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Showing posts with label window coverings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label window coverings. Show all posts

Blinds, Shades and Window Treatments: What You Should Be Looking for

By   |   Submitted On February 13, 2016


Blinds, shades and window treatments are perfect accessories for homes that decorate windows, the eyes of a home. They are the frame that allows us to view the outdoors. Thus, picking a window blind that will allows us to enjoy the outdoors as much as we enjoy the privacy and quiet time we enjoy at home.

 There are many things to consider when installing a specific window treatment for a home. Here are some of the tips that you can follow.

 Know what your room needs

 Before shopping for any furnishing, knowing how it will function and how the whole of the home will function with it is important. Prior to decorating one must access the room and check which items inside are considered good, bad or ugly. Knowing which are the good points and the bad points of a room will serve as a guide on how you can begin and proceed with adding accessories and furnishing inside, including window blinds. This is the perfect opportunity to play with color, pattern, texture and scale indoors.

 Knowing how window treatments work

 Different window coverings vary in use. Some are versatile and can work practically with any room. They can be of different uses as well such as light-filtering, sunscreen or simple decorative pieces added to make your indoors look great. Different coverings also give off different kinds of feel for a home. It can bring a modern or contemporary appeal to homes, or grand and expensive for some designs.

 Decorative purposes

 Most home accessories are there to decorate and add something interesting to homes. There are also many great choices in terms of home decor when one is aiming to decorate, besides adding efficiency to a home. Bedrooms can look lovely with Roman blinds while living areas would look refreshing with easy to operate roll out blinds. Detail and drama can be achieved if you know what looks great for your homes and what doesn't.

 Blending colors

 It is important that every hue inside your homes work with one another. This is also the case when accessorizing your windows. The color of your window covering should complement or should highlight an area inside your home. This is where the material of your treatments comes in. Knowing which material works with the existing style and the material that will make the function of your homes more efficient is also necessary.

 Practicality

 It is also important to consider the overall impact of a window covering for your home. Does this improves the energy consumption at home, provides a statement decor for your home and suits your budget at the same time? Then you are indeed getting the best for your homes. However, the best is not always the case for many. If a covering is within your budget and looks great for your homes but is a second best when it comes to design and style, you can still consider them, practicality in mind.

 There are indeed many things to consider before adding a decor or furnishing for your home. Doing so, within a process or system ensures that your home is getting what's best for it, if not best for all.

 There are many options for temporary blackout blinds available in the market that will most likely suit your need and budget for your decorative purposes at home. Several designs, material and color for this type of window treatment can be considered as a new statement or addition for your home decorating projects at home.

 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joie_M_Gahum/2200904
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How to Choose Vertical Blinds for Our Homes

By   |   Submitted On October 25, 2015

Home decorating is a very vast creative area that we should all take time to explore. As for creating the perfect home for our families with a touch of each and every member's personalities, there are many fixtures and home accessories available in the market that can help us to do so.

Window treatments are one of the aspects in home design that we could try to explore when it comes to home decorating. However, for some, they still prefer to stick with the design basics, just like vertical blinds.

Vertical window treatments add height to a low ceiling room. These types of blinds are ideal for patio doors, bay windows, and sliding glass doors or windows. Plus, they are much easier to clean than horizontal blinds, thus making them a favorite option among home decorators.

Before buying vertical window blinds, though, you must consider the budget, the style of your house, and how long do you expect your blinds to last.

Choosing one boils down to your aesthetic preference. Here are some quick advice you can follow.

How long does it have to be?

Measure first your window frame. Blinds must cover the entire window to have a maximum privacy and proper control of light.

Primarily, you must know the two styles of vertical blinds: the inside-mount and the outside-mount blinds. The inside-mount sits in line with the window frame. While the outside-mount hangs outside the window frame. It looks bulky and spans larger area.

For inside-mount blinds, measure the window frame's length and width. However, for outside-mount, you could decide how long the blinds would be since you can drop it longer than the window. But to be safe, you might as well add up 1.5 to 3 inches on either side to ensure it overlaps.

Decide on materials.

Wood vertical blinds

Wooden blinds bring elegance to a room. It's popular in many homes, though wood is prone to mildew and easily fades with sunlight. It is also not advisable for covering multiple windows as it would be too expensive.

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) blinds

This synthetic material is durable and comes in various colors. PVC is flame-resistant and ideal for your child's room.

