Stylish Window Treatments with Bamboo Blinds and Shades

The Great Benefits to Bamboo Blind and Shades

Window coverings are an important accessory of interior decoration of any room and reflect the creativity and imagination of the designer.  There are abundant options in window coverings available in the market, which include traditional and modern types.  The selection would depend on the interior theme of the room.  The current trend in interior decoration is to go green and people have started to look for window coverings and other items which reflect their love for nature.  In case you want make your house appear natural and eco friendly, installing Bamboo Window Blinds would be an ideal option.

There are several advantages of having Bamboo Window Blinds in your house.  Due to their natural look and feel they can match with any type of interior design.  They have all the advantages of traditional blinds. Bamboo blinds can protect from sunlight and heat while allowing fresh air to enter the room. They are also highly durable and require very little maintenance.  They are versatile and are easily adaptable to any type of design requirements.

As compared to other types of blinds, Bamboo blinds are affordable while being elegant and trendy.  Bamboo blinds are usually available in brown or other natural tints.  However, you can get Bamboo Blinds in various sizes, colors and textures and easily choose one which match your interiors.  Bamboo Blinds are easy to install.  They are much thicker than the usual plastic blinds, while being light enough to manage easily. They would be ideal for areas such as patios where you require protection from harsh sunlight while enjoying fresh air. 

Installing Bamboo Blinds provide an ethnic ambiance to any interiors.  Another advantage is that due to the natural look, they easily compliment the furniture in the room.   Though bamboo panels appear delicate, they are highly durable and can easily withstand rough handling as compared to other type of window coverings.  This would mean that they would last long and would not need frequent replacement.

There is no need to spend a large sum for making your house look natural, eco-friendly and trendy.  You can easily achieve this by opting for Bamboo Blinds for your windows.

Revamp Your Interiors Using Motorized Skylight Blinds

Open and close with a Button Motorized Skylight Blinds

As compared to the traditional blinds, the motorized blinds can make your interiors look contemporary.  There are numerous models, designs and colors available in motorized shades which can easily blend with the interior theme of your house. In case you are planning to redecorate or revamp your existing home without changing your interior theme, you can easily replace the existing blinds using motorized blinds of the same color and design which can match with your theme.  Since motorized shades can be opened and closed using a remote control, you can easily adjust the natural light coming into the room without moving around the room bothering others. When you replace the traditional blinds with the motorized curtains  it gives an impression of being modern and trendy.

Motorized skylights have several advantages.  Unlike traditional ones, motorized curtains are safer as they have no dangling ropes or cords which attracts small children.  You can use timers in motorized blinds to automatically open them during daytime and close them when the night sets in.  These blinds have the capability to protect the people and furniture inside the house from harsh sunrays or UV radiation.  It saves you lot of effort needed for opening and closing the blinds manually,  since you can control all the window blinds in the room without going near them.  There are people who install the motorized skylight as they consider these a luxurious enhancement to home décor.

Motorized shades are a boon to those who have large windows in their homes and offices.  It is very difficult to use traditional blinds on such windows and they become very heavy and difficult to manage.  Remote controlled motorized skylight blinds are also ideal for windows which are fixed at a height such as skylights.  You can also use motorized blinds for windows which you cannot reach easily due to furniture or other obstacles.  Motorized blinds which can be remotely controlled would be a great help for disabled or aged people who have difficulty in manually opening and closing the blinds.

Though motorized skylight shades  may be costing more than the traditional blinds, they render a luxurious look to the house while providing all the above advantages.

Tips for Window Coverings DIY Projects

A Few Useful Tips on Window Treatments

The visual appeal of the interiors of a house can be greatly enhanced by providing creative and imaginative window treatments. Since windows are visible from inside and outside of a house, an attractive window treatment can affect both interior and exterior appearance of a house.

Selecting a suitable Window treatment would depend on various factors. While large arched windows of traditional mansions would need a certain type of window covering, wall-to-floor windows of a modern apartment may need a different type.  Widow covering would also depend on the purpose such as controlling natural light coming in the room or providing privacy to those inside.

 Choosing Window treatments would depend on the interior design theme of the house.  You may opt for minimal and transparent window treatments if you have a good outdoor scenery and want to display it. Small windows with a good view may require only a valance on the top.  On the other hand, you may require heavy curtains for large windows to protect those inside, if you have surroundings with harsh sunlight, heat, dust or noise.

There is a wide range of window treatments available with a large variation in costs. You may have to select a window covering depending on the budget you have allocated for interior decoration.  If you want to avoid cleaning them periodically, then you can opt for such window treatments which require little cleaning or maintenance.

