Monday 29 December 2008

Choose Wooden Window Blinds for Elegance

When you're looking to add style, elegance, and class to your home, look no farther than wooden window blinds. You can't go wrong with wood blinds. The look is unmistakable and people will recognize that you've put thought and money into your home.

Many different styles of wood window blinds exist today. You can buy vertical wood blinds, woven natural blinds, mini blinds, exterior blinds and shutters, and blinds in faux wood styles. You can paint your wood blinds to match any décor, although many people prefer to leave their blinds in a wood finish. You can always stain them darker or lighter if you decide to in the future.

You can also customize you wood blinds by giving them a motorized control, adding UV or anti-static control, or giving them a more decorative touch. Customized wood blinds can be fit for unusual shaped windows or those that differently sized than normal windows. You can also choose different woods for your blinds. Basswood is commonly used, but you could also look for other woods or natural fibers.

People use wood blinds in many different rooms. Bedrooms and living rooms are probably the most popular places for wood blinds. In both places, the wood provides a warm and elegance to the space that can't be matched by other blinds.

Wooden window blinds do require a bit more care and upkeep than vinyl blinds. They need to be kept lubricated and this often means a yearly re-staining or oiling. They can also warp or crack if they are placed in areas where there is a high humidity factor. This is the reason why many people don't put wood blinds in their bathrooms or kitchens. In those places, you'll probably want to go with a faux wood blind to avoid these problems.

You may find that wood blinds are a bit more expensive than blinds made from other materials. For some individuals, this is a consideration when choosing a blind. Others want the look and warmth of wood blinds and cost isn't a consideration.

Like blinds made of other materials, a wooden window blind will give you added privacy and the ability to control the amount of light entering your home. You can open, close, or adjust the blinds for the level of privacy and light control that you want.

Wooden window blinds will give your home an added elegance and style. You can customize your blinds in many different ways to make them work even better for you. When you are looking to upgrade the look for your home, wooden window blinds should be at the top of your list.

Saturday 27 December 2008

Being Unique With Window Blinds For Round or Triangle Windows

You desire to be unique and that is natural because every individual has his own and different personality. Just like your windows. The windows are the eyes of the house for light comes through it and it illuminates the furniture and the walls, giving it a three dimensional effect; that is the result of beautiful shadings and shadows. And because you desire to be unique, your windows could be rounded or could be triangle shaped. You might think it is difficult to find accessories like window blinds for these unique windows. The good news is, you can always have blinds for round window or triangle.


A Window of Your Own

There are different kinds of window blinds suited for a particular room. There are mini blinds, Venetian blind, Shoji window blinds, Holland blinds, Honeycomb blinds, pleated blinds, roller blinds, bamboo blinds, and many more. There are lots of books and internet sites to gather and compare information if you wish to put window blinds in your home for it to feel and look elegant.

You will be pleased because most of the window blinds distributor customizes sizes and shapes of these blinds to fit it to your rounded- or triangle-shaped windows. There are also different textures and colors for the unique feel of your window blinds.

The blinds that you can personalize can also be enhanced by putting art prints or art rendering on it. The unique shape of your window plus the elegance of the window blinds will make your house guest wonder in awe.


Unique and Creative People

Most people who have rounded or triangle windows are individuals who are unique and most of them are artists. Most of them carved the windows or put on hand paint or art decoration in the window blinds.

Windows that are shaped round or triangle are just examples of avant-garde window shapes or forms that you could have to upgrade the beauty of your house. You could also have jagged, polygonal and customize shapes like fish, eye or checker board window design. You could have a do-it-yourself window blinds or you could contact a window blind distributor.

Whatever the design or form of your window, it never defeats its purpose and that is to lighten up the house and create a calm and peaceful mood in it. A beautiful or panoramic view and a doze of good clean air are essential to your health and these are also provided by window blinds. With the addition of the window blinds, you and your loved ones are protected to the sun's harmful ultra violet rays.

Get rid of your inhibitions on creating distinctive arrangements for your furnishings and for your window. Being creative could save you from anxiety and stress. So go on and experiment. If you happen to choose rounded and triangle shaped window, don't let anxiety grasp you for you could have blinds for round window or triangle anytime.