Textile vertical blinds

Those who wanted to combine the softer feel of curtains and the sleek structure of blinds opt for fabric vertical window coverings. A vacuum cleaner could remove its dust, though stains are harder to clean.

Aluminum blinds

These types of material do not rust over time and are easier to clean. However, they could be noisy upon closing doors or when it's breezy with the open window.

The cost of vertical blinds varies with the materials, length, and the number of the windows where it will be installed. You can let the store staff do it for you or you could install it on your own.

Your windows are one of the most important areas in your homes that should be given proper attention to. Check out ideas and other window treatment options that you can use for your windows via Blinds Online's page.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joie_M_Gahum/2200904

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I'm Looking Through You, Making the Most of Your Windows!

By Alexa Keating
You guessed it; it's time to address those windows! There are many easy and affordable ideas to treat the space where light reigns supreme in a manner that will compliment your design plan.
Some window styles reflect the style of the home. For instance, a home with arched windows may be somewhat of a challenge when creating a Primitive Design. Likewise, the older more typical square windows challenge the Contemporary, Spanish and Southwestern designs.
Once you have selected your style, paint colors and floor treatment, the windows complete your canvas of the dream room you envisioned. The picture will be complete when the room is finished!
Tips to begin:
a) Wash the windows!
b) Clean the woodwork and paint if necessary.
c) Assess the challenge! Do the size and style of the windows work as they are, or do you need to change the perception to create your style?
d) Get creative; packaged window treatments are made for the 'house of commons,' not your palace! When creating your own design, you become the leader, not the follower.
e) Measure the actual windows both vertical and horizontal; then measure from the top of the wall to the floor.
f) Take a moment and caulk your windows. Heat and air conditioning is lost through windows and doors, increasing your energy bills and making it harder to heat or cool your home. Caulking also prevents ants and other undesirables from entering your home.
g) If you live in a manufactured house, tear down those 'made for a trailer' window treatments! Nothing says I'm perched on wheels like the little valances and kitchen curtains hanging all over the house. You will be amazed at how your home can look!
Now we're ready to begin! Let's look at materials, and what is possible.
If you are working with Southwestern, Spanish or Primitive designs, regardless of whether you have square, arched or small windows; try picking up full length wood bi-fold doors and painting them or grab a can of Min Wax spray stain and put the finish of your choice on the doors. They fold out just like shutters and can be used on sliders as well as windows. For very little money you have custom window treatments!
Cottage designs work great with the plantation shutter styles. You can hang these higher and wider that the actual window if you need to visually increase the size of the window to make a bigger statement.
Give some thought to using hand railing for stairs as curtain rods over wide expansive windows or to create that illusion! These come in nearly every style, some with intricate design in addition to the more typical styles. They are also readily available in reclaimed stores. Mediterranean and Spanish styles can use wrought iron pieces to create interesting rods.
All of these items can be picked up at the same thrift stores, consignment stores, Craiglist and any other source you know would be worth looking at in your area.
We're creating a masterpiece here and can hardly be bothered to simply pick up a simple rod and hang it up. Window design starts from the rods. Don't ignore branches from your trees for a Primitive look, or bamboo stalks for a natural look.
If your home has small, older windows try hanging your drapes from the top of the wall and extend them out past the actual window. Visually the wall and the windows appear larger; and the room feels more substantial.
Drop in at the remnant section of the fabric store. Look for large bolts that are offered at $1.00 a yard. You're looking for texture that will compliment your personal style. If you're not handy with a sewing machine, never fear; just purchase Stitch Witchery and head for your ironing board to create rod pockets at the top and finished hems at the bottom.
Curtains that pool onto the floor are much more appealing and do not look like pre-packaged curtains. Look at sheets if you do not want to spend time at the fabric store. They are long, offered in a wide range of colors and already have top and bottom hems. Just slit the sides of the bottom and slid the rod through. Sheets are available in unbleached muslin and a large variety of fabrics. Natural cotton is beautiful as drapes for Cottage styles. Just slit the sides of the top hem and insert the rod after using your stitch witchery magic or hand needle and thread to complete the newly cut seam. Natural hemp ropes work perfectly as tiebacks for Cottage (especially Seaside Cottage designs) Country and Primitive. Look for natural rope and other different ideas to tie them in a balloon style 29" from the floor and let them pool on the floor. Beautiful!
Sheets work great as shower curtains on spring rods; insert a liner behind it and decorate away!
If you plan to tie your curtains back look at wide cloth ribbon and other trims that are not so fussy and do not appear prepackaged.
If you are working with a Victorian, Classic or Traditional design look at the long table cloths that also offer special designs particular to your style. Try adding long strings of pearls that are found in craft stores and Christmas decorations. They make fabulous trims! Look for natural fabrics like unbleached muslin to bring a true country or Primitive feeling into any space.
If you have typical windows and are looking for a whole new look with an unconditional fix; define your style and consider adding plantation shutters that are 18" shy of the top of the window.
Next, look for leaded glass or, or Plexiglas that mimics lead glass sections; place this section above the shutter to cover the rest of the window and add a trim board. Suddenly your 'same old windows' now feature leaded glass and thick, rich wood shutters. Stain or paint the shutters to match your design plan.
You no longer have average or typical windows. It's a brand new view!
Avoid those 'found in every home' mini blinds if possible. They feel like a cheap fix, and are unbecoming to a palace and your plan. Dare to be different.
The 'fan' treatment for the top of arched windows needs to be kicked to the curb too. The arches grace the top of the window; leave them bare and let the sun shine in! If you simply must cover them, look for window films that are elegant and will add a punch of your décor quietly. They peel right off when you are ready for a change.
Make a real effort to think outside the traditional prepackaged window treatments available almost everywhere. Search for great deals on things that can be repurposed into your plan.
Your goal is to make your home different and spectacular; affordably! This is the mark of a master designer.
'I'm Looking Through You' is an excerpt from 'How To Make It Mine.' Please join me at http://www.arkconnect.com to preview this and other design idea books available.
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Window Coverings: Chic, Stylish, Economical?

