Tuesday 28 December 2010

Tips For Purchasing Suitable Window Blinds For Home

When you install window blinds in a room of your home, its look changes and becomes more attractive. You can use them to enhance the décor of a particular room to make it more pleasing to the eyes. Besides the décor, the basic purpose of these coverings is also fulfilled. The main purpose behind covering of the windows is to restrict the amount of sunlight from entering your home so that you can liven in it comfortably.

While purchasing the coverings for your home, you will come across many varieties. Sometimes, it becomes more difficult to choose the right one. So, we advise you to take help of some expert so that the confusion ends. The expert will also let you know about your requirement of sunlight and air in a particular side of the home. You can choose the window coverings accordingly.

Keep in mind that the different window blinds for home have different characteristics. You should know about your specifications and about your budget also while making the purchasing. Ensure that the purchasing is made in keeping with your style of the home and the purpose.

Cost may be one good reason that you should be comparing the sellers. It is true that the cost of installing of a covering on the window is very low as compared to the total cost of your room décor; still, if you are on a budget, then some cheaper options are also available in the market. For home, mini blinds are considered as affordable as these are practical also to install.

Another option for low priced window blinds is to purchase vinyl roller shades that are much less expensive than fabric roller blinds. They are also less costly than wooden blinds.

If you are facing more financial constraints, you have the option of using mixed blinds as well. This implies that you can use cheaper blinds for sheds, bathrooms and you can use more expensive and great looking blinds for your bedrooms and living room as well as for study.

Apart from the theme of your room and its design, another aspect that you should look for in window blinds for home is that these should be energy-efficient. Know that cellular shades and some shutters are considered as great for keeping the harsh sunlight or cold air from entering your home. For insulation, you can use PVC-backed fabric blinds that offer adequate privacy too.

If your home is at a right place in terms of a scenic beauty, then you would like to enjoy the view through your home windows. To do so, avoid opaque and thick blinds and shades. Consider purchasing of transparent fabric that will not only provide protection from the sunlight but will give you a good view of the outside also.

You should also search for competitive prices of window blinds for home. Search the internet widely and scan for the online sellers who have recently cut down the prices. However, ensure that the online seller offers you a blind cleaner service also for maintaining the cleanliness of the blinds.

Saturday 25 December 2010

How To Shop For Discount Window Blinds

You can find discount wood window blinds, shades, shutters, mural blinds, verticals, metal roller blinds, minis, faux wood, bamboo, Roman, fabric, arch, velux and vinyls among many others. Many people love the clean, sleek look of hard window treatments. Window shutters, which are more expensive than other types of blinds, are like adding fine furniture to your windows.

If you feel as though you are living in a cave, sun control window blinds let the light and view through but not the glare. Buying window treatments are one of the most important purchases you'll ever make.

A wide range of ready-made verticals are available in various natural colors. Blinds are fairly low maintenance but removable veins are available in wipe clean or washable fabrics if needed. The cheaper wooden blinds have that rich wood look at very low prices. If you like to see outside but have to squint then consider the two inch metal type for the visibility you want.

The slats to the verticals are all easily adjustable in length and require no sewing or gluing whatsoever. Natural bamboo woven shades are made from beautiful wood, rattan, jute, grass and reeds. The roller blinds are the perfect choice for adding fantastic style and originality to your home.

A large selection of discount verticals are available on the Internet today; there are at least 200 fabrics to choose from. The controls for verticals can be either left or right hand operation and veins can 'stack-back' to left, right, or parted in the center. The prestige bamboo sliders are a simple and more sophisticated alternative to the traditional verticals.

The woven wood shades or matchstick blinds are shades that bring the beauty of nature indoors and provide insulation against summer's heat and winter's cold. The real wood blinds are designed to bring the natural beauty and insulating qualities of wood into your home or office. On a lot of the websites you can browse through many fabrics, get an instant quote online and request free samples.

If you use water to clean your wood blinds, the excess moisture will likely cause the wood to warp. You should try to dust vinyls once or twice each month. You should also avoid using abrasive solutions or solvents to clean wood blinds because they can also cause damage.

You have to take care of wood differently than you would take care of traditional vinyl designs. You should never use metal to clean vinyls; you would likely need to replace your vinyls after using metal on them because they would be quite scratched.

From wooden Venetians to the new wooden vertical blinds you'll find that the wooden type will add a touch of style and luxury to you home while caring for the environment and of course it's best if you get discount window blinds. In no time, you'll have the information you need to pick and choose the window treatment that is just right for you and your family.

It's important to take the time and find the best discounted window treatment. Discount window blinds are readily available on the Internet. You can often find them wholesale online with a little bit more in-depth looking.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Choosing Blinds For Roof Windows

Finding a blind or curtain for a normal window is easy, all you have to do is decide what type you want, how you want it to look, measure it up and visit any of the hundreds of shops or websites selling window blinds.

But what if you have roof windows or skylights? A normal blind or curtain won't do, obviously, so you'll need something a bit different. What will that cost? Where do I find it?

Blinds hung in a roof window or skylight require side rails, wires or tension to hold them in place, as without them they would simply hang vertically, ruling out using normal blinds or curtains.

You also have to consider the fact that normal windows open outwards or slide vertically or horizontally, so window blinds or curtains can be hung on the outer dimensions of the window frame as the window won't interfere when opened.

However, most roof windows or skylights pivot in the middle when opened, which would be inhibited by a normal blind mounted on the outer frame. They have to sit inside the opening sash to allow them to be opened at will instead.

What type of blinds can I use?

While you cannot use traditional blinds or curtains for your roof windows, there are still plenty of attractive options open to you.

Blackout

These blinds are flat and will shut out all daylight, some of the noise (i.e. traffic, rain) and some of the heat. Blackout blinds are made to measure and fit inside the internal frame on aluminium side rails - do NOT buy blinds with plastic side rails as they will warp over time, leaving you unable to use the blind. These are the most common and popular type of roof window blind.

Pleated (also called Plisse Blinds)

These fabric blinds (sometimes plastic, but not advised) are folded, concertina-style, into pleats and run on a wire mounted into the internal frame of the roof window. Again, they are made to measure but are generally less sturdy than a blackout blind. If you are likely to use the blinds a lot, this may not be the ideal blind for you, but if they will rarely be used - perhaps in an attic - then they provide a slightly cheaper but just as attractive option.

Roller Roof

Providing the cheapest option for your roof window or skylight, roller blinds rely on tension to stay tight inside the window frame and are held in place by either wooden side pieces or by nailed in pegs/clips which secure the blind in position.

Venetian

Perhaps the most expensive type of blind for roof windows and skylights, the Venetian blind is definitely the most attractive you can use.

Go for aluminium or wooden slats but definitely not plastic as these will get damaged in the increased heat of a roof window. A good Venetian blind will be made to measure and mounted on tracks within the internal window frame or on wire, similar to the pleated blind.

The real advantage of using Venetian blinds are that you can position the blind and still manipulate the angle of the slat, providing great versatility in how much light you let into a room.

Sunday 19 December 2010

Using Bamboo Window Blinds For Formal Rooms


Bamboo is a great plant that can supply a lot of materials for many different products. This renewable resource is also helpful for the earth and the environment because it is not derived from synthetic elements and can be renewed or replanted. Bamboo is often used to make bamboo window blinds. They are ideal for windows because they can actually allow privacy but at the same time not cut off any air flow since the bamboo is porous and the natural grain of the bamboo allows for air to go between slats or between strips of woven bamboo window blinds and shades.

Designs

Bamboo window blinds may seem too casual for some people to be used for formal rooms. In actuality, the design of the bamboo window blinds often dictates what kind of ambience it delivers. The raw bamboo blinds are often reserved for outdoor uses or for rooms that are informal or casual. Raw bamboo window blinds are often made up of slats of uneven bamboo strips about an inch or so and these are the very simple types of bamboo window blinds.


Outdoor bamboo blinds can be very useful in areas where people do not wish to be seen or when the sun is too hot such as the patio or the lanai. On the other hand, some of the bamboo window blinds can be the epitome of formality if they are designed well and colored in such as way that they complement the room they are installed in.

Designs and colors are usually muted or single toned with little or no frills and decorations at all that will break the elegance and simplicity of the design. The simple and elegant design of the indoor bamboo window blinds can suit formal rooms as long as the colors and design matches that of the room.