Sunday 21 December 2008

Wood Window Blinds Or Vinyl Window Blinds - Which Are The Best?

Mini blinds have come a long way since those days long ago when aluminum blinds that used to get bent up were the only game in town. Today, you can choose from wood blinds, vinyl blinds and others as well. So that leads to the question of which are better, wood blinds or vinyl blinds? Here's a look at the differences.

Wood Mini Blinds

Two inch wood window blinds are a popular choice for many homeowners. With their stylish looks, they can add incredible beauty to any home decor.

Although wood mini blinds are more expensive than their vinyl counterparts, they will last much longer if cared for properly. The most important thing to keep in mind with wood is to not let the blinds get wet. Water will cause them to warp and become damaged.

Wood blinds are available in all sorts of colors and sizes to fit any window in your home. You can also have custom wood blinds created for you that can be made to match any wood trim and moldings in the room.

Vinyl Mini Blinds

As the least costly window covering, vinyl mini blinds make a solid choice for a window treatment. Vinyl offers up several advantages including a much lower cost and ease in cleaning them.

In addition you can purchase vinyl mini blinds today that are made to look nearly identical to wood. One of the major drawbacks with vinyl is that they tend to be fragile. For example, if you have a cat that likes to get up in your windows they can easily destroy your blinds.

Like wood, vinyl mini blinds are also available in a wide selection of sizes and colors. You can literally find them in every color under the rainbow.

So, what's the bottom line with blinds? We tend to prefer wood window blinds over vinyl. Nothing can touch them in terms of style and class. Add to that the fact these blinds will last a lifetime, you can see why they make such an excellent choice.

Thursday 18 December 2008

Wood Window Blinds - Are They Right For You?

If you want to add elegance and charm to your home, consider installing wood window blinds. These blinds can be stained to match any décor. They can be made from a variety of different woods to please even the pickiest home owner. Read on to discover some of the greatest advantages of choosing wood window blinds for your home.

Wood window blinds can be custom made to fit any window in your home. If you have a preference, you may choose the type of wood that you would like your blinds to be made from. Having wood window blinds will give you maximum privacy and add a sense of warmth to the room.

Wooden window blinds will also increase the energy efficiency of your home. They are very effective in keeping out the sun and heat on those hot summer days and they can keep the heat in your home and the cold out on those cold winter days.

Wood window blinds are usually more expensive than fabric blinds or aluminum blinds, but they are more durable. The initial investment will be worth it in the long run. Wood blinds have been known to increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell.

However, if you don't have the money to invest in genuine wood window blinds, there are other options. You may choose faux wood blinds for your window covering. These blinds are less expensive and in most cases, it is hard to tell the difference between real wood and faux wood. They are durable and easy to clean.

Another advantage to the faux wood blinds is that they can be used in areas of high humidity. Real wood may be a problem in these areas due to warping or cracking of the wood. This is not a problem with the faux wood blind because they are made of a durable moisture resistant vinyl.

Keeping these blinds clean is very easy no matter if you choose real wood or faux wood. If you have real wood blinds, all you have to do is dilute some wood cleaner or polish in water and dip a towel or other soft cloth into the solution. Just wipe down the individual slats with this solution to remove dust and give the wood a nice shine.

Cleaning faux wood blinds is even easier. They can be vacuumed using the brush attachment. If they are soiled they can be wiped clean with warm water and a mild soap.

Comparison shop before you make the decision on what type of wood blinds to purchase. Consider your budget and lifestyle. If you plan on installing them yourself, make sure that you know how to do it correctly to prevent damage to the wood blind or your window. Once installed, sit back and enjoy your new wood window blinds.

Monday 15 December 2008

Window Treatment Blinds - The Perfect Choice For Different Window Applications

Window treatment designs include many applications that you can find in the industry. They may come in different forms such as curtains, drapes, shades, and blinds. Window treatment blinds are one of the most popularly used both in an office establishment and inside the household. Roller blinds and festoon blinds are the two basic kinds that can be found on home-improvement stores.

