Archive for ◊ July, 2010 ◊

Author: Adam Stevens
• Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Many people do not fully understand their options when it comes to installing and operating skylight blinds. With today’s advancements it is actually extremely easy to find, install and operate skylight blinds with a minimum of effort. By far the most popular type of skylight blind is the motorized blind, which will automatically open and close by use of a remote control. These are usually fairly easy to install, with costs varying depending on the actual type of blind installed.

When looking for a motorized blind one of the first things to look for is one that is totally battery operated as these are much more convenient and look much neater than those that come with an AC adaptor. If you want a hard wired blind it will be necessary to hire an electrician to do this for you. It is often cheaper, in the long run to simply buy a battery operated blind. Usually the batteries last for a couple of years before they need replacing.

If you do not mind opening the skylight blind manually you can easily find extension poles that come in six and twelve feet sizes. Often these have an attachment that sits on the end of the pole, with a small hook on it. This is to help you easily grab hold of the blind or the cord to pull the blind down. Many poles are expandable, meaning that they can elongate to six or twelve feet or they can be shortened to any length you desire. This is particularly useful if you have several skylight blinds around your home.

The poles are usually fairly inexpensive, ranging from around $30 to $50, and in most cases they are a one-time purchase that does not need replacing. Unlike a remote, which can often be misplaced, these are usually within reach right when you need them. Many people are perfectly happy to manually close their skylight blinds themselves, while others prefer the ease and comfort of being able to remotely control the blinds from their chair or sofa.

Author: Adam Stevens
• Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Doing home decorating or improvements on a limited budget? Well, here is a great way to treat your windows – scarf valance. Valance? A valance is a decorative framework to conceal all those curtain fixtures. Thus, in a scarf valance that decorative framework is a scarf. It is of course fabric; a fabric of your choice and style. It will give your home an instant make over and it is right for you. Here is why.

1. Style and Décor of the Room.

Different types of valances go with different types of room. In kitchens and bathrooms, for example, a more informal style of valance may be preferred. You may go with single color scarf valances to simple print. In dining rooms and living rooms, however, a more traditional style of valance is favored such as an ascot valance or a crisply tailored swag and tail designs. While the scarf valance is generally considered informal, it depends on the type of fabric it is made from to make it suitable for more formal rooms. A sheer scarf valance, for example, is slightly romantic in nature and therefore is best of all in a bedroom with very soft romantic style decor, whereas one in softly draped gingham would be great in a country style kitchen. Scarf valances over your windows instantly create a mood and add value to the home.

2. Cost

Scarf valances are easy to manufacture as they simply are a certain length of fabric to be hang over you curtain fixtures. They certainly cost less than the valances made of wood, upholstery, or other material. Thus, if you have a limited budget and still want to improve your home a scarf valance is a great way to go.

3. Easy to Hang.

Scarf valances are merely draped over the curtain rod or through valance rings if you happen to have them. Dedicate some time in arranging the folds as you want them. It is not a complicated thing to do. You can do as many loops as you wish. You will get a great effect on whatever length of fabric you have. The ends of the valances do not even have to reach the floor. It will be a nice exercise in your creativity. Remember, there is only one way to do it and it is your way. You may even take a peek on the net to get some ideas. Improve on them and make them your own.

Scarf valances will instantly improve your home. One can do it even with a limited budget. Want a makeover for your house? Think scarf valance!

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Author: Adam Stevens
• Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Most homeowners choose to use curtains in their homes for a variety of reasons. These include: to maintain privacy, to add an attractive appearance, to keep noise and/or light out of a room, to help keep the noise level down or to keep cold weather from entering in. When you decorate with voile curtains, you can find a way to achieve all of the above benefits while at the same time add creativity and uniqueness to your room setting.

The word voile comes from the French word for veil. Therefore the main characteristics of voile curtains are their lightweight features and translucent nature. When hung over an open window, voile curtains easily catch the breeze which gently lifts the fabric through the air, giving the impression of a fresh and spacious environment. The materials used to make voile window curtains include woven cotton or a combination of cotton and other materials depending on the design, styles and colors of the curtain. By combining voile curtains with other curtains types you can create a distinct ambiance and look for any room you choose.

When used alone, voile curtains provide a measure of privacy by gathering the fabric together at the top to provide a fuller look. There are various options for hanging these curtains which will determine the kind of atmosphere you want to create. One method is to simply hang the curtain from a curtain rod using rings for a more simple, natural look. Or you can opt to drape the material over the top of a curtain rod, allowing the curtain to flow down for a more elegant display. In addition voile curtains can be hung behind other thicker curtain types which are later pulled back, displaying the voile panels. In this manner the functions of greater privacy, lowering noise level and maintaining a warm environment in cold climes are attained when using the thicker curtains, while still achieving the airy voile feature when the thicker curtains are pulled back.

Category: Windows  | One Comment