Other Uses of Bamboo Window Blinds

Bamboo window blinds can also be used as room dividers. They are especially useful for this purpose because they can shield some parts or areas of the room which the owner does not wish to be seen but at the same time, if the owner needs the extra space, he or she just need to roll up the bamboo window blinds and, voila!, instant space. They can also be used to cover the glass on the doors. These can serve as door blinds especially for doors with little glass window in them.

Wednesday 15 December 2010

Are Bamboo Window Blinds Right For You?


When considering wood window blinds for your home, you might want to consider bamboo. Bamboo blinds have been used for centuries as partitions and blinds. They also give your home an oriental flare, which adds to the charm of the house.

The Use of Bamboo Through History
You may not have known this but bamboo is used in bridges, houses, fences, toys, furniture, floors and so much more. People have used it to decorate both the inside of their homes as well as their outdoor living space.

In some cultures, bamboo is kept around as a tool for long life. Other cultures use bamboo to ward off any evil spirits that may be lurking around. It is also a sign of friendship to many people.

Bamboo Window Blinds
Originally, bamboo blinds were seen as elegant. They were used to show off design capabilities while maintaining functionality and reliability. Now, they are used throughout the world. Bamboo can be seen in floors, offices and vacation homes alike.

Today, bamboo blinds are coming into fashion because of their Eco-friendly design. The product is natural and complements any room. As window coverings, they let the breeze in and maintain a classic style. To keep to the authenticity of the blinds, most people prefer a natural stain over coloring.

Affordability of Bamboo
Like the majority of products, the cost will vary depending on where you shop and the quality of blinds you receive. Recently, I did a search for affordable blinds and found Tavarua Basics Bamboo Shades on sale for $27.26. I also saw Tavarua Bamboo Ring Drapery on sale for $63.38. Bamboo blinds come in a wide range of styles and colors. Therefore, you need to shop around for the best prices.

Custom Blinds
Like most other blinds, you can get custom bamboo blinds as well. This way no matter how awkward to misshapen your window it, you can get blinds that fit perfectly. You can order them exactly the way you want. This may mean you get blinds that shine in lots of light or block out light. You might even want to upgrade your blinds to a duo-fold. That way you can open the blinds from the top or the bottom.

Bamboo for Any Home
The best part about bamboo blinds is that they work great anywhere. They are super simple to clean. All you need to do is dust them. Add a shade to the window and you can drastically change the dynamics of the entire room.

Sunday 12 December 2010

The Many Benefits Of Faux Wood Windows Blinds


Redecorating your home with faux wood window blinds has many benefits. They are so versatile and easy to clean that you just cannot go wrong when choosing faux over real wood. To get an idea of just a few of their benefits, continue reading.

Versatility of Faux Wood
Most people think of wood shutters when someone mentions wood window treatments. However, wood has a variety of uses including blinds and shades. While you may be able to picture wood blinds easily, picturing wood shades may not come quite as easily.

Consider the bamboo shade. Bamboo shades weave real wood into the pattern to make this faux wood shade look like natural bamboo. This use of faux wood really brings the feel of the South Pacific into your home.

Faux Wood in Any Room
The thing I like most about faux wood is I can put them in any room of the house. With real wood blinds, I can't put them in the bathroom, kitchen or the laundry room. While this is not a huge problem, I like all my blinds to be the same throughout my home. (We have a woodsy cabin look.)

Since real wood does not hold up to humidity and water well, we can't really put them everywhere. Instead of trying to match faux wood to our real wood, we simply put faux wood window treatments up all over the house. Since faux wood won't bend, warp or crack, we never have to worry about privacy in the bathroom. Our blinds hold true.

Cleaning Faux is Easy as 1,2,3
Anyone who has pets or kids knows how blinds get unexplained spots and stains. While you may never know how grape jelly gets on the blinds, it is super simple to clean.

1. Dust the blinds on a regular basis (Rub a fabric sheet on them to repel dust.)
2. Spot clean with a warm washcloth and dish soap.
3. Deep clean by soaking them in hot soapy water or sending them to a profession sonic blind cleaner.

Dress Faux Wood Up with Sheer Curtains
One of my favorite tips is the sheer curtain. The guest bedroom has white faux wood window blinds. Depending on the season or the company, I change my sheer curtain to match.

I have:

* Pastel Green, Pink, and Blue curtains for babies and Spring
* Black and Orange ones for Halloween
* Snowflakes design for winter
* Orange and Brown for Fall

You get the idea. A quick change of the curtains and a quick change of some pillows and knick-knacks and the guest room fits all seasons. This works especially well if you have a white theme in the room (bedspread, night stand, dresser). A couple of accents really transform the room.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Window Blinds Offer Great Beauty


Nowadays, you can find window blinds in a wide variety of colors and styles to help you create the perfect home design for your windows and home. You can find them made of different materials as well to enable you to create the home design that you are searching for. The most common materials that window blinds are available in include:

1. Wood. Wood is one of the most popular materials for window blinds. There is no other material quite like wood in its aesthetic feeling and warmth. Wood blinds can be painted or stained many different colors to help you create the perfect look for your window and home. Wood window blinds slats come in different sizes as well to help you get the look and feel that you want for your window. Woven and Venetian blinds can be found made of wood.

2. Metal. Metal window blinds are another very popular choice in window blinds, especially the aluminum ones. They are very easy to take care of and durable, which makes them a great choice for many homeowners. They come in a myriad of sizes and colors to help you get the right look for your room and your window, too.

3. Fabric. Some window blinds are constructed of fabric that is stiffened for added strength. The fabric may be used alone or it may be backed with metal or vinyl. This is a great decorating element when coordinated with other fabrics in the room.

4. Cane. Woven blinds are made of either bamboo or rattan cane. These slats can be split cane pieces or whole can pieces, depending upon the window blinds. These window blinds can be used to filter and diffuse light in the room, rather than block it entirely.

5. PVC and Vinyl. Woven and Venetian blinds can be found made of vinyl. Vinyl is often used instead of wood or metal in Venetian or woven window blinds, because they are more durable and they are easy to clean. They are also less expensive than many other materials.

The great thing about window blinds is that they can be used in conjunction with other window treatments like curtains or valances, or they can be used alone. If they are used alone, they can make your look more roomy and large and add a contemporary flair. When used with curtains or drapes, they tend to make a room feel more soft, welcoming, and cozy. Curtains or valances help to soften up the straight lines of the window blinds, giving the windows a softer appearance.

Window blinds can be included in almost any room of the home as the sole window treatment or in conjunction with curtains or drapes. A eat in kitchen will look very bright and welcoming with woven window blinds that allow just a little of the light in, while a traditional living room will look even more cozy and welcoming with Venetian blinds frames with light curtains and/or a valance. Bedrooms are a great room to use the light blocking vinyl mini-blinds to enable you to get the rest that you want and need after a long day of work.

Window blinds can give your windows great style and beauty, as well as function. Adding them to your home design plan can give you a functional window treatment and a beautiful addition to your room. What could be better?

Saturday 27 November 2010

Window Blinds: Not Just a Decoration


When decorating your home you pick curtains for your lounge and bedroom
and you choose blinds for your bathroom and kitchen. The time and effort that goes into each interior design decision can be huge. What colour walls shall we have? What colour furniture? What colour carpets? The list goes on. I could forgive you for thinking that window blinds are easier to choose than most decorations. After all, they are only blinds. However, it could be worthwhile to spend some time when considering what blinds you are looking to buy.

When decorating your home you pick curtains for wyour lounge and bedroom and you choose blinds for your bathroom and kitchen. The time and effort that goes into each interior design decision can be huge. What colour walls shall we have? What colour furniture? What colour carpets? The list goes on. I could forgive you for thinking that window blinds are easier to choose than most decorations. After all, they are only blinds. However, it could be worthwhile to spend some time when considering what blinds you are looking to buy.

Blinds can offer privacy to your home. Some provide greater privacy than others. At times you may wish to raise your blinds completely leaving a clear view of your garden for example. The difference between vertical blinds and horizontal blinds may not bother you whilst the blinds are down but when they are slid away you may realise you would prefer vertical blinds or vice versa.

Deciding which material you want for your blinds is important as well. Cheaper materials such as vinyl could be prone to drooping and therefore going for a material with more quality, such as aluminium, may be preferable. Also it is worthwhile considering the light control blinds can have on your room. If your blinds are for a child’s room then this feature could be important. Cordless blinds may also be of interest for those looking to decorate a child’s room for safety.

