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/

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

Window Blinds - Treat your windows well

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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

Tips on keeping blinds and shades looking like new

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Tips on keeping blinds and shades looking like new

(NC) Keeping your blinds and shades looking like new requires more effort than turning on the spin cycle - but not much. In fact, it's easy to find a maintenance program that suits each and every homeowner's needs.

Following are some tips from window fashions leader Hunter Douglas on how to clean window coverings:

PVC, Faux Wood or Vinyl Products:

To reduce static cling and help repel dust, wipe the product with dryer sheets. Do not use abrasive cleaners or chemical solvents, as they will scratch or damage the surface.

Wood Products:

Clean using a dry and soft feather duster, clean cloth, dust cloth or dusting mit. A vacuum with a soft brush attachment can also be used. Ultrasonic products or use of chemical solvents and scrubbing cleansers is not recommended. They will damage the product. Do not submerse wood blinds in water, but you can use a damp cloth to wipe the surface of the wood. For stain-finished wood blinds, use lemon oil or wood preservative to clean.

Cloth Tapes:

Spot cleaning with fabric cleaning wipes found at your grocery store is recommended for all tapes. These will typically not leave a stain or discolour the tapes. Hunter Douglas suggests a cleaning test on the underneath part of the blind where the tape wraps around the bottom rail so that any stain would be the least visible.

Fabric Shades, Shadings or Louvers:

Almost all Hunter Douglas fabric products may be dusted with a feather duster or vacuumed gently using a vertical stroke (with the exception of Luminette Privacy Sheers). For deeper cleaning, there are a number of options, depending upon the window covering. Possibilities include: bathtub cleaning/water immersion for most Duette honeycomb shades, ultrasonic cleaning, injection/extraction cleaning and steaming. Please consult your window covering professional for details.

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

NewsCanada

Punching up interiors with colour and light

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Punching up interiors with colour and light

(NC) We all like colour in an interior, but how do you add colour without it dominating the room and your life? If you've ever tried choosing a paint colour, you know that colour intensifies as you increase areas of coverage. A good rule of thumb is to let the primary colour you choose be featured in 75 percent of the room, usually your floors and/or wallcoverings. Then, your secondary colour about 15 to 20 percent and your third colour about 10 percent.

In addition to bringing the beauty of natural light into your home, windows are a good place to punch up an interior with colour.

To visually expand a window or room, choose soft, light or cool colours such as lemon yellow, seafoam-green or sky blue. Reverse the technique to make the window or room appear smaller and cozier by using dark, warm colours and high contrast between the window and wall. And, the light coming through coloured shades cast a soft glow in a room.

You can add colour and light and control the glare with a new line of Designer Screen Shades from Hunter Douglas. They offer an array of residential screen fabrics that almost look like scrim in a bright palette with colours like Bayou Blue and Whispering Willow. Depending on the pattern or weave, they range from sheer to semi-sheer and not only reduce glare but protect against the sun's harmful UV rays as well.

Designer Screen Shades come in two styles - Jubilance roman shades or Remembrance window shades. The Remembrance window shades can be motorized for added convenience.

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

NewsCanada

Window Blinds - Making Sure Your Windows Measure Up

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Making sure your windows measure up

(NC) While the experts at Hunter Douglas recommend that a professional take the final measurements, they offer the following tips on how to obtain accurate measurements with visually appealing and design-forward results.

Inside mounting. Choose inside mounted window treatments on windows that are bordered by distinctive frames or moldings. Additionally, mounting a treatment inside the window frame can emphasize the existing shape of an arched, bay or bow window. Inside mounted window treatments may also create a subtle backdrop for existing decorative elements.

Outside mounting. Outside mounted window treatments tend to make a window appear larger, or even a different shape, and they give a variety of options. An outside mounted window treatment can unify two or more windows, even if they are not in proportion. Outside mounted window treatments can also hide uninteresting window frames.

Measuring basics. Always use a 1.9 centimeter or 2.5 centimeter steel tape measure for accuracy. For inside mounting, determine the width by measuring from one inside edge of the window opening to the other. Measure in three places and use the narrowest measurement. For the height, measure from the top inside edge of the window opening to the sill top.

For outside mounting, measure from one outside edge of the window casing to the other for the width. Add five or so centimeters on each side to minimize any light leakage, but check the manufacturer's suggestions. For height, measure from the top of the window sill to the desired top of the shade or blind.

Most important of all? Enjoy your decorating your windows.

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

NewsCanada

Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 3

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Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 3

Blinds and Curtains are Out

When it comes to shutters, Jarman's products are among the hottest sellers. His company developed the Polywood shutter that uses an engineered wood substitute made from solid resin with a patented baked-on paint finish. "Years ago, all we sold were wood shutters, and those sales inevitably ended in follow-up maintenance calls," Jarman said. "So we looked for something better, more durable. The end result was Polywood, and now the only reason we go back to a customer's home is to install more shutters!"

