Environmentally Friendly Window Treatments
Homeowners who are environmentally minded are often unsure of their options when it comes to window treatments. The good news is, there are plenty of affordable, environmentally friendly window treatments for any style of home.
A couple of the most popular blinds and shades include bamboo window treatments, certain brands of roller and solar shades and cell shades. Cell shades are the best insulators, while solar and roller shades work well in warmer climates to block heat. Bamboo shades bring a unique, tropical look to any home.
Before buying any window treatments, owners should decide what look they want for their room and what will go best aesthetically with their current décor.
As well, they should consider what qualities they want in a window blind or shade. The following are a few I recommend:
Double Cell Shades will help reduce energy use, saving money while being easy on the earth. There are two brands, among others, which qualify for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000.00. They are the EnergyTrack and Comfortrack brands. The double cell shades are the ones you want to look for. Their one-of-a-kind sidetrack system insulates the sides as well as tops and bottoms of windows, making them up to five times more efficient at keeping warm air in and drafts out than single window panes.
Bamboo Shades are a sustainable resource. Because they grow pretty much anywhere, and have weed-like properties, they don’t need pesticides or fertilizers to help them grow. Most bamboo is rain fed, meaning no additional water is necessary which helps preserve our water resources, unlike cotton. There are a few different designs of bamboo. The Tavarua line has great quality shades with a variety of different looks. Choose from Woven Wood Shades, Sliding Panels, Roller Shades or Ring Drapery.
EcoGreen Roller and Solar Shades are 100% recyclable, keeping them out of landfills. They are manufactured with eco-friendly fabrics. As far as homes go, they can help reduce air conditioning bills, by blocking the sun’s glare and UV rays. The weave in roller and solar shades allow for enjoyment of views even when closed without the sun’s fading qualities. These window treatments also qualify towards LEED certification. They help promote energy performance, material and resource use and improve indoor environmental qualities.
The more people ask for and show interest in green window treatments, the more products that will come to market. While the options for window treatments now are good, if demand pushes for it, there might come a day when all window treatments are environmentally friendly. Environmentally friendly doesn’t have to equal drab or boring, there are beautiful, tasteful styles of window coverings available now.
Learn more about custom window shades. Stop by Blinds Chalet to find out more about quality discount window blinds, shades, shutters and custom drapery.
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Categories: Window Treatments Articles Tags: Environmentally, Friendly, Treatments, Window
What color should window treatments be in kitchen?
Question by Jazzy33: What color should window treatments be in kitchen?
I just painted my walls in the kitchen an apache clay color (it’s basically a color between deep mauve and milk chocolate – kind of a brown/purple tone). I have dark oak colored cabinets and white appliances. I think I will be making my own roman shades, so I need ideas on what color fabrics to look for. Thanks 🙂
Best answer:
Answer by brat3992
It sounds like the kitchen is somewhat dark and needs to be brightened up. I would use a white material with a tiny pattern, flowers possibly, to match to wall color. This will tie in the white from the appliances and the dark cabinet and paint. If you could find this material, you could also use it to make napkins, place mats, liners in baskets, or chair pads, something to accent and brighten up the room even more.
Give your answer to this question below!
Categories: Window Treatments Questions Tags: color, kitchen, should, Treatments, Window
Window Coverings Enhance Home Furnishings
When moving into a new place in the city most people give little thought to window coverings. Instead people typically look at square footage and what they can do with the amount of room that they have in their apartment. Especially in the downtown buildings that rise up above the city, the last consideration of anyone renting or buying is the window coverings. However all that changes once the person has moved and is settling into their new surroundings. After looking out and seeing the surrounding cityscape many people realize that if they can look out onto the neighborhood then someone else can look in on them.
Whether a person has been living in the city for a while or has just changed addresses, there is a need for them to install some appropriate window coverings. Whether it is drapes, curtains, blinds or screens there is an appropriate solution to the problem of having an open view out onto the world and the world being able to see all that is going on inside an apartment. For some families the traditional curtains and valances make the apartment more like a home. With the availability of decor that accentuates the window and adds a degree of sophistication to the dwelling people that are living in coops and apartments or condos can create a window treatment that adds to the style of furnishings in their home.
With the right combination of sunshades that block 95% of the UV rays coming into a home the fabrics of the rugs and carpeting are protected from fading as are the sofa and upholstery that furnish the different rooms in the apartment. As a foundation for the home, sunshades make a good basic window covering that can be enhanced by the addition of a valance or decorative draperies that add form to the functionality of an adjustable screen.
In the kitchen especially the types of shades that are above the sink can allow light to shine through the screen but help maintain the privacy of the occupants of the home. In other rooms throughout the apartment the addition of floor length curtains can make a room appear to be taller or larger than it actually is while giving the homeowner the ability open and close the curtains to allow natural light into the house during the day and keep the neighborhood blocked out at night. With a number of different window coverings to choose from, people living in the city can have the privacy that they want and create a decorative finish to their homes.