Your choice of blinds can have another effect. However, this one does not necessarily have an effect on the appearance of your room but on another equally important area that you will no doubt be concerned with; that of cost.

Before you get carried away thinking about the price range of blinds I am not talking about the retail cost of blinds but the cost of energy. Windows are the main source of energy loss in the home so with rising energy costs it makes sense to buy blinds that will not only look good, but that will conserve energy, keep your home warm and cut down on costs. Choosing quality vertical blinds will provide you with a long lasting and aesthetically pleasing addition to your home.

When choosing blinds for your home it is important to remember how to measure your window space precisely as mistakes are commonly made when customers measure their own windows. Having the attitude of relief that you have now finished decorating your room and it is only the blinds you need to get can be dangerous. This can result in making a small mistake when measuring your window and subsequently you will receive blinds that are either too big or too small.

Rather than just acting as a finishing touch, it is worth thinking about blinds from the outset of your design plans as they can act as a complementary feature to the focal point of your room. For example, a set of beige blinds will complement a pine table. It is also worth taking into account the colour of your carpet or tiles as you have the opportunity to match your blinds with the floor. Whilst choosing pale blinds can be an easy option you may miss the chance to add real class to your decor.

Friday 26 November 2010

3 Benefits Of Window Blinds For Any Home


Window blinds are right for every home for many different reasons. If you are thinking about adding blinds to your windows, then you have to know what these benefits are.

Understanding the benefits will help you see why they are important for any home. They will help you ensure the smart choice is made on whether or not they are correct for your windows or not.

Below are the most vital benefits you need to know.

1. Protection - When you have blinds on your windows, they protect you when you are inside. The way that they do this is by preventing anyone from seeing into your home.

Of course, there will be times that you will have the blinds open, but when they are shut, they will keep out prying eyes. This is especially important at night or when you are not home because it will keep everyone from seeing you and what belongings you have.

2. Better look to your home - Blinds always add a better look to any home's windows. You have to make sure that you get the right type of your particular windows, but if you take time to look at your options, then this will not be hard to do.

You can even add different types and styles of blinds to different rooms in your home to give it the best look that you like.

3. Helps keep your home cooler - There are many blinds that will help keep your home cooler or warmer when you keep them closed. Obviously, when they are open, this will not always be a benefit, but when they are closed, it can help you save money on your heating or cooling every month.

Just choose the blinds carefully, so you can get ones that help the best with this. You will not be disappointed if you are smart about the blinds you get.

If you want more of a choice on the blinds you get for your windows, then you may want to consider custom blinds. Custom blinds are a good idea for many homes so you can be 100% sure that they will fit your windows perfectly.

Otherwise, you may end up wasting money purchasing blinds that are the wrong fit for your particular window. Custom blinds make sense for a lot of people because not every window is the same size.

Now that you know these benefits, you can see why window blinds are so essential for any home. Make sure you think about these benefits carefully and then take time to check out your options. That way you can easily determine the blinds that are right for your home and know that you will be making the wise decision.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Types of Window Blinds for Your Home and Office


When you are planning to decorate your home you must think which type of window blinds you will use. To give a perfect look to your home you must make the perfect choice of blind. Window blinds are becoming very popular these days. You can use them in any room of your home such as in conservatories, kitchens and bathrooms. Before choosing window blinds you must think of few things.
Firstly you have to decide the type of window blind you would prefer. You can find varieties of blinds in the market. Some of them are:

Vertical Blinds:
These blinds are made from a number of vertically hanging slats. These blinds are ideal for large windows and sliding doors. You can find wide range of styles and material including faux wood, aluminum, solar screen, cellular and fabric. If you are looking for light control, energy efficiency and to preserve a beautiful view these blinds are the best solution for your home window.

Roller Blinds:
These blinds are made of plastic material. It is available in a wide range of designs and colors. The good thing about these blinds is that they keep the morning light out. But in these blinds you can choose the amount of air you allow to pass through the window and how much light you wish to allow in.

Roman Blinds:
It is just like roller blinds. You can move the blind up and down so that it covers as much of the window as you want. It is perfect for luxurious look in a bedroom. You can find wonderful fabrics which are soft to the touch, with a weight and heft that forms the perfect Roman Blind.

Office blinds:
It is very important to have the good working atmosphere in the office environment. Always remember that the look of your work space can improve the employee’s motivation to work. You can have constructive working environment by installing office blinds.

Venetian Blinds:
They are made from horizontally hanging slats. These slats can be angled to direct the light or closed completely. You can use these blinds in all rooms. But it can be a great choice for bathroom and kitchen as you can close the slats completely and you can find them in water-resistant materials. It can be cleaned very easily. It is good for customers who are looking for effective and stylish window coverings. It has developed in Venice.
Whatever the type you choose will depend on which room you are going to use it. The style will also matter. If you are choosing a modern style then contemporary fabrics or aluminum Venetians are the best. For traditional style wooden blinds will be more perfect. One more thing you can think of whether you require blackout or insulating fabric for your blind. These fabrics are little bit of expensive but they will add extra functionality to your blinds.
Another great advantage of installing blinds is they are easy to clean and maintain. By surfing the internet you can find different types of blind cleaners.

Monday 22 November 2010

Inside Tricks to Cleaning Window Shades and Blinds


Wipe down mini blinds monthly by turning the slats downward facing you. Spray a lightweight terry towel with an all purpose cleaner. Start at the top and wipe over the surface. Reverse the slats then pull the blinds out and walk behind them. Repeat from the back. It only takes three or four minutes per blind so do a room every time you dust to keep ahead of the buildup.

If miniblinds have reached the point of no return, grab a hammer and two good sized nails. Measure the blinds and hammer the nails into the back of your home or other inconspicuous area one foot less than the width of the blinds, and hang the blinds there. Turn the slats downwards. With a spray can of foaming tub and tile cleaner begin at the bottom spraying your way to the top. When the foam drips from the top, wipe with a wet sponge. Reverse the slats, flip the blinds over and repeat from the back. Dry and rehang.
Wood and Fabric Surfaces

Wood blinds are cleaned in the same manner except use one-fourth cup of white vinegar per quart of water. These blinds require regular maintenance to prevent buildup that deteriorates the sealant. Once the sealant deteriorates, the blinds loose their luster.



Fabric pleated shades do not tolerate cleaning chemicals or even water. Either will leave unsightly stains. If you vacuum your pleated shades be sure to wipe the bristles of the brush frequently. The dry sponges that are now available in many stores quickly pick up dust and dirt the vacuum overlooks. Wipe over the shades with the dry sponge. Wash dry sponges in sudsy water when soiled.



Problems come when bugs crawl across fabric shades leaving their droppings behind them. For these or any stains on the shades dampen a cotton swab with water. Then dip the swab into a small amount of liquid dish soap. Lightly dab on the stain then wait 30 minutes. Gently blot with a light dampened cloth.



A lint roller made for clothing, easily rolls over vertical blinds picking up dust and cobwebs along the way.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Installation and Buying Tips for Window Blinds

Typically, there are two kinds of blinds. These are the horizontal and vertical window blinds. The horizontal blinds are common treatment for windows while the vertical ones are great for large window openings and glass sliding doors. These types are actually designed to come up with the right lighting coming from outside which is a natural source of light. Depending on the requirement of light these blinds can provide solution with your lighting and protection needs.

Another type of blinds is based on the width of each blind. These are the slat and solid blinds. Slat blinds are those whose slats are attached through a piece of string while solid window blinds are made up of one piece material which can either be fabric or vinyl. Roller shades and Roman blinds are best examples of these solid blinds while a Venetian blind is an example of a slat window blind.

Installation

Different type of blinds requires different method of installation as well. Here are basic steps to follow in installing a regular window blind. These steps are, however, applicable to almost all type although there are some slight differences. This is just to give you an idea of how the installation of window blind is done.

* For internal installation of the blind mark the point where the blind is going to be installed. This is the first step.

* Drill holes to your marked point where the brackets are going to be mounted. After drilling insert the screws on the bracket holes and start attaching them to the window. Do the same with the other side.

* If the window blind kit has an included valance attached it accordingly. If the head rail is not mounted to the valance/pelmet then mount the head rail into it with the use of clips. Be sure that the window blind can function freely without any interference with the clips.

