Bamboo may have one of the longest decor histories available. Used in ancient China over 7000 years ago, bamboo has been used as tiles for the floor, paper, room partitions, and coverings for the window to prevent the heat and rain from coming in. Woven together, bamboo is a powerful force to recon with Mother Nature. It can not only hold weight, but can be tightly woven together enough to withstand moisture as well. The bamboo plant itself can re-generate quickly after being cut, so it’s easy to understand the benefit it has to the environment.

Once you decide that you’d like to utilize bamboo in your home, the possibilities of how to incorporate it become endless. One of the more popular uses is bamboo window coverings. For indoor use, you may opt to purchase bamboo shades. They come in a variety of styles, include woven shades that keep out the cold or heat and are woven tightly enough to provide a darkened environment in your room. You can also purchase bamboo roman shades, which is in the roman blind style but features woven bamboo instead of fabric. Outdoor use of bamboo blinds is also very fashionable now. If you have a large deck that gets direct sunlight and no privacy, hanging bamboo blinds along the deck to block the light and the neighbors is a great decor alternative.

When decorating an outdoor area with bamboo blinds, you may wish to consider carrying on the theme and adding a large outdoor bamboo area rug. Natural material area rugs in bamboo, jute, or seagrass are an excellent way to cover a deck. They tend to be easy to clean and resist water, so you can go straight from your hot tub to your house without worrying about cleaning up a mess. Create your very own eco-friendly oasis with some well-placed patio furniture, a variety of live plants, and perhaps a water feature.

In tying your bamboo blinds and floor coverings together to create a stylish home, be sure to continue your eco-friendly focus by using environmental friendly paint products, materials with natural fibers for throw pillows such as hemp, and accessories with a green feel. You can purchase a wide variety of candles, recycled bottles, or wooden handmade decor that will complement your home beautifully.

Changing the way you decorate even one room in your home can open up a world of design possibilities for the rest of your space. The prospect of changing your lifestyle to one that is better for the environment can be daunting, but it’s the small steps that we take that can make a world of difference.

Whatever may be the purpose of blinds on your windows, Roman Blinds offer the perfect window covering option for many windows.

Available in different colors and design, Roman Blinds are one of the cheapest modes of decorating the windows of the room.

If you purchase Roman Blinds from a reputed blinds company, chance are that you will spend considerable money on your purchase.

However, just making the Roman Blinds yourself can easily save on expenses.

With a bit of patience and basic sewing skills, you can make your own roman shades and save the expense of buying these simple-to-make window coverings.

It’s not too much of an effort as it seems, yet you must clearly follow each and every instruction to come up with a beautifully crafted blind.

1. First things first! Measure the windows for which you want your Roman Blinds. The height and width of the window must be measured from inside the window frame if you just want to cover the windows. However, you might like the look of some extra covering. Make suitable measurements as you like your Roman Blinds to be.
2. Now, cut the blinds material 2½-inches wider and 4 inches longer than the actual measurements. Similarly, cut the curtain lining fabric the same width as the blinds fabric and 2 inches longer.
3. And now, the mathematical part! Generally, a roman blind has 6 inches pleats. So divide the length of your fabric – 4 inches by 12 since 6-inches pleats would have the channels spaced 12 inches apart. Therefore, for a window of height, say 60 inches, cut the fabric to 64 inches. Now, just divide the original 60 inches by 12, i.e., the size of each channel, which gives you a total of 5. This figure is the number of pleats that are required in your Roman Blinds.
4. Now, mark the lining 1¼-inch up from the bottom edge with a hemline and 2 inches down from the top-edge. Now, mark the channels for your Roman Blinds by making 2 lines spaced 2½-inches apart starting 6 inches above the hemline.
5. After making first set of line, measure up another 12 inches and make another set, again spaced 2½-inches apart. Now, form the channels by bringing the 2 lines together, pinning them and then sewing them to form the channel for the lath.
6. Now, put the fabric and lining with right sides facing each other and matching lower edges. Remember to stitch the lower edges together. Now, turn the right side out and sew across the blind at the hemline.
7. Then, pin the lining and Roman Blind fabric together along the channels and stitch them together. Baste and stitch the sides together making sure not to stitch up the channels.
8. Finally, slip the laths into the channels and proceed to stitch the openings. Sew the plastic rings on the lining 4 inches in from the ends of the laths on each side. Now, cut the 2 pieces of nylon cord twice the length of the blind plus the width.
9. Tie a cord onto each of the bottom rings and thread up through the rest of the rings to the top of the Roman Blinds. Just let hang loose. And you are done with the pleats!
10. You’re DONE! And ready to install your own Roman Blinds!

And if your older home or apartment has drafty windows, living comfort is also a concern, especially for those us who live far north (or south) of the equator, such as the UK or the northern states of the US.

But regardless whether you live in Alaska or Arizona, Belfast, Ireland or the Costa del Sol, Spain, outdoor temperatures can range from freezing to over 38 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit).

Without adequate insulation your home can feel uncomfortable during periods of extreme cold (or heat) and windows are one component of any home which tends to conduct cold (or heat).

Installing thermal and/or insulating window treatments can help keep cold air from entering your home in the winter and block the sun from overheating living spaces in the summer, helping lower energy costs all year long.

Benefits of Thermal and Insulating Window Coverings

Now I know the thought of buying new window shades may seem counterintuitive to ‘saving money’ since you are investing, not saving. But if you amortise the cost of thermal/insulating window coverings over a long period, the costs you save on heating and cooling can easily outweigh the initial investment.

And if you don’t have window coverings or need to replace yours, then the incremental cost of these energy efficient treatments over less costly blinds or shades will easily save you money in the long term. Consider the following benefits:

1. Energy Savings – Inefficient windows may increase heating costs by 10 to 25 percent in the winter and air conditioning costs by as much as 75 percent in the summer! A cellular/honeycomb shade blocks as much as 60 percent of the heat transfer through a window pane; those extra costs really add up over the years!
2. Living Comfort – A typical window blind is R-1 value, while insulated/thermal window coverings can increase the R-value of a single-pane window to as high as R-6, making your home far more comfortable when the weather is either extremely cold or hot outside.
3. Home Value – Making improvements to your home will increase its value, especially if the improvements enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
4. Conservation – Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity we use releases about two pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, so saving energy not only reduces consumption of valuable carbon fuel sources but also helps reduce the greenhouse effect believed to be the primary cause of global warming.
5. UV Protection – Window coverings also protect your home’s interior, flooring, furniture, artwork, etc. from the harmful effects of UV rays.

What are the Differences between Thermal and Insulating Window Coverings?

Throughout this article we’ll refer to both thermal and insulating types of window treatments. While these two features may be combined the difference is in how your window covering actually works to increase energy efficiency.

A thermal window shade or drape reflects radiant heat, blocking warm air from escaping from your home by directing it back into the room. This effect is reversed in the summer, when a thermal window covering reflects the heat and UV rays of the sun from entering your home, keeping things cooler inside.

Insulating window shades on the other hand actually trap a layer of air between multiple surfaces of the window treatment. The trapped air acts as a barrier that prevents cold air from entering your home by way of conduction through the window glass.

Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades

The most efficient type of window covering is the cellular or honeycomb shade. The insulating quality of these window shades increases, depending on whether you install single, double or triple cell shades; the more cells, the more air is trapped, stopping the cold or warm air draft from the window and improving the insulating value of the shade. Accordingly, the cost of a cellular shade increases with the number of cells.

Attractive and functional, cellular shades come in a wide variety of colours and styles, offering varying light control, from semi-opaque to completely opaque ‘blackout’ materials, to meet your style preference and functional requirements.
By trapping the cold air, a honeycomb shade minimizes the amount of heat being drawn toward, and thus out, a glass window pane. The cellular/honeycomb shades have R-values ranging from 2.0 to 4.8, with a shading co-efficient ranging from 0.44 to 0.21.

Thermal and Insulated Roman Shades

If you prefer a softer look in window coverings but still want energy efficiency, Roman shades are available with thermal/insulated treatments. Today’s thermal Roman shades make a great compromise between style and function.
Made with an insulating liner, Roman shades give your room a more luxurious feeling than window shades without sacrificing on energy efficiency and living comfort. Flannel interlining or a rubber backed lining are typical. The lining doesn’t show and you can select from a wide range of fabrics.

Thermal backed Roman shades are available in fabrics such as heavy linen, cotton, chenille, silk and many others, giving you a nearly endless choice of colour combinations and prints from which to choose. Be sure your Roman shades are custom-fit to your windows snugly; a tight seal along each edge the shade keeps air from coming in contact with the window surface, preventing it from cooling air inside the room.

Construction and quality varies widely. On the ‘warm’ side of a quality shade, a vapor barrier made from vinyl, Mylar or plastic keeps warm air from passing through the shade to prevent condensation from forming on the inside of the window pane. This helps keep the room warm and dry, preventing any problems such as mildew from occurring.

Roman shades thermally lined using these manufacturing methods can increase efficiency to R-values ranging from 3.0 to 5.0; R-value will depend on the weight of the fabric your choose, the material used for the lining, how the shade is pleated and fitted. In some cases magnetic strips are applied to get the best seal possible.

Insulated / Thermal Drapes and Curtains

If traditional draperies or curtains are best suited to the style and décor of your room, you can also get these lined to increase energy efficiency. A two-layer drapery or curtain can greatly increase efficiency. This has the added benefit of giving you complete flexibility in choosing the colour and pattern of the inner layer that faces the inside of your room, which the heavier, insulating liner facing the window and will be hardly noticeable.

The disadvantage of insulated drapes or curtains is that a skilled work room is needed in order to construct this type of layered window treatment. Another option is to use a cellular shade under the curtains or draperies to provide the insulating layer; this can substantially reduce the cost while still resulting in a layered, semi-custom window covering.

Draperies can be thermally lined to produce R-values ranging from 3.0 to 5.0; as with thermal Roman shades, the R-values depend on the fabric, lining, fitting, etc.

Plantation Shutters and Wooden Blinds

While less energy-efficient than the other options we’ve covered, if you prefer the look of wooden venetian blinds or interior shutters, you do get decent insulating value when the blinds or shutter are closed. Wood is a good insulating material and composite or vinyl blinds and shutters can increase energy efficiency further. Hardwood shutters or wooden Venetian blinds have R-values in the range of 2.77 to 3.17, with shading co-efficient somewhere from 0.35 to 0.21.

Energy-Saving Home Window Tips

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that other factors play a large part in how energy efficient your windows will be. Here are some tips to make your windows more efficient:

• Check the caulking around your windows; a well-sealed window is critical to preventing cold air drafts and moisture from entering your home, regardless what type of window coverings you install.
• Older homes with single pane windows are always good candidates for window replacements; window technologies including double-glazed windows with low-E coatings, argon or krypton gas filled multi-pane windows and other technologies will greatly improve the comfort and efficiency of your home, especially if you live in a climate where below-freezing temperatures are common during the cold seasons.
• Window blinds and shades should be installed as flush to your window panes (inside mount preferred) as possible without preventing them from correct operation.
• If cost is an important factor, your best choice will probably be cellular shades; if you like the style then this is generally the most cost-effective solution.

