Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds- Part 2

Window Blinds Only

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds- Part 2
by: Garry John

Roller Blinds

As previously discussed, conservatories are often tarnished by the high and low temperatures and the glare of bright sunlight. Also, bright light can damage furniture and ruin your favourite plants. However, you do not want to block out all light completely otherwise what would the point of a conservatory be. Roller blinds are a very versatile solution, while not as attractive as pinoleum or pleated blinds, they do offer a very practical solution. Also, they are great value and are usually at the lower end of the budget range. Roller blinds come in either standard sizes or made to measure. Or you can even adjust them yourself. Another advantage is that as they are typically made from synthetic material, roller blinds can be easily cleaned. Also, you can get reflective material to help keep the conservatory cool in winter and the heat out in the summer. Roller blinds are the easiest type of blind to fit yourself. The blind sits between two brackets that are fixed to the inside or outside of the window recess.


Hopefully this brief discussion will provide some assistant in choosing your blinds. As a general rule it is always a good idea to learn from other people's experience and so tap into friends and family who have already gone through this process. In addition talk to some experts and get some no obligation quotes, but make sure you know what is being quoted for.

About The Author

Garry John is a regular contributor to uk home improvement websites such as http://www.uk-conservatories-online.co.uk and http://www.uk-conservatory-blinds.co.uk.

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds - Part 1

www.BlindsOnly.com

Comparing Types Of Conservatory Blinds - Part 1
by: Garry John

The cost of furnishing a conservatory can catch many people out, in fact it can often cost more than the conservatory itself. Conservatory Blinds can be very expensive so it is important to know what the choices are and what value a particular blind will bring. This article looks at the most common types and discusses the individual merits of each one.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated blinds are argueably the most attractive conservatory blind. They are available in a huge range of frabics and colours and have a modern elaborate look. They are a value alternative to pinoleum blinds and can be made with reflective material, which will help to maintain a more pleasing temperature. Typically, the pleats come in 25mm width but are increasingly available in 20mm. Pleated blinds are very versatile and can be used in any style of conservatory. Made to measure pleated blinds are readily available.

Pinoleum Blinds

Pinoleum blinds are the most traditional type of conservatory blind. Pinoleum is the name given to strips of thin wood which are woven together in different patterns. Roman or Rolled-up Pinoleum blinds are available. One of the great advantages of pinoleum blinds is that they let in a diffused light between the strips of wood. This gives them a great look. However, the downside is that maintaining the temperature is harder as heat comes in as well as light. This is obviously a problem is controlling temperature is the major concern, in which case this type of blind is probably not the right choice. Having said that it is possible to fix a reflective material to the back of the blind, but then the pleasant light effect is lost which is one of the major attribute of pinoleum blinds.

About The Author

Garry John is a regular contributor to uk home improvement websites such as http://www.uk-conservatories-online.co.uk and http://www.uk-conservatory-blinds.co.uk.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

Window Décor Q&A - Part 2

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Window Décor Q&A - Part 2

by: Yasmin Siboldi, Manager, Visual Merchandising at Blinds To Go (courtesy of News Canada)

Q: Our family room in the summer is almost unbearable due to the heat from the harsh sunlight that comes into the room from our several windows. We have central air conditioning but that room is always a lot warmer. What type of window treatment should I consider that will help me cut my air conditioning costs in the hot summer months?

A: Look for window treatments that have insulating qualities. There are four different types of shades available that provide excellent insulating values - the pleated shade, nested cellular, single cellular and double cellular shade. The pleated shade blocks heat and protects against the suns harmful U.V. rays. This treatment option can also add a decorative element to your décor as they are available in linens, prints and jacquards. Nested and Single Cellular shades are constructed to actually trap pockets of air inside the shades, helping to regulate your room's temperature. The Double cellular shade's structure maximizes energy efficiency lowering your cooling costs. If you're looking for complete blackout options, effective choices include room-darkening roller shades and pleated shades with a blackout lining feature.

For more home décor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or their web site at www.blindstogo.com.

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Window Blinds: Window Décor Q&A - Part 1

www.BlindsOnly.com

Window Décor Q&A - Part 1

by: Yasmin Siboldi, Manager, Visual Merchandising at Blinds To Go (courtesy of News Canada)

Q: We've just moved into our home and we were considering different window treatment options. When it comes to the front of the house how uniform should our treatments be? Should they all be in one color or is it preferable to mix and match depending on our interior décor?

A: It is common to want the window treatments in the front of your home to be as uniform as possible-just how uniform is up to you. Most people just make sure that the front products are generally white. Options like Cellular and Pleated shades have white backings despite their colored inside-facing fabric. Some aluminum blinds can be made as "duo-tones" which are white on the back.