by Marc Dickinson


Window treatments always spruce up a room's interior design. They add a little style and décor to an otherwise drab area of the home. Windows aren't typically exciting and they only provide one clear function: to let the light in. Not only does this look boring (unless you live in a very scenic area), it isn't very energy efficient either. So no matter how much you like the view, it's always important to invest in some kind of window covering.

Layered Savings
Window coverings add elegance and privacy to a home, but they also create big energy savings. Just like bundling up the kids for school, your home wears its own layers: siding, insulation, drywall, etc. But since glass isn't the best insulator and any opening can become drafty, windows are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, they need their own kind of layering: window treatments. During the winter, these decorative items also add an extra barrier of insulation to protect your home's thermostat. And they can also help cut out the harsh summer sun, which prevents furniture fading and rising temperatures.

From the Inside Out
Like layering your clothes in winter, while selecting your window coverings it's best to start from the inside out. Begin with the layer closest to the glass and work outward:

Get Vertical: Your first line of defense from the outdoor elements is shades. Whether it is a vinyl pull-down or a thermal solar screen, these items can easily be customized to fit any size or style of window (porch door, skylight, arched cornice, etc.). But it's important to put this closest to the glass so as to block any residual light from passing through Tip: This means that as you install, the brackets will be screwed on the inside of the frame).
Drapes or Curtains
Go Horizontal: But you don't always want to completely block the natural light, so the next layer provides options. Blinds are the best of both worlds because of their adjustable slats. Aluminum mini-blinds, or Venetian blinds, are popular because of their inexpensive price tag and horizontal design, but they can also get bent, sun damaged, and dealing with the string can become a hassle. Therefore, you may want to consider other materials on the market, such as wooden or bamboo shutters.

The Dressing: Draperies and curtains create exterior drama. Plus, they clean up a space by hiding the more practical layers you've just installed. Though they're usually made from fabrics, which can run the gamut in terms of price, you may want to think about sliding panels, sheer vertical blinds, or pleated shades. These combine the function of previous layers with the style of chic drapes, while avoiding all the extra expense.

The Outside: If you really want to get secure, you could even add exterior shutters, grills, or louver vents. These dampers can add a stylish accent to the outside of your home, while protecting your windows from rain and moisture. Though they're often placed on commercial buildings, they can still work on any residential door or window.