Bamboo Blinds does not sell window coverings; we provide this site simply to help you decide what kind of window treatment is best for you and how to select, purchase and install your new blinds or window shades, saving time and money.

If you searched on Google or another search engine you found 100s of window fashion retailers, all advertising “cheap window blinds” or “discount window shades”, but they don’t want you to know more about how to actually find a fair price for window coverings suited to your needs.

If you are a student or anyone just starting out in new rental apartment, flat or home you need window coverings just like anybody else, but you probably don’t have a lot of money to shell out in order to cover windows! Even people who can afford quality window treatments may not want to invest a small fortune just to control light and privacy in their home. Read on to learn about some window covering options that won’t break the bank.

Paper Window Shades

Did you say paper? That’s right. Many home improvement centers and discount retailers sell cheap window shades made of paper. Now these aren’t going to make your home a designer showcase, but you might be surprised how good these paper window coverings look.

And, like much more expensive pleated fabric blinds, they will create a soft glow in your room when you lower them to keep direct sunlight from overheating the room on a hot day! One of the best known brands of cheap paper window shades is Redi Shade.

The Redi Shade original pleated shades are made of high quality recyclable white paper, which allows light to filter through them. They come in 36" and 48" widths, with a 72" drop. They are easy to trim to fit your windows and cost about £5. If you need something really cheap or temporary these are a great alternative.

Pleated Shades Made with Fabric

Stepping up from the Redi Shades, you can also find a wide variety of pleated shades made with fabric or linen. These will last longer, look far more stylish than the temporary paper shades and can still be purchased for about £40 to £80 in the more common ready made sizes.

One disadvantage of the paper and fabric pleated window shades is that they aren’t completely opaque. This means that if you have lights turned on inside your room at night, they don’t provide complete privacy from prying eyes looking in. Some fabrics are more opaque than others so if you are buying pleated textile shades for a bedroom or other room that requires complete privacy be sure to look for a pleated shade made with a heavier, opaque fabric.

Roller Blinds

Roll up blinds are another option if you need a cheap solution to cover your windows. And with cordless operation roller blinds are simple to operate as a practical window blind. You can choose from a wide range of materials, including blackout roller blinds if you work at night and need to sleep during the day. Look for woodweave or bamboo roller blinds if you want something a bit more stylish. For smaller standard window, you can find roller blinds starting at about £20.

Mini Blinds

If you need complete privacy, another cheap window covering option is the mini blind. These are usually horizontal blinds with narrow louvres (typically less than 2” wide) that stack easily with pull cords. Mini blinds are typically made with aluminum or faux wood material.

The style isn’t always quite as nice as a wider Venetian blind, but a mini blind is lightweight, easy to operate and provides flexible control over light and privacy since you are able to lower and raise it partly or entirely and you can also tilt the louvres to let in more or less light as desired.

Mini blinds are available in a variety of colours to match your décor taste and ready made sizes fit most standard windows; if you need a non-standard size mini blind, look for made to measure models. Most online retailers give you instructions on how to measure your window correctly for inside or outside mount blinds and all you really need to install them yourself is a cordless drill; you can probably borrow one from a friend or neighbor if you don’t have your own.

Mini blinds are quite affordable, with prices starting as low as £25 in ready made sizes.

Single Cell Honeycomb Shades

Now, if you are willing to pay just a little more, then cellular (also called honeycomb) shades may be the right option. Cellular honeycomb shades look very similar to pleated shades but the single cell honeycombs trap air inside, which gives them great insulating value to keep the room cooler on hot days and warmer during the winter.

The extra money you pay for cellular shades may actually save you money in the long run since your heating and cooling costs will be lower and you’ll be more comfortable too! The honeycomb shades start at around £60 for a 36 inch width.

Hopefully you will find these ideas and tips valuable as you shop for the right window blinds or shades. Look around our web site and you’ll find we give you literally thousands of ideas and tips on window coverings, curtains, shutters and other window fashions products. Happy shopping!

But doing it yourself doesn’t have to be impossible for most people; if you have basic tools like a tape measure and cordless drill, you can buy and install your own window shades and blinds, saving money and having the satisfaction of doing the job yourself!

Most online window blinds retailers and suppliers publish their catalog and peddle their wares; they may have a few basic tips on how to measure windows for blinds, but that’s about it. Here at Bamboo Blinds we are dedicated to providing unbiased, detailed information, tips and ideas for you the consumer.

Since we get hundreds of questions each month by email, we decided to publish the most frequently asked questions people send in, along with the answers! We’ve linked each answer to more detailed information on the topic so that you can easily learn more about anything that interests you:

Window shades, shutters or blinds not only offer privacy and light control but should also add style and beauty to your home or apartment!

Question: I have recently moved into a new home or apartment and need window coverings. What is the first thing I need to know if I want to buy the ideal blinds or shades?

Answer: To begin, consider your functional needs when considering what type of window coverings to purchase; privacy, light control, ease-of-use, style and budget are the basics. Next, prioritize your home or apartment room by room. This way you can start to make trade offs in terms of how much you are willing to spend to cover windows in each living area. You might, for example, decide to splurge on an elegant layered window treatment for your sitting room while going with something inexpensive such as mini-blinds in the bathroom.

Pleated shades, cellular shades or Roman shades work well in a modern style interior. Sheer window shades like these let light in while protecting against fading that UV rays can cause.

Question: Where should I buy window shades and blinds?

Answer: It used to be that you had to purchase window coverings at specialty shops or through a professional designer. Now, you have a wide range of retailers and suppliers from which to select. Shop around at home improvement stores and discount retailers for the best deals; however you may find the quality and selection are limited, especially if you don’t live in a major urban city. The Internet has revolutionized the window fashions industry in recent years; you can now shop online for an amazing variety of window shades and blinds at discount prices; whether you need custom window shades or have standard-sized windows suited to made-to-measure blinds you can save money and time by shopping online.

Question: I have a room with large picture windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight. How can I protect my furniture and décor from fading due to harmful ultra-violet rays in without ruining the views?

Answer: If you are lucky enough to have large picture windows with a great view in your home or flat, rejoice! You have plenty of options to control how much light enters the room. First, consider whether you want to cover a large picture window at all; if not, you can leave the window bare so that you get full advantage of the view; have your window(s) tinted with protective UV window film to ensure your flooring, furniture and other belongings don’t fade. On the other hand, if you also need privacy in the room sometimes, then Venetian blinds or cellular shades make the most sense; when lowered they will protect your room from direct UV rays and when the sun is not beating down on the window(s) you can simply raise them as desired. When raised completely, a horizontal blind or cellular shade stacks neatly and is hardly noticeable. Many window shades are available in a top-down, bottom-up configuration for ultimate flexibility in controlling light and privacy! Horizontal blinds offer even more flexibility since the louvres can be tilted as needed to filter and soften direct sunlight. Shades will give your room a nice soft glow when closed but may not darken the room entirely, depending on the type and weight of material you select.

Question: What type of window covering is best in my bathroom which looks out toward a neighbor’s facing windows?

Answer: If you are lucky enough to have windows in your bathroom, you’ll want to take advantage of the natural light they offer. But the special concerns of privacy, moisture and humidity really have to be considered when selecting window coverings in the bathroom. For the most part, wooden Venetian blinds or interior shutters are not recommended for use in the bathroom, since the louvres can warp, crack or split over time; look for wood blinds that are specially treated with a moisture-resistant finish or select faux wood blinds made of vinyl or else consider aluminum blinds. If you prefer window shades, look for shades made with a moisture-resistant material that is easy to clean.

A layered window treatment will give you control of privacy and light control while also enhancing the designer appeal of your room decor.

Question: I have kids and/or pets; what type of window treatment is best?

Answer: This is one of the most common questions we get. Obviously, kids and pets tend to be tough on window blinds and shades, so you have two strategies from which to select; purchase something durable, which will cost more or go with something very cheap, knowing you’ll probably need to replace window coverings sooner. Kids love to play with those pull cords, so first of all, be sure you get blinds with safety tassels (nearly all pull cord systems now include this feature) or choose window coverings that feature cordless operation. Avoid metal blinds if you have kids or pets as these can too easily be bent. Vertical blinds are also a good choice if you have a glass slider.

Question: I like the ease of use and versatility of window shades or blinds, but I want something more elegant with a ‘designer look’. What are my best options?

Answer: Many people like the contemporary look of Venetian-style blinds or pleated and cellular window shades. However, if you want the more formal look of curtains or drapes, you can dress your window treatment up by layering. One popular option is to use a simple window shade as a base layer. Over this base you can then install curtains or full length drapes. With either shades or window blinds, another way to give your window treatment a more formal look is to add a window topper; a custom cornice board or valance will add style, colour and give your window treatment a more complete and finished appearance.

So why would you choose a darker colour such as burgundy, navy or black? The answer is usually relative to the colours you have selected in decorating the room.

Rich, dark colours can give your room décor a dramatic look and you wouldn’t choose white or off-white blinds in a formal room appointed in a style like Victorian or Colonial. Casual and modern rooms more often call for a neutral or lighter-coloured window blind.

Factors that Affect Natural Light in Your Room

Just because you go with a dark colour when choosing your blinds doesn’t mean your room has to be overly dark. In fact, with most window blinds the colour of your slats actually does very little in determining how dark or light the room will be. A darker colour blind will ‘tint’ light entering the room and can thus give it a warmer or cooler feeling depending on the colour of the finish you select for window blinds.

Correct measurement and fitting will allow you to darken a room completely if you so desire; a properly fit blind should allow very little light to enter the room when you lower the blind all the way and angle the slats to their full closed position.

And, if you want the ability to darken the room completely, choose a ‘blackout’ blind, which is specially designed to prevent light from entering through gaps around the edges of your window frame. With these specialized blinds applications, a track helps guide the slats and block light from entering along the top/bottom/sides of the blind.

Also, you can darken a room more completely by selecting an outside mount blind that is properly installed so that a slight overlap exists and the slats are tight against the inside of the wall along the edges of your window.

Lighter Color Blinds Brighten a Room

On the other hand, you may have a more casual room that lends itself to a white, off white or other light colour window blind. You can still darken the room sufficiently if the factors mentioned above are met. But, since lighter colours reflect more light, a white or off-white blind reflects light from lamps and other light sources inside the room.

By selecting a light colour window blind or shade you can close the blind for complete privacy without having to make the room completely dark; turning on lights inside the room will leave the room brighter since light is reflected from your lighter-colour blinds.

You can also angle your blinds for privacy while still letting in natural light; the slats will reflect natural light from outdoors into the room, giving it a brighter, more cheerful mood than if you have a dark-stained wooden blind or other dark finished material.

Cellular or Honeycomb Shades Can Brighten Your Room

Another option to consider would be pleated or honeycomb blinds made with a sheer material. Both colour and weight of the material you select will influence how much light enters the room.

For a room with predominately north-facing windows, cellular shades in a warmer colour such as off-white, taupe, yellow or red will help warm the room. Rooms with south-facing windows can benefit from a cooler colour shade such as blue or green, which cools the direct sunlight entering the room.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing window blinds or shades and you’ll be sure to match the colour of your window blind or shade to the décor of your room as well as the functional needs for privacy, light and temperature control inside your home!