* Finally, set the cord stop about 2 inches below the head rail. This will prevent the blind from opening all the way upward inside the valance.

Buying Tips

Before buying any window blind you need to consider first what specific requirement you need. Aluminum window blinds are great options for privacy purposes and window blinds made of wood are excellent trappers of heat during cold season. Whichever your preference is, try to coordinate wooden window blinds' color or the design of the fabrics with the interior decoration inside the room. Consider the wall color of the room, the upholstery and the image you want to create for the room to match with the chosen window blinds.

Thursday 11 November 2010

How to Clean Metal Window Blinds


If you have metal window blinds mounted over your windows then you will know only too well how dusty they can get. It's almost as if metal window blinds are a magnet for dust and it is very easy to forget to clean them regularly. For some people this isn't the biggest problem, yet it is actually how to go about cleaning them that proves the most testing task. If you are part of this latter group then you will be pleased to hear that giving your metal window blinds a good clean is in fact a much easier task than you may have realised. Read on to get some tips on how to make the job a whole lot easier.

Start off by assessing the amount of dust that has accumulated on the window blinds. Windows that are mounted in front of windows that tend to be open will naturally have more of a build up of dust. However, that is not to say that dust won't accumulate on blinds that are hung by closed windows so be sure to check them all to get an idea of how much cleaning you will need to do in order to restore them to their original state.

Next decide what approach you are going to take to cleaning based on the dust level on the blinds. If there is just a light layer of dust then this can simply be removed with a vacuum cleaner and a dust cloth. A heavier layer of dust may require the removal of the window blinds from their brackets after they have been vacuumed and dusted.

Take a 2 step approach to removing a light layer of dust from your blinds. As mentioned before, the bulk of the dust should be removed with the hose attachment on the vacuum cleaner. This is much more easily done when the window blinds are in the closed position. Secondly you should get a static charged dust cloth to remove any of the remaining dust. Keep wiping the blinds down until there is no dust visibly left.

If after the initial cleaning the window blinds are still dirty then remove them from their brackets and take them to the bathtub one at a time. If you spread the blind across the bottom of the tub then you will be able to use a mild dish soap and a soft brush to scrub away the rest of the dust. Once you have done this, rinse aaway the rest of the dust and soap from the blinds by using the show. Be sure to rinse the window blinds down well.

Once washed and cleaned, dry the window blinds well before returning them to their brackets. Use an absorbent towel to remove any moisture and water spots then they can be re-mounted in front of the window.

Try to make a point of cleaning your metal window blinds once a month or at the very least once every other month. It will of course help to keep your surroundings dust free to reduce the chances of dust accumulating on the blinds themselves.

Tuesday 2 November 2010

Window Blinds: Add Splendor to Your Window

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Integrate Quality Lighting With Window Blinds in Houses

When taking into consideration one's window blinds treatment choices, one point to consider is vertical blinds. When you install them accurately in a window, markedly a large-pane window (or perhaps a glass sliding door), the effects can be both lovely and fantastically functional in managing household lighting. Also, vertical blinds ship in numerous distinctive styles and patterns, making them a versatile decoration aspect, as well!

Currently, one extremely intense attribute of this type of window blinds is their higher light control behavior. Depending on the compositions, they can manipulate light gently to virtually completely, and on top of that offer a number of ways to be in charge of it manually. As a case example, using fabric vertical blinds can permit a filtered sum of light to enter can generate a calming soft glow. Alternatively, using perforated window blinds can produce an attention-grabbing look of small lights lighting across the room, the result of which can add a positive visual panache to a room. Of course, you can also hang thoroughly opaque window blinds as well, taking advantage instead of their ability to be tilted to many different levels of light exposure.

These days, more than light containment, there are other advantageous design effects to reflect on when using vertical blinds. The material can be a very important choice when it comes to this decision, so an overview is a help. As previously mentioned, fabrics of a range of kinds can be made into vertical blinds, and it's worth noting that a PVC backing can be added to them to make them both durable and visually dense. There are also wood and faux wood vertical blinds, which can make the window blinds attractive to look at even when they aren't acting as a light control or filter. Vinyl is a decent, universal material to employ, and can be about the easiest to clean of all of them. The other key type of this kind of window blinds is Mylar, which forms a striking flashy outside that can help with an otherwise uninspired or diminutive room.

Moreover, while beauty is one focal feature to reflect on when choosing your type of vertical blinds? There is essentially a matter of energy efficiency to consider when making those choices! Any vertical blinds will be able to enlarge your household energy savings with their capability to control light entering the home, but one keeping in mind one's options at this juncture. Fabric blinds without PVC backing will be somewhat see-through still, so it's significant to think that in a very hot month they won't stop out the sun as effectively, which is into play when mounting window blinds to lessen cooling overheads. A different point is to make sure that, if you're trying to reduce heating costs, you go for a material that helps with insulation better.

As an alternative idea, the use of insulating fabrics in vertical blinds along with their elevated coverage ratios can also work well for noise annulment purposes. The versatile vinyl material, and PVC-backed fabric both have a fair amount of utility in this particular task, as well. While we're considering fringe benefits, the capability to wholly block out light (or just about) is also a somewhat versatile privacy characteristic. And as mentioned earlier, materials like vinyl can also be cleaned fantastically straightforwardly, without much difficulty.

When choosing window blinds, an argument in support of vertical blinds is also their facility to help for large and wide windows. They truly shine on patio doors and the similar, where their impressive size and vertical nature can fulfill those kinds of windows marvelously. Of note, while not all windows are well-matched for the vertical blinds chic, they continue to be very charming and capable window treatment when they can be mounted. So give them a try!

Monday 12 July 2010

Window Blinds: History And Types




Window blinds have so many different kinds of materials and colors. Today, their uses are for privacy, blocking the sunlight, and keeping heat from coming out during colder seasons.

There are records that the ancient people use window blinds too. Although they are different in terms of form, they basically have the same function.

People living in the desert use wet cloths to cover their windows. The wet cloths were used to cool off their houses and block sunlight from coming in. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese uses blinds to avoid from being seen from outside, thus giving a sense of privacy.

The Egyptians uses reeds strung together while the Chinese uses bamboos. However, bamboos are still being used as materials for making blinds. It is commonly seen in Asian countries.

It is said that the Venetian blinds came from Persia. Wherein, the traveling Venetian traders brought the blinds to Venice and Paris. Thus, these 2 countries were credited for as the inventors of the Venetian blinds.

During the 1950s, the Venetian blinds were made of 2 inches wide metal slats and were hang with fabric strips. The fabric strips are the ones that control the lowering, raising, and tilting of the metal slats.

These types of new blind were known to be noisy and offer less aesthetics to a room. Then in the 1980s, the metal slats were replaced with one inch wide vinyl slats. And because of the ease in manufacturing Vinyl slats, they became the standard choice of window blinds.

There are so many types of window blinds being manufactured today. Because of this, you can buy your window blinds according to the style of you home or office.

Bamboo Blinds
These blinds are made of bamboos and they are woven with rattan, reeds, and other natural grasses. It gives off a relaxing and inviting atmosphere to any room.

If your home or office is oriental themed, then choosing bamboo blinds is the best way to go. Bamboo blinds are easy to install, very durable, and eco-friendly.

Bali Blinds
These type of blinds totally blocks off any light coming in from any room. They are good energy savers because they reduce heat during hot season and insulate a room during cold season.

Roller Blinds
It is one of the most stable and efficient blinds out in the market. Roller blinds can be customized to fit any window size. They are also the most common type of blinds installed in homes and offices.

They come in various fabric choices like mesh fabrics, cotton, and polyester. This allows you to choose the color and fabric you want. Roller blinds are easy to assemble and install, easy to clean, and accumulates very little dust.

Wood Blinds
This type of blinds is crack resistant. Most manufacturers use hard wood. This blind have a wide range of finishes giving off a rich, warm, and inviting atmosphere. It also makes your space feel alluring and cozy.

Mini Blinds
They are also known as Venetian blinds. This type of blinds is a practical choice for homes because they offer the same functions as what other blinds offers but at a low cost. Mini blinds are durable and easy to install.

Mini blind slats are made of PVC or aluminum. Because of these materials, there is a wide variety of choices when it comes to colors giving you more choices to choose from.

