Don’t build a home until reading this!
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There are so many elements to consider when designing and building a home or addition that it is easy to overlook window treatments. This article will show you how to avoid the most common pitfalls, and hopefully save you money.
Window Depths
Window depths should be at least 2-1/2 inches, especially when decorative casing surrounds the window. Homeowners prefer to mount treatments like shutters and plantation size (2″) wooden blinds within the window frame. When installing double-hung windows the 2-1/2 inches applies to the bottom window, where space is especially shallow. Some plantation shutters have 4-1/2 inch louvers These and some other treatments require even more room.
Sliding doors are less popular these days; however, the door’s handle size should be considered when measuring the depth. Verticals usually require a 4″ depth plus room for the handles.
Window Styles
Window styles such as circular, arched, eyebrow arched, and angled are aesthetically appealing, but restrict the choices of window treatments. Manufacturers have only a few blind and shade products which accommodate these windows. This is especially true for eyebrow and 1/4 arches. Shutters are usually the only choice for treatments mounted inside these kinds of windows.
Homeowners are reluctant to permanently cover the arched portion of an arched window, and there are few treatments which can be opened. Use care when incorporating these fashionable but difficult to treat windows.
Crank style windows prevent treatments from lowering completely. In a set of bow windows without sheetrock separating each window, there is usually a privacy problem because of the gap between each blind or shade. Full traversing draperies will alleviate this problem, but a long drapery is probably inappropriate in, for example, a breakfast room or kitchen.
French doors usually swing into the home, and this eliminates many types of valances which hang above the doors. There are a few options which can be mounted directly on the doors. Consider allowing the doors to swing outward. Also consider the handles and dead bolt locks which sometimes prevent optimal placement of shades, blinds, and shutters. The door handles should be installed toward the center of double French doors to allow easier stack back of draperies on both sides of the doors.
The number of glass panes across a window should be an even number when you are using shutters, so that the center of the shutter lines up with a line in the window.
Window Placement
Window placement is equally important. Chair rails and base boards should not be wrapped around into the window openings. This prevents the raising and lowering of shades and blinds. Chair rails and trim from an adjoining perpendicular wall sometimes butts up against the window or its casing. This restricts the proper placement of a drapery, and does not allow the drapery to stack back sufficiently. Sometimes the outside edge of the drapery cannot even extend outside the window itself. This problem also can be caused by fireplace mantels. It is best when an equal amount of wall space is provided on both sides of a window. Center the windows on the wall whenever possible.
Make sure there is enough space between the top of the window and the ceiling or crown molding. A minimum of 2″ is required for bracket placement. Wood headers should extend up to the ceiling or crown molding if the window treatment is being installed that high. Heavy treatments are best mounted into wood, instead of just the sheetrock. If there is not a stud where you need one, consider using molly or toggle bolts.
Avoid a soffet when the top of the windows under the soffet are lower than the tops of other windows in the same room. It is preferable to eliminate soffets in bay or bow windows.
Access to all windows is necessary, even those in unfinished attics. Windows over tubs are sometimes difficult to reach without stepping into the tub. Front doors with smooth glass are usually covered with a gathered sheer. The sheer is not preferable in contemporary homes. Consider using beveled glass to eliminate the need for a drapery treatment.
Other Considerations
Other considerations such as motorized treatments require special wiring and strategic placement of wall plugs. Windows in the same room should be of the same style. The bottom of windows along stairways should be high enough to allow for draperies to hang at an equal length on both sides of the window. Built-in wooden cornices should be sufficiently long and deep to handle the window treatment you are going to use.
Fire sensors and motion detectors are sometimes in the way of rod placement. Alarm contacts can be particularly tricky.
Consider giving this article to your architect, contractor, and window treatment professional. Whether you are able to incorporate all of these ideas will be determined by cost, your personal aesthetic preferences, structural integrity, and the flexibility of the people who are working for you. If you consider your window treatments before you build, you will be much happier with your home.
Happy decorating,
How to Keep your Blinds Clean
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I have discovered the danger of ordering a Venti at Starbucks. It gave me the energy to do all those things I always put off, and for some reason in my caffeine high I got a jump on pre-holiday cleaning. The downside, I can now make an eco-friendly sweaters from the dustbunnies I found under my bed. In my cleaning frenzy I came up with a quandry. How should I properly clean my jsl-Blinds.com blinds?
Here’s the answer:
There’s a couple of options with jsl-Blinds.com Aluminum Venetian blinds, firstly you can use a blind cleaner, a special type of duster designed to get in between the slats. This makes the cleaning extremely quick and easy but it is only really suitable for dusting. For a more thorough clean, the blinds can be closed and wiped down or an even easier method is to take the blind down and use either the bath or shower to spray the blind down. Try to avoid using any soap products as unless you have the time to spend making sure that every last bit of soap is washed off. Soapy products can turn even the most expensive aluminum blind, a slightly yellow color!
Wooden Venetian Blinds
Generally wood venetian blinds are coated with a finish and can be dusted just like aluminum blinds. However, if you are a closet Martha Stewart or feel like the wood is getting lackluster than it’s worth giving them a good polish with a wax based polish. This helps to protect the timber and the richness of color. The wax in the polish builds up a protective layer which will repel any splashes or marks.
Roller Shades
Roller blinds are low maintenance, the mere act of raising and lowering the blind displaces dust from the fabric. You gotta love that. If if you are prone to allergies or find that there was a heavier build up of dust then simply use your vacuum to run over the material, it will not damage the fabric if used with a little care.
On most types of Roller blind any more substantial marks can be simply wiped away using a sponge and warm water. However for some materials, such as faux suede’s and softer cotton based materials, ask the manufacturer what they advise as the last thing you want is a lasting stain on an otherwise perfect blind.
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds are simple and very easy to keep clean. In a similar manner to a roller blind, a Roman blind can be cleaned by running the vacuum over the material to remove dust. Some fabric Roman blinds are also machine washable but be prudent and check with the manufacturer before putting your blind in for a quick spin!
Vertical Blinds
Vertical blind materials are pre-treated with a protective coating to keep them straight and make them fairly stain/mark resistant. However, should you find that you need to clean them you should use a sponge and warm water with a mild detergent. Very gently dab away any marks while trying not to get the blind too wet or to rub too harshly so as to ensure the protective coating is not damaged. The fabric must be left suspended from the head-rail with the weight in place at the bottom to ensure that it dries evenly and straight.
Pleated Blinds
Simply vacuum a pleated blind and it will be as good as new. There’s a very light wax coating to the fabric which helps keep them clean and also keeps the creases for the pleats in place. Definitely do not get them wet as they react badly to warm water.
Window Blinds Changing Trends
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Interior decorators are always working to make homes beautiful and window coverings have become a very important in maintaining the overall harmony of the room. The orthodox way of covering windows was to use curtains which didn’t give much choice as far as styles and designs were concerned. They were even very heavy and difficult to maintain and clean, as they had to be taken off from the window and then washed. However, trends are changing now and many people are shifting to window blinds. Window Blinds have lots of advantages as they are light, soft; have bigger range of colors, styles and design. They can be controlled by a remote and are even much easier to clean.
Window Blinds Increasing Demand in Us Market
Due to the increase demand of window blinds, more and more companies in US are entering into this sector. Many of them have made their name in window blinds market in the last few decades like Blinds to Go, by selling their products at factory rates and complemented by excellent marketing strategies. This has helped them in attracting increasing number of customers.
Blinds to Go - Marketing Strategy
Blinds to Go is one of the top companies in the field of window blinds manufacturing that have attracted many customers and their customer pool is increasing constantly. This has only been made possible by an excellent but simply strategy; have a friendly, cooperative relationship with customers and sell blinds at very low prices.
Conceptualization of Blinds To Go
Bringing Blinds to Go to the present level wasn’t an easy task. It took David Shiller, the famous pioneer of Blinds to Go, almost 50 years of journey to reach at the present level. Initially he used to travel all over the Canada to sell his products at the doorsteps. Then in 1954, he changed his strategy of selling products at doorstep, and made his own shop in Montreal by the name of Au Bon Marche. In 1976, his son Stephen Shiller after joining the company proposed to totally revamp the business. His plan was to sell a single product i.e. Window Blinds rather than selling many products and not being famous in any, which later turned out to be an excellent and very profitable change. In the infancy stage of Blinds to Go, they sold window blinds purchased from other manufacturers, but in this way they could never compete with other sellers, earn profit and even get the blinds as when they needed. Hence they decided to have their own production company which can produce blinds as well as sell it to customers at market competitive rates. In this case even the production rate was in their hands depending on the market demand. As a result of the ever growing demand of Blinds to Go by customers, Blinds to Go grew rapidly. If you are in Quebec most probably you would be going to Blinds to Go for blinds shopping.
