted or stained in a variety of colors, whereas synthetic materials are limited to shades of white and beige.
A common misconception is that real-wood shutters require more maintenance. However, they are just as easy to clean and maintain as their synthetic counterparts.
Advantages of Faux Wood for Plantation Shutters
The biggest advantage of faux wood shutters is generally the cost. Synthetics can run 10 to 30 percent less than wood. They might be the best choice for nurseries or children's rooms, which may have a change in décor more often than other rooms.
In areas where the shutters are going to be subjected to moisture or steam, such as bathrooms or kitchens, real-wood or composite-wood shutters can warp, crack or flake, and the finish can be damaged. Therefore, a vinyl or poly shutter would be preferable. They are also better in humid areas where the windows are open a lot. Note that moisture - not heat - is the problem. Although some people believe that wood will warp in the heat, that is not the case. However, real-wood shutters would not be suitable for exterior use.
This type of shutters requires no or little wood, so consumers concerned about unnecessary use of natural resources may prefer the vinyl or composite shutters.
There is no one right answer for everyone, or even for every room. The important thing is to look around and ask questions. Shutters are a big investment, and a critical part of any home or office design, so this is not a decision to be made lightly.
Reach out to a local bay window shutters manufacturer to find the right style to fit your preferences.
Shannon Hodges is Director of Marketing at Eclipse Shutters. Eclipse Shutters is an Atlanta-based custom shutter provider with a network of licensed fabricators around the country. Their company has grown to become the number one shutter selling company in North America and largest manufacturer of tailor-made plantation shutters. Eclipse Shutters was established in 1992 and offers customers fast delivery and a 25-year warranty. Learn more about plantation window shutters at http://www.eclipseshutters.com/about-eclipse-shutters.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Hodges
Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
How To Choose The Right Window Fashion
How To Choose The Right Window Fashion
Choosing the right window treatment for your window can seem daunting and understandably confusing. You have a lot of choices to make for your window treatment including color, types and textures. The variety of choices makes this a difficult choice. Color and textures, however, are dictated by the decor of the room and your taste. The right window treatment for you goes beyond color. It has to meet the needs of the room's occupants. Figuring out what type of window treatment you need for your room is a logical two-step process.
Step 1: Analyzing Window Function
Determining window function prior to deciding on the type of treatment will help you figure out what your treatment must achieve in function before considering the type of treatment and style.
Light
The amount of light you need should be considered as you choose your window treatment. Windows let the light in from the outside and most importantly the light comes in from the top of the windows.
Privacy
If your window opens to a high traffic area then blinds or interior shutters are a great choice since they both have louvers. They are the most functional window treatments for light and privacy. If privacy isn't an issue, then you have more options.
Style
This is the personal part of your window treatment. Do you like your windows dressed to the nines or just a subtle window fashion makeover. The style of your window also has to reflect the room's decor in addition to your personal tastes. There are many styles of shades to consider to add style and fashion to any room.
Step Two: Selecting the Treatment Type
You've got plenty of options for your window, which is one reason it's so hard to choose. After determining whether you need the window for light, deciding the level of privacy and figuring out what kind of style suits your tastes, it's time to select from the array of option for your window.
Curtains
The most acknowledged window treatment in existence, curtains allow for all three functions of a window treatment. It opens for light, closes for privacy and offers unsurpassed style. You can find a curtain made of heavy velvet, cotton or silk. You can find or easily make any color, size or texture curtain. Curtains are often employed with shades, valances, and blinds to enhance function and window fashion.
Valances
Valances add style, color and texture to a window treatment. It's rarely used on its own. You can add this strip of fabric at the top of the window in conjunction with shades, curtains, blinds, shutters or a combination of these treatments.
Blinds
Blinds let you easily control the amount of privacy and light in a room. Settling on blinds doesn't mean your window treatment is complete. Choose from vertical, mini or 2-inch blinds. Vertical blinds are usually used in doorways. Mini-blinds are the traditionally thought of as blinds. Typically, blinds are neutral in color and created out of vinyl, composite, wood or bamboo. Vertical blinds consist of faux woods or heavy fabric.