Vinyl Blinds
Vinyl blinds are less expensive so they are popular. They are water and moisture resistant. Although they come in various colors, they cannot be used in larger rooms because of their constant size.

Vinyl blinds are not the most elegant blinds in the world. So, styling your house with these kinds of blinds is nearly impossible. They are best used in humid and wet areas of your house.

Vertical Blinds
This type of blinds is less likely to damage from strong winds. They are energy efficient and good insulators. Some vertical blinds are motorized. There are even automated blinds that adjust itself according to the time of the day.

Vertical blinds are less expensive and they are very trendy. They have minimal dust build up and come in many different materials, style, fabric, and color.

When you choose window blinds for your home and office, keep in mind the theme of your house, office, and you budget. Choose the materials of the blinds wisely.

Saturday 10 July 2010

Window Blinds And Shades

Beautiful Window Treatment Designs

An easy and relatively low cost way to offer a room a small make-over is to add window treatments. A window can be much more to look at than simply a pane of glass and the outside. By adding components like curtains, drapes, blinds, shades or shutters, you can transform your window into a real center point of the room, even a bathroom.

There are numerous sources you may use to find discount window treatments to meet your needs, such as the web, magazines, or going to your neighborhood do it yourself retailer.

Curtains and drapes can give your room a softer, pleasant look. They also have numerous functions aside from appearance. Insulated drapes, for instance, help keep the temperature more stable in your house while blackout drapes keep the sunshine AND heat out. If you discover bargains on these, you'll REALLY score because not only are you going to spend less on your curtains but you will not spend as much on your electric bill too!

If blinds or shades are more to your liking, there is a variety of designs to choose from that is certain to suit your budget and style. Even remote-controlled motorized blinds can be found in this day of technical revolutions. For the eco-friendly individual, bamboo or wood blinds can achieve a relaxed, spiritual effect for any area.

Make sure you get an adequate amount of data on window blinds and shades when beginning your project.

Plantation shades are gaining popularity as homeowners realize the stylishness of organic wood. Their simple, yet classic look, along with the usefulness of insulation and seclusion make these shades a pleasant improvement to any area. They can be installed for, practically, any kind of window, from the beautiful angled bay window to the architecturally developed arched window.

It's wise to watch for sales and discounts on various kinds of window treatments from brand named companies like Hunter Douglas. You might have a limited budget, but it's not necessary to give up quality when there are opportunities to be discovered with a bit of research.

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Vertical Blinds: The Modern Window Blinds




In your search for a new window covering for your home, vertical blinds are an excellent choice for a quick appearance change. They work extremely well for any window size or shape. Easily customizable, they can be found in any arrangement you desire. They are also easily attainable from any store with a home improvement or decorating section.

Blinds are an excellent option for any home, giving a modern and well-kept appearance to your living space. They are pleasing to the eye yet easy to install and maintain. Because they are easy to find, most home improvement stores will have a large selection of styles and sizes. If you have custom windows in your home, many stores will trim them on-site to match your specifications, and many will be able to do so while you wait. Installation is simple, and takes an average of 30 minutes or less. If you wish to have them installed, many retail establishments also offer an option to have a professional take care of it for you.

Depending on your budget, you have a wide variety of options for your window coverings. At the lowest end of the cost spectrum you have plastics and molded vinyl. At a slightly higher cost you can obtain fabric panels, perfect for larger picture windows and French doors. For an extremely high premium, you can also get solid wood panels.

The four most common materials for your blinds are vinyl, fabric, wood or manufactured wood, and perforated panels. Fully customizable to fit any need, they can be cut to length, or have more stylistic designs cut into the panels themselves. They are also available in a wide array of colors, and a match for currently existing decor is easily found.

If you are searching to have an install done quickly, vinyl blinds are the best options. They are easily found, simple to install, yet still appealing to the eye. In addition, they are a very cost-conscious option, and sport a high level of durability. For households with small children or pets, vinyl is easy to clean and inexpensive to replace in case of damage.

If you desire a slightly more elegant option, say for an entry hall or guest area, fabric panels are also available. These window blinds usually have less emphasis based on privacy and concealment, with their primary goal being to decorate and accentuate existing features. These panels are usually placed in entryways with small vertical windows, picture windows, or French doors. If you still desire more privacy, many fabric options are available with a backing to help maintain your confidentiality.

The most expensive option are blinds made of solid wood paneling. These are not readily available, and must usually be custom ordered for your home. Installation is also a bit more difficult, as an installation kit will most likely not be available. When you install this type of panel, be ready for your windows to be the focus of your guest's attention, so make sure to treat them with extra care and maintain them well.

For any purpose you can imagine, vertical blinds are available for you. They are simple to install and take care of, yet have an immense range of options to make your home look and feel just the way you want. As an added bonus, if any issues ever come up, you can easily find replacement parts at a nearby home improvement store, so you will never be left without your blinds working as if they were brand new.

Monday 21 June 2010

Make Your Rooms Attractive With Window Blinds

The world of fashion changes fast, and with it changes the taste of people. Currently, existing interior design trend is using a blend of supple as well as organic materials. This may include wood, slat and stone. Curtains have become the story of the past. With curtains taking a back stage, window blinds are ruling the market.

Today's professional world demands offices to look groomed and decent. We often buy stylish furniture and use the right wall paint. But windows are often ignored by us. Window blinds, as compared to curtains, provide more professional look to the offices. Venetian window blinds, vertical window blinds and roller window blinds look perfect for offices. We can therefore say that blinds in offices make offices look more professional.

Equally important are blinds at home. They make your room look gorgeous and well kept. Apart from being an object of beauty, window blinds also impart various other benefits. During summers, they competently provide relief from the scorching heat of the sun. That's not the end; they also protect the expensive furniture and carpet at home from the harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun. Many fabrics can loose their color due to prolonged exposure to sun rays. Window blinds like Blackout blinds and wooden blinds are perfect for drawing rooms and living rooms. During winters, the slats of the blinds can be adjusted to keep the rooms warm and hot.

And if you are interested in buying some good window blinds for your home, there is a huge list from where you can choose the one suiting your needs. Venetian blinds, blackout blinds, wooden blinds, vertical blinds and roller blinds top the list of blinds. Each blind style carries with it, its own set of benefits. Wooden blinds are most suitable for rooms with computers, preventing the sun's glare reaching computer screen. They are easy to adjust, meeting your requirements.

Venetian blinds can be made out of wood as well as metal. They can be arranged in numerous ways. On the other hand Vertical blinds look good both, on small as well as large windows. Roller blinds provide high level of security and privacy.

Thus enjoy working in office or your stay at home, in the wonderful ambience provided by window blinds. They are an inevitable part of the room, which cannot be ignored at any cost. Since one can find various styles of window blinds, you can choose the one suiting your budget. They may vary in price range, though all serve the same purpose. Buy the one of your choice, provided you keep them fresh and new, through proper window blind cleaners.

Monday 14 June 2010

Three Different Types Of Window Blinds

Widow blinds come in all manner of shapes and sizes and also are available in a variety of materials to suit the decor and style of certain rooms. The power of window blinds is difficult to ascertain, they can create an ambiance in a room that is unrivalled. Add to this the excellent properties of being able to control internal temperature and the amount of light in a room and they truly are the window covering of choice. Hopefully the following article, detailing some of the most popular materials used in manufacture of blinds will be helpful when making vital interior design decisions.

Wood blinds are an understandably popular choice in many homes. The woods used n their construction vary immensely although it is usually a lightwood that will not place undue strain on the window fixings. One of these woods is basswood, an extremely light material that has attractive grain patterns. As an extremely dry wood, basswood will soak up any stains and paints with great effect creating stylish and elegant blinds. In terms of where to place wooden blinds there are a number of key concerns that must be considered. Ideally this type of blind should only be used in rooms with a suitable temperature and moisture content. Wooden blinds are not suitable for humid rooms as in these conditions they tend to warp, drastically shortening their lifespan.

In areas where a homeowner may want the wood effect but not the downsides faux wood varieties can be an awesome solution. Typically this type of window blind is considerably cheaper than natural wood. In the modern world this type of blind is in fact more popular than solid wood for a number of reasons. One of these reasons is that faux wood is a far more robust material than its natural cousin. Faux wood is less likely to be affected by moisture and temperature changes, subsequently lasting longer.