How to choose the right blinds for your home
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Installing blinds is a great way to update the look of your home without spending some serious money. They also insulate your room, gives you added privacy and protect your home from the harsh elements of the outdoors.
There are numerous choices in the market so you will surely find one that fits your home and your budget perfectly. Just keep in mind that different blinds have different characteristics and benefits so don’t buy just any blind on impulse. You must carefully consider each blind keeping in mind the style of your home and the purpose for which you are installing blinds.
One major consideration when buying blinds is the cost. Yes, they do cost less than a total room make-over but some blinds can be expensive especially if you are buying good quality blinds with distinct and advanced features. If cost is no concern, then you can choose whatever blind you fancy but if you are working within a budget then you might consider some of the cheaper options available in the market. The most affordable blinds are the Mini Blinds. Mini blinds are practical choices for the home although they do not exude the same aesthetic value as say the bamboo blinds or the roman blinds.
Another practical option is the vinyl roller shade because they are not as expensive as the fabric roller shade or the wooden blinds but they are very easy to maintain and provide better insulation and protection from the sun than your mini blinds. They are also easy to clean because the roller shade does not have horizontal slats that gather dust.
If you are running on a tight budget you can use mixed blinds for your home. Use cheaper blinds for sheds, the bathroom, the pool house and use more expensive and prettier blinds in your bedrooms, your living room and study.
When buying blinds you must consider the over-all theme of your room. Make sure to choose a blind that is appropriate for the design of your home. Bamboo blinds for example complements seaside houses or country homes. And it would be the height of bad taste to install PVC vertical blinds in a lavish Victorian-inspired home.
Energy-efficiency and insulation is another aspect you must consider when purchasing blinds. Cellular shades and plantation shutters are perfect for keeping both extreme sunlight and extreme cold from your home. PVC-backed Fabric vertical blinds also offer great insulation and privacy. If you live in a breezy town and do not experience harsh weather then your regular blinds and shades will do.
Blinds as room dividers
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Blinds are much more exciting than you think.
Not only do they provide decoration and keep the sun from shining into your home when placed at your windows, blinds also make the perfect room divider. Blinds provide a simple yet effective way to split a large room into smaller separate living areas with added privacy.
Our made-to-measure blinds can be made to your specifications whether it’s for a window or another purpose. Instead of splashing out on expensive room dividers you can use blinds, which left open let light into the whole space or closed give privacy to a certain part of your home.
Vertical blinds, Venetian blinds and Roller blinds work best.
It’s Window Treatment Safety Week, How Are You Protecting Your Kids?
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More than 140 children have died in the United States since 1981 by strangulation from window treatment cords, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It is easy to make today’s window treatments safer for young children with just a few simple adjustments, to prevent these tragic accidents.
Cribs and furniture should not be placed near a window.
Even if you have child guards on the windows, young children are tempted to investigate cords dangling from window treatments. Since young children climb, never put a chair or other object near a window with a dangling cord.
Keep all cords out of reach from small children and pets. Place the cords on hooks (called cleats) to keep the cords from being in harm’s way. It is best not to wrap them around the cleat, as this causes the cords to twist. Twisting causes the cords to get caught in the headrail, making the shade difficult to keep straight along the bottom.
Eliminate loops on two-corded horizontal blinds.
Cut the cord above the end tassel (the item that looks like a small wooden or plastic thimble). Remove the equalizer buckle, then add new tassels for each cord-or replace it with a safety break-away tassel. The CPSC urges you NOT to retie the cords in a knot, as that will only recreate a new loop.
Eliminate cellular shade cord loops.
Cut the cord and place separate tassels at the ends.
Keep continuous looping drapery cords anchored near the floor or against a wall, to keep the cords taut.
Only buy window blinds and shades that already have these safety features built-in. If you already own some that do not, the simplest and quickest solution is to use cord cleats.
