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Why Your Home Should Have Made to Measure Blinds

By 

Hunter Douglas


Although widely adopted, and essentially unavoidable, windows come with a set of advantages and disadvantages. You wouldn't want to give up your view to the world, to deny yourself the mental and health benefits of natural sunlight, light from the moon or fresh air. However, it is impossible to ignore the potential downsides that are inherent to windows. Heat is easily transferred through windows, making your home difficult to heat in the winter and cool in the summer. The lower insulation offered by windows also translates to reduced noise dampening, meaning that you may experience higher interior volumes than you would wish when it comes to noise from outdoors. A great way to address many of these problems comes in the form of made to measure blinds.
These blinds come in a number of different styles and, because they are made to measure blinds, they can easily be chosen to perfectly match each room in your house. One of the most common types of made to measure blinds is Roman shades. When open, these shades are visually appealing due to the fact that the slats in Roman shades stack in an even manner. They make a smooth, not ribbed, presentation that stacks from the top down, allowing a greater amount of light to enter the window than traditional bottom-stacking variants. The clean lines and smooth finish that these types of blinds bring to a room make them a very popular choice when trying to add a certain touch of class to a space.
Light control and the ability to make your room more private are the two main considerations when choosing to install made to measure blinds. In addition to the classic style of Roman shades, there is also the option of looped Roman shades. Both add a certain depth to the installation space and while the classic type uses pleats, the looped type makes use of cascading folds. Another type of made to measure blinds altogether are what is called seamless shades, which have an entirely smooth facade.
The horizontal slats of made to measure blinds can come in many different materials. Some of the most common materials are wood and a variety of fabrics, such as wool, cotton, polyester and silk. In some cases, people make use of hybrid fabrics, employing a silk and cotton combo, for example. One of the perks of silk is the ability to vary the texture with different stitching. A little variation here and there can drastically alter the way your window finishing, and ultimately your entire room looks. In order to install made to measure blinds in your home you will have to either measure your windows yourself, or have a professional do it for you. Either way, make sure that you are accurate to the eighth of an inch before ordering. Particularly if you have non-standard windows, professional measuring and installing might be the best choice for you - it will certainly be the easiest!
Tami works for Norwich Sunblinds. The company offer a wide range of blinds and Awnings. When Tami is relaxing, she likes to write articles on aspects to consider before purchasing a blind or awning.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8203367

Choosing Window Treatments: The Pros of Plantation Shutters, Horizontal Blinds, and More!



Whether you're redecorating or designing the interior for your new construction home, the finishing touch is almost always window treatments. Providing benefits like light control and privacy in addition to purely aesthetic considerations, it's important to choose the window coverings that match your particular functional and appearance needs. Not sure what all the options available to you are? Then keep reading for a quick overview of window shades and blinds to get you started on your search!
Horizontal Blinds

The most traditional type of window blinds, horizontal blinds include a full range of options from aluminum mini blinds to natural wood blinds. These are very versatile window coverings, offering variable light control, easy operation, and simple, attractive looks. Real wood horizontal blinds may offer some insulating qualities; however, most people do not consider horizontal window blinds to be an energy-efficient window treatment. Horizontal blinds are available in aluminum, wood, and wood composite construction.
Plantation Shutters

Similar to horizontal blinds, plantation shutters also feature rows of slats that are adjustable for different levels of light control. However, while horizontal window blinds are supported/operated by a series of cords, the slats on interior shutters are installed in a frame that fits into your window. Because of this more substantial, more permanent appearance, plantation shutters are often referred to as the "fine furnishings" of window coverings. In fact, installing plantation shutters will earn you the greatest return on investment of any window treatment when the time comes to sell your home. Interior window shutters are available in vinyl, wood, and durable wood composite materials.
Vertical Blinds

Instead of featuring horizontal slats, as their name suggests vertical blinds are composed of vