Archive for October, 2008

Window Treatment Basics

Friday, October 31st, 2008
Dave Marx asked:


With so many different window treatment options available, it’s easy to become confused. But different treatments excel at different aspects of functionality. Knowing which window treatment is right for your needs can save time, money and frustration.

There are three major functions that window treatments can perform. They are privacy, light control, and decor. Very few will perform well in all three areas, so it’s important to priorities which functions are most important to you.

Privacy protection

Privacy is obviously important, especially for windows in the front of your home that probably face a street or other public throughway’s. Windows facing more private areas of a fenced yard, on the other hand might not need to provide much in the way of privacy.

Several window treatment designs can provide privacy. Blinds or thick curtains most notably, but privacy can also be attained with use of window frostings or diffusers. These will however obstruct your view of the great outdoors.

Light control

Sunlight and glare needs to be controlled in the bedroom if sleeping comfort is interrupted by light entering through the windows. In a room where sunlight will interfere with TV watching or computer use needs window treatments that are effective in light control too.

Any room with items that can be damaged by the suns UV rays need window treatments that are good at controlling light. Any kind of artwork, antiques, or photographs can benefit from this protection. Even carpeting and hardwood flooring can be damaged by the suns UV rays. Consider this when deciding on a window treatment type for any particular window.

Window tinting can be very effective at blocking UV rays. Other than that, window treatments that open and close easily are preferred - blinds, curtains etc. excel here.

Complementing the rooms decor

The decor of window treatments in any given room is more important to some of us than to others. If decor is not an issue for you, then some simple window blinds are inexpensive and effective at the other two criteria.

If decor is more important to you, then you can have your work cut out for you depending on taste. Curtains are available in almost any pattern and color of material. A little sewing experience can make a DIY curtain project a breeze, or perhaps you know someone who is willing to sew curtains to your specifications, using our preferred material.

Window treatments aren’t just for decoration, light control, or privacy, but some level of all three. Depending on what is important to you for any given window in a room, you can now easily decide which type is best for you.



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Arched Window Treatment

Friday, October 31st, 2008
Alina Belchikov asked:


Though arched window treatment seems to be a challenging project, you still have plenty of options. What you will choose depends on your budget, your needs and, of course, of your home decor style. But, if you want to find a successful arched window treatment for your home, answer at first to these questions:



Where is your arched window located?

What is its size and shape?

Is it a single one, or a part of several windows?

Do you need to add window dressing for light and privacy control, or do you want just to beautify your arched window?



If you need to block light coming through your arched window, or to control your privacy – shop for window shades or blinds. There are many options for arched windows. Since there are so many types of arched windows, ordering custom made window blinds or shades is an easiest way to get a perfect covering for such windows. It’s quite costly, of course, but it pays to do it. With serious manufacturers, like Hunter Douglas, Graber, Kirsch, or Levolor, you will get a perfect arched window treatment.

Some arched window treatment ideas



You can treat arch separately from the entire window. For example, cover the arch with wooden shutters or honeycomb shades and put roman shades, bamboo shades, draperies, or other type of window treatment below. It works well when you need to match the arched window dressing with the rest of window treatments in the room.

Do you have a wide eyebrow window? Then install curtain track high above the window and hang draperies of your choice. If you wish, you can install double track for draperies and sheers. Such treatment will enhance the beauty of the eyebrow window.

For a narrow arched window hang a curtain on a wide curved curtain rod, for making it visibly larger. For a single and not very tall window you can put drapery that puddle on the floor, if you like such style. It will give an effect of a tall window and will add a unique decorative accent to the entire room.

If the privacy and light blockage is not your priority – put decorative curtain rod above the window and hang sheer valance or window scarf. Such dressing will not hide your beautiful arch and on the same time it will give an additional charm to the whole window.



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A Perfect Room With Window Blinds

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Astin Sharon asked:


Windows without window blinds serve no purpose. The reason being, we have always used windows as the means of catching the outside view. They have been designed purposefully for that. But, ignoring the décor of windows can spoil the beauty of the room. We find windows in almost every room. Thus, along with the furniture of the room, windows also need special care. If you do not treat your windows properly, they can make your room look disgusting.

Window blinds serve in not one but many ways. We, if at home, generally prefer keeping windows open. Since windows are a source of ventilation, through them comes fresh air. Thus, if we use appropriate window blinds like Venetian blinds and Roller blinds, we can restore our privacy, even if windows are open. As a result they can be considered viable as a safety option, too. Also window blinds like wooden window blinds, help create a beautiful ambience within room itself.

Thus, for the comfort of people, various kinds of window blinds have originated. Some of the most common window blinds found are Roller blinds, Vertical Blinds, Venetian Blinds, Electric Blinds, Wooden Blinds, Pleated Blinds, Blind Cleaners, and Blackout Blinds.

These blinds can help you create the right ambience and décor you were searching for. Thus, if you are on the verge of remodeling or redesigning your new house, you can opt for the kind of blinds suiting the décor of your room and coming within your budget. The best part with window blinds is that they can be used on the window of any area of your room. That can be your living room, kitchen, bathroom, garage and even your office. Window blinds are also easy to clean, as compared to curtains. That is the reason that you can use them even in kitchen and washrooms. Thus, along with protecting your privacy in your kitchen and bathroom, they also make them look stylish.

Thus, till now you must have realised that well matched window blinds can give a favorable look to your room. As compared to curtains, window blinds are multi purpose. Right from protecting your privacy to getting in a mystical ambience, window blinds are just perfect. Some window blinds like wooden blinds and blackout blinds can come within your budget. Budget with window blinds should not be a criterion as they are known for their longevity. Once you have invested in them, they can be used for years and years.

Grab your set of window blinds, just to see your room look more beautiful and attractive. Just for the sake of a single window blind, you will not want your room to look dull, right?



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Window Shades Mix Function With Beauty, Eye Catching Decorative Element to Your Home

Monday, October 27th, 2008
Arvi asked:


Glass is a common theme in just about every home or office as it allows natural light to permeate through and creates a positive, happy environment, it also creates an illusion of additional space in confined areas, but it can also be incredibly boring so this is where decorative film range can assist.

Transparent decorative window film is a useful choice for windows where you want privacy but still want to let the sun shine in. Available in many patterns, decorative window film can add the rich look of stained glass windows to your building, be it commercial or residential. Decorative window film is an excellent option when thinking about installing stained glass windows. Decorative window film will give you the look of stained glass windows at a fraction of the cost.

Various Benefits of Decorative Window Film

1.    Reduces heat up to 81%

2.    Reduces glare up to 93%

3.    Reduces fading of furnishings

4.    Increases privacy and security

5.    Eliminates up to 99% of UV RAYS

6.    Acts as an insulator

7.    Adds style

8.    Saves Power Consumption

9.    Carry theme of room furniture

10.    Enliven a room

11.    Adds safety and Security

Doors, windows, partitions can be transformed into unique visual experiences using our wide range of decorative window films. Top tint’s range of decorative film offer slight or total privacy and are available in a variety of finishes and creative effects such as opaque, colors and special effects that allow limitless creativity like corporate logos and holograms.

Window film for offices and commercial spaces will not only improve the overall aesthetic look, but it will also raise the value of your space. Increase Productivity – it’s important for building managers to create an optimal working environment for their employees. The effects of the sun, however, can pose a real problem in establishing a comfortable work place – sun glare, too much heat, too cold in some spots due to increased air conditioning. The application of an office window yinting film will lead to a more pleasant workspace, meaning your employees will be more productive.