Regardless what style of window fashion you choose, the design approach will be basically the same; window coverings need to be practical and functional as well as enhancing the beauty of your home.

Applied Design Elements

This ‘applied design’ process revolves around applying the tried and true principles of good design, including the fundamental elements of line, form, space, texture and colour. All of these elements should be well balanced in order to work together correctly.

In the case of window fashions, design also requires understanding how various types of window blinds, shades, curtains and drapes operate so that the appropriate functions of privacy and light control are suitable to a given application.

The Element of Line

The most fundamental element is that of line; using vertical lines in your window treatment adds height to your room, directing the eye upward and helping disguise a square box-shaped window. Vertical lines can be used to create a bold look.

Horizontal lines on the other hand give your room a broader feel and can help break up elements of verticality such as intricate crown moldings and other trim work. Horizontal lines tend to give a room a more casual feeling.

Diagonal lines attract the eye and typically are used to highlight and accent a window treatment; diagonal lines should not be used as a primary element in most cases when designing window treatments.

Curved lines are graceful and can be used to repeat architectural features such as arched doorways in the home or arched windows. If you have a normal rectangular-shaped window you can use curve to soften a square or rectangular window.

You can emphasize the use of line in designing a window treatment by employing elements such as borders, trim, bands, scallops and contrasting fabrics.

Form and Shape

When you join lines together you create shapes. The most common shape in designing window coverings is the rectangle, since that is the shape of most windows. But you can also transform a window that is square into a vertically-oriented rectangular shape by using full length drapes; again, this will add a greater sense of height to the window.

Form denotes three-dimensional shapes; you can add depth to your window treatment by layering elements. This avoids the typically two-dimensional appearance of most window treatments, creating a design that enhances its form.

Curves and diagonal lines can also be used to break up the ‘stiff’ look of a rectangular window opening, softening the look of the window treatment.

Space

Use boundaries to create a sense of space with your window treatments; walls, windows and ceilings bound the room. These boundaries can be greatly altered by the balance, rhythm and scale of window coverings. In some cases, less is more; you wouldn’t want to design an intricate layered window treatment in a modern or casual room. On the other hand, if the furnishings, upholstery and other elements in your room are formal, say in the Victorian or Baroque style, a plain cellular shade without couture touches will look quite out of place.

Texture

Texture is not always obvious in the overall effect achieved by window coverings; fabrics that are coarse will absorb more light and darken a room, while sheer or shiny fabrics reflect and refract light, helping give a room a more airy look.
Materials such as bamboo have become increasingly popular for window blinds and shades because of the natural grain and texture of woven wood shades or blinds made with bamboo instead of wooden slats.

Colour is the Key

Choosing the colour scheme for your window treatment is of paramount importance; be sure to decide on window covering colours when designing the overall look of the room. Too many people make the mistake of leaving window fashion as an afterthought rather than making it an integral part of the interior design process.

Contrast is a critical part of colour choice; you can either blend the window treatment into the wall by selecting similar colour shades or create bold contrast by using dark on light or vice versa.

Colour also plays an important role in determining how natural light affects the look of your room throughout the day; sheer fabrics can be used to ‘tint’ light entering the room and to create interesting effects such as a soft glow or dappled light and shadow playing from your window across the interior of the room.

Use warm tones to warm the room and give it a cosy feel or cooler tones to create a more peaceful feel. Warmer colours such as red, peach or coral work well in rooms with north-facing windows while cooler colours can work well in rooms with predominately south-facing windows.

Creating Balance: Visual Weight, Proportion and Scale

Now that we have the basic design elements well in mind, its time to consider how to balance everything; formal rooms employ symmetry to create visual weight while asymmetry gives a room a more casual feel of spontaneity.

Balance and visual weight refer to the amount of space various design elements in the room carry. You can make a window treatment the focal point of a room by balancing the design so that it is a central element of the overall room design.

Be careful though; if you have created a focal point such as a fireplace, important grouping of furniture or other elements, you can end up detracting from that focal point by ‘over designing’ the window treatments, giving them too much emphasis.

Proportion and scale are important in designing window treatments; the window coverings should not be out of proportion to furnishings, walls or other elements. In general the larger the room, the more formal and intricate your window treatment design can be, while a smaller space typically demands a simple approach in order that the window treatment does not overpower the rest of the room.

Hopefully you will find these design concepts useful as you plan and design window treatments in your home. Be sure to look in magazines, visit showrooms and consult others as you consider what design will work best!

When choosing window blinds, shade, curtains or draperies for your home or office there are a few things to consider when it comes to colour selection:

1. What Type of Window Covering will Work for You?
2. Window Treatment Colour Selection
3. The “Shades” in Your Colour Scheme

Whether you decide on bright colours or neutrals depends on your room decor, personal tastes and the style you want to achieve.

What Type of Window Covering will Work for You?

It all depends on taste. But, you have to keep in consideration that climate plays a huge role. When you are in an area with dry climate you should stay away from wooden blinds because it will bend, crack and shatter.

A great alternative for this would be faux wooden blinds this is a cheaper and more affective type of blind. With faux wood blinds you get that natural wood grain effect without the added cost and potential disadvantages of wooden blinds.

Another thing to consider is the window itself for which you are thinking of putting up curtains or blinds. With a sliding door a vertical blind would be better option than say a Venetian blind because you have the option of opening it halfway and still have the cover for the other part of your door.

The Natural Colour and Warmth of Woven Wood Blinds

Bamboo blinds are great type of blind and very beautiful, but once again it won’t work for a bedroom. Most not all bamboo blinds are see through and at night if u put your lights on passers by will be able to see you because you can see through it.

Some bamboo blinds are “black out”, meaning you can’t see through them, and these types of blinds will work in a bedroom. Where there are animals or small children in a house you should consider blinds which are more durable, such as vinyl finishes.

Vertical blinds are one of the types of blinds which may be less durable, since the bottom chains can break if your child plays with them and also could pose a safety issue. Venetian blinds, constructed from stronger vinyl/plastic materials, can be stacked to the top of your window opening out of harm’s way and also look very sleek and modern.

Window Treatment Colour Selection

The colour you choose depends on your house or office; choose colours that match walls, trim and finishes; door handles, skirting, cupboards, etc. Your window is a rounding off of your room/s so you should match it too the other off rounding in the room.

Do not match a blind to your wall; you will just be taking this image through the house or office and therefore you will get a dull effect. Some colours are great for any room if it is office or home.

Silver is very hip very at the moment; being a neutral, silver goes with almost everything, although there are some cases where this is not true. Like black and white, silver is an all-matching colour but it all comes down to personal taste; don’t make the mistake of blindly letting someone choose colours for your room, even when it’s a interior decorator, or you may be sorry later.

The “Shades” in Your Colour Scheme

Choosing specific colour shades is also quite important. From soft and muted pastels to bright and cheery primary colours, you will greatly impact the look of your room by selecting colour shades that coordinate properly.

Let’s say for example you have chosen silver; you still have to select the right shade and finish! Just because it is an "all matching colour", if you get the wrong shade of silver, it still won’t work. You can get a number of shades of silver in aluminum window blinds, but your three main shades are matte silver, stainless steel or some combination of the two silver finishes.

If you choose a matte silver see that it matches with you’re off rounding as we said a stainless steel goes great in a bathroom, kitchen, and some office blocks it basically depends on your taste once again.

If you are in doubt, you may be better off to just go with white or off-white window blinds or shades since these neutral window coverings will work in most any room. If you want something bright and playful, you can match your blinds to the colour shade of your walls, fabrics, window and door trim, etc.

You don’t have to have a super eye for colour or be an interior decorator; you just have to follow basic colour matching rules and follow your own tastes. Following your personal taste is best when choosing shades of blinds; just be sure to use complementary colours and colour shades for the most part.

In short once you know what will work for you. That’s the type of blind that fits your specific needs and you have gotten a colour in mind.

When the thermometer goes above 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) your home can become uncomfortable warm, especially if you don’t have air conditioning inside or are like most of us trying to cut down on our utility expenses.

Fortunately, the window fashion industry offers you several ways to keep your home cool without spending a fortune on your air conditioning bill!

The first is to install efficient cellular shades or window blinds on all your windows.

Solar shades can really keep your home cooler, especially if you have large windows with a southerly exposure.

The second is to consider installing solar shades or tinting your windows; especially ones that face a more southerly direction and are likely to receive direct sunlight throughout much of the day.

Window Coverings Offer Thermal Insulation

If you don’t think window blinds or shades are necessary in some rooms of your home, either because privacy is not critical in these rooms or because you like having a lot of natural light in the room, it’s still worth installing window coverings that will insulate your windows, keeping cool air in on hot days and warm air in during the colder winter months.

Cellular Shades Keep Your Home Cool

Cellular shades are the most efficient type of window covering available on today’s market; the honeycomb design of these shades traps air, providing excellent thermal insulating capabilities. Attractive and affordable, pleated blinds are available in a wide range of colours and come in single, double or even triple cellular material, depending on just how efficient you want your window shades to be!

Roller solar shades offer UV protection and keep your room cool when the sun beats down, but roll up nicely out of the way when you want to let in light and have a full view out the window.

Solar Shades Block Direct Sunlight

Solar shades are typically roller blinds made of a material that blocks UV rays and keeps heat from entering the living space in your home or flat when direct sunlight beats down on the window. You can choose from a variety of semi-permeable mesh fabrics or tinted plastic when buying solar shades. They are also great for keeping your conservatory or sun room cool and can be fitted not only to the windows but also to the glass roof windows, making your conservatory cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.

Easy to Operate Shades for Your Conservatory

Available with motorised controls, cellular and solar shades are also easy to operate so that you can let in as much light as you want on an overcast day to brighten your conservatory and get away from the darker, drearier confines of rooms that have small windows or windows facing Northward, which tend to be quite dark when the sun is obscured by cloud cover.

Tips to Keeping Your Home Cool on Hot Days

Attractive cellular and pleated shades offer great thermal efficiency and can be dressed up with toppers such as this decorative valance.

• Close your windows and lower the shades or blinds during the heat of the day
• Open your windows and raise the shades or blinds at night to let the cool air in; the whole idea is similar to the concept of an ice box, using the natural cooling and heating cycle of day and night to maintain a nice, steady cool temperature inside
• Use ceiling fans and/or portable fans to create a nice cross breeze through your home when you open things up in the evening; the key to cooling a living space is adequate ventilation
• Install window awnings or plant shade trees over South-facing windows to help keep the direct sun off them
• Avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day and stay inside when the temperature outdoors is at its hottest
• Don’t run appliances such as your clothes washer and dryer, dishwasher or oven during the middle of the day; save these chores for evening when things are much cooler

Affordable, versatile and decorative, blinds can be used for many purposes, whether you have an unsightly storage area to hide, want the ability to divide a space into multiple rooms or block an open doorway between two rooms.

Read on to learn some creative uses for blinds when decorating your home.

Using Blinds as Room Dividers

While blinds are great for keeping unwanted sunlight out of rooms when installed to cover windows, but they can also be used as room dividers, giving you a simple, effective and affordable means of splitting a large room into smaller living spaces for enhanced privacy without the expense of adding permanent walls or more costly room dividers.

Check out vertical blinds, Venetian blinds or roller blinds as cost-effective solutions to dividing rooms.