1. Roller blinds

One of the most popular window treatment blinds is the roller blind type, which is the simplest of them all. It is a kind of flat fabric with brackets and attached at the top of a window. It is made stiffened before wrapped around a wooden roller.

This is a flexible kind as it allows you to adjust it to a height that you prefer through its ratchet system and uses the spring found on one end of this window treatment blind. Because of the stiffened fabric, which is mainly made as such through applying some stiffening agent, roller blind can be easily cleaned. That makes window treatment blinds suitable for bathroom and kitchen window applications.

2. Festoon blinds

These are popular choice for those looking for window treatment blinds that generate luxurious and pristine impression. Festoon blinds can be most perfect on windows in the living or bed rooms. They have the kind of extra fullness effect as these are gathered into a certain length providing that luxurious, rich, and robust design.

Festoon blinds are usually made of fine fabrics with large volumes incorporated. Cords are used vertically running via the rings. They are sewn on the fabrics' back which allow you to basically lower or raise the blind.

Because of the big volume of fine fabrics used, it is normal for this window treatment blinds to be more expensive than the more ordinary kind, roller blinds.

If you are going to choose window treatment blinds, make sure you understand well the basics of the window that you are going to work with. There are many different window blinds that you can get, but you have to ensure they will work great with the entire design and style of your home.

Thursday 11 December 2008

5 Fantastic Reasons To Buy Faux Wood Blinds

If you are looking for elegant window coverings for the windows in your home, consider faux window blinds. These window blinds will give your home a touch of class and they are very functional. Read on to discover a list of reasons why you should purchase faux window blinds for your home.

The first reason you should purchase faux window blinds is for appearance. These window blinds look great in any room. Whether it is the living room, den, kitchen or child's room, you can find faux window blinds to match any décor.

The next reason is durability. Faux window blinds are made from hardwood and vinyl. These two elements are combined to form a very durable window blind. In fact, these faux wood window blinds can be more durable and longer lasting than real wooden window blinds. This is especially true if you live in a high moisture area of the country.

Another reason to buy faux wood blinds is ease of cleaning. These window blinds wipe off easily with a mild soap and water. They don't warp like real wooden blinds. They are also harder to break. Faux wood blinds are perfect for families with small children or pets. Those little "accidents" can be washed away quickly.

A great reason to buy faux wood blinds is choice of color and finish. Any type of color or finish that you can imagine, you can get on a faux wood blind. These blinds look so much like real wood window blinds that it is very hard to tell the difference. You can find a faux wooden blind to match any room in your home.

The best reason to buy faux wood blinds is the price. These blinds cost a lot less than original wood blinds. Why pay more when you can get the same look for less money? Having real wood window blinds is great, but having durable, easy to clean, faux wood blinds is even better. Some of the faux wood blinds that are manufactured today are even fire resistant. They are easy to install. You can also get some that are motorized if you desire.

So there you have several good reasons to buy faux wood blinds. Who doesn't want to get the best value for their hard earned dollar? You can when you buy faux wood blinds for your home.

By the way, you can learn more about Faux Wood Blinds as well as more information on everything to do with wood blinds by visiting http://www.WoodBlindsA-Z.com

Saturday 6 December 2008

Window Blinds Safety – No More Senseless Deaths

If you are the parent of a small child or infant there are a few things you should know and be aware of when it comes to choking hazards of window blinds or shades. I was deeply saddened to read about the death of a one year old girl in Greenwich, CT. She choked to death on the cords of a roman shade that was over her playpen. In reaction to this tragedy, IKEA and Green Mountain Vista window blinds is recalling over 670,000 blinds and shades manufactured in India and China.


So I say it is time for a reminder about window blind safety. There are a few common sense steps you can take to protect your children and your pets for that matter. The first step is, of course, awareness that some window treatments pose a choking hazard. It may seem improbable but those dangling cords hanging off of many blinds and shades can be dangerous.