Subsequently faux wood blinds are the ideal window covering choice for bathrooms. This is because in the majority of cases they are treated during the manufacturing phase to ensure durability and resistance to moisture and humidity. More modern variants even incorporate fade resistant surfaces that work towards increasing the lifespan of the blind. In addition some companies even specialise in producing faux wood blinds manufactured using recycled materials ensuring that customers' environmental consciences are suitably satisfied.

Wood is not the only form of natural material used in blind construction. The use of reeds, bamboo and other grasses is increasingly popular in the world of interior design. The unique and relaxed texture offered by these grasses is hard to find with any other material. Additionally the cultures brought into the home with the installation of this form of window can be an interesting and attractive talking point. Grasses truly are a way to create a space that provides complete escapism, allowing the homeowner to step back from the stresses of the outside world and relax.

Hopefully this information has given those homeowners about to change their window coverings to consider some original choices of blinds. These three are only a small cross section of what is available on the market. With such a large selection out there the interior designer is truly spoilt for choice, no matter what the style being created, blinds are a worthy addition to any room.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Decorating With Vertical Blinds And Other Window Blinds

Vertical blinds are a great way to alter the level of lighting coming through windows and patio doors in your home. In the past vertical blinds were usually constructed out of metal, such as aluminum, and wood. While those materials are both easy to maintain, they are not always particularly stylish. Today, they can be made from paper, canvas, cane, and other synthetic fibers.

While vertical blinds are certainly functional, there are several other kinds of window blinds available that can serve the same purpose. These other window blinds can add beauty to your home as well.

Drapes or curtains are a traditional window treatment and are available in an unlimited array of fabrics, styles, lengths, and colors. They are hung from rods or rings, and can even be installed on a track directly on the ceiling. They can be freely opened and closed, serving the same purpose as vertical blinds in either blocking or allowing light to come through.

For those who prefer a clean and minimalist look, shades may be the answer. They provide excellent light filtration and privacy. They can be used anywhere in the home, including kitchens and bathrooms, and on French and patio doors. They are also suitable for use in bedrooms and living and family rooms.

Vertical blinds are not the only kind of blind that can be purchased for windows and doors. There are also honeycomb, pleated, roman, and bamboo blinds available. Each of these kinds of window blinds can be placed on window alone, or with curtains framing them.

Shutters are another option that can be considered when choosing window blinds for your home. They are available in several styles and materials as well. There are exterior, plantation, vinyl, and wood shutters. Shutters are usually constructed from wood, vinyl, fabric, glass or polymer inserts. They are easy to open and close and will block or allow light as needed.

Many homes already have vertical blinds installed. A valance or cornice is a terrific way to change the look of the window blinds without completely altering the look. The addition can provide the space with just the right touch of personality.

One thing that all window blinds above have in common is that they can be customized to perfectly suit your space. They are all available in a multitude of colors, patterns, styles, and finishes and can be designed specifically according to your wishes. They can also be custom sized to fit any window or door, no matter how large or small it may be.

Hiring an interior designer is an excellent way to make sure that the outcome is precisely as wanted, if that kind of expenditure is within the budget. It is very important to keep budgetary limitations in mind, along with style preferences. Sometimes a style preference is outside the budget, and a designer can help get the desired look without going over the limit. If a designer is not an expense that falls within the budget, many local home improvement project stores offer a variety of samples of vertical blinds and other treatments, and are the perfect place to begin looking for do-it-yourself projects.

Saturday 5 June 2010

Your Guide To Purchasing Window Blinds

Window blinds are an affordable choice for a basic window covering. Whether you are searching for conventional vertical window blinds, roller blinds, or slatted mini blinds to enhance your new windows and transform the look and atmosphere of a room, there are several window blinds and shades to match your room dcor, as well as your budget and taste.

Standard Vinyl Blinds

You can choose traditional vinyl blinds for many or all rooms in your home. These are generally referred to as mini blinds. These window coverings are made from slats that are strung together, allowing for the ease of rotating from one side to another or of the raising or lowering of the blinds. The regular slat sizes are two inch, one inch, and half inch.

Mini blinds have a stick or wand situated on one side that lets you modify the tilt of the slats to permit less or more light inside the room. On the other side is a set of strings to raise and lower the blinds to your desired position. These shades can be bought in an range of colors to suit your furnishings and can be attached with just a few pieces of hardware.

Vertical Blinds

If you have tall windows, it may be best to opt for verticals so you can get the most of your view. If you have mini blinds on a tall window, sometimes the weight of those blinds can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the strings, not to mention it's hard to pull the blinds up. Vertical blinds enable you to see the outside much easier.

This configuration is also a great option for sliding glass doors. They replace the need for curtains and give a more contemporary look. They're easy to install, operate, and clean. If you still want to use curtains, you can add them to your window as well.

Benefits of Window Blinds

-They can be purchased in a wide selection of textures and colors.
-They are almost effortless to clean.
-They have easy adjustment system to allow less or more light.
-They can be easily modified to fit your windows.
-They are sensibly priced.

Purchasing Window Blinds

Before you shop for blinds or shades, its imperative to ensure that you have the precise measurements of all the windows or glass doors that call for blinds.

It can be very wearisome to purchase blinds, bring them home, and find out that they do not fit your window, particularly if you have spent almost a fortune to have them custom cut. Measure your windows at least twice to be certain that youve got the exact numbers.

You can buy your blinds at various different stores like, home improvement stores, discount retailers, and home dcor specialty shops. You will probably find standard measurements when you shop in these stores, though home improvement centers will custom cut your blinds for you if you ask for a special size.

If the windows in your place are not a standard size, or if you want more possibilities when it comes to style and color, its a great idea to look online.

Whether you shop for your window coverings offline or online, dont forget to inspect the return policy prior to placing your order. You sure don't want to be stuck with blinds you can't use.

Monday 31 May 2010

How To Use Window Blinds To Reduce Energy Costs

Budgets are tight and winter is on the way, which means increased heating bills. Everyone has heard about eliminating leaks around windows and doors, craw spaces, under eaves and any place there is a break in the integrity of your home's exterior surface. What you may not be aware of is the effectiveness of window blinds to help you reduce your energy costs this winter. In the same way, you can reduce your summer cooling bills by applying the opposite strategies.

Window shades and window blinds can be used to create a buffer zone between your window glass and your home's interior that acts as a passive insulator, reducing your heating and cooling bills significantly. Following these basic suggestions can turn your expensive winter heat sink into a cozy winter hideaway and your summer hot box into a cool, comfortable sanctuary.

Take Advantage Of The Sun's Heat In Winter

Sunlight provides heat, even in the middle of winter. Leaving your windows closed, but opening your drapes, window shades and window blinds can allow the sun's heat to be absorbed by your furniture, flooring and carpeting. This heat is then released into the rooms of your home at no cost to you. Darker carpets and darker furnishings will absorb more of the sun's heat than lighter colors, so you may wish to strategically place dark throw rugs near your windows that receive sunlight during the day.

If you notice, when opening your drapes, window shades or window blinds, that the air closest to the window is warmer than that of the rest of the room, you can benefit by opening your window treatments earlier in the day. If, however, you notice significantly colder air, you may have a leak somewhere around your window frame that requires your attention to repair.

Turn Away The Summer Heat With Window Treatments

In the summer, use your heaviest window treatments to block the day's hottest sunlight from entering your home, reducing its ability to heat your home. Drapes, window shades and window blinds that have a light, reflective color on the exterior and a darker color on the inside will increase the cooling effectiveness of window treatments in the summer by reflecting more light away from your home and creating a dimmer, cooler environment within your home.

During the cooler evening and night time hours, open your window treatments and your windows to allow the cooler air to circulate through your home without paying for air-conditioning. By timing the opening and closing of your windows and window treatments throughout the summer, you can greatly reduce your cooling expense while still keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Window shades and window blinds can provide you with a cost effective means to reducing your energy costs within the home by blocking out heat from the summer sun and maintaining a constant, more comfortable temperature in the winter months with only minimal effort and expense on your part.

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Which Window Blinds To Choose?

You would be excused for thinking that keeping the light out of your eyes in the morning is pretty simple. But with housing designs becoming more and more abstract, curtains are slowly being replaced by their more versatile and contemporary cousins, window blinds.