Tricky Design Problem: Alternatives to Vertical Blinds
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Q: I have a sliding glass door that I want to cover, but I think vertical blinds are ugly. What are the alternatives? – Brad D., Los Angeles, CA
A: Thanks for your question, it comes up a lot. Vertical blinds definitely aren’t for everyone. What’s great about them is they’re very durable, and they’ll last you a long time. If your child or rambunctious dog pulls out one of the vanes, it’s easy to replace. Plus, they block light and heat well when they’re closed. However, vertical blinds are very traditional. If you’re looking for something modern, you have plenty of other options. Here are my top picks for vertical blind alternatives:
Vertical Soft Shadings
Why I like it: Mystique Soft Shadings add a touch of the dramatic to décor. This is a very luxurious, soft product that will add warmth and create style. It functions as a vertical blind in that it blocks light and heat, but has all the aesthetics of a sheer or pleated shade. For an even more spectacular look, hang them from floor to ceiling. As pretty as they are, they’re still easy to install. They’re lightweight due to the sheer material. Ordering online will cost you around 1/3 of what you’d pay in a store, which is always a plus!
Woven Wood Sliding Panels
Why I like it: Woven Wood Sliding Panels are an energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and fashionable way to decorate large walls of glass or sliding glass doors. They’re always a conversation piece, because they’re quite striking, and not many people are familiar with them. What people love about woven woods shades, they also love about the Sliding Panels. They’re crafted from bamboo, sisal, rattan, reeds, grasses, and wood, and give the room that natural, modern feel. Light will filter in when they’re closed, but damaging UV rays will be locked out. Keep in mind that each material is different; some provide more privacy than others. Order free samples before you buy to ensure the panels meet your privacy needs.
Hunter Douglas Applause Vertiglide Shade
Why I like it: The Applause Vertiglide is, in essence, a cellular shade turned on its side that opens and closes left to right instead of up and down, making it perfect for patio doors. You get all the benefits of a blackout honeycomb shade: insulation, darkness when you want it, easy of use and installation, plus plenty of colors and options to choose from. If you already have Hunter Douglas cellular shades in the room, you can find a Vertiglide product in the same color, as the colors coordinate.
Solid Fabric Sliding Panels
Why I like it: Solid Fabric Sliding Panels are attractive and easy to use and install. They’re available in light filtering and room darkening fabrics, so you have a lot of flexibility when it comes to the fabric and color you choose. They instantly cool the room down by blocking UV rays and direct Spring/Summer sun. If you choose a light filtering fabric, you’ll still allow light to shine through while preventing glare on televisions and computer monitors.
Trends in Blinds, Curtains and Awnings
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With summer coming, many people are looking for new blinds, curtains or awnings in order to help keep the summer sun out. We’ve spoken to Joe Zammit from Apollo Blinds to see what the latest trends are.
Reduce the Heat
Stopping heat from entering the home helps to reduce energy bills as the air-conditioning does not have to be set at too high a level or work harder to compensate for the extra heat. Zammit says that the most effective way to stop the heat is with an external shading device.
“Fabric awnings are effective, as are aluminium roller shutters and external aluminium louver shutters. These – apart from the louver shutters – can be operated internally or even motorized.
“Internally, a close-fitting Roman Blind face-fitted to the window will help trap the heat and, with a white backing, can even reflect some heat back through the window.”
Other ways to reduce heat include the use of cellupleat shades and cedar shutters.
“Cellupleat shades have a honeycomb construction which insulates due to a double layer of fabric. Cedar shutters on the inside also do a great job insulating as cedar is a natural insulator and the shutter blades close tight.”
So what materials are being used at the moment? Zammit says that materials are ranging from rigid PVC verticals to soft polyester/cotton fabrics.
“Customers tend to choose blockout materials for privacy but translucent materials still offer a degree of privacy without compromising the thermal properties.
Trends and Colours
“A popular trend right now is for screen fabrics which allow you to retain a view by day, however, at night the reverse applies and people can see in with a light source turned on in the home.”
Even though translucent materials are popular, privacy can be compromised at night. Zammit recommends a double roller system off the one bracket which allows you to pull down a blockout blind at night.
Another popular trend is the minimalist look.
“Traditionally, in roller blinds, for example, people chose from a vast array of trims and tassels and were typically spring controlled. Now customers like the chain driven options with aluminum base bars across the bottom finished with a cassette at the top.
“Slimline aluminium Venetians, once the rage, have been replaced by the timber look Venetians in timber tones as well as whites and off whites.
“As far as colour goes, eighty percent of all choices come from twenty percent of the spectrum – whites and off whites.
“Chocolates have been popular of late and metallics are also in,” Zammit says.