Professional Advice
Though window coverings can easily be bought and installed on your own, it doesn't hurt to hire a professional interior designer for some advice. Since there are an infinite number of décor options out there, it can sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind (no pun intended). But these interior experts are better able to identify your décor needs and can help lead you through the design maze. They have the ability to assess a space in terms of its size, style, and necessity. Plus, they can open your eyes to the newest products on the market (such as motorized and remote control shades), allowing you complete access to all the available options.

Marc Dickinson has worked in both the general contracting and landscaping trades and is currently a home improvement freelance writer with over 300 articles published.



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WINDOW DRESSING: The Art of Adorning the Home's Eyes

By 
Expert Author Gail Green
As windows are the eyes of the home and are a major focal point of any room, it is only fitting they deserve special treatment. And, yet, the modern impulse to forget or play down their dressing is omnipresent. It appears that when there is a "view," the decorative framing aspect of that vista is dismissed. Instead of enhancing the attractive outside perspective, dressing the window has oftentimes become a forgotten art.
There is nothing wrong with plain, especially when the views are spectacular. But, when a room can be immeasurably improved upon, when the view can be amplified, the question begs the question: why not? The misconception, here, is that windows coverings somehow preclude or obviate the view, that one square inch of air will be missed. That perspective is putting your nose to close to the pane and not seeing the advantages the advantages in the round. That is, by framing the view, by making it a focal point, the vista is actually enhanced.
Sometimes, the addition of a simple header is all that is needed to frame a view. In many ways, this is comparable to a painting not having a frame. And, though it is not uncommon for many modern paintings to prefer that look, the wall itself acts as the work's frame. With a window, however, the relationship of view to wall is not that clean. There are beams and columns that interfere with a clean background of window to wall. Window dressing helps that transition by acting as a mediator, softening the hard edges.
What is particularly interesting is how subtle this transition from wall to view can be. Window dressing, itself, can be a simple overhang of side panels upon window frame. One can even decoratively increase the size of the window. While the literal size of the window can't be increased, the illusion of an increase in size may be affected by simple visual tricks. For instance, if your window is 3 feet wide and you want to make it look larger, create a valance, hard of soft, that extends at least 6" past on either side, thereby making the header 4 feet plus. By then adding side panels that start at the extended width, say at least 6 inches out, on each side, the visual illusion is that of a window 4 feet wide. In this particular instance, the view is especially highlighted, while overlapping the window itself by only one or two inches. Thus, the vista is amplified, rather than obviated. This technique is especially helpful in rooms where the window is the only focal point.
Window dressing can add a decorative levity to a room. The draperies can metaphorically take its theme from the other elements in the room. For instance, if there is a particular pattern that needs being accentuated, the window treatments can incapsulate that theme into its design. So, if you have a fabric motif of, say, circles and swirls, that design may be reiterated in the header, side panels, or shades. Alternatively, if you want to create some levity or clever humor to a space, the header can express this aspect. For instance, if the theme is nautical, the window dressing can be a simple pole over the window frame from which a simple shade may be extended, very like that found on an ocean liner over portholes.
By adorning the windows, the eyes of the room, a room is enhanced and enlightened. The clever use of draperies improve the overall appearance of a space, creating a focal point and highlighting the views.
One of the biggest selling points of any home is the view to the outside world. One of the biggest investments a homeowner can make is investing in highlighting this view. And, one of the best ways of enhancing this perspective is by creating a visual framework around the window so as to amplify the vista beyond. To help you create the focus you want in your home, email us at Gail@GailGreenInteriors.com

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The best window coverings

By
 
Chantal Dauray


Tips on how to use lighting without sacrificing your privacy.
Choosing the right window covering
Your budget, tastes, needs and decorating style, together with the amount of brightness you wish to achieve in the room, will guide your decisions as you consider numerous possibilities. Here are some guidelines.
1 The kitchen. Wood blinds and faux-wood blinds are easier to maintain than pleated blinds or curtains. The more rigid the blinds, the easier they are to clean.
2 The bedroom. For a more restful sleep, an opaque blind is a good choice. It can be concealed behind a valance or dressed up with attractive curtains. Other options are rigid horizontal blinds or fabric blinds combined with some curtains for greater opacity.
3 The living room. If you’re intent on keeping prying eyes out, horizontal
blinds or louvered shutters are your best option, as louveres can be inclined based on your preference for shade or light without the interior being any more visible to passersby. If privacy is not an issue, anything goes! If you
choose drapes, err on the side of simplicity, keeping them in a shade similar
to that of the wall.
4 The bathroom. Horizontal blinds are a sound choice here. However, select a waterproof material (faux wood, for example), particularly if the space is poorly ventilated or the blind is close to the shower stall.
5 French doors. Solar blinds (or perforated blinds) are perfectly suitable, as they reduce the glare and heat from the sun and protect furniture from UV rays. Also popular are light-filtering sunscreens (with Sheerweave) with their Japanese style and the lovely luminosity they confer on large windows.Fabric blinds are a good choice as well.
Windows above electric baseboard heaters
Rather than hemming your curtains so that they hang just above the heater, simply move them away from the heat source with a mounting bracket (available at most hardware stores), which attaches to the baseboard heater. The effect is more elegant. As for blinds, allow a clearance of at least 30 centimetres from the baseboard heater, and if possible, avoid vinyl or plastic-based materials.