Roof windows in particular have become more popular in modern-day housing, owing to an increase in loft conversions and three story townhouses. These presented a unique problem for the traditional curtains or venetian blinds that had been used to shut out the light or dark for many, many years. Fortunately, Danish company Velux pioneered a new style of window that accommodates more sophisticated blinds and allowed window technology to develop.

One of Velux's most popular types of blind, the blackout window blind, goes a long way to ensuring that those with a roof window in their bedroom experience a full and uninterrupted night's sleep. Their electronic shutter system cuts out any light and prevents the blaze of the sunrise scorching your eyes and filling your room with light at six in the morning.

While Velux's many blind designs, which include venetian, roller and pleated models, tend to be the wise choice for a skylight, there are a variety of other window blinds available for more orthodox windows. The roller blind is still a popular choice for vertical windows, and is available in a vast array of materials and colours to suit any home or business premises. They are easy to use and to clean and offer excellent window coverage in order to block out sunlight.

Roman blinds are also an option for those looking to dress their windowsills with a more elegant blind. The roman design is enormously adaptable and open to personalisation as it can essentially be fashioned from standard curtain fabric. This allows homeowners to tailor a design to suit the particular room that the window blind will sit in, making it a feature rather than an eyesore.

Another option is venetian blinds, which are made up of parallel slats that pivot in order to let in, or block out, certain amounts of light. Alternatively, they can be rolled up completely to open up the window to the room. This is a good idea for rooms where the homeowner hopes to control the amount of light that enters the room, allowing for subtle changes to the ambience of building. Wooden venetian blinds are especially popular in homes as they provide a touch of class in conjunction with both shading and warmth.

Vertical, woodweave and pleated blinds offer similar alternatives, so rest assured there are plenty of options when you are deciding how to dress your windows.

Saturday 22 May 2010

Blackout Window Blinds Are Good For Day Time Sleep

If you are having trouble sleeping during day if you are working the graveyard shift, then blackout window blinds would be a good option. And you many types and designs of blackout window blinds to choose from. New window blinds look so incredible. Roof windows and skylights can really bring the best of what your home has to offer.

The blackout window blinds you can find in this section are a fashionable and cheap way of getting the protection you need while giving the room a nice look. This type of blind uses a aluminum side channels that the blinds run in up and down. This stops sunlight from entering the room around the edges like what happens with normal window blinds and curtains. For instance, blackout blinds are great to use in nurseries. If you have a window in your shower, they are the perfect privacy curtain. What do your windows face?

Hence, by installing blackout blinds in the bathroom, you are protecting those inside the house from prying eyes. Lined with Mylar, a fabric that acts as a light barrier, these shades rejects 100% of both visible light and UV rays. Blackout curtains are mobile and can be installed and reinstalled as many times as it is necessary. While it might be cheaper to put a light blocking film over your windows, this film is generally not easy to move around. Installing window blinds can be fun! However, the first and foremost thing to keep in mind is the obvious difference between the skylight window blinds and the normal window blinds. What about Dim Blinds?

If you want more options, then roman shades or wood blinds with route less slats are great alternatives. This lining can be found in hardware stores and other retail stores. As compared to curtains, window blinds are multipurpose. The awning skylight window blinds are very different than other blinds. The polished aluminum header which contains the actual blind can now be slotted into place.

This typically happens when the glue wasn't treated right or the heating process was at the wrong temperature. Alternatively, you can even shop for them through the internet. The blackout blinds are made using aluminum sidings and cartridges. This are sometimes a bit more expensive than the plastic or vinyl types window blinds.

Room darkening window blinds as some people would call it are also good for your security and enhancement of your house look and feel. So blackout window blinds are not only for daytime sleeping or nap but there are numerous other benefits you can get from it. The blackout window blinds are indeed fast becoming to be very popular and more designs and colors are getting into the market.

Monday 17 May 2010

Discount Window Blinds - Major Points To Consider

Discount window blinds are gaining popularity again these days. After all, who would not want great-looking blinds that come at a cheap price but are both functional and decorative without being a burden to your wallet. The best thing about them is that you can get them from a lot of different places.

You can start your search in online blinds and shades shops. Many stores that sell blinds and shades have regular sale schedules for specific holidays or to help dispose of old stock. You can also get discounted models from auction or classified ads sites. Actual retailers or users who may want to dispose of their window blinds may sell them on online shops for much less than their original price.

Shopping for discounted blinds can be a whole lot of fun. This is especially because you get to spend less. Then again, it can also be a challenging task. The first thought that should come to your mind is other possible reasons for the discount price. Besides letting go of old stock, some sellers may sell low for different reasons. To make sure that you get only the best at a discount, you should have a couple of considerations in mind.

Reliable Merchants - Popular companies that sell blinds and shades can always be trusted to sell authentic, defect-free items. This is why it makes a lot of sense to head off to popular shops first to look for bargains. Many of these bargain items from trusted names are still sold with full guarantees and warranties.

Items on Sale - Some discount window blinds may be on sale simply because they are yesterdays favorite. This may not sit well with you if you are after the trendiest and most modern designs. There is still a solution though if you do not want to pass up on a very good bargain. You can still make do with an old fashioned design as long as your room theme fits with it. You can opt for an old but classic room theme and pair it with old and cheap blinds.

Checking the Product - Many blinds sold in auctions and classified ad sites are not perfect. They might be sold at a discount precisely because they have some minor defect. Before you consider buying slightly used discount blinds, find out first if there are any defects that are difficult to hide or repair. You can ask an online seller some questions before buying.

Old Blinds - Some discount blinds may be sold cheap because they are not energy efficient. You should know though that outdated blinds like these will cost you more in the long run. Modern blinds come with energy efficient features that will help diffuse light, limit heat transfer and block harmful ultraviolet rays. In other words, modern blinds reduce your need for air conditioning and artificial lighting. A good bargain should still come with these helpful modern features.

Discount window blinds are everywhere so you will never run out of options when you need to shop for some. Your only challenge is to look for cheap blinds that have good quality.

Wednesday 12 May 2010

Window Blinds As A Home Improvement Rather Than A Design Expense

There are two different ways in which to view the purchase and installation of quality window blinds. Some consumers considering a major window blinds purchase see them strictly as a design expense. They see it as a monetary waste they should avoid at all costs. This group of consumers are missing the point and doing themselves a bit of a disservice at the same time. Knowledgeable consumers are aware that window blinds are not strictly a design expense. They are more of a valued home improvement.

Everyone knows that curb appeal sells a home. Agents who are looking to increase the curb appeal in homes for sale often look to upgrading or installing window blinds first before any other potential value increasers. Homeowners who don't recognize the importance of window blinds are missing a fairly quick and easy way to make a drastic difference in the eyes of potential buyers. They add value to the home.

Most people accept that window blinds are necessary. They fill basic functions in the home: light control and/or blocking and privacy. The wide variety of products available on the market ensure that regardless of size and placement...there is a product available for every situation. There are varying degrees of light control available from full light blocking to products that purposefully funnel natural light.

The general consumer group doesn't question that there are basic needs to be filled and that the window blinds fill these needs. Window blinds have been doing their job for years. But they do so much more than the basics in today's market. They offer advantages to homeowners that can be had through no other product.

Window blinds offer the advantage of additional curb appeal. They make a huge difference to potential home buyers. Due to the added value to the home they should be considered a home improvement; they add substantially to the home. The added value far outpaces the cost of purchase/installation. And energy savings offer an entirely different advantage.

Energy savings products are flooding the market currently. The green movement has left many consumers interested in decreasing their carbon footprint and the sluggish economy has left many consumers looking for ways to decrease their monthly expenditures. Installation of certain types of energy savings window blinds can decrease homeowners' monthly utilities bill by hundreds of dollars. Window blinds are a home improvement that offers distinct advantages in the additional curb appeal and the lowered cost for utilities after the installation of energy saving products. With all the options available out there on the real estate market...making the right choices when it comes to your next "home improvement" is vitally important! Start with window blinds...it's hard to go wrong.

Sunday 14 March 2010

Finding The Right Window Blinds

Information on privacy shades, blinds, bamboo blinds, ethnic blinds, designer shades and more

For many people curtains are the only thing to think about when it comes to choosing a window covering. But although curtains have a lots of advantages there are now so many different types of window blinds on the market that anyone who does not look at what is available could be really missing out on a way to make the room looks special. He we will take a look at just a few types of window blinds that are available and how they can really help to turn a room into something special.