Selection of Window treatment would also depend on the type of people going to stay inside the building.  In case you have small children it would be better to avoid those with dangling cords or ropes. Also, when you have elderly or disabled people who have difficulty in manually adjusting the window coverings, you can opt for motorized or remote controlled ones.

Choice of window treatment would also depend on whether you are planning to mount it yourself or avail services of experts.  Treating a window can be as simple as mounting a curtain rod on top of the window and hanging few fabric pieces. Do it yourself window treatment kits are also available.  On the other hand, you can opt for elaborately designed window treatments and mount those taking professional help.

Kitchen Window Blind Styles

Making Your Kitchen look Brand new With Window Treatments

    Creating the image of a brand new contemporary kitchen is as simple as sprucing up with the best window treatment selections available. Getting started begins with developing the budget of how much to spend.  Once this is decided, be sure to add a little room for play in your budget in case there is a window treatment that you have to have. If you do not spend the expected amount then you will not only have extra money left you will be happy to of made the budget.

   Following the making of the budget there are steps that can help you for creating the window treatment just for you. A good way to know what will work best for you to know the amount of traffic you have in your kitchen, as most kitchens are very busy. Knowing this and if you have children it is a good idea to look for durable and washable window treatments.

   The next step is deciding if you want to keep the kitchen dark or prefer more sunlight to come through. Especially if you have a beautiful view out of your kitchen windows, you do not want to cover that up. Now you are three steps ahead and all with simple answers to three questions,

•          How much to spend
•         The amount of traffic and
•          How much of the view and sunlight you want

It is now the time to go and get those window treatments you have been wanting. Following the basic guidelines may become much help at this point. The guidelines suggested; light control window treatments. The best window treatments for this is using blinds, or shutters as an option as you can tilt the slats allowing the option to decide how much sunlight you want. If blinds is what is chosen for the kitchen windows and you live within a state that has cold winters you would do good to look at the honeycomb blinds, as they trap hot and  cold air in cells.

   Additionally, for those whom want to rid their kitchen from heavy window coverings you can use upholstered cornice, flap valance, or a three-piece set of swags. Having natural light in the kitchen is essential as many expert decorators recommend. Even if you were to decide on pleated shades, they also offer the privacy window treatments yet allow light in the kitchen.

      There are so many ways to change the entire look of your kitchen when changing window treatments. using contemporary tones while using fabric as a window treatment will keep the kitchen bright, with privacy when needed and by using colors white to slate blue and you may want to use subtle stripes pattern are great especially for skylights and arched windows. 

   Making your kitchen look as it completely renovated is simple to do just by using new window treatments that brighten up and opens up your kitchen no matter how small the kitchen is. Window treatments will definitely open up the smallest of kitchens.

  

Window Coverings for Arched Windows

Covering Arched Windows is not As Difficult As it Seems

Even from earlier times architects have been using the arched doors and windows to provide an elegant aesthetic appeal to the interiors and exteriors of a building.  Though these windows are different from normal ones, it is not difficult to find appropriate window treatments to cover them. The selection would depend on the decoration needs of the interiors. 

Cover it partially

Most of the arched windows are large as well as tall.  To provide privacy for people inside, it is not necessary to cover them fully.  Many designers choose to cover only the rectangular portion below the arch of such large windows.  This is done by attaching a rod at the points on both sides where the arch starts.  The arch is then left open to bring in light and air. Different types of curtains can be hung on this rod.  The preference is usually to use sheer window curtain panels to render it a classic look, check out these images

Cover it fully

For this you may need to use curtain rods which can be bent to match the arch shape of the window.  Such bendable type of rods made with poly carbonate plastic is available in the market.  These types or rods are suitable for even oval and round windows.  These rods are attached using mounting clips and different types of curtain materials can be used to hand on these rods.  It would be ideal to use light weight and transparent fabrics on such windows.  In this method, you need not leave any part of the window uncovered.

Mount shutters and shades.

Mounting shutters and shades also can be done to cover the arched window partially or fully. Usually movable shutters and shades are fixed on the portion below the arch.  These can be controlled to adjust the lighting and privacy.  The arched portion of the window is then covered using shutters or shades which are fixed permanently. Semi transparent Window shades can be used to prevent harsh sunlight and UV radiation from bothering people inside the room and damaging furniture and carpets.

Using Lengthy Drapes

To provide a traditional and classic look to your interiors, you can use long drapes to cover the arched windows. These drapes are hung on long window curtain rods fixed inside the upper portion of the arched window.  These drapes, when drawn, can cover the window fully from inside.  Such long drapes can be seen in dining rooms of traditional houses. 

There are several ways to cover the arched windows, without diminishing their grandeur.  You can choose the one which suits your requirements.