The best way to avoid this hazard is to purchase window treatments that don’t have cords at all. This is what the WCSC (Window Coverings Safety Council) recommends – just don’t have them in your house! There are options you should be aware of in this category: cordless, motorized and wand control. Cordless blinds come in two forms: a spring loaded lift mechanism, like in solar and roller shades. Or, the gear-assisted cordless option, like in wood blinds, faux wood blinds, cellular, pleated, woven woods and roman shades. Spring rolls are operated by gently tugging downwards and then either raising or lifting. Gear-assisted are operated by gently pushing or pulling the bottom rail. For window blinds, the cordless option will include a wand to open and close (tilt) the louvers to let in light or darken the room. If you are interested in roller shades or sun shades, there will be no wand control. For vertical blinds and panel tracks, you can choose to purchase the wand control that will traverse the blind and rotate the vertical vanes. The motorized option also eliminates the cords altogether for most products.


When the position of the window or large size of the shade prevents a cordless or motorized choice, the WCSC also approves the use of a continuous cord loop - this option features clutch-assisted lift control with a looped cord that is anchored to the wall and remains the same length regardless of the position of the shade.


If you do order blinds with cords, make sure that the cords come with what is called a breakaway tassel. A breakaway tassel will “break” if pressure is applied, thus drastically reducing the choking hazard. Most of the US manufacturers of window treatments use breakaway tassels on their cords at no extra charge because it is the right thing to do. For this reason, I would recommend steering clear of window treatments made in countries where child and pet safety is not a priority. Just so you know the major US brands are: Hunter Douglas, Bali, Levolor, Graber, Comfortex, Springs, Kirsch and Nanik.


If you already have blinds or shades in your house, go through each individual blind and check the cords. Are they tangled? Do they form a loop? If so, untangle them or separate the cords so that they don’t form a loop and then go to a hardware store and purchase a cord cleat for each blind in your house. A cord cleat can be mounted to the window frame, and will give you a place to secure the cord up high so it is out of reach. Next, don’t place your child’s bed, playpen, etc. near a window if you can avoid it, even with a cord cleat. Cord cleats are only good if you always secure the cord up high.

Thursday 4 December 2008

Vertical Window Blinds

Vertical window blinds are an inexpensive décor idea. They add a lot of value to your rooms by enhancing the rooms' looks with their graceful drapes. Vertical window blinds can be a good way of covering windows when one is not keen on curtains or other types of window coverings.


Vertical blinds can be made in various materials. Aluminum, vinyl, wood, faux wood and even fabric is used to make vertical blinds. It is personal preferences that decide the material to be used for making vertical blinds.


Vertical blinds can be operated with ease. Rotating the vanes or drawing them away from the window opens out the blinds, providing a peep into whatever lies beyond the window.


Aluminum vertical blinds are very popular as they are a very cost effective window covering option. Kitchens and bathrooms where humidity levels are high are ideal locations for vinyl vertical blinds. Vinyl is sturdy material and not easily damaged by humidity.


Wooden vertical blinds can be used in rooms which have wooden furniture. The undulating effect created by usage of similar material will give an impression of added space. Living rooms and bedrooms are ideal for wooden blinds as they do not stand up well to humidity and need a more controlled environment.


Wooden vertical window blinds are pretty expensive and fall into the most expensive category of blinds. Consumers who are very keen about the wooden look but do not want to spend so much can opt for faux wooden vertical window blinds. Faux wooden blinds are wood look-alikes and have the looks of wood but all the advantages of vinyl. Like any other vinyl blind these faux wood vertical blinds are easy to maintain and do not fade easily.


Fabric can also be used to make vertical blinds. Fabric vertical blinds are made using inserts to provide shape, stability and for ease of tilting.


Vertical blinds are controlled by using either cords or safety wands. Safety wands are more durable and thus more preferred over cords by most customers. Vacuuming, dusting or wiping with a soft damp cloth is sufficient to maintain vertical window blinds.

Tuesday 2 December 2008

An Introduction To RV Window Blinds

Just like window blinds for your house, RV window blinds are coverings made to fit RV windows to provide shade and privacy. These blinds are available in a variety of styles and colors, so it is easy to find window shades that are not only the right size for your RV, but also fit nicely into your room's design.

Some of the more commonplace types of RV window blinds include:

- Aluminum RV window blinds. Aluminum mini blinds are also available in an array of colors and most models include a simple device for opening and closing the slats, as well as raising and lowering the whole shade. These RV window blinds can be bought in a range of sizes and can often be cut to your specifications.