The first one to look at is the roller shade, a traditional type which has been around for a long time. The good thing about this type is that they're very easy to install, and they also have a very large range of designs available, which means it is almost an absolute certainty that you will be able to find a design that will fit in with almost any type of decoration.

The good thing about the traditional roller shade also is that the number of colors that is available in this type of design is growing all the time which again means you are unlikely to find you cannot get the color to suit your decoration.

Of course, as with curtains, keeping window blinds clean is also something that you need to bear in mind, and one of the best materials you can choose if this is something that is important to you is vinyl. If you choose vinyl window blinds you will find that you can watch them very easily, and sometimes all that you need to do is clean the blinds with a cloth and they will look almost as though you have just bought them.

However, the modern look is not to everyone's taste, and there are many people who now like to have natural materials around them as much as possible. If you're one of these then you really should take a look at bamboo, because not only is bamboo a natural material which can look good in both a traditional and a contemporary environment, but it can also make for really nice light patterns as the sunlight comes through the small slats, adding to the overall relaxation off your room.

As you can see, just a few choices of window blind can give you a huge range of options in terms of color, room darkening effect, and the ability to make your room a very relaxing place to be. This article has dealt with just a few types of blindArticle Submission, but there are many different types on the market and it is worthwhile taking a look at what is on offer rather than thinking that the only window covering worth having is the old-fashioned curtain.

How To Choose Blinds

Everything you need to know about window blinds. Find information on bamboo blinds, patio blinds, fabric vertical blinds, vinyl mini blinds, cheap wood blinds, room darkening blinds and more

When it comes to choosing the correct window blinds for any room many people seem to think that it has to be a difficult choice that needs to take a lot of factors into account. But actually there are very few things you need to think about, and by following a few simple rules you will be able to make a choice fairly easily. This article will take a look at a few pointers that can put you on the right track.

The first thing to think about is cost, or it is for many people. It seems to be generally accepted that you need to spend a lot of money in order to get some window blinds that look really good. But this is not the case at all, and by shopping around, especially by looking on the Internet, you can find some really good discount window blinds that look as good as some things that may cost twice as much. So do not let cost to be a factor when you come to choose your window coverings.

The next thing to think about is the style. There are now so many styles on the market that it can seem to be quite a difficult thing to choose which is the right one for your room. But all that you need to do is think about the overall design style of your room and then choose some window blinds that fits in with that. If you have a lot of modern decoration in the room, then something in a contemporary style is what you need, while if your room has an antique flavor, then possibly window blinds in natural materials such as wood will probably be the best choice.

The final thing you may need to think about is whether to choose natural or synthetic materials. Again this is mainly a matter of personal choice, though cost factors do come into play here. However, even choosing natural materials such as wood does not mean that you have to buy an expensive set of window blinds, because there are now so many discount types on the market that you are sure to find one at a decent price if you look around. However, synthetic materials such as PVC do have the advantage that they are easy to clean, though many believe that they do not look that good in many rooms.

By bearing these few points in mind you should be able to make your choice muchmore easily. Take time to look around, especially on the web, and you will be amazed at the choice you have.

Monday 1 March 2010

Tips For Buying the Right Window Blinds For Office and Homes

You may be having a spectacular office or home, but if you install some ordinary looking window blinds on its windows without keeping the specific purposes behind them, then the blinds are not going to serve you much. You should follow some basic points in order to ensure that you pick up only right types of the blinds that suit to your residential comfort or the office for its convenient work atmosphere.

There are many purposes of office blinds when we choose them to install on window. First of all, basically, almost all the blinds serve the purpose of blocking enough sun heat and light so that a room becomes more convenient to live and to woke in. but at the same time, the blinds also serve you in more useful manner by providing you much needed privacy in some office or home rooms.

Another purpose of window blinds is to enhance the décor. Some offices and homes have a specific design with unique furniture and other items in it. Homes also have their individual appearance depending on the personality of its owner. Blinds should be chosen in keeping with the interior design of the rooms and should be adding value to it.

While shopping for the window coverings like roller blinds and vertical blinds, you should keep these and other purposes in mind. It is always advisable to hire an expert who can suggest you on specific blinds to be installed for specific purposes, depending on climatic conditions and other requirements.

Pay added attention to the fabrics of the blinds. If sun heat is too harsh in summers, then find out the fabrics that are created for the purpose. Then, there are transparent fabrics to show you faint view of outside while blocking the sun heat. Some fabrics are meant for privacy purpose and are suited for conference rooms.

For home, if you need window blinds to install on bathrooms, the blind material and fabrics should be such that is not damaged by continued sprinkling of water and the operating system should be automatic with remote control as windows may be high on the walls.

If you are on tight budget, make sure that you compare several physical shops as well as online blinds shops. More comparison means you can take advantage of competition in the online and physical market. Pay attention to all aspects of online shopping when preferring online buying of window blinds. Hire blind cleaners also for keeping your blinds free of dust through out the year.

Window Blinds Instead of Curtains

More and more you notice homeowners opting for decorative and stylish window blinds and not adding curtains as a decorative accent to their windows. Long gone are the days when blinds where all ugly and pretty much one design. There are so many choices now, so many materials that blinds are made from, and so many styles that finding the right window blinds is easy and painless.


A major difference between curtains and blinds is the upkeep required. Blinds simply need to be dusted and wiped down to remove dust and dirt. Curtains needs additional cleaning, often need to be washed. What's more is if certain materials that curtains are made from require you to hand wash them! Who has that kind of time anymore!


When you factor in maintenance and the fact that blinds provide more much needed insulation and privacy, it is easy to see why people are jumping on the bandwagon. Installation is very straight forward as well and doesn't require mounting hardware outside of the window box.


There are blinds made to suit all styles, shapes, and sizes of windows in your home. Some are roll up, which enables it to roll up to the top of the window by simply pulling a string. Of course, this feature is available on all styles, but some are more compact that others.


There are also horizontal and vertical styles. And there are plenty of materials from plastic, to wood, to eco friendly materials such as bamboo. Choosing the right material can make your home look more stylish than outdated window curtains!

Increment Your Savings With Vertical Blinds

Did you know, your vertical blinds can do more than just cover the window and keep the sun rays out? It can save you money, protect your furniture and of course, shield your skin from the harmful UV rays.

Vertical Blinds means more money in your pocket

Rays of sun penetrate through the glass windows and heat up your home. The intensity of rays which pass through glass, multiplies as time passes. While this is desirable during winters, summers can be exasperating. By covering your windows with blinds, you can block most of the rays. As a result, your air conditioning consumes less electricity to keep your home cool. This would in turn save your money as it takes lesser energy to bring the temperature to optimum of a house that is cool than that of a house which is heated by sun rays.

Vertical blinds of a superior quality can reduce the amount you spend on paying electricity bills by up to 20% in peak summer. You can save money during winters too! When you keep your home warm with heaters, heat often dissipates through the windows. With blinds you can insulate your home and minimize it.

Vertical Blinds shields your furniture

You probably wouldn't have noticed it, but sun rays deteriorate your furniture. The upholstery of your sofas gets faded due to it and weakens its structure. By blocking the sun rays, you protect your furniture, from fading and other damages.

Vertical Blinds are good for your health

Sunlight contains the harmful UV rays as well. By keeping your house in shades, you can block the UV rays from entering your home and safeguard your skin, eyes and other sensitive body parts which might be exposed to it.

When you watch television or work on your computer in a dark room, away from sunshine or bright light, your eyes are strained lesser. Vertical blinds allow the right amount of light inside the room.

The best part of using it is that, you get a wide range of options to choose from, right from the material it is made of, to the colors.

You can select aluminum slats as it would be easier to clean and maintain. You also get a variety of colors with it. However the disadvantage is that, it may be dented easily. Once it is damaged, its original shape is difficult to restore.

Slats made of PVC material is the most obvious choice as it is light and durable. However, over a period of time, its colors may fade or become brittle due to exposure to sun. Also, PVC is not an eco friendly alternative as it causes a lot of pollution when it is manufactured.

Blinds made from fabrics might be the perfect alternative for people who love fancy interiors. It is affordable as well as offers great colors. You can also get impressively woven blinds, if you are willing to loosen your purse strings a little more.

It can be a great way to decorate your home.

So, refurbish you home today with vertical blinds. For the many benefits it offers, it is a smart idea to install one.