Using Blinds to Hide Storage Space

If you have open cupboards or storage shelves without doors, you can cheaply and quickly cover the mess using inexpensive window blinds. For far less money than you will spend on plain doors, window blinds offer an inexpensive option to keep storage areas hidden from view.

Look at roller blinds in turret or wavy styles, available in a wide variety of colours as the perfect solution to covering up storage areas in your kitchen, bedroom or other living space.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep with Blackout Blinds

For people who work nights or have young children in the house, blackout blinds are the best way to darken a room. With a special lining that blocks out nearly all the light coming in from windows, these specialized window blinds will help you get a good day’s sleep!

Look for roller blinds or roman blinds made with blackout materials if you need to keep any room dark during the day!

Aluminum or PVC blinds work great in wet, humid rooms like the bathroom or kitchen.

Waterproof Blinds are great in Wet Places

If you have a window in your bathroom shower, next to the kitchen sink or any other place in the home that gets wet or humid, then aluminum or PVC blinds are the perfect solution.

Use care when choosing blinds for any room that gets steamy, since all that moisture in the air can cause warping and fading. Stay away from Wooden Venetian blinds especially in these rooms!

Blinds for Spare Rooms

If you have a study, extra bedroom or conservatory, blinds will help keep that spare room warm in winter and cool in summer; often people neglect to cover windows in these rooms, but adding blinds will make the space cosy and you’ll find yourself using that extra living space more often.

For affordable options in your spare room, consider installing Roman blinds, roller blinds or vertical blinds.

As we have seen, blinds can be used creatively for many purposes throughout the home and often make a more cost-effective solution than other options for solving the same types of challenges!

The home furnishings niche in window coverings and treatments has evolved to offer consumers a nearly endless array of rods, finials and finishes from polished metal to iron, ceramic, glass and many types of wood, meeting whatever theme and style of décor you choose.

With so many options availalable it can be a daunting task to select the right hardware when designing window coverings these days. In a previous article, we have presented the various types of window treatment hardware available on the market today. But in this article, we’ll show you how to match window treatments and hardware for a unique look that completes your interior design style and tastes to a perfect tee.

Visible or Hidden Hardware for Your Window Treatment

First you will want to decide whether to hide the hardware that allows you to open and close your window treatment. Do you prefer a clean and uncluttered look in keeping with contemporary interior design aesthetics? Or is something a bit more bold and stylish more to your liking?

For the modern look, you can select hardware that is concealed, allowing for clean lines and a simple, yet stylish elegant window covering. But for a more formal look, you can use hardware to accentuate and complete your window treatment in high style that matches the theme, furnishings, colour and textures of your room décor.

Function and Form are Equally Important

While the style of your window treatment hardware is worth careful consideration, you also want convenience and ease of operation. Try these tips when considering the type of hardware and how you want your window treatment to operate:

• Cordless window shades and blinds give you flexible light control without exposing lift cords that may not be in keeping with the look you want to achieve
• A double rod accommodates layered window treatments quite well; with a layer of sheers over drapes, or a valance over the top of drapes for example
• It is important to match the style and weight of the hardware to the draperies or curtains selected; use heavier, sturdy rods with heavy drapery fabrics or a lightweight, thinner rod with sheer panels or silks
• The modern cable systems available are especially desirable if you have large or extremely wide windows and work nicely in a contemporary style room with straight lines and a more minimalist look; these types of controls also increase the ease of operations and flexibility for controlling light and privacy in a room

Adding Texture to Your Window Treatment

Texture is something we typically think of when considering fabric and materials to use in window coverings, but you can also add texture by selecting hardware that matches the furnishings in your room.

For instance, if you have furnishings with ornate carvings, you might try and find finials for your curtain or drapery rods that match the design of your furniture.

If you have used wrought iron, wicker or other materials in your room décor, then it will make sense to look for similar textures and finishes when selecting your window treatment hardware.

Additional Window Treatment Hardware Tips

• Since you have so many options available when selecting window treatment hardware, try to keep the following ideas and tips in mind as you design your coverings:
• If you want draperies that can be opened and closed, you will want sliding rings or a draw cord system for ease of use; stationery panels can be simply gathered onto a rod or hung using tab tops or ties
• A layered window treatment offers the most flexibility; use blinds or shades as an under treatment for light and privacy, with more decorative panels on top to give style, colour and pattern
• Unique hardware, including rods, ties and finials are the key to separating your window treatment from the usual boring design; find finishes, design elements and styles that set your overall window treatment apart and complement the overall theme of each room in your home
• Don’t forget to keep things in scale; you wouldn’t want to use heavy cornices, finials or valances in a room with low ceilings for instance; simple, lightweight panels can help add verticality to a room with such low ceilings, while a large space with high ceilings will really benefit from the more decorative look of toppers
• You can also add height and a more vertical appearance to a room by installing the rod well above the top of the window frame, allowing you to use longer panels reaching from ceiling all the way to the floor
• Choose window treatment hardware that is in keeping with the theme of your room; a country style room may be decorated with simple rods made of rustic pine, iron or a painted white finish while a more formal room can benefit from carved wood, metallic or faux-painted rods with decorative finials and draperies with fancier rings

For those Tuscan folks who owned a Podere (a small piece of land with a modest home), the lavish style of a country villa or castle would have been beyond consideration; just putting enough food on the table could be difficult.

You may choose either the simple, rural look of a modest Tuscan country home or the more decorative and lavish feel of an expansive Tuscan villa when decorating your kitchen, bedroom, sitting room, bathroom or other room in the “Tuscan” style.

Depending on which of these routes you choose, you’ll want to plan your window coverings accordingly.

For a very distinctive feeling of Tuscany, a window-less wall can be faux-painted to depict a view of the Tuscan countryside.

Window Treatments in Modest Tuscan Country Style Decor

When designing a room in the more modest Tuscan style, the main thing to remember is keeping it simple.
A Tuscan style kitchen, bathroom or any other interior space should feel natural, in keeping with the natural look of a home in the Tuscan countryside.

Aside from style however, you also want to consider functional requirements for privacy and light control. In a room that doesn’t require a lot of privacy and in which you want lots of light, the best approach may be to leave the window bare and decorate the windowsill with some terra cotta accent pieces or perhaps put up a simple curtain rod and hang sheer curtains in white or a colour which complements the colour scheme of your room.

Layered Window Coverings in a Tuscan Room Décor

If privacy and light control are important, you can apply a simple layered window treatment, using pleated blinds or roller shades for an effective under treatment. This will provide a means of blocking out light and making the room completely private without being intrusive when raised. Then, you can use fabric panels, toppers or other window treatment elements to complete the Tuscan style.

Ideas for Window Treatments in the Style of the Tuscan Villa

Now, if you are trying to achieve the look of a Tuscan country estate or castle, then you may take an entirely different approach when designing window coverings.

In the Italian rococo style villa, it is common to find a number of large windows, which lets more light into the room, lending grace and drama to the space. The rooms often have windows, wall panels, mirrors, and arched doors that reach from the floor all the way to the ceiling, helping accentuate vertical space and giving them a more expansive feeling.

If you are fortunate to have such features in your Tuscan-style room, then rich fabrics and ornate window hardware will be in keeping with the more ornate and luxurious style of interior design common to Tuscan Villas.

Again, the layered window coverings will provide you with both the style and convenience you are trying to achieve. If you have barreled or expansive arched windows, you might want to consider shades with motor-operated controls for under treatments.

Choose draperies in colours and patterns such as a soft floral pattern or a warm-tone, neutral colour that match the rest of your room’s theme and colour scheme, using tie backs, toppers or other decorative elements to complete the look of your stylish window coverings. Something like an Italian Fortuny fabric for draperies or Tuscan silk curtains will give your Tuscan window treatment the authentic, elegant look of a country Villa.

Tips and Ideas for Tuscan Style Window Treatments

• While simple and natural are the keys to a successful Tuscan window treatment, this doesn’t have to mean boring or predictable; you want your window coverings to give life, colour and a breath of fresh air to your room. A few ideas that will give your window a Tuscan style include:
• Roller shades in warm, earthy tones can give your room old-world Tuscan charm
• Terra cotta accent pieces such as vases, urns or others placed around a window frame or in the window sill help lend a Tuscan design element to almost any window
• Make your own toile Tuscan window treatments using window art panels to give a rustic, country feeling
• Roman shades or blinds in the cool tones of the sea, such as azure blue or green can also work in a room with a Tuscan theme
• If you have a window-less wall, you might try a faux painting treatment that depicts a simple Tuscan window with a view of the rolling hills of a Tuscan countryside

Modern window shades are easy to operate, with either pull cords or cordless operation. Shades are great for windows or French doors, since they are nearly invisible when completely raised to let in the light and can be lowered as needed to control light and privacy quite flexibly.

Once you have decided on the type of window shade you want, you can shop around online or at local retailers for the best deal and save even more money by following our simple seven-step do-it-yourself guide to installing window shades.

Step 1 – Measuring and Fitting Window Shades

Be sure you measure correctly before ordering your window shades.

Cellular and pleated shades can be custom-cut to fit any size window.

Be sure to measure and write down the correct dimensions according to the type of shades you are ordering and whether they are the inside or outside mount variety. Inside mount shades offer a more finished look and are preferable in most cases.

To measure for inside mount window shades, first measure the distance between the side jambs; measure top, middle and bottom and use the smallest measurement of the three since they won’t always be exactly the same.

Measure the length (also called drop) from the bottom of the window head jamb to the top of the stool (or window sill) on both sides and at the center of the window.

As with the width, use the smallest of the three measurements.

Step 2 – Marking for Bracket Installation

Take down existing window coverings, curtains, hardware, etc. if needed; you don’t want anything to hinder operation of your new window shade. Check to be sure you have all the required hardware to install the shade.

Read your manufacturer’s instructions completely before beginning installation as the exact steps may vary slightly, depending on the mounting brackets and hardware.

Measure approximately two inches in from the side jambs and mark each side on the bottom side of the head jamb over the window to center the brackets properly.

You may want to have an assistant hold one of the metal mounting brackets up against the head jamb to keep it aligned with the pencil marks; if you are stead enough to do it yourself you can do the installation without an assistant but if your shade is very large it will be too heavy to install alone.

Be sure the bracket is square and the front edge is lined up along the head jamb where you want to install; depending on the depth of the jambs, you may want to line it up with the front edge of the jamb or closer to the window pane, toward the rear of the head jamb.

Mark the holes with a pencil or awl and repeat for the other bracket(s).

Step 3 – Drilling Pilot Holes

Use a cordless drill with a 1/16-inch-diameter bit to drill small pilot holes where you have marked on the head jamb, being sure the bit is straight when drilling. If you are drilling into masonry or stone, use a 1/4-inch-diameter masonry bit and insert lead anchors into the holes.

If your window is wider than 44 inches you should install a third bracket in the center for added support; again check your manufacturer’s directions and included hardware to ensure that your window shade will be adequately supported.

Installing your own window shades is a simple do-it-yourself project. A cordless drill, tape measure and level are about all the tools you need!

Hold the bracket in place, aligned with your pilot holes in the head jamb and fasten it in place with pan-head wood screws, which should be included with your window shade hardware. Repeat to install additional bracket(s).