Adding window film to your home effectively blocks out up to 93 percent of the heat, which comes from the sun, which means you, will be saving on those cooling bills. Your home will automatically be kept cooler because the solar heat is blocked from entering your home. This window film diffuses the light so it is not coming into the house so strongly, but is does allow some sunlight to shine in the glass. The light that does get in is neither harmful nor glaring in any way



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Bedroom Window Treatments - 3 Ideas you Can Use

Sunday, October 26th, 2008
Tim Lee asked:


Any home will benefit from a great-looking bedroom window treatment. It doesn’t only add to the aesthetics, it also helps create the proper ambience. Using just a little bit of inspiration and some thought, you can create a whole new look for your bedroom window.

So whether you’re using blinds, curtains or shutters, here are some ideas you can use to create a picture-perfect window:

1. Consider what you need

Your bedroom window is a very important part of your home. It lets in light and it also provides you with the necessary privacy. Consider these two factors when choosing your window treatment.

Do you want lots of light in your bedroom or do you prefer a semi-dim look that lets you rest and relax more? Is privacy a concern? Will you be seen outside on the street or is your bedroom window the kind that lets you allow full view without worrying about being seen by strangers? Think about these considerations before you choose your window treatment.

2. Consider your bedroom window size

If you have small windows, don’t dwarf them with large or horizontal prints. Use light shades or pastel colors to create more space – dark colors tend to make things look smaller.

If the window is too narrow, use light-colored curtains or panels tied back to the sides. This effect helps bring the vision outward, making the window look wider than it truly is. No matter how unattractive a bare bedroom window is, you can make it look terrific by playing on lines and colors effectively.

3. Use color

Color shouldn’t scare you away from the prospect of creating an effective bedroom window treatment. It’s okay to play it safe, but it will keep you from exploring the different possibilities you can use. Mix one neutral color with another one or if you’re unsure, there’s a kindergarten tool you can use – the color wheel.

Choose a color you like and then refer to the color wheel for another one. If you want another color that is close to the color of your choice, refer to the colors next to your choice. If you want a terrific-looking contrast, use the complementary color located on the opposite side of the color wheel.



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Window Blinds: Add Splendor to Your Window

Sunday, October 26th, 2008
Jewish Joy asked:


 

Window blinds is the best treatment you can give to your windows. Using window blinds means doing justification to the room and its décor. It’s the most important aspect of your décor and generally people tend to ignore it the most.

 

Using the right kind of window blinds adds beauty to your room. Many times it happens that after spending huge amount on the décor of the room, you are left unsatisfied. You feel there is something missing. It happens because we forget paying attention to the most important part of the décor of the room and that is window blinds.

 

There are innumerous benefits attached with window blinds. Firstly, they protect your privacy, whenever you want. Let it be your office or your home, these blinds can be conveniently used to protect your privacy. They also act as a hurdle preventing the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun from entering your rooms. These rays always have bad effect on your room furniture.

 

The rays of the sun coming out of the window blinds can create a majestic ambience for your rooms. The diffused sunlight can add romanticism to your rooms. Then, these window blinds can easily be cleaned, especially in case of stains, when the blinds are used in bathrooms or kitchens.

 

Window blinds come in many styles and designs. The most common types of window blinds are Blackout Blinds, Roller Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Wooden Blinds, Pleated Blinds, and Venetian Blinds

 

Out of all the blinds, wooden blinds are the least expensive and easy to clean. Wooden window blinds look more stylish than what you pay for it.

 

Venetian window blinds are the most stylish of all window blinds. They are simple to use and consists of slats of horizontal and overlapping material. These blinds when rolled completely upwards allow full light to enter the room, and when fully closed they can completely block the rays of the sun. They can also be adjusted to allow only some amount of diffused lights in the room. Thus, these Venetian window blinds can be used in various styles.

 

No matter how expensive your window blinds are, if they are not cleaned with proper blind cleaner, they will loose all their charm. To clean window blinds one should brush the blinds with soft scrub. Then dip them in the bathtub with clean water and later hang them till they dry up.

 

You can also shop these blinds online, through various online stores. So what are you waiting for, order one today.