Dressing Oversized Window Blinds with Roller Shades

Tips for Covering Oversized Windows

Tall, broad and expansive windows are attractive and visually appealing in any home or office.  In addition to providing more lighting inside the room, these windows can offer great views of the outside scenery.  However, as compared to normal windows, providing appropriate window treatments to such large windows is sometimes a challenge.  While covering these windows, you need to ensure that ambient lighting and privacy is maintained while retaining the beauty of the windows.  Here are some tips for selecting the window treatments for such large windows.

Before deciding on the Window treatment you need to find out exact measurements of the window.  Some of these windows may not be perfectly square or symmetrical and hence it would be ideal to take measurements at several places and average them if necessary.  Selection of window covering would depend on the size of the window.  You can mount blinds and shades inside the frame of the window. However, for curtains and valances you may have to fix a curtain rod which extends beyond the sides of the windows.

The type of window treatment would also depend on the type of rooms.  While for dining room or family room where privacy is not very important, you may select shades which bring in lot of light with more visibility. However for bedrooms and other areas you may have to select window coverings which controls or blocks light and provide you more privacy.

You have a choice of different types of window treatments.  Drapes and curtains would be ideal to provide a classical appeal.  These are made with variety of fabrics including lightweight ones to heavy brocades.  It is possible to create traditional and modern look using curtains as the fabric are available in many colors, shades and designs.  Curtains can be hung on curtain rods using rings and clips and controlled with ropes and pulleys.   Top of the curtains can be dressed up with valances and swags.

Blinds too are available in variety of colors and shades.  You can use horizontal or vertical blinds.  These are made with different materials including metal, wood or polyester.  Blinds can be adjusted in variety of ways to control lighting and privacy.  Shades are also ideal for oversized roller shades can be easily drawn or opened manually or using a remote control.  In addition to the traditional shades made of cloth or other fabrics, there are modern solar shades which control lighting while allowing clear outdoor visibility for those inside the room. 

It is not difficult to find a suitable covering for oversized windows.  However the selection would depend on your individual taste and specific requirements of lighting and privacy.

Stylish Window Treatments Retractable Solar Screens

Various Advantages of Installing Retractable Screens

If your house has windows which are different from the conventional types, sometimes it becomes difficult to fix the normal screens on them. Also, when you fix the normal screens, you cannot open these windows fully whenever needed. In such a predicament the best option would be to install retractable screens, which can be pulled in to stop the bugs from coming in, but also retracted when it is pleasant and sunny outside. In this article we can discuss some of the trends available in the retractable screens.

The advantage of new models of retractable screens is that these are almost invisible.  They easily blend with the surroundings and do not affect the visibility of outside scenery.  This is due to their finer lines, discreet casings and slim frames.  The frames are available in wood grain finishes which perfectly blend and become invisible when mounted on the windows.

Modern retractable screens use the cutting edge technology.  These screens are made in such a way that they open and close very smoothly. The fittings on these screens control the movement of the screen in such a way that it does not slam close.

Another new trend is to mount special solar mesh on these screens.  This solar mesh provides very good Ultra Violet Ray protection for those inside.  Some of these solar meshes can block more than 85% UV radiation.  You can find mesh with different sizes of holes too. In case you want to stop even very small insects there are mesh with tiny holes available.

Various options available for customization are also an advantage with retractable screens these days.  You can tailor make these retractable screens to perfectly fit the window blinds or any opening of your house. Apart from customizing the size and design, you also have innumerable options on color of the framework, and select one which perfectly suits your interior decoration.  You can even get matching colors such as wood grains so that they become invisible when mounted on wooden finish windows or openings.

Retractable screens are also available in manual and motorized versions.  You can open and close these motorized screens using a remote control without going near them.

Made to fit Motorized Curtains

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Motorized Curtains

Let us talk about advantages first.  The main benefit of having a motorized curtain is the ease of use as it can be opened and closed automatically with the press of a button. This is especially a boon for aged, weak and disabled people who may not be able to physically pull and push the cords to move the curtains.  Also they can control the curtain using a remote control.  The motorized curtain contains an electric motor and hence they have a thicker drapery rod.  Motorized curtains usually come with a remote control using which you can adjust the curtains from any part of the room.

Another advantage of motorized curtains is that there is no need to go near them to operate.  This is especially good if you have windows which cannot be reached easily, due to their elevation or placement.  Motorized curtains are ideal for huge and also for extra wide windows, where curtains become too heavy and bulky making it difficult to move them physically. 