If your window has any type of obstruction such as a window handle to open and close it, you may need “extension” brackets so that the shade can be raised and lowered freely.

Step 5 – Leveling Window Shade Brackets

Use a level that is long enough to check whether the brackets are level. If your level isn’t long enough, hold a straight-edge board up to the brackets and place the level against that to check whether they are level or not.

If the your brackets are out of level by more than 1/8 inch, insert a wood shim or between the bracket and head jamb to level it and trim off excess shim material with a utility knife once you have the brackets leveled and securely fastened by tightening the screws. Anybody who has installed doors or windows knows that shimming is more an art than an exact science; take your time and shim the brackets until you are satisfied they are level.

Step 6 – Installing the Shade into the Brackets

Now you are ready to actually install your new window shade; most units have a small brace screw which needs to be loosened before you lift the shade into place. Hook the front edge of the head rail of your window shade onto the lip of the brackets, which protrudes slightly and swing the rear of the head rail back toward the window pane.

Once you have the head rail in place, tighten the brace screws using care not to over tighten them or accidentally pinch the shade fabric. The head rail should now be fastened in place securely.

Step 7 – Testing Your Window Shade

Now it’s time to test your window shade! If your shade is a cordless model, grasp the center of the bottom rail and pull it down straight all the way to the sill or stool. Push it back up, stopping at several points to test whether it stays in place each time you stop. Use the pull cord to test a corded shade.

If your window shade doesn’t seem to lower all the way to the window sill or stool, try leaving it lowered for a day or so and let the fabric stretch and relax a bit.

For a smaller window shade, the entire installation process should only take a few minutes, but take your time to be sure you drill the holes correctly, get the brackets level and install the shade properly. You should get years of use from your new window shade and can rest easy knowing you saved money by measuring, ordering and installing window shades yourself!

Look in any designer magazine and you’ll notice that window treatments are a significant feature in nearly any successful home interior design.

Who wants monotonous, boring window coverings? But buying expensive designer blinds gets costly if you don’t know what to shop for.

These days, it’s easy enough to find great deals on your window blinds and shades. Whether you decide to purchase blinds locally from a discount retailer or measure windows yourself and buy online, you can find great deals by shopping around.

Read on and learn how to outfit your windows in style without spending a King’s ransom on window blinds!

What Type of Window Treatments Are Right for Your Home?

• Modern – simple and sleek, a modern window treatment will have clean lines and are easy to operate. Choose roller blinds for a less expensive, easy to use window covering solution.
• Functional – while you want window blinds that look great, you also want them to be suited to the room in which you will install them. Window shades in a variety of sunshine fabrics, cellular shades materials and other options abound.
• Natural – choose the window blinds that will look most natural in your home. If you like the natural look of wood grain, bamboo or woven wood, then bamboo matchstick window shades will be cost effective and stylish.
• High Tech – if you want added convenience, look for blinds with motorised operation that you can open, close or adjust at the flip of a switch or push button remote control!
• Environmentally Friendly – if you prefer the look of real wood but want some more eco-friendly, why not choose stylish faux wood Venetian blinds? You’ll save money while also getting a product that can be manufacturing using some recycled materials!

Choosing fashionable window blinds can be affordable if you know how to shop around and what to look for!

Selecting a Fashionable Style of Window Blind or Shade

• Panel Blinds – panel blinds are one of the popular new styles in window treatments, combining some of the features of pleated blinds and roman shades in new, more versatile designs that can look very unique in either a traditional or more contemporary room décor. Panels are great for floor-to-ceiling windows, French patio or sliding glass doors.
• Roman Blinds – the stylish, classic look of Roman blinds complements many types of room décor and an endless array of fabric materials from which to select.
• Perfect Fit Pleated Blinds – popular in conservatories or most any room in the home, pleated blinds can be fitted to most windows, regardless of the size and shape.
• Venetian Blinds – always stylish, Venetian blinds remain one of the most desirable styles of window blinds for the home. Modern and uncluttered, Venetian blinds offer great control over light and privacy and are available in many wood and simulated wood finishes and colourss.
• Roller Blinds – one of Britain’s favourite window coverings, the roller blind is very well suited to use in the kitchen or bathroom. Choose a sheer fabric to give your room a soft, muted natural light or select a light blocking “blackout” material if you need to darken the room completely.

Window Blind Selection Tips

• Be sure to measure your windows according to whether you want to mount shades or blinds inside the window opening or outside; either application may be appropriate, depending on the clearance to walls, ceiling and floor and whether you will add a valance, swag or other window topper.
• Consider how much privacy you need. Sheer materials are nice to let in filtered light but remember that people may be able to see in at night when the room is lit inside!
• Decide how much flexibility you need in light control; Venetian and panel blinds are great because you can angle slats to adjust light and also open or close the blinds into a stack.
• Consider how the window operates when selecting blinds or shades; you want to be able to retain full operation of the window so whether it opens in, out or slides open and closed will be an important factor in choosing the best window covering.
• Think about the direction a window faces also; for North-facing windows you might want a cellular blind to help keep heat from escaping your home in the colder winter months, an East-facing window will get direct light in the morning, while West-facing windows get more sun during the hotter part of the afternoon and may need more complete coverage and South-facing windows get the most natural light, which you will want to have flexible control to let in more light on cloudy days and block most of the harmful UV rays of direct sunlight on hot days.

And while not everyone thinks of window coverings as creative, you can make or break a room design with the window treatments!

By combining window fashion elements such as curtains, blinds, shades, shutters and decorative hardware, there is no limit to how creative one can get with window treatments.

And with a little imagination and basic sewing skills, designing your own, unique window treatments can be a fun do-it-yourself project.

You can make window treatments simple or very elaborate. There are even some that do not involve sewing. Whatever type of window interior decorations you come up with, they should reflect your tastes and fit the function and style of your rooms.

The starting point in designing a do it yourself window treatment is deciding what you want to accomplish. Do you want to bring more light into the room or shut the light out? Do you need to add privacy? Do you want to retain views outside your window or block something outside from being visible? Do you need good ventilation or better energy efficiency? What window treatments best fit your decorating budget and style?

Once you have a basic idea what you want to accomplish, measure your windows using a retractable tape measure. A metal tape measure is best since it won’t have any slack like a cloth tape measure, so your results will be more accurate. Be sure to write down each window’s measurements on paper and check all your measurements at least twice. Accurate measurements are vital to making do it yourself window treatments come out the way you want!

Once you’ve measured your windows, you are ready to determine colours, patterns and fabric selection. When selecting your fabric types, patterns and colours, you’ll want to consider the style and theme of your rooms and furnishings. The colour and style of carpeting and other flooring materials, wall colours, and room accessories all need to be considered.

If you go with neutral window coverings in a room that also has neutral wall colours, it can help make the room appear to be more spacious. If you go with contrasting colours, your room will have greater visual impact and the eye will be drawn to the windows.

Window toppers or top treatments will add decorative style and give your windows a unique look. Top treatments can include features such as cornices, festoons, valances, swags, and scarves. You can also use toppers to help hide window treatment hardware or make windows appear taller.

Decorative window covering hardware can be used to add a finishing touch to your window treatments. Use items such as scarf holders, curtain rings, pins, rods, tiebacks and finials to accessorize your treatment. This is where you can really get creative and give your window coverings the personal touch!

Here are a few thoughts to consider when designing your window treatments:

Does your room get a lot of natural window light?

A layered window treatment provides the most versatile control of light. Use lined drapes or try putting shades under your curtains or drapes for flexible light and privacy control.

Does your room seem too dark and lacking natural light?

Sheer fabric curtains let in the light but do not always provide enough privacy. Another alternative is to use horizontal/Venetian blinds which stack nicely when raised to let in as much light as possible. When lowered, you can also angle the slats to adjust the amount of light entering your room.

Are the windows in your room out of proportion?

If you have a very short window, try mounting the treatment higher than the top of the window or add a valance to help lengthen the window. If you have a narrow window, use outside mount blinds or shades or hang curtains or drapes wider than the window opening to help add width.

Does your room have a particular design theme or style?

It goes without saying that window treatments should always match the style of your room decor. Full length drapes tend to work best in a formal setting, while blinds, shades and/or short curtains that hang to the same height as the window sill tend to give an informal feel.

What is your window treatment budget?

As with any home decorating project, budget helps determine your choices. Plan ahead by pricing the fabrics, decorative hardware and other window covering elements to be sure your budget will cover all the costs. If needed, you can make trade offs in order to get the total cost into an acceptable range.

You can stretch your budget by pairing a more expensive fabric in your topper, which requires far less fabric, with something more affordable for curtain panels

If real wood shutters or Venetian blinds are too expensive to fit the budget, consider vinyl instead. Also, you might splurge on a bay window or picture window that is most prominent in your home and use less expensive treatments for other windows.

Designing and making your own, creative window treatments will give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction in knowing that they reflect your own personality, tastes and handiwork!

The answer varies, depending on the type of blind you are buying, the location, size and functional requirements of the window you are fitting and personal preference.

This selection guide will explain the types of controls available for Venetian and horizontal window blinds, mini blinds and pleated and cellular shades in order to help you decide which type best suites your needs.

For those who aren’t familiar with window blinds controls, the basic choices include the standby pull cords, wands, cordless and motorised controls.

Pull Cord and Tilt Cord Controls

The most common type of control for horizontal and Venetian blinds is the age old cord. Cords are typically used to lower and raise blinds and also can be used to control the angle of tilt of the window blind slats. Pull cords are also a standard option with pleated or cellular shades.

Many people prefer the tilt cords over the wand or rod type tilt control since you can have symmetrical cords on either side of the blind. Most blind manufacturers and retailers offer the tilt cord as an option.

When selecting any type of window shade or blind with pull cords, be sure they are safe for children, which is the case with almost all window blinds and shades manufactured today. Check with your manufacturer or retailer to be certain!

Wand Tilt Controls

These days, many people opt for the wand or rod tilt option when ordering blinds. If you like the look of wands, which come in many colours and styles, then a wand can be a great option since you’ll never be confused with multiple cords and trying to remember which one is the pull cord and which is the tilt cord!
Of course tilt controls are not applicable if you are buying cellular/pleated shades.

Cordless Controls

If your budget allows, you can also purchase many horizontal or Venetian blinds these days that are “cordless”, allowing you to raise or lower the blind by simply pushing them up or pulling them down.

The cordless option used to be available only for pleated/cellular shades, but recently some manufacturers have also introduced mini blinds and horizontal/Venetian blinds that feature cordless operation. Expect to pay a hefty premium for these blinds however since the mechanism is significantly more costly to produce!

Motorised Controls

The Rolls Royce of window blinds controls is the motorised variety, which can be lowered and raised using a remote control or even automated with light sensors. For the discriminating home decorator without budget constraints, these luxurious controls add comfort and convenience and are especially popular for use in home theatre rooms!

Motorised controls are also an excellent option for blinds or shades to be installed in skylights, roof windows or other window locations that are hard to reach.

Blinds Controls for Large Windows

Placing controls is even more important with a large window needing two or more blinds or shades on a single head rail. Since you have controls for each blind, you could end up being quite confused with a pull cord and a tilt cord on either side of each one!