In general, the more symmetrical your home décor the more likely the products should be similar. People often use one product across the front; however, many also use one for the first floor and another for the second. It's your home, so whatever option you feel is appropriate should be fine.

For more home décor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or their web site at www.blindstogo.com.
Q: What are some window shade options for a second story window in a study?

A: If you want a shade, consider the Top-Down/Bottom-Up feature, which allows you to cover the bottom half of your window and not block your view. For instance, if you're studying or reading, this option allows you to block people from seeing into the room while maintaining some of the outside view and sunlight.

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Blinds add a touch of warmth, beauty and decor to any room!

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Blinds add a touch of warmth, beauty and decor to any room!

Like fine furniture, window blinds add a special touch of warmth and rich, natural beauty to any room. They set the mood, and give you extra privacy. The right style of blinds adds character to the inside of your room. The window treatment industry has truly evolved over the years. Today it is so easy to find colors and blind types to match your window treatment needs. Choose from a variety of styles that include mini-blinds, vertical blinds, pleated blinds, cellular blinds, Bali blinds, wood blinds, Roman shades, shutters, sheer woven blinds, and woven wood blinds. And if you are naïve enough to ask for American blinds and do not mean the branded version, you risk infringing the trademark rights of the American Blind and Wallpaper Factory!

You can’t turn a blind eye to window blinds.

The choices for your window blinds abound, thanks to new product innovations and a realm of color choices that allow you to match other furnishings in your room with the greatest of ease. Vertical blinds, often used for patio doors, actually are suitable for many window types because of their sleek, fashionable looks and their easy traversing ability. Horizontal blinds - particularly mini-blinds - have been around for decades. They come in hundreds of colors and are versatile enough to stand on their own or to be combined with fabric treatments. A drapery treatment combined with a coordinating mini-blind can offer you the ultimate in beauty as well as privacy and light control.

About the author:

Mike Yeager, Publisher
http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Window Blinds - Treat your windows well - Part 2

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Treat your windows well - Part 2

(NC) Dressing your windows is one of the most complicated decisions you can make. Here are the practical questions you need to ask and better yet, the answers:

What are your needs for privacy?

If privacy matters to you, opt for window coverings that either fully block or soften the view. To obscure the view in and provide a soft-focus view out, Silhouette window shadings, which feature rotating fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabric panels, are the perfect fit. They come in a light-dimming Bon Soir fabric for areas where more room-darkening and privacy are desired. Luminette Privacy Sheers is a similar concept that is vertically oriented.

Is light control a high priority?

Determining the levels of light in your home is a key factor in choosing window coverings. There's a new product out there that looks like a shade but offers multiple levels of light control. Trio Convertible Shades feature hexagon-shaped fabric vanes that open and close individually for a clear view; soft, diffused light with privacy; and anything in-between.

What about UV-protection and energy efficiency?

Natural light does not love your home furnishings; it can fade and discolour them. It's also important to know your window fashions can help save on energy bills. Look for window coverings with high UV-protection and energy-efficiency ratings.

Is the window covering child-safe?

Particularly if you have young children or pets at home, safety is important. Primary consideration should be given to operating systems and features that make your home a safe haven - such as the Hunter Douglas LiteRise Touch System for cordless lifting.

For more information, contact Hunter Douglas at 1-800-265-1363 or e-mail cheryl.corbit@hunterdouglas.com.

NewsCanada

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Window Blinds - Treat your windows well

www.BlindsOnly.com

Treat your windows well

(NC) Dressing your windows is one of the most complicated decisions you can make. Here are the practical questions you need to ask and better yet, the answers:

What are your needs for privacy?

If privacy matters to you, opt for window coverings that either fully block or soften the view. To obscure the view in and provide a soft-focus view out, Silhouette window shadings, which feature rotating fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabric panels, are the perfect fit. They come in a light-dimming Bon Soir fabric for areas where more room-darkening and privacy are desired. Luminette Privacy Sheers is a similar concept that is vertically oriented.

Is light control a high priority?

Determining the levels of light in your home is a key factor in choosing window coverings. There's a new product out there that looks like a shade but offers multiple levels of light control. Trio Convertible Shades feature hexagon-shaped fabric vanes that open and close individually for a clear view; soft, diffused light with privacy; and anything in-between.

What about UV-protection and energy efficiency?

Natural light does not love your home furnishings; it can fade and discolour them. It's also important to know your window fashions can help save on energy bills. Look for window coverings with high UV-protection and energy-efficiency ratings.

Is the window covering child-safe?

Particularly if you have young children or pets at home, safety is important. Primary consideration should be given to operating systems and features that make your home a safe haven - such as the Hunter Douglas LiteRise Touch System for cordless lifting.

For more information, contact Hunter Douglas at 1-800-265-1363 or e-mail cheryl.corbit@hunterdouglas.com.

NewsCanada