Manhattan Blinds & Window Coverings (http://www.manhattanblinds.com/) Unique and creative solutions
for all types of window coverings, bedrooms and bathrooms.
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Categories: Window Treatments Articles Tags: Coverings, Enhance, Furnishings, Home, Window
Any creative ways to add color or window treatments to playroom?
Question by BabyQuestions: Any creative ways to add color or window treatments to playroom?
I have 5 windows in my sons playroom. They have wood bisque blinds on them but I’d like to add something to the windows for color to make them stand out more, something like a valance. Any creative things I can make myself from home without sewing and a lot of hardware???
Best answer:
Answer by up2now
I had small pennets from sports teams I lined up along the top of the window in my Son’s room.
Give your answer to this question below!
Categories: Window Treatments Questions Tags: color, creative, playroom, Treatments, ways, Window
All About Window Shutters and Mini Blinds
All About Window Shutters and Mini Blinds: Choosing, Buying, Installing and Cleaning Blinds
Introduction To Mini Blinds
The mechanisms that are used to open and close blinds range from simple cords and easy to use chains to remote controlled electronic devices. Mini blinds will block out sunlight, prevent people from looking into your house, and also add style to your home. Mini blinds come in various styles and you can even make them yourself at home.
Selecting The Coverings
Many factors play a role in selecting the right covering for your window. The main reasons as to why you should install window coverings are light control and privacy. Other factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, formality, versatility, safety, and the price.
All About The Window Blind
Window blinds are coverings for windows, normally attached to the interior side. Window blinds refer to some device to hide from sight or to help reduce sunlight. There are several kinds of blinds, which are covered below.
Benefits Of Interior Wood Shutters
Interior wooden shutters will create the defining touch to flatter any decoration of your home. Wood shutters are a great investment, and should be thought of and treated as fine furniture. Also, they are the only window coverings that are actually appraised into the value of your home.
Buying Budget Shutters
Even though there is a lot of value in installing high quality interior wood window shutters, they can sometimes still be too expensive for certain applications. There are some alternatives that include poly, pvc, or even vinyl shutters that are less expensive although much less attractive and look cheaper in comparison.
Custom Shutters
A lot of companies claim to sell custom shutters, although they may actually be selling customized interior shutters. Customized types of shutters will start as pre-built individual stock size shutter panels, which are then cut down and hinged together to achieve a specific size of shutter.
Cleaning Mini Blinds
At some point in time, all of us have come across mini blinds at the local home improvement center. They look really nice sitting there, although no one wants to spend a few days removing the dust from them. Regardless of what you may hear or think, it doesn’t always have to be this way.
Styles Of Blinds Shutters
The best parts of decorating your windows are the different window treatments you can choose. This is where you can make decisions on fabrics, colors, and also styles. Each decision you make between contrasting borders, cording or fringe will show off your own individually.
Venetian Blinds
Anyone who is familiar with Venetian blinds knows just how difficult they are to clean, with laterally slatted strips of plastic with dangling cords that gets on everyone’s nerves since they always seemed to get in a tangle.
Wood Or Vinyl Mini Blinds
The market for mini blinds has expanded well past those traditional aluminum blinds that break, bend, and warp. A lot of homeowners are now electing to install a 2 inch blind made from either wood or vinyl to add a nicer touch to a room.
Wooden Shutters
The best wood for building interior wooden shutters is basswood. The tree can be found from Quebec south to Delaware and the Atlantic coast west to Eastern Kentucky with an average height of 65 feet.
Exterior Shutters
Installing exterior shutters to a window is a quick and easy way to add style and flair to the outside of a home. Both historical and modern houses will benefit from the timeless accent of having exterior shutters.
Installing Mini Blinds
Measuring The first thing to do, is to determine the position of the mini blinds, deciding if they will be inside or outside of the window
More About Installing Shutters
Installing your shutters isn’t a difficult process at all. The key here is to work with shutters that are specifically built for each individual window opening in conjunction with detailed instructions.
How To Buy Shutters
Currently, shutters are made in a number of different materials, with wooden shutters still being…Introduction To Mini Blinds
The mechanisms that are used to open and close blinds range from simple cords and easy to use chains to remote controlled electronic devices. Mini blinds will block out sunlight, prevent people from looking into your house, and also add style to your home. Mini blinds come in various styles and you can even make them yourself at home.
Selecting The Coverings
Many factors play a role in selecting the right covering for your window. The main reasons as to why you should install window coverings are light control and privacy. Other factors include durability, life expectancy, cleaning, formality, versatility, safety, and the price.
All About The Window Blind
Window blinds are coverings for windows, normally attached to the interior side. Window blinds refer to some device to hide from sight or to help reduce sunlight. There are several kinds of blinds, which are covered below.