Generally, you would want to consider having both the tilt and pull cords on the same side of each section of the blind or shade when ordering a unit with one head rail and fitted with either two (common) or three (less common but may be needed for very large windows) blinds or shades.

By keeping the pull and tilt cords to the outsides of the window, you will avoid having cords that dangle in the middle of your window when the blinds or shades are raised. Wands may also be a good option if the look of wands is acceptable to you.

Nobody likes looking through dirty, grimy windows

If you take the time to wash your windows every month or two, you can keep them shiny and clean.

And if you know the right technique, washing your windows really shouldn’t take that much time or effort.

There is an easy way to get your windows clean and this simple guide will teach you how.

Follow these simple steps to clean windows and mirrors in your home:

What You Will Need:

• Two buckets
• Vinegar, ammonia or liquid dish soap
• Large sponge or T bar applicator
• A 12 inch brass squeegee
• Paper towels

Window Washing Steps:

1. Mix your window washing solution in one bucket, using EITHER one capful of ammonia, one cup of vinegar or about four to six drops of liquid dish soap with TWO gallons of warm water. One of the main keys to avoiding streaks is not using too much soap! Fill the other bucket with clean, warm water.
2. Now you are ready to begin washing windows! The best way to wash windows is to apply your solution using a T bar like the pros use. You can buy one online at the window clean centre.
3. If you don’t have a T bar handy, you can use a large sponge. Dip your T bar or sponge in the bucket containing your washing solution, getting it completely wet, but not so wet that you will “flood” the window.
4. Wash the entire surface of the window with your T bar or sponge, giving special attention to the sides and corners of the window frame, since grime and dirt tend to build up in these areas.
5. Dip your squeegee into the clean water bucket. Use a good quality brass squeegee that is clean and dry.
6. Starting on one side at the top of the window, press the squeegee lightly into the surface of the window and pull it downward vertically. Stop pulling the squeegee a few inches before you reach the bottom of the window.
7. Use a clean paper towel to wipe off the squeegee every few pulls to prevent streaking.
8. Repeat this process, pressing the squeegee and pulling down in the area of the window directly next to the one you have just cleaned. Stop each time you reach the same point towards the bottom of the window, leaving a few inches at the bottom un-wiped. Continue this process until you have wiped the solution away from the entire window, except for that bottom few inches.
9. Now, pull the squeegee horizontally across the bottom part of the window and wipe the squeegee off again with a paper towel.
10. Once you have cleaned the entire window surface, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess water at the bottom of the window frame. You don’t want to leave the window sill or frame wet.

That’s it! In just a few minutes you have cleaned one surface of an entire window; before you know it all the windows in your home will be clean and sparkly!

Window Washing Tips:

• Don’t use rags to wash your windows; they leave streaks and far too much excess water.
• Make sure you have a clean rubber blade in your squeegee; an old, cracked blade is sure to streak your windows.
• A T bar applicator makes a huge difference versus using a sponge; you really should invest in one to make the job go quickly and to get your windows as clean as possible.
• Try to avoid washing windows when direct sunlight is hitting the glass; best to do this job in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not direct on your windows.
• Open or remove window blinds or coverings if they obstruct your cleaning efforts; you can save some time if you clean your window shades and blinds at the same time you wash the windows!

Watch this window washing video for more tips from a professional window washer:

When it comes to window blinds or shades for the home office, function is the first thing to be considered; glare and visual distractions outside can make it hard to focus on work at home.

And yet, you want as much ambient light as possible. Natural window light can be the best source of ambient light in your home office, making it a productive workspace for those long hours you spend building your own business.

Read on for tips and ideas on how to design the best window treatment for your home office, whether you are converting a spare bedroom to a working office or want to give your posh, high budget home office a touch of luxury and functional control over light and privacy.

Venetian or Horizontal Blinds provide great light control and flexibility in the home offfice.

Home Office Location and Sun Exposure

A common mistake people make when selecting home office window coverings is neglecting to use something versatile enough to provide various degrees of light filtration and control as the angle and direction of sunlight changes throughout the seasons and time of day.

Direct sunlight can make it nearly impossible to work on a computer screen, leading to severe eyestrain and a significant loss of productivity. On the other hand, a dark room is depressing and working in a room without adequate natural light can also inhibit productivity. An effective window treatment is in order to give you versatility and complete control over how much and how direct natural window light enters your home office.

Most people think about furniture, storage space, flooring and equipment needs when creating their home office environment, but window blinds, shades or other window coverings are too often left as an afterthought. Later, after working in their office at home for weeks or months, they realize that the lighting and ambient light conditions just aren’t optimal.

You are much better off to consider the ambient and window lighting up front as you initially plan your home office workspace. First, when considering the best location for your home office, you will want to think about the exposure it gets from direct sunlight.

For instance, if your home office space has North facing windows, they will not receive much direct light, so window coverings could be a less critical factor, but you will also need to plan for adequate ambient lighting in this case.

However, many people will prefer spending long hours in a home office with a more Southerly window exposure, providing a good source of ambient lighting throughout the day, even as the seasons change.

Natural light from your windows, if filtered correctly will lighten the mood and ambiance of your home office, allowing you to work productively throughout the day. You may also need to keep window coverings shut on hot days to keep your home office cool. And on days when the outside temperature is mild, you will want to be able to open them and let in the fresh air!

So, selecting window coverings for your home office requires something versatile and easy to operate. If budget is not a problem, then automated controls with remote push button operation or even sensors that automatically adjust light filtration are worth considering. And for those of us on a budget, window coverings with pull cords or wands within easy reach will be a necessity.

How you place home office furniture and equipment makes a signficant difference in what type of window coverings work best.

Placing Office Furniture and Computer Monitors for Optimum Productivity

Once you have selected the room in your home to set up your office space, you will want to consider furniture and a floor plan that gives you easy access to office supplies, your computer, printer and other office equipment.

Also important in setting up a home office is the placement of your computer monitor and office seating. If you work alone, then you might want to place your desk and chair so that you have a view out the window. A modular office furniture system can help optimize your office space, with desks, cabinets and storage shelves facing the walls.

On the other hand, if you have partners or associates in your home office frequently, then a partner’s desk or other standalone desk placed in the middle of the room allows people to sit facing each other on either side of the desk for a floor plan that is more conducive to collaboration.

The center desk arrangement works best in a larger home office space and you have three options for your own seating; you can set up your desk so that you face windows, have your back to the windows or, if the windows are on only one wall of your home office, you can place it so that the windows are to one side or the other.

Each of these configurations has pluses and minuses to consider. If your back is to the window you will not have a view outside, in which case neighborhood kids playing in the street or other distractions are less likely to be a problem, but you also have to be more concerned with glare on your computer display.

Many people prefer to face the windows, so that they can enjoy the view outdoors. With this configuration, glare in your eyes can be a problem when direct sunlight pours in through the windows unless you have window coverings that can be easily adjusted to filter the sunlight.

Regardless how you configure office furniture, plan for optimum productivity by placing storage cabinets, shelving and office equipment such as the fax machine, printer and copier within easy reach.

Make several sketches of your home office floor plan and consider all your options before settling too quickly on a final configuration and purchasing furnishings. You’ll be glad you spent this time later down the road!

Affordable white curtain panels give this home office interior a light and airy feel.

Choosing Window Coverings for Your Home Office

With your floor plan settled, you can begin to consider the best window covering options for your home office. Following are the most effective window blinds and shades to consider for your home office space:

Vertical Blinds

While vertical blinds can be noisy if you have your home office windows open on a breezy day, they are quite flexible in that you can open and close them to the left or right as needed to block direct sunlight, as well as being able to change the angle of the vertical slats to filter light.

Vertical blinds can work quite well with windows that slide open or shut or if you have full length sliding glass doors in your home office.

Horizontal Venetian or Mini Blinds

Versatile and stylish, Venetian blinds with wide slats or mini blinds with the narrower slats, offer good versatility and a wide choice of styles, colours and materials.

You can select Venetian blinds with slats made of metal, real wood or faux wood with natural or painted finishes to match your home office furniture and decor. Or, select the newer “privacy sheer” window blinds, with slats that are covered with a light weight fabric material to soften the look and help deaden ambient noise.

And since you can open and lower the slats as desired, in addition to angling them, you have great flexibility in filtering and controlling natural light as the angle of the sun changes. You can darken your home office when computer monitor glare becomes a problem or open the blinds and let the sunshine stream into your work space when you are on the phone, spending some time on creative thoughts or otherwise not working on the computer.

If budget constraints are tight, the mini blinds will provide the same functionality as the more stylish Venetians, but are a much cheaper alternative!

Pleated Shades or Cellular Honeycomb Shades

Window shades come in so many materials and styles that you can be sure to find something that meets your home office needs. The only disadvantage with some shades is that they are either open or closed, so you will want to consider options such as dual top down, bottom up openers for added flexibility.

Shades are generally available in blackout, semi sheer/opaque or sheer materials, each of which can have pros and cons depending on how much light your home office generally receives. Pleat sizes vary from as small as 3/8 inch to about 3 inches, depending on what look you want to achieve. Most designers consider the larger pleat shades to be more elegant than the smaller pleated shades.

Roller Blinds or Roll Up Shades

With a decorative valance, plain solid coloured roller shades can also be a good option for your home office window coverings. Bamboo or woven wood roll up shades are available in a variety of decorative patterns and will add texture and warmth to your home office decor.

Draperies and Curtains

If you want a more formal look, you could use curtains or draperies in your home office. Ready made curtain panels are an affordable option and come in a range of materials and sizes to fit standard window openings.

For a custom look, you can have custom curtains or draperies installed, with curtain rods, rings, toppers, tiebacks and other options that run the gamut from plain, simple curtain panels to ornate draperies with liners to suit any decorating taste.

Window Glass Treatments

Window films and tinting are worth considering, especially if your home office windows have a predominately Southerly exposure and you live in a hot climate. They can lower your air conditioning costs and help protect furniture and office equipment from the harsh effects of UV ultraviolet rays and the glare of direct sunlight.

Combination Window Treatments

For the ultimate in style and versatility, you can combine window coverings to create a completely custom window treatment in your home office. Examples include using a semi sheer window shade with sheer curtain panels over it, so that you can open or close both layers to filter and block sunlight as needed. Or, you could install interior shutters made of either real wood or vinyl for a more decorative style in your home office.

And a country style room deserves well matched curtains or other window coverings in keeping with the simple and more casual tone and natural wood, fabric and stone found in country style furnishings, flooring and room decor.

And since country curtains and window coverings are usually simple, they are the perfect do-it-yourself creative home decorating project. In other words, if you’re looking for a cheap solution to cover your windows, then country style curtains are a great alternative!

Add a Little Country Charm

Plain off white curtains are a common country home window covering choice.

The simple nature of handcrafts and natural materials is what gives a country home so much warmth and charm. And when it comes to country curtains, charm is a matter of keeping things simple and functional.

Country curtains don’t often involve intricate toppers such as an ornate cornice or valence with tassels and fancy fringe. White lace, checked patterns or plain ruffles are characteristic features of many country home window coverings.

A classic Tuscan Italian arched doorway and balcony with shimmering off white drapes.