Polywood shutters have the appearance of a quality wood shutter without the problems often associated with wood shutters, including warping, cracking and splitting as a result of age and exposure to heat and cold. This provides homeowners with the classic plantation styling, without the expensive upkeep.

"Polywood Shutters are growing in popularity because home owners want durable, low-maintenance window treatments," says Jarman.

According to Jarman, another advantage of Polywood shutters, especially with today's rising energy costs, is their ability to reduce monthly heating and cooling bills. While blinds and drapes can block out some of the cold and heat, the Polywood shutter's inner core is made from materials that act as an insulator, helping block out extreme temperatures and damaging sun rays.

"What other window treatment offers homeowners so many advantages?" asks Jarman. "With high-quality products on the market, and thousands of satisfied customers, we expect the popularity of shutters to continue to grow."

Erika Mitchellette agrees. "Having shutters installed is one of the best investments we've made for our home," she says.

With this type of endorsement, it is no wonder that shutters are the last window coverings most homeowners will ever have to buy.

For more information on Sunburst Shutters, visit www.sunburstshutters.com or call (702) 870-4488.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 2

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Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 2

Blinds and Curtains are Out

Style is a key selling point, but shutters also offer homeowners value and good looks. More than 50 percent of the DWC survey respondents said that the number one reason people buy indoor shutters is aesthetics. Thirty percent said their customers are buying shutters as investments in their homes. That's because most shutters outlast every other type of window covering. It seems that consumers understand the added beauty and value shutters can bring to their homes.

"I just didn't like the look of drapes when we were decorating our condo in Sun City, Ariz.," says Jeanne Nelson. "We saw the Polywood shutters and we liked the clean, classic look they created. Plus they are easier than blinds or drapes to keep clean. Several years later, it's clear they were worth the investment."

As homeowners' demand for shutters increases, new shutter companies continue to enter the market. "We've seen the shutter market grow substantially over the past few years," says Dix Jarman, co-owner of Sunburst Shutters, the nation's largest shutter manufacturer founded more than 25 years ago. "While aluminum blinds have been known to sag over the years and draperies fade from exposure to the sun, custom-built shutters, especially those made from Polywood, are becoming the window treatment of choice."

For more information on Sunburst Shutters, visit www.sunburstshutters.com or call (702) 870-4488.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Window Blinds - Top decorating trends

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Top decorating trends

(NC) No single style or trend dominates home décor today, but here are a few that stand out and some simple ways to achieve them through window treatments.

Mixing it Up - Top designers are nimbly mixing styles. This mix works well when backgrounds are kept soft and simple. Hunter Douglas offers a number of options that provide highly functional custom window coverings with clean designs that complement any style décor. Silhouette window shadings, for example, feature soft fabric sheers with horizontal vanes that rotate for privacy and light control. Luminette Privacy Sheers is a similar concept on the horizontal.

Classic Revisions - Today's designers and homeowners are using classic designs with a twist to create interiors that are practical, comfortable and convenient. In the window covering arena, Hunter Douglas has developed a new take on the timeless look of shutters with Alouette LightLouvers. This product consists of soft fabric louvers with an elliptical, cellular shape that soften and diffuse light. The louvers tilt 180 degrees for optimal light control and the headrail, also elliptical in shape, pivots with the louvers to virtually disappear.

Glimmer and Glitz. These are once again considered glamorous in both fashion and home décor. Always among the trendsetters, Hunter Douglas offers its popular Duette honeycomb shades in a fabric called Opalessance, the first of its kind to contain mica, a naturally iridescent mineral. It's available in three distinctly glamourous colour families: silver, gold and copper.

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

NewsCanada

Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 1

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Shutters Are America's New Favorite Window Fashion - Part 1

Blinds and Curtains are Out

(ARA) - In a society where "home redecorating" is one of the most-searched terms on the Internet and television programming regularly features home makeover shows, more Americans are taking on home remodeling projects and replicating the elegance and practicality introduced by celebrity interior designers.

The windows of a home are receiving significant attention from homeowners and designers. Not only are they a major visual element on both the inside and the outside of the home, but they control the lighting and mood for each room. Consequently, homeowners often spend a great deal of money to make sure their windows and window treatments look just right.

According to a recent survey of Draperies & Window Coverings Magazine (DWC) readers, when compared with all window treatments, shutters have risen to a prominence never before seen, and shutter sales are increasing nationwide. Nearly twice as many respondents in 2003's survey (when compared to 2001) reported that shutters generated 81 to 100 percent of their total window covering sales. More than ever before, consumers are choosing shutters as their number one window covering over blinds and curtains.