- Windshield privacy wraps. Similar to pleated, pull-down RV window blinds, windshield wraps are made from fabric material and are available in lots of colors. These window blinds are attached on rails along the inside of the windshield so they slide open and closed for easy use.

- Pull-down, pleated blinds. These shades are generally made of a tough, stain-resistant fabric and can be found in day/night options. Day/night window blinds feature a sheer layer that can provide respite from the sun and privacy without concealing all natural light for day time use and an opaque layer for complete privateness at night. Pull-down blinds are available in several colors and open and close without trouble.

Advantages of RV Window Blinds

There are a number of reasons RV owners want to install window blinds to their travel trailer or motor home. RV window blinds are almost similar to the blinds and shades covering windows in our homes. A primary purpose of their use is to add fashion, style and personality to your home away from home. There are plenty of styles and colors to want from, so it is easy to give your RV a personal touch.

Window blinds are also the easiest way to get a sense of privacy inside your RV. RV camping is lots of fun, but most RV parks don't provide a great amount of privateness. While spending time with your camping neighbors is fun, there are times you need your own space. Window blinds can be lowered and closed so that no one can look inside your RV.

These window coverings are the greatest way to protect your RV's interior from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. RV window blinds can shut off direct sunlight so your furniture are protected from fading. They can also regulate the temperature inside your RV.

The Downfalls of Window Blinds for Your RV

Like home window blinds, those designed for RVs can be troublesome to keep clean. Pleated shades can simply be wiped clean with a damp sponge. While this type of blind is usually made of a stain resistant material, it is also much more susceptible to splatters and spills and may require more work than slatted blinds. Aluminum, slatted RV shades do require a more thorough cleaning process because each slat must be cleaned individually. It can also be hard to find RV window blinds for unconventional sized windows, often requiring a custom cutting.

How Much Are RV Window Blinds?

Window blinds are a great enhancement to your RV, whether you're looking for some privacy or hoping to cool the inside of your motor home on a hot summer afternoon. A variety of styles, colors and sizes are generally available from outdoor outfitters and camping suppliers. RV window blinds are also available on the internet. These useful and beautiful window coverings can be found for as little as $30, while some RV window blinds cost more than $100. Professional installations will more expensive.

Monday 1 December 2008

Insulated Window Blinds

Basic science lessons tell us that heat and sound are absorbed when they come in contact with a material obstruction. Window coverings provide exactly this kind of an obstruction and absorb a certain amount of sound and heat. Absorption of sound and heat is known as insulation. While all window blinds provide some amount of insulation, some window blinds are manufactured with an enhanced capacity for insulation. Such window blinds are known as insulated window blinds. Insulated window blinds also prevent heat loss from houses during cold seasons.

While all materials absorb sound and heat to some extent, some materials are better insulators than others. Such materials are used to make insulated window blinds. Certain methods of construction also have an effect on the insulation properties of window blinds. Manufacturers make use of such construction methods and materials to optimize the insulation properties of insulated window blinds.

The insulation effectiveness of window blinds is also affected by their position. One cannot expect any amount of insulation from open window blinds. While closed window blinds offer maximum insulation, the effect comes down with the blinds being left even partially raised.

The earliest insulated window shades were generally the creation of innovative people who had to solve problems of heat loss and excess sunlight streaming through their windows. As the idea caught on, insulated window shades were made commercially. From their earliest form of quilted window coverings, insulated window shades are now seen in their latest form of cellular window shades. Box shells are constructed to trap air; this increases the insulation capacity of these blinds.

Cellular shades are very compact and lightweight. Soft textured, woven and non woven fabrics are sandwiched together to enhance insulation properties of window blinds. Manufacturers offer single, double and triple cell designs in combination with a variety of pleat sizes, fabrics and colors. Options for manual operation and motorized operation are provided for ease of use as per positioning of these insulated window blinds.

Some insulated window blinds are treated for flame resistance and color fastness. These blinds are easy to clean and maintain in a pristine condition that optimizes their insulation properties.