The mechanism of motorized curtains is simple.  In this, regular curtains are hung from attachments in a track. An electric motor moves the curtain along this track.  This electric motor is often run using a wall mounted switch or in modern versions using a handheld remote control.  Motorized curtains are available in different sizes, models and qualities and  the range of remote controls also vary.  Despite this, most of the remote controls can operate the curtains from any part of the room.

Motorized Curtains also have a few minor drawbacks.  Since they move on a fixed track, some feel that they do not have enough control on the lighting.  Motorization also involves some restrictions on free movement of curtains.  They are sometimes prone to mechanical breakdowns which may be bothersome. This is because they can get stuck on open or shut position.  Also motorized curtains cannot be opened or closed manually, in case of electricity problems. There are some who feel that installation of motor in the curtains can make them bulky and mar the interior decoration of the house.

Another disadvantage of motorized curtains is that they are comparatively expensive than traditional ones.  Also, in most cases, you need a professional to install them.  They feel that the traditional curtain rods look more elegant than the motorized ones.

Retractable Solar Screens for Windows

Various Advantages of Installing Solar Screens

As the name indicates, the Solar Screens are basically window shades which protect you from harsh sunlight.  These screens reflect back the sunlight falling on them and prevent it from coming inside the room.  For this reason, solar screens usually cover the whole window.  While giving you protection from sunrays and harmful UV radiation, these screens also help in saving energy for cooling the house.

Different types and sizes of retractable solar screens are available for normal windows. However, if you have a different requirement, solar screens can also be custom made.  You can also choose from different patterns and colors to suit your house décor.  Polymer screens and mesh types are also available.  You can also use these screens for covering your porches, patios and skylights.  Removable types of solar screens are also available, which can be mounted as per requirement.

The main benefit of solar screens is the protection it offers from sunlight and harmful UV radiations.  These screens also reduce glare inside the room and also safeguard your furniture from damage due to harsh sunrays.  It also prevents sunlight from fading the colors in your carpet.  You can get transparent solar shades which does not hinder the outside view.

Another advantage is that solar shades can considerably reduce your energy bills.  This is possible because they block the heat from coming inside by reflecting it back thus reducing the pressure on Air conditioner during summer.  This helps you to save up to 40% on energy cost. During winter too, the solar shades can save energy by preventing heat loss from inside.

During daytime, Solar screens can provide privacy by blocking the view from outside, while allowing you to see the outside view.  However, during night time you would need additional window coverings to ensure privacy inside the room.

You can also find Solar Screens which allow air movement while preventing harsh sunlight and insects from coming inside the room.  These types of Solar Screens are made using a small and tight mesh, which allows air circulation.  Solar screens are a good energy saving option as they are relatively less costly than other screens.  Some of them only cost about $2 per sq. feet.  You can also install solar screens which can be pulled down when needed. Motorized options with remote control are also available, though they may be slightly costlier.

Why Choose Motorized Retractable Screens

Tips to choose Retractable Screens for your home

Installing Retractable Screen is an ideal way to protect your house from insects and bugs.  The advantage of retractable screens is that they can be pulled in to close the window or door whenever needed and can unobtrusively retract into housing when it is not needed.  There are several types of doors and windows where normal screens cannot be used as they may block the movement.  In such windows and doors the convenient option would be to use retractable screens.

Depending on the size, space and usage, different types of retractable screens are available in the market.  Here, we will discuss about the common types available in the market to enable you to choose the right one for your purpose.

As the name indicates, the Flat mesh screens have a flat mesh and run on track system, which can be concealed inside the flooring. In the single panel model, one panel is pulled across the opening whereas in the double panel model two panels meet at the middle of the opening. Retractable panels with a pleated mesh are called Pleated screens.  Similar to the Flat Mesh Screens, these to run on retractable tracks and are available in one panel and two panel types. 

Another type of retractable screen, which has a several panels sliding on tracks, is called paneled screens. However, they are not very discreet and primarily meant for huge openings.  They are similar to sliding doors.

There are also screens available which can be completely removed. One such type is the Magnetic screen which is held to the opening using magnetic strips.  These can be fixed and peeled off according to your requirement.

You can also choose from different types of mesh for your retractable screens. This includes fine mesh to protect you from insects and mosquitoes and solar mesh which is meant for providing UV protection.  Pull down screens which are wind resistant are ideal for outdoor areas.

Motorized retractable screens, which can be pulled in and retracted at the touch of a button, are also available.  These are good for large openings. Also there is no need to go near the screen to operate it. However, you do not need much effort to open the manual ones as they too can be easily moved and you can also adjust the opening according to your need. Motorized screens are also more expensive than the manual ones.

It would be prudent to buy retractable screens from a reputed dealer, who can ensure quality and warranty  and also guide you to select one according to your need.