"Nothing compares to the look of plantation shutters," says Erika Mitchellette, a Sunburst Shutters customer in Minnesota. Mitchellette had Sunburst shutters custom built and installed at a home she and her husband Mark recently purchased and remodeled in Deephaven, Minn.

"We have some very large and complex windows, and were looking for window treatments that would add detail to the architectural beauty of our home," says Mitchellette. "We looked at blinds and drapes, but we found that the traditional look of plantation style shutters complemented the décor perfectly."

For more information on Sunburst Shutters, visit www.sunburstshutters.com or call (702) 870-4488.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor - Part 2

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Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor - Part 2
by: News Canada

According to Yasmin Siboldi, Manager Visual Merchandising at Blinds To Go, the country's leading manufacturer and retailer of custom made blinds and shades, it is best to begin, as with all décor choices, thinking of what you need with regards to function.

"Window treatments have so many variations, that they will probably be some of the most challenging, but also the most interesting decisions you will make about the look of your room," Siboldi said.

But finally, she says, the one issue that has no bearing on needs, is simply aesthetics. That is to say the "need" to create a mood, a theme, a way of beautifying the appearance of a room, even if the treatment is unnecessary.

"Once you have determined the mood and theme you want to create for your room, selecting a window treatment can be easy," Siboldi added. "Just remember decorating is supposed to be enjoyable and creative, so there really is no wrong answers. What's important is that you created a look that you are pleased with."

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

Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor

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Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor
by: News Canada

(NC)-Windows are such an important part of any room, that it's amazing the number of times we ignore their many possibilities for creating or complementing a room's entire mood and theme. They are the source of light, air and sunshine, which are direct and integral sources of our feelings of comfort. Therefore, the task of how to dress them should become a focal point.

Even if the windows themselves are not attractive, some sort of treatment on them (if only to disguise them) will change their appearance, but even more importantly will beautify the entire room. In this way, windows can greatly influence a room. They can be the focal point of an entire scheme in which you build the room around them because of a fabulous view, or just because the window itself is impressive.

Alternatively, you may choose to let them blend into the overall theme, because a piece of artwork is of specific interest and so needs to stand out. If you have a small living space or office, you may decide to keep things simple and neutral to maximize the room's dimensions.

Sometimes, however, even this rule must be ignored, because you may want to maximize the feeling of intimacy within the room.

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

Window Blinds - Window Décor Q&A: How Do I Balance Privacy And Sunlight?

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Window Décor Q&A: How Do I Balance Privacy And Sunlight?

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

Q: Our family room has a large bay window that provides wonderful sunlight, but, unfortunately, it faces the street and we live on a court. I love the benefits of sunlight, but I'm not comfortable with my neighbors seeing into my home for hours on end so my drapes are usually blocking out all that great sunlight. What can I do to let the sunshine in without giving up my privacy?

A: Letting in sunlight while preserving privacy is one of the industry's biggest challenges. For windows with an open view to the outside or inside, a top-down/bottom-up shade is the best option available. Cellular pleated or Pleated shades allow you to lower the shade from the top. This lets light in while keeping the bottom part of the window covered ensuring privacy. Other options like horizontal wood or aluminum blinds can offer you complete privacy control and style options.

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

Window Blind and Shade Glossary T - W

Window Blinds

Window Blind and Shade Glossary T - W

Tapes: Cloth versions of the braided ladder cords that run down the length of the blind, holding the slats together. A variety of colors, weaves, decorative patterns and sizes are available. In addition to being more decorative, cloth tape blocks more light than braiding because it covers the routing holes on the blinds.

Tilt: The cord or a wand, that opens or closes the slats of a blind, tilting it in one direction or the other.


Top-Down: A shade that opens opposite the customary direction — from the top down instead of from the bottom up. When fully open, the fabric stacks at the bottom of the window rather than the top.

Top-Down/Bottom-Up: A combination top-down AND bottom-up shade. This shade uses two sets of lift cords to open either from the top down or from the bottom up, or both at the same time. Allows for maximum versatility and protecting privacy while allowing light.

Two or more blinds on one headrail: Multiple blinds attached to one headrail, allowing each of the blinds to operate independently.

Valance Returns: The two "side" sections of a valance that connect the front (main) valance to the wall. Used only on outside mounts.

Venetian Blind: A window blind made of thin wooden or metal slats that can be set at any angle to regulate the light and air.

Vertical Blinds: Long, narrow, vertically slatted blinds made from PVC, fabric, or aluminum. Vertical blinds and shades are opened by rotating the vanes or drawing them away from the window. They are very useful for many situations and range from very basic to highly decorative and are excellent light and temperature insulators.