Benefits Of Interior Wood Shutters
Interior wooden shutters will create the defining touch to flatter any decoration of your home. Wood shutters are a great investment, and should be thought of and treated as fine furniture. Also, they are the only window coverings that are actually appraised into the value of your home.
Buying Budget Shutters
Even though there is a lot of value in installing high quality interior wood window shutters, they can sometimes still be too expensive for certain applications. There are some alternatives that include poly, pvc, or even vinyl shutters that are less expensive although much less attractive and look cheaper in comparison.
Custom Shutters
A lot of companies claim to sell custom shutters, although they may actually be selling customized interior shutters. Customized types of shutters will start as pre-built individual stock size shutter panels, which are then cut down and hinged together to achieve a specific size of shutter.
Cleaning Mini Blinds
At some point in time, all of us have come across mini blinds at the local home improvement center. They look really nice sitting there, although no one wants to spend a few days removing the dust from them. Regardless of what you may hear or think, it doesn’t always have to be this way.
Styles Of Blinds Shutters
The best parts of decorating your windows are the different window treatments you can choose. This is where you can make decisions on fabrics, colors, and also styles. Each decision you make between contrasting borders, cording or fringe will show off your own individually.
Venetian Blinds
Anyone who is familiar with Venetian blinds knows just how difficult they are to clean, with laterally slatted strips of plastic with dangling cords that gets on everyone’s nerves since they always seemed to get in a tangle.
Wood Or Vinyl Mini Blinds
The market for mini blinds has expanded well past those traditional aluminum blinds that break, bend, and warp. A lot of homeowners are now electing to install a 2 inch blind made from either wood or vinyl to add a nicer touch to a room.
Wooden Shutters
The best wood for building interior wooden shutters is basswood. The tree can be found from Quebec south to Delaware and the Atlantic coast west to Eastern Kentucky with an average height of 65 feet.
Exterior Shutters
Installing exterior shutters to a window is a quick and easy way to add style and flair to the outside of a home. Both historical and modern houses will benefit from the timeless accent of having exterior shutters.
Installing Mini Blinds
Measuring The first thing to do, is to determine the position of the mini blinds, deciding if they will be inside or outside of the window
More About Installing Shutters
Installing your shutters isn’t a difficult process at all. The key here is to work with shutters that are specifically built for each individual window opening in conjunction with detailed instructions.
How To Buy Shutters
Currently, shutters are made in a number of different materials, with wooden shutters still being…
List Price: $ 4.78
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Looking Beyond Window Coverings
In addition to the basics of providing various levels of privacy and illumination control, window coverings also function to complement or give a twist to the look of a room. Since these can be present on the inside as well as outside of the room, they can deliver similar or varying results depending on the designer’s whim and fancy.
Most common of these external shields are wooden shutters. Lending a touch of the Southern charm, there is nothing like the sight of plantation shutters adorning a house. Bamboo chicks and roller-style blinds may not be directly attached to the casements whilst still providing the additional layer.
As their name suggests, the purpose is to somewhat provide some form of casing around the apertures concerned. In fact, some window coverings may gear more towards the aesthetics as compared to the practical. By adding draping fabrics to existing curtains, it imparts a feel of the more formal. It is therefore not a wonder to see these types of decorative ideas being implemented in formal dining halls as compared to family rumpus rooms. Cornices too are not spared from being applied onto window casements. In addition to their core purpose of covering up unsightly wiring and concrete surfaces, they are also set up to emphasize the structure of the window. No different from accentuating one’s eyebrows, this easily changes the look of a room without a repaint or wallpaper job.
On a different note, those of heavier materials help to manipulate noise penetration in addition to illumination control. Whether it is to reduce traffic hum or minimize voices from leaching out, thick drapes perform a pretty good job. Window coverings are also mainstays in some regions subject to temperamental weather conditions. Whenever storm warnings are issued, many buildings get boarded up to protect lives and property. Once lifted, the temporary shields are removed and it is back to business as usual.
Chris is the writer of this article, you can visit us for more information on window coverings .
Categories: Window Treatments Articles Tags: Beyond, Coverings, Looking, Window
FSU Florida State University Seminoles Window Coverings Valance
FSU Florida State University Seminoles Window Coverings Valance
FSU Florida State University Seminoles window valance. This Seminoles valance is made of 100% cotton sateen and is pigment printed for long lasting color. This printed valance measures 84 W x 15 L and has a 2 inch rod pocket and a 2 inch header. The valance is printed with a repetitive logo pattern on a background of team colors. This listing is for the valance only, matching curtain panels and bedding available.
Price:
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Categories: Window Treatments Products Tags: Coverings, Florida, Seminoles, State, University, Valance, Window
supposing you are planning te redecorate all the interior walls & replace all the window treatments in your?