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An Indepth Look At Window Coverings For A Bay Window

Friday, October 24th, 2008
Johnny Roberts asked:


The bay window creates an alluring ambiance in a room that gives the impression that a living space is open and alight. Sometimes, homeowners enjoy the constant invite of sunlight, while others long for for a little privacy, making window coverings for bay windows a necessity. Nowadays, a customer may pick from a wide range of materials, shapes, sizes and prices for bay window coverings. In order to take advantage of these cool and useful features in a home, it is important to become accustomed with the selections available on the market.

With varying angles, ranging from 90-, 135- to 150-degrees, bay windows are often elevated with the addition of coverings. The many possibilities associated with bay window coverings date back before the 1870s (when this type of window truly became in demand). Over the years - blinds, shutters, curtains and shades have become some of the most popular ways to enhance a bay window.

When looking to cover a bay window, it is easy to turn any room into a masterpiece or match an existing theme of decor. Since there are many looks that window coverings for bay windows create, scanning interior design magazines can help make a final decision much easier. It is also important to know the various materials used in the construction of the coverings, as well as estimated shelf life, maintenance, lighting, privacy and energy control.

Window blinds and shades provide the capability to dim a room and deliver visual privacy while still permitting air to enter a room. Fabric, metal and wooden blinds help create various moods within a room. With shutter-like (micro, slats, Venetian blinds and mini) and shade-like (Roman shades, woven-woo and honeycomb) selections, blinds are a wonderful choice in bay window coverings. When looking for an elegant look, plantation blinds offer exceptional control of lighting and privacy that is rather long-lasting.

With shutters, a solid window-covering panel usually consists of top and bottom rails, side stiles and louvers. Today, the advancements in shutter technology includes options created out of polywood, which is immune to moisture, easy to clean, offers better light control than traditional options, is stronger than wood, termite-proof and an power saver.

Various materials are used to create window bay coverings, yet some of the most in demand selections are fashioned from wood because of its durability to everyday use. A common wood used for window coverings is basswood or materials of the Linden tree. Consumers looking to save money could pick coverings made of man-made materials that look just like wood except they are lighter in weight and less costly.

Window coverings serve many helpful purposes, including cutting out sunlight, providing better control of lighting in a room, protecting privacy and preserving furniture and wood floors from harmful sunlight. Window coverings are also great insulators, which help to cut down on heating bills during the winter time. They also help improve the look of a room with their evolving styles, shapes, forms, colors and materials.

As for the setbacks, when a bay window is placed in a room with high moisture content or humidity, (like a bathroom or laundry room), the materials chosen for your coverings must resist the elements. This is why many consumers side with man-made selections because they seem more durable than real wood. Depending on the style and material, bay window coverings are occasionally quite costly. The problem of maintenance and cleaning also comes up, as some materials soil quickly and can look faded over time as opposed to a strong wooden selection that is rejuvenated with a simple swipe of a dust rag. Also, choose the wrong material with lousy quality and possibly experience chipping, rusting, peeling and even cracking.



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Affordable Window Decorations

Sunday, October 19th, 2008
Patricia Taylor asked:


Windows play an important place in a family’s health and well-being. They are the eyes to the world. Windows let the sun’s light in, warm and light the home, and expand the living space.

Window treatments are part of a room’s decorating scheme, protect furniture and carpets from fading, trap heat in the winter, let the breeze enter the room in the summer, and frame the window.

However, most window treatments are expensive. A drab, basic window treatment for a small window can start at $200.00. It can easily cost $10 000 to buy suitable window coverings to fit into today’s suburban home. An upscale home with arched and two-story windows can easily cost the homeowner in excess of $25 000.00.

This does not mean that the average homeowner needs to settle for second rate window treatments.

The first thing the home decorator needs to ask is what they need. Sales people can easily convince home decorators that they need lined and weighted curtains with Scotchguard and UV protectors on them. This is not true.