Wall Mount: Refers to mounting a headrail on the wall above a door or window to install a vertical blind.

Wood Blinds: Blinds made of hardwood. Available in several different classes and a large range of sizes and finishes.

Window Blind and Shade Glossary - S

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Window Blind and Shade Glossary - S

Semi-opaque: A shade through which images and shapes, but not clear details, show through. Darker colors provide somewhat more privacy than lighter colors.

Spacer Blocks: Extensions that add 1/2" of depth to the headrail on outside mounts. Spacer blocks are used when extra room is needed to avoid obstructions (such as molding) that are in the way of the blind or shade.

Stack: The area or direction the blind's slats go to (or "stack") when opened. With vertical blinds, the area of the stack (i.e., a left stack or a right stack) determines the direction the blind opens. In a left stack, the slats will "stack" on the left side of the window when fully opened. In a right stack, the slats will "stack" on the right side of the window when opened. Blinds can also be split stacked - opening in the middle, with half stacking to the left and the other half to the right; or center stacked - pulling away on both sides and stacking in the middle.

Stack Height: The amount of space the slats take at the top of a horizontal blind when fully raised. A smaller stack height allows a greater view out the window.

Window Blind and Shade Glossary P - R

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Window Blind and Shade Glossary P - R

Pleated Shades: Pleated shades are made of a single layer of lightweight fabric with sharp, evenly-spaced horizontal pleats. A less expensive, but less effective alternative to honeycomb cellular shades.

Privacy: Privacy refers to how much you can or cannot see through a shade or blind when it is fully closed. Sheer fabrics don't provide privacy, while blockout fabrics are considered fully private.

Ramin Wood: A more economical hardwood than basswood used in many value-priced wood blinds.

Reverse Roll: Used in two-tone shades where the back of the fabric is different than the face of the fabric. A roller shade option allows the fabric to roll off the front of the shade, preventing the backside of the fabric from being seen.

Roller Shade: A shade made of PVC or fabric and attached to a cylindrical roller.

Room Darkening: A blind or shade that decreases the amount of light passing through it to darken a room. While no blind or shade can completely black out a room, room darkning shades can reduce up to 99% of the light from passing through. In critical areas, outside mounting blackout shades are recommended to prevent light gaps and to maximize light blockage.

Window Blind and Shade Glossary I - O

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Window Blind and Shade Glossary I - O

Inserts: Long plastic sleeves, also called groovers, used with fabric vertical shades. An insert slides onto the fabric and provides added privacy and insulation.

Inside Mount: Hanging the blind inside the window frame, so that it is recessed with the window.

Lift: The cord which raises and lowers the blind or shade.

Light Control: The ability to control the amount of incoming light. Slatted or lovered blinds provide the best light control. Cellular or pleated shades can be raised or lowered for light control.

Light Filtering: A translucent or partially translucent blind or shade that allows filtered light in when fully lowered.

Mount: Blinds can be mounted inside the window frame or on the wall surrounding the window. If mounted inside the window frame, it's called an inside mount. If mounted on the wall just outside the window, it's called an outside mount.

Natural Shades/Natural Woven Shades: Shades made of natural materials such as wood, fibers, bamboo, and grasses (usually Roman style shades).

Opaque: Refers to blinds made from opaque material that blocks up to 99% of outside light. Opaque is a smart choice for bedrooms, children's rooms, and media rooms.

Outside Mount: Hanging the blind outside the window frame, on the wall around the window — covering and overlapping the wall.

Window Blind and Shade Glossary E - H

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Window Blind and Shade Glossary E - H

Extension Brackets: Brackets that add additional space between the blind and the mount when a handle or wood trim is in the way of the blind.

Faux Wood Blinds: Blinds that look like wood but are made of synthetic materials. They are classified either as a Composite — a blend of PVC and wood pulp; or as PVC, — an extruded PVC plastic. They are resistant to warping and are extremely durable, making them well suited for bathrooms and kitchens. They can be opened or closed by tilting the slats for light control and privacy.

Groovers: Long plastic sleeves, also called inserts, used with fabric vertical shades. A groover slides onto the fabric and provides added privacy and insulation.

Headrail: The hardware holding the tracks and other mechanical parts from which the blind hangs.

Height: The vertical distance from the top to the bottom of the blind, measured to the nearest 1/8 of an inch.

Hold-Down Brackets: Brackets that keep blinds which are mounted on a door in place.

Honeycomb Shade: Shades made of lightweight, non-woven, anti-static patented fabric in a honeycomb pattern to create air pockets called cells. The spaces in the cells act as insulation. Cellular shades are so thin that when fully raised, they nearly vanish. When open, their translucency creates a beautiful glow of light. Also called Cellular Shades.