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Plantation Shutters




by John Gresh
Ask anyone who owns plantation shutters why they chose them over blinds, shades or draperies, and you will undoubtedly get a variety of reasons. They may point out their insulating qualities, ability to control light, how easy they are to clean, durability, flexibility in matching any décor, or the fact that they simply make the room look great. It is this versatility and the “wow” factor that has made Plantation shutters the most sought after window treatment of the past two decades.

The origin of these classic window coverings dates to the 19th century, when they were actually used in the harsh environment of tropical plantations. Now, they are used in almost any room in the home and lend themselves equally to both contemporary and traditional motifs.

Increasingly, consumers are seeing the financial benefits of owning plantation shutters. Most window coverings have a relatively short life cycle, since they wear out or are trend-oriented. Quality shutters, on the other hand, have a life cycle of 10 to 20 years and can also be repainted to make them look virtually new.
Perhaps the most interesting trend regarding shutters is that the real-estate industry has begun recognizing the value interior shutters add to a home. Home appraisers are likely to include shutters when evaluating a home— making them a real return on investment for owners.

For the consumer, the popularity of shutters has increased the available options in terms of materials, quality and price. The old axiom, “you get what you pay for,” usually applies. Buyers should do their homework and compare the quality of the construction as well as the professionalism and experience of the dealers and their installers. Good dealers will be happy to allow prior customers to speak for them, so if someone is reluctant to provide references: run.
For years, wood has been the material of choice in constructing shutters, and it still is. Hardwoods, such as basswood, poplar and alder have been the most common, given their light weight and resistance to warping and shrinkage. As for quality, you’ll want to compare the joints, thickness of the materials, and overall fit and finish. Matching your shutters to your trim is the key to achieving a truly custom look, so your dealer should provide custom-color matching at little or no charge.

While wood has been king, synthetic shutters are making a huge dent in the market. Their low maintenance, moisture resistance and energy efficiency have made them very popular with today’s consumer. The difference in materials used in synthetic shutters varies greatly and requires a little more investigation. Additional materials can range from hollow vinyl, to medium-density fibreboard wrapped with vinyl, to solid polymers. Bottom line: Vinyl shutters are generally a lower-price option and will have the look and feel of plastic. They are more likely to sag and yellow over time. The solid polymers, or extruded materials, are designed to look like wood. They can be custom painted and used in arches and other specialty shapes. Ideally, you would like to find dealers that offer both products so they can help you decide what will work best for your particular situation
.
John Gresh is the owner of Perfect Fit Custom Shutters in Gaithersburg
www.perfectfitshutters.com

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Benefits of Wood Blinds

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Wood blinds offer a range of aesthetic and practical benefits. Window coverings are an important design element of any room, but they are also functional. Depending on the style of a particular room, blinds are just one of the many alternatives available for window coverings. Often popular because they are versatile, affordable, and easy to maintain, window blinds have become increasingly common over the past couple of decades. Today, wood blinds are a popular choice as they create an atmosphere of warmth in a room of any style while also offering significant practical advantages.



Style
First and foremost, wooden blinds are an attractive addition to any room that add texture and beauty to your windows. In addition, wood blinds have a distinctly natural feel which gives them an especially graceful charm. Plus, as is the case with all blinds, wooden varieties feature clean lines and help to promote a sense of space even in smaller rooms. Moreover, because wood window blinds are made from many different types of wood including bamboo, pine, chestnut, oak, mahogany, maple, and beech to name a few, they can easily fit into any motif.