Shades
Shades are similar to blinds in the sense that it easily allows for privacy and light without much effort from the shade operator. They typically are created out of fabric other material, hung from the top of the window, pull down to allow for privacy and retract for increased lightened maximum view. There are many types of shades, including roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, and roman shades. The different styles add a decorative element and come in a larger variety of colors than their close cousin, blinds.
Shutters
Shutters provided a unique curb appeal. They have a larger louver than most blinds and provide more light, privacy and a simpler more elegant style to any room.
Combination
You can select a combination of the above window treatments to enhance the function--style, privacy and light--from your window. Typically, you will choose either shutters, shades or blinds in a combination as they tend to hang through the same space and perform the same function.
Once you've chosen your window treatment, hang them up and admire your choices. If you are still wrestling with your decision, the window treatment experts at Maggie's Shutters and Blinds are ready and able to guide you in making your choices. Additionally, Maggie's Shutters and Blinds offer a free consultation to help you make this difficult decision.
Step 1: Analyzing Window Function
Determining window function prior to deciding on the type of treatment will help you figure out what your treatment must achieve in function before considering the type of treatment and style.
Light
The amount of light you need should be considered as you choose your window treatment. Windows let the light in from the outside and most importantly the light comes in from the top of the windows.
Privacy
If your window opens to a high traffic area then blinds or interior shutters are a great choice since they both have louvers. They are the most functional window treatments for light and privacy. If privacy isn't an issue, then you have more options.
Style
This is the personal part of your window treatment. Do you like your windows dressed to the nines or just a subtle window fashion makeover. The style of your window also has to reflect the room's decor in addition to your personal tastes. There are many styles of shades to consider to add style and fashion to any room.
Step Two: Selecting the Treatment Type
You've got plenty of options for your window, which is one reason it's so hard to choose. After determining whether you need the window for light, deciding the level of privacy and figuring out what kind of style suits your tastes, it's time to select from the array of option for your window.
Curtains
The most acknowledged window treatment in existence, curtains allow for all three functions of a window treatment. It opens for light, closes for privacy and offers unsurpassed style. You can find a curtain made of heavy velvet, cotton or silk. You can find or easily make any color, size or texture curtain. Curtains are often employed with shades, valances, and blinds to enhance function and window fashion.
Valances
Valances add style, color and texture to a window treatment. It's rarely used on its own. You can add this strip of fabric at the top of the window in conjunction with shades, curtains, blinds, shutters or a combination of these treatments.
Blinds
Blinds let you easily control the amount of privacy and light in a room. Settling on blinds doesn't mean your window treatment is complete. Choose from vertical, mini or 2-inch blinds. Vertical blinds are usually used in doorways. Mini-blinds are the traditionally thought of as blinds. Typically, blinds are neutral in color and created out of vinyl, composite, wood or bamboo. Vertical blinds consist of faux woods or heavy fabric.
Shades
Shades are similar to blinds in the sense that it easily allows for privacy and light without much effort from the shade operator. They typically are created out of fabric other material, hung from the top of the window, pull down to allow for privacy and retract for increased lightened maximum view. There are many types of shades, including roller shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, and roman shades. The different styles add a decorative element and come in a larger variety of colors than their close cousin, blinds.
Shutters
Shutters provided a unique curb appeal. They have a larger louver than most blinds and provide more light, privacy and a simpler more elegant style to any room.
Combination
You can select a combination of the above window treatments to enhance the function--style, privacy and light--from your window. Typically, you will choose either shutters, shades or blinds in a combination as they tend to hang through the same space and perform the same function.
Once you've chosen your window treatment, hang them up and admire your choices. If you are still wrestling with your decision, the window treatment experts at Maggie's Shutters and Blinds are ready and able to guide you in making your choices. Additionally, Maggie's Shutters and Blinds offer a free consultation to help you make this difficult decision.
Blinds 4 Less
Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades
Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994
Free In-Home Shopping
(951) 924-9435
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