Not all windows need lined curtains. Rooms that face the sun in the winter, and are not used often, can get away with a temporary lining under the curtains. However, this lining doesn’t need to have a UV screen. In fact, it can be a simple sheet of flannel that is clipped to the curtain rod and removed when people use the room.

People never think of using many inexpensive decorative things for window coverings such as louvered doors, screens, and even certain papers. These items can easily be used as window coverings.

In fact, using reclaimed kitchen cabinet doors to cover basement windows in the winter will not only keep the cold out, they can be painted to add an artistic flair to the room. When done right, visitors may not even realize that the framed pictures are covering windows.

One often overlooked window treatment is to just leave it alone. A beautiful trim, framing a window that overlooks a garden, can be far more beautiful than a $2 000 professionally made curtain.

Another decoration is stained glass. There are several artisan shops where you can purchase custom-made stained glass covers for windows. This may be the perfect choice for a bathroom or master bedroom where you want to let in maximum light, but have 100% privacy.

While a stained glass window from a professional is not ‘inexpensive’ there are many reclaimed stores with old church windows that an artisan can easily cut down to fit your windows.

Another twist is the glass blocks that have been used to divide rooms and separate living areas. Stacking these glass blocks in the window will still allow light to enter while keeping the heat in, and maintaining privacy.

Construction reclaimed stores, and shopping online, are the places to find the best deals. One often overlooked deal is the bedding sets sold online. For the price of a comforter bedding set in a local department store, you can buy a complete 11 piece bedroom set, including curtains, if you shop online.

A little ingenuity and care and you can save thousands of dollars dressing your home’s windows, and even outdo the homes where more than $25 000 was spent on the window treatments.



Kansieo.com

If You Are a Homeowner, Should You Go For Window Tinting?

Thursday, October 9th, 2008
Richard Dinae asked:


Households are hard to manage when you have kids running around, chores undone, and a home-based job to fulfill. A day of working your way into the mess and fixing it up seems like forever to accomplish. What more if you have to go through improvements to beautify your home and make it feel homier despite the loads of work on your shoulders? Should you push through window tinting works and make things done? On the other hand, should you postpone it some other time?

Deciding if you really need home window tinting is as necessary as deciding if you need to secure yourself even while you are home. Did you know that a window tint secures you and your home’s interior health? Especially now, modern homes have larger and more windows around the house to create a sense of spaciousness, beauty, and chic style.

• First, window tinting covers the home interiors from the damaging rays of the sun. Since it could not enter your home, it secures your fabrics, wood, artworks, carpets, and other fixtures from damaging over time.

• Second, window tinting provides a cooler ambiance to your home and minimizes the glare due to sunrays. It reduces the enormous amount of heat to enter your home; and it cuts the detrimental UV sunrays.

• Third, despite the tint, you can still manage to have the benefit of seeing the beautiful vistas around you; plus, the fact that having window tint is a beautiful home detail improvement.

• Fourth, even with window tinting, you can still enjoy a natural lighting all throughout your home. Since you are not closing down blades, slight sun will still pass through your home but without the UV rays anymore.

• Fifth, which many think as the best possible reason to make use of tinting, is because of the acquired privacy that it bestows on homeowners. Of course, several people do not want to keep their window shades pulled down all the time because it hampers them from seeing the panoramic view. With window tint, you can pick a tint with superior reflective rate to give the utmost privacy you want for your homes.

For most homeowners, they still depend on window tinting as the best alternative to protect your health and your home as well. Although, there are some homeowners who cannot manage to support the costs of installing one. What else is left of them? Not much really, except to open their windows and feel the warmth of the sun whilst watching outdoors, unless you fully understand the detrimental effects of too much sun. Still, the harmful sunrays will provide more damage to your home and furnishings rather than the cost of installing window tinting.

Deciding window tinting for your home does not mean getting it done by tomorrow. You can still look into the chances of retaining the old window styles of your homes for the meantime, and later see if there is a stable flow of cash in your pocket to secure window tinting for your home.



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