With so many country styles, you’ll want to choose a specific flavour of country you want to give your room decor and matching window treatments.

If your home or the room you have in mind for new curtains is already decorated English country, then stick with that for the window covering. If you are considering the right country style for your room, here are a few to consider:

English Country – Cosy and natural, the English country style can vary from rustic to somewhat formal, so you have plenty of latitude with your window coverings. Choose something that goes well with your English country antique furnishings, wood flooring or other distinguishing decor elements. Floral patterns in the pinks and yellow of an English garden can make for a nice curtain fabric.

Tuscan – Italian county style tends to rustic wood finishes and natural stone or terracotta. Blue tones of the sea, green and earthy brown or burnt orange of the field are often used in Tuscan colour schemes. Patterns will often include a rooster, wild flowers, sunflowers or birds. Curtains should be simple, either picking up the accent colours and patterns used elsewhere in the room or simple white cotton fabric perhaps with some texture.

Floral patterns in colours of the countryside or garden are a favourite for country curtains.

Swedish Country – Scandinavian design is all the rage with interior designers these days, with sleek lines and natural wood finishes. Swedish country is characterized by the warmth and grain of hardwoods polished smooth. Wooden venetian blinds will complement the Scandinavian style decor nicely.

American Colonial – The hardy colonial settlers often liked to decorate in traditional styles of their homeland, whether they emigrated from Britain, Germany, the Netherlands or other European nations. Traditional colonial style shutters are native to the New England states. Wood or faux wood blinds will also go well with the Colonial home decor.

American Country – The cattle ranchers, farmers, traders and trappers who settled the American west had few possessions and relied heavily on the animals and natural materials of the landscape to create their homesteads. Sheer white or checkered red and white curtains with ruffles can create a cosy American country feel.

Open cabinet doors with chicken wire and a nice window seat give this country kitchen an authentic country feel.

Country Curtain Rods and Accessories

Since the inhabitants of most country homes would not have been able to afford expensive furnishings, the hardware used to hang curtains and other country window coverings should be simple.

You can use a plain wood curtain rod and rings or get more creative with something that is representative of the country style decor you are trying to create. Wrought iron hardware would be appropriate for a continental country decor, while wood is more typical in the American country home.

Toppers, if used, should be plain, without a lot of fringe or tassels, which would generally not be typical of country home decor. A simple swag in the same or contrasting colour fabric as your curtains would be sufficient to decorate the country window coverings.

But consider the possibilities that outdoor awnings offer in covering and protecting your windows, doorways or entry way!

Aside from keeping your home cool when the weather outdoors is hot, window awnings protect your windows from the harsh UV rays of the sun and can add visual impact and architectural style to your home’s exterior as well.

Cheap and widely available, window awnings are a great exterior addition that will protect your windows and keep your home comfortable during the hot summer months.

Benefits of Window Awnings

While not entirely obvious, there are a few very strong benefits to consider which make window awnings a worthwhile investment:

Window awnings have been used for centuries to shade windows from the hot sun and keep the interior of a home cool during the summer, as well as adding a decorative element to the home exterior.
• Protection From the Elements – Installing window awnings protects your window frames from ice and snow, wind, rain and moisture, as well as sunlight and heat, keeping wood or vinyl window frames from degrading with constant exposure to the degrading effect of the elements.
• Let Fresh Air into Your Home – If you live in an area with summer rains but moderate temperatures, window awnings let you leave windows open so the fresh air can circulate and you can listen to the refreshing sounds of the birds singing and the raindrops falling outside your window.
• Cut Down Unwanted Window Glare – If you watch TV or work at a computer at home during the daytime, window awnings are great for cutting the glare of direct sunlight without need to close window shades, curtains or blinds, giving you the benefit of natural light and unobstructed views outside.
• Keep Your Home Cool Inside – the most highly touted benefit of outdoor window awnings is the effect they will have in keeping the interior of your home cool during hot weather condition; if you live in a climate that is predominately hot for some part of the year, outdoor window awnings can reduce the effects of heat entering your home by as much as 75 percent, cutting your air conditioning expense dramatically and keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the day.

Awning Styles Galore

From an aesthetic point of view, you have many styles from which to choose when purchasing window awnings. Common window awning styles include:

• Box Lot Awning – This traditional British shop-front awning, adapted to residential use, continues to be popular and is simple and easy to install, with a wooden box from which the awning fabric easily extends or retracts.
• Dutch Awning – Also called Dutch Blinds, gives your home’s exterior a traditional continental look with these semi-circular awnings that are easy to install and operated with either a manual or electric pull cord.
• Rigid Metal Awning – Generally a fixed awning but also available in roll up versions, a metal awning (usually aluminum) will be more resilient to the elements than a fabric awning and come in a variety of styles, sizes, colours and finishes.
• Roller or Roll up Awning – Made with a fabric material and lateral arms that allow the awing to be rolled up when not in use, many styles of roller window awnings are available.
• Concave Awning – Typically installed either over a window or door, the concave design curves inward rather than outward as with most styles of awnings; side panels can be left open or enclosed.
• Dome or Elongated Dome Awning – Used above a small entryway, window or archway, a quarter sphere shape characterized the design of a dome awning, providing excellent protection from rain and sun; the dome shape is elongated for use with longer windows or entries and may be curved to wrap around a corner window.

Features to Look for When Considering Window Awnings

With so many options and features available, you’ll want to take time and care when selecting window awnings for your home. A few features to consider include:

• Awning Materials – Traditionally most awnings were made using canvas, but today many used synthetic fabrics specially treated for water resistance and to prevent fading quickly with the constant exposure to direct sunlight. Aluminum is also a good option, requiring no maintenance.
• Awning Size – the size of your window awnings should be to scale with the size of doorways, entries or windows over which you intend to install them, while being large enough to provide the shade and weather protection you need.
• Awning Design and Style – with all the various styles and types of awnings as detailed before, matching awnings to your home’s architectural style and features should be no problem and you might want to choose something that fits in well with the architectural style of your neighborhood.

Modern aluminum window awnings give a unique look to this exterior.

While the style, shape and design of awnings can vary greatly as we have seen, prices are typically quite reasonable for the more basic awnings, typically starting at less than £100 apiece.

You can find awnings in local home and garden centers or through professional installers, but if you are even a little handy with do-it-yourself projects, you can save a bundle by shopping online and installing your own window awnings.

Take your time and consider all the options mentioned in this article to decide on the style, size and design of the window awnings that best meet all of your aesthetic and functional requirements before making your investment!

But you want to be comfortable when cooking out, eating, reading or relaxing to fully enjoy your outdoor living space.

When the sun beats down or a rain shower approaches most people head back indoors, but with a retractable awning you can escape the heat, glare and harmful UV rays and continue enjoying time outside!

And when you want the full benefit of sun on mild days or in the early and later parts of the day when temperatures are mild and direct sun isn’t a problem, then you can simply retract your patio awning.

Easy to install and with no ugly stanchions, your retractable awning provides shelter from sun and rain, allowing you to enjoy more time outdoors!

Why Invest in a Retractable Awning for your Patio?

Unlike a fixed patio roof which negates some of the feeling of being outdoors, you will find far more versatility and better return on your investment if you install a retractable awning.

Some of the many benefits of adding a retractable awning to your patio include:

• Energy Conservation – A retractable awning not only covers your patio or outdoor living area, but also helps keep your home cooler since it can provide shade for a good portion of the exterior side of your home exposed to direct sunlight during the warmest part of the day.
• Protection From the Elements – Adding drop screens and a retractable awning helps protect your outdoor living space from rain, wind and UV rays which fade and weather patio furniture.
• Reduces Allergens – A patio protected by a retractable awning with vertical side panels or drop screens can help reduce allergens in the air as well as keeping away nasty biting bugs and creepy crawly insects.
• Provides Privacy – A retractable awning will make your outdoor spa, hot tub or swimming pool more private.

Advantages of Retractable Awnings vs. a Fixed Patio Awning

Your retractable awning will be perfect for any outdoor living area such as a patio, barbeque or even a seating area in the garden. And while you could install a cheap fixed awning, there are many advantages of a retractable awning:

• Increased Visibility – Most fixed awning entail the use of posts or stanchions that block your view, while a retractable awning, depending on the design, is generally suspended using either guide wires or spring loaded arms which will not inhibit visibility.
• Simpler Installation and Maintenance – The retractable awnings mount easily to your home from the exterior wall or beam and, since the fabric is protected within a cassette when retracted, it requires only minor cleaning and maintenance.
• Enhanced Versatility – You can install a retractable awning in small or special areas like over a sliding glass door or French patio doors when a fixed awning might look out of place.
• Less Visual Distraction – When put away in its protective cassette, your retractable awning won’t detract from the visual impact of your landscaping whereas a fixed awning is always present unless you go to the great trouble of taking it down.
• Longer Useful Life – When not in use, a retractable awning is not exposed to inclement weather conditions whereas a fixed awning is continually subject to the elements, causing it to discolour, fade and deteriorate within a few seasons.

When not in use, a retractable awning is protected by the cassette and barely visible, allowing your outdoor area to look natural and unobstructed as it would be with a fixed awning.

Retractable Awning Options

Depending on your budget, you can purchase a retractable awning that operates manually for as little as £400. Motorised versions can run as much as £4,000, with available options such as rain, motion, heat and wind sensors that provide completely automated operation.

Retractable awnings are available in a variety of colours and styles as well. Your patio awning can be custom-sized to fit the desired width and extension of the patio or other outdoor area you wish to cover, so careful planning and measurement is recommended.

If you are a handy do-it-yourself homeowner, you could save money and install your retractable awning yourself. For those less confident in their home improvement skills, hiring a local professional installer is recommended; this expert can advise you on the correct size, placement and options that will best fit your needs.

Traditionally, most patio awnings are made of a tough canvas-type fabric which is specially waterproofed, typically with a poly urethane (PU) coating to withstand the rigours of outdoor use and most often are selected in a white or cream with coloured stripes. The stripes may be in bright colours or something more subdued. A solid navy blue or dark green colour may also be selected to coordinate with the architectural style and exterior colour or materials such as stone, brick, wood or other siding and trim work.

Other options to consider include the style of your retractable awning and whether you want a scalloped or other pattern or simply flat edges for the valance. You may also want to consider side panels or drop screens that allow you to enclose the outdoor area you are covering with the awning.

Retractable awnings are typically installed on the side of a home most exposed to direct sunlight, where it will provide the most benefit. When extended, your awning may extend completely flat or, in many cases, designed to have a slight pitch, which allows the rain to run off. Consider your local weather conditions and whether you plan to extend your retractable patio awning during rainstorms or not when deciding on the style that best suits your requirements.

Purchasing Your Retractable Awning

Choosing the right manufacturer from which to purchase your retractable awnings will involve price comparison as well as consideration of the options, quality of materials used, warranty offered and finding a company that has a solid reputation in the industry. Visit local home improvement and patio furniture shops to see retractable awnings in person and then shop online to compare prices and make sure that you are getting a good value.

Purchasing a retractable awning will be a worthwhile addition to your home and one that increases the enjoyment and time you spend outdoors. While it may seem a bit of a luxury, adding a retractable awning is a great investment that will shade and protect your patio or other outdoor living area for many years!