Question by iamyoursweetangel: supposing you are planning te redecorate all the interior walls & replace all the window treatments in your?
home. What wall & window treatments would you select and why? pls help me to detail curtain lengths and headings
Best answer:
Answer by shadowbaby4
I really like floor-length curtains. They make any room look a little more classy. I’d probably do traditional rod-pocket curtains for that length. I just painted my living room red and I’m planning to find chocolate brown curtains with some fabulous, earthy texture. I originally wanted wooden blinds instead of curtains for a more modern look, but the price was a little astounding.
Give your answer to this question below!
Categories: Window Treatments Questions Tags: Interior, planning, redecorate, replace, supposing, Treatments, walls, Window
Window Coverings for Home
Window coverings are in abundance when searching online. Shutters, blinds, curtains, drapes, or shades in all sizes and colors are available. Wooden blinds, shutters and shades, seem to be the most popular with most consumers. These allow light to open up a room, or close light off to the room completely.
For those who may live in a climate that is warm with abundant sunshine, window film is also available. This window film will help to cool off your home, and can cut your energy costs somewhat. This is a bonus to those living in the states that may have to run the air conditioning all summer long. Absorbing solar heat, this film will eliminate sun damage to furniture, carpets and the wood floors in your home. This is also a bonus as fading happens over time, with the damaging UV rays of the sun.
Both residential and commercial film is available and applied directly to the inside of the window surfaces. This tough window film will also hold shattered glass in place. This can help protect your family in those states that have the destructive weather factor going on. Glare is reduced, and hot spots are eliminated as well.
Plantation shutters are an excellent choice for any home, and will also add quality and classic beauty. These plantation shades must be custom made to fit each window. So keep in mind that you must allow the craftsmen to come to your home for the correct measurements of each window that you add plantation shades too. Plantation shutters can be manufactured in two inch slats, three inch slats, or four inch slats.
This will allow you to view the outside when opened. They can be made of one hundred percent wood and the color of your choice. A composite faux wood is also available for the ‘green’ conscious world of today. Composite faux wood has the look of genuine wood, and is the best for filtering out the heat, cold and moisture. These faux wood window coverings are guaranteed to last a lifetime. Either choice is unique and will set off your décor, no matter what kind of wood or color you choose. Hand held remotes are also available for those who may want to program the shutters. With just the touch of a button, you can open them in the daytime, and close them at night. What a great feature this is. The plantation shutter is the most desired of all window coverings, and with the added hand held remote feature, you can’t go wrong.
Blinds and shades can be measured easily and do not require a craftsman to come into your home. They are perfect for the ‘do it yourself’ person. They are probably the most inexpensive way to go, when you want beautiful, long lasting window coverings. They can be fitted on the inside frame of the windows, or the outside frame, depending on your choice and the desired effect. There are many styles to choose from for your home. These can be manufactured of vinyl, and also in any kind of wood or fabric desired. There are many varieties of colors available to the average consumer. All it takes is a bit of patience, and a bit of creativity.
A person can now turn their home into any inspired design with today’s window coverings. Gone are the days when we only had drapes or curtains to choose from. Custom drapes are available as well, and sometimes they can be the best fit for your home. It is certainly a nice advantage having a variety of choices in window coverings.
Jay has been writing for over 10 years about home decor and interior design. Through his discovery he writes mostly about blinds, shades, bedding, and rugs.
Categories: Window Treatments Articles Tags: Coverings, Home, Window
Wooden Window Coverings
Wooden window covers are a smart investment to protect one of the most valuable assets of your house. You don’t want your windows to break and for glass to shatter everywhere. This could possibly injure yourself and the loved ones that you care about. Lowe’s offers these kind of window coverings for around one hundred and twelve dollars. They offer such a seemingly high price for these coverings because if it is a Lowe’s product it typically deals with quality. You also want to make sure that whatever type of window covering you buy that it is easy to install. Most places have instruction manuals that come with their product, but this isn’t always the case.
No establishment should make their wooden coverings so complicated that you have to be a master craftsmen to figure them out however. You want a strong type of wood as well, so keep that factor in mind.
Go with a firm type of wood like oak. Ash may look prettier and smoother in some respects, but it simply isn’t as dependable.
There are companies out there like Blinds Chalet who offer wooden coverings for under thirty bucks. At that cheap of a price it is hard to say whether the product is truly one of a quality. The other possibility is that it just comes from a cheap manufacturer. If you go with the express shipping of your coverings the price does go up when you are dealing with Blinds Chalet. The shipping speed always increases the price, whether you are talking about coverings, other kinds of window treatment and any other product or service for that matter.
Wooden blinds and exterior window shutters will set your home apart from everyone else on the block. These inexpensive additions are sure to make your home more valuable as well.
Categories: Window Treatments Articles Tags: Coverings, Window, Wooden