Flexibility
As mentioned, wood blinds are made from many types of wood - even faux wood. This means they're not just versatile stylistically but functionally. For example, in rooms like the kitchen or bathroom, faux blinds are durable enough to withstand humidity while looking and feeling like real wood.
Similarly, these types of window coverings are available in different shapes, stains, colours, and shades. As such, homeowners can rest easy knowing their blinds will stand up to any use. Wood blinds are easy to clean, durable, and cost effective. Indeed, even though wood alternatives often cost more than plastic blinds, they typically last longer too. Wood blinds will last several years with only minimal maintenance.

Privacy
Furthermore, one of the main benefits of wood blinds is the privacy they provide. Plastic blinds are sometimes at least partially translucent, and often shadows or outlines are visible through the blinds. On the contrary, wood blinds are completely opaque, and since they can be opened and closed, you have total control over your privacy.

Customization
As a homeowner you can also customize your wooden blinds. You can choose the slat size, you can choose between vertical and horizontal varieties, and you can select your favourite wood type. In addition, these window coverings also have optional features like fabric tapes, motorized functioning, UV blocking, and more. When it comes to wooden blinds, you can see them as an investment. They last much longer than other types of blinds, and they can even be stained or painted over time so that you have the flexibility to update the style of your room without spending a lot on new window coverings.




Visit Arlene's Interiors in Vancouver, Burnaby, or Langley for a wide selection of wood blinds.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Pupkin

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The Many Benefits of Window Shutters

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Most people ignore the importance and roles of shutters decorating a room. No matter how well you arrange and decorate a room, it will always be incomplete without the right window shutters, both exterior and interior. They do not only complement a room's beauty; they also offer privacy when needed and protection. They come in many sizes and colours, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. What are the benefits of window shutters?



Window shutters are not only for the exterior part of the window as commonly believed; they also have great benefits when fitted in the interior. Their greatest benefit is the way they easily complement the furniture and décor of a room. There are many types, sizes, and colours of ready-made window shutters that can match very well with many house settings. If for some reasons you cannot seem to find the right kind of window shutter for a room, you can order for a customized design specifically for you. In simple terms, there is no reason your you should be lacking interior window shutters in your house.





Apart from beauty, interior shutters provide privacy in a room when needed. You can keep them semi-closed and be assured not to get the attention of passer-byes as you go on with your activities. They further protect against heat and sunrays in summer by simply shutting them and from cold in winter as they play a big role in holding the warmth in a room. You can also adjust the amount of light flowing into a room to go with your mood if your shutters have louvers.

Unlike curtains, they are easily maintained, only being wiped, or dusted off to keep them clean and being painted once in a quite long period of time to change with your tastes and preferences and to get them looking new again, hence making them much more economical.



Every constructor will tell you that exterior window shutters are of extreme importance and should not be left out during construction. Why? First, windows complement the exterior of your house well and provide uniformity. They can be painted in any colour to match with the house's colour. They are also useful during summer and winter as they have the ability to maintain a room's temperature as needed when they are closed. They also provide privacy. However, the most important role of exterior window shutters is the provision of security. For starters, they offer an additional obstacle to intruders who might be trying to gain access to your house wrongly, popularly known as buglers. Secondly, they are very useful in hurricane prone areas. They can offer a strong resistance against strong winds and the particles they might be carrying, protecting the house's interiors and occupants from harm.

They also require minimum maintenance, only being wiped from time to time to keep them clean, and painted once in a while to make them look new again or change with your taste.


For fantastic window shutters visit http://shuttersdoveranddeal.co.uk
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_P_Jack

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46,379 Window Coverings Photos: Houzz.com



Hollywood Residence eclectic living room
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Fabulous Window Dressing


By
Expert Author Lindsey WatsonHow you treat your windows can have a great impact on your entire room so you should think carefully about the look you're wanting to achieve and also the practicality of the materials you are choosing. For example, although lace curtains may look very pretty in your bedroom, if you have very draughty old windows then you would be far better off choosing some thick lined curtains that will help keep the cold out better.

Roller blinds are very practical and they take up very little space so they are great for making small rooms look a little bigger. You can get some really great designs too, so if you want a pretty flowery blind, or a space theme blind for a kids bedroom, you should be able to find it. You can also get blackout blinds which cut out all the light. Perfect for a bedroom if you work shifts and need to sleep during the day, and also for kids rooms if you have trouble getting them off to sleep in summer when it is still light late at night. I know I have trouble convincing my kids it really is bedtime when it looks like the middle of the day outside at 7pm!