Does it lack privacy, or on the other hand, feel dark and cramped?

Is it impeding your love life or making you and your partner less amorous than you’d like?

Then perhaps it’s time for new, sexier window coverings in your bedroom?

While not everyone thinks of window fashions as being particularly sexy or romantic, you can set the mood for romance with a little inspiration and sensual creativity when designing your bedroom window coverings!

Start with Window Fashion Basics

Exotic and romantic bamboo window shades give the bedroom a warm, inviting feeling.

Unless you and your partner enjoy exhibitionism … which can be fun sometimes if you’re in to that kind of thing, but probably not something most people want to do regularly … then you want a window treatment that provides complete privacy in the bedroom.

Blinds or shades generally make the best base for a bedroom window treatment. You want something you can easily open and close, like roller blinds. Or, you may prefer Venetian blinds which can be adjusted for privacy, while still letting in a bit of that afternoon light in case you and your partner like the occasional “afternoon delight”.

If you decide to use curtains or drapes, be sure to use a fabric that is opaque or use liners for added bedroom privacy.

Choosing Romantic Colours

Colour plays a large part in making your bedroom feel sexier and more sensual. You can use a neutral base for your color scheme and brighter accent colors

Or, you might pick a bolder colour scheme; reds are spicy hot while blues and greens tend to give a room a more serene and relaxing feeling.

Also remember that dark colours tend to absorb light, while lighter colours reflect light. Use this to your advantage, whether you want a rich, sexy and darker interior or something airy and romantic. Either direction can work fine as long as it creates the look you want to achieve.

Colour choices are very personal, so it’s a good idea to be sure you and your partner both agree on the colour scheme!
If you use a neutral window blind or shade, you can easily add colour with decorative curtains, a valance or window treatment swag. Pick up colors from your bedding, flooring and other room decor elements that you might like to repeat in your window treatment.

Fabrics like silk or velvet that have a sensual feeling can work well, or you can add texture to your window treatment with chenille, linen weave, suede and many others.

Solid colours tend to be more conservative, but if you want something bold, you might select an animal skin print, tapestry or other pattern.

Sensual Window Decorating

With privacy, light control and colour choice out of the way, you can begin to consider decorative elements that will add intimacy and a sense of the unexpected to your bedroom window treatment.

Layering your window covering is the best way to add romantic ambiance. Like make up or jewelry, by layering fabrics you can give your bedroom window high fashion, romantic drama and elegance.

Sheer curtains or drapes are great for the romantic theme. The color should correspond with the bed spread or compliment the color of the walls. For example, blue walls and a brown bedspread could have sheer white curtains.

If the walls and bed spread are solid in color the curtains could have a pattern to them while pulling all the colors together.

A romantic room deserves elegant, extra-long curtains that pool or puddle on the floor.

Put on the Finishing Touches

There are many ways to give your bedroom window fashion a little more sex appeal. Consider hardware and decorative options such as curtain rods and finials, window toppers, curtain tie-backs and tassels.

Adding one or more of these features will give your bedroom window a unique, finished appearance and can help add intimacy and sensual shapes to your window treatment. But be careful not to overdo your decoration; you don’t want to clutter the look of your bedroom with umpteen layers of draperies!

You can also add interest by using scallops, lace fringes or other unique design in your valance. Or try a swag; with seductive folds in the fabric to create depth and appeal to your bedroom window treatment.

And, while you can purchase valances in many styles and fabric patterns, if you are handy with a sewing machine, it’s quite simple to make a unique window valance.

You can use almost any weight of fabric to make your window valance, from a lightweight cotton or fine silk to heavy brocade or velvet; choose a fabric that complements the colour scheme, textures and patterns in your room.

What You Need to Make a Window Valance

• Fabric of your choice and matching thread
• Valance track and curtain hooks
• Pencil pleat heading tape

Simple Instructions to Make a Window Valance

1. Install valance track into place over window opening.
2. Measure front and sides of valance track and multiply by two to obtain fullness ratio and allow an extra four inches for the hem.
3. Unless your fabric is railroaded, divide by the width of your fabric and round up to the next whole number to determine the number of widths you will need.
4. Decide what you want the finished length of your valance to be, adding three inches for the hems to calculate your cut length. If you’re using a fabric with a pattern, you will need extra fabric to match the pattern matching.
5. Multiply your cut length by the number of widths to determine the amount of fabric you will need.

Make your own window valance with these easy to follow instructions.
6. If your fabric is railroaded, the amount of fabric you need is determined by measuring the front and sides, plus 4 inches for the hems. Multiply this sum by the fullness ratio of two.
7. Cut the fabric to size as measured in the previous steps. If your fabric is not railroaded and you need more than a single width, join multiple widths together using a French seam. Be sure to leave a full width in the middle and equal part widths on either side, with the pattern matched across the widths.
8. Hem down each side and pin, turning in double one inch hems.
9. Hem along the bottom edge and pin, turning up a double one inch hem.
10. Now mitre the bottom corners of the valance and stitch all three hems into place.
11. Turn down one inch at the top and press the valance.
12. At both ends of the heading tape, free the cords to the right side.
13. Place your fabric back side up on a flat surface. Run the heading tape along the top edge and close to the fold.
14. Pin the heading tape and position your cord tidy bags into place, two inches in from each side of the fabric.
15. Next, stitch the heading tape into place. Be sure to sew both rows of stitches in the same direction to prevent any puckering.
16. Pull the cords from both ends so the valance is the right width per your measurements. Secure them into place with a sliding loop and roll up any excess cord and stuff it neatly into the cord tidy bags on either end.
17. After adjusting your gathers evenly, insert curtain hooks every four inches, using the pockets on your heading tape to attach them.
18. You are ready to hang your window valance on the track using the hooks!

While they may not have the prestige of wood blinds, aluminum blinds offer a great combination of advantages, including hundreds of colour choices, horizontal and vertical blind styles and they are easier to maintain and keep clean than wood or fabric treatments!

Some people may think of cheap mini blinds when considering aluminum blinds, but the fact is that you can purchase them in a variety of slat widths and gauges; the thicker the slat gauge, the more durable your aluminum blind will be.

Advantages of Aluminum Blinds

Made using curved slats, you will find many advantages with aluminum blinds from the major blinds manufacturers:

• Moisture resistance makes them a good choice for bathroom or kitchen window treatments.
• You have a wide range of colour choices available in aluminum blinds.
• While they can be susceptible to bending or crimping, with care aluminum blinds are quite durable and should last for years.
• Finishes include brushed, smooth, baked on enamel and many others. Most aluminum blind finishes are anti-static to help keep dust away.
• Low cost with good overall value and clean, contemporary style comprise the most important benefits of selecting aluminum blinds!

Types of Aluminum Blinds

• Aluminum Mini Blinds – typically available with 1/2 inch or 1 inch slats made with 6 or 8 gauge aluminum, these will generally be the most affordable aluminum blinds available and provide a contemporary look, with advanced finishes that resists scratching and helps repel dust.
• Venetian Aluminum Blinds – for a little more money, you can purchase aluminum blinds with 2 inch, heavier 8 or 9 gauge aluminum slats, giving you a more durable and stylish blind.
• Vertical Aluminum Blinds – perfect for windows that open and close horizontally, the vertical blinds help add height to your window’s appearance and are typically made with the heavier gauge, wider slats.
• Duotone Aluminum Blinds – select the colour to match your room decor on the interior-facing side with a neutral color on the exterior side to avoid undesirable color mismatches with your home’s exterior colour scheme.
• Dual Headrail Aluminum Blinds – made with 6 or 8 gauge aluminum slats, these are perfect for skylights, roof or loft windows.

Purchasing Aluminum Blinds

Since many aluminum blinds are available in ready made and made to measure sizes, you can save considerably if you purchase them online in most cases, with special pricing discounts and free shipping offered by many major online blinds retailers.

You can easily compare price, features, colours and other options among the major retailers online and even compare with your local blinds retailer before making your buying decision.

The ease of selecting aluminum blinds online at whatever time is best for you from the comfort of your own home makes buying online a great convenience these days.

How to Clean Aluminum Blinds

What you’ll need:

• A Bucket of hot water and mild soap
• Cleaning Rags

Simple instructions for cleaning your aluminum blinds:

1. Mix a small amount of mild dishwashing soap like Joy, Ivory or your favorite brand with a bucket of hot water that is about half full so as not to spill the suds.
2. Wet your rag thoroughly in the bucket, and then wring it out a bit.
3. Close your aluminum blind, and then wipe each slat, either horizontally or vertically depending on which type of blind you have. Be sure to rinse the rag often or you will just smear the dust and grime.
4. Reverse the direction of the slats and repeat the process to clean the opposite side of your aluminum blind.
5. If you do this once a week or at least twice monthly, you will find that cleaning aluminum blinds goes quickly and keeps them looking like new!

While they may seem harmless enough, the Window Covering Safety Council (a United States organization) reports that, since 1981, some 360 children have died as a result of strangulation from window cords and that 93% of these deaths involved children age three or younger.

However, you can easily protect your children from this potential hazard. Read on to learn how to safeguard your children from the hazard of window cords.

The Dangers of Window Cords to Children

Protecting your child from the dangers of window cords is easy if you follow a few basic precautions.

In the majority of instances, the parents were home but could not hear the child, since the nature of this hazard prevents him or her from calling for help.

There are two most common occurrences that cause such deaths; either an infant in his or her crib placed near a window is caught in the window cords while sleeping or playing or else a toddler attempting to look out a window climbs on furniture to reach the window and loses his or her balance, getting tangled in the window cords.

Most of these child deaths (86 percent) involve either venetian blinds or mini blinds.

Venetian-style vertical blinds may also pose a strangulation danger to children (9 percent of the deaths), while other products that can cause child strangulation include pacifiers on strings, baby gates designed in accordion-type configurations, recliner chairs and electric garage doors.

Window and Window Cord Child Safety Precautions

Window cords attached to blinds or shades, curtain or drapery tie-backs and pull-back cords all present potential strangling hazards for young children.

When selecting and fitting new blinds or other window coverings, or to retrofit existing window coverings, use this checklist to ensure your home’s windows and window cords are safe for children:

1. Check all areas in your home for potential child hazards, including window cords.
2. In the nursery, children’s bedrooms and play areas use cordless window coverings.
3. If you have older window blinds in your home (generally those manufactured prior to 2001) you should consider either replacing them or retrofitting them with safety tassels for child safety.
4. Place children’s beds, cribs, furniture and toys away from windows and window cords; if possible move them to a wall away from any windows.
5. Be sure to keep window lift cords and pull cords out of your child’s reach.
6. Pull cords with safety tassels should be short.
7. If you have window coverings with continuous loop cords, anchor them securely to the wall or floor with no slack in the cords. Ideally, you should replace these fittings which are no longer up-to-date.
8. Cord stops should be installed and adjusted properly to limit inner lift cord movement.
9. Install window locks or bars to prevent children falling from your home’s windows. Window locks are inexpensive, but be sure your fire escape plan takes these mechanisms into consideration as you don’t want to replace one potential danger with another.
10. When selecting new blinds, verticals, and drapes or curtains, be sure to ask your retailer or manufacture about the child safety features their products incorporate.