If you have a cold room, rich velvet curtains will look cosy and luxurious, and they'll also help keep the heat in the room. No matter how good your double glazing, some heat will escape through the window so good thick curtains will go some way to slowing down that heat loss. Make sure they are long enough to completely cover the window so stop any draughts getting into the room. Also when choosing curtains, consider the amount of light that is going to come through. A thin pale coloured curtain is going to let through more sunlight that dark thick curtains, so do bear this in mind if it's going to annoy you being woken up at dawn by the sun streaming in!

If you are overlooked then you may want some net curtains. They don't need to be the chintzy lace curtains your granny had in the 70's, there are lots of tasteful attractive alternatives available these days that will look good and give you some privacy.

Slatted blinds are very popular but be careful your room doesn't end up feeling like an office. Horizontal blinds work well in kitchens and bathrooms, vertical in office rooms and living spaces. The advantage of slatted blinds over roller blinds is that you can adjust the angle of the slats and therefore the amount of light that is let through.

Don't forget your window sills too. They can be as much a feature of the window as the curtains or blinds. Wood, or bright crisp white gloss paint will look clean and smart, but how about using bathroom wall tiles in a bright colour? This is especially useful in a kitchen or bathroom where wood can warp and is a great surface on which to grow plants on a kitchen windowsill.

A neglected window sill can look awful, so update yours with new Porcelain Tiles. Visit http://www.tiles4all.co.uk today for a wide range and unbeatable prices.

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


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Find Your Window Treatment Style


Find Your Window Treatment Style
Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:
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Learn about Energy Efficient Window Coverings: Video

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How to Choose Stylish and Trendy Window Treatments: Video

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Upscale Options for Window Coverings: Video

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Put the Personal Touch on Your Interior Decor With Window Treatment Options That Are Sure to Please


By

Hunter Douglas
When it comes to selecting window treatments for your home, the choices abound. So before you head out to the store or go online to shop, take a minute to look over each of your rooms and ask yourself some preliminary questions. Are you looking for light management? Is privacy control an issue? Do you prefer wood finishes or fabric? Once you've established this initial set of priorities, you'll be much better equipped to cope with the overload of options and pick the perfect window coverings for every room in your house.

If beauty is at the top of your window treatment preferences, then decorative custom draperies could be the best choice. Available in a full spectrum of hues and fabrics to match virtually any decor, customized drapes and curtains are a wonderful way to add color and texture throughout your entire home. Whatever your decorating style, from formal or traditional to modern or country, you can count on made-to-order window draperies to help you pull the look together with the timeless beauty of panels, sheers, swags, valances, cornices, and more.

For exceptional window coverage in today's larger homes, no decorative window treatments can compare to modern cellular, sliding, and sheer vertical blinds. Ideal for large-scale openings such as oversized windows or sliding doors, contemporary vertical blinds have come a long way from the limited vinyl choices of the past. Now, with more high-performance cellular and sliding alternatives than ever before, you can enjoy energy efficiency along with excellent light management and privacy control. Sheer vertical blinds also combine the easy operation and versatility of classic vertical blinds, complete with the flowing fabric appearance of sheer drapes. Your local interior decorator or window showroom consultant can help you choose from the wide array of fashion colors and hardware to find the modern vertical blinds that are just right for your home or office setting.

Of course, you don't have to decide on a stand-alone treatment to adorn your home's windows and doors. Many of today's window coverings work beautifully together to give you the ultimate in function and appearance. Why not mix and match custom draperies and valances with horizontal blinds or roman shades? That way you can have all the beauty and color of curtains with the convenient operation and coverage of fabric, vinyl, or even wood shades. Roman shades can feature either light-filtering or blackout material to meet your particular light-blocking needs, and wood horizontal blinds come in a variety of stain colors and finishes to complement any home or decor.

So don't get lost in the maze of today's abundant window covering choices. Clarify what matters most before you start to shop. That way you'll end up with the perfect window treatments to beautify and complete every room.


Penny Jones is a senior Internet marketer for Prospect Genius. She specializes in home improvement issues and affordable lead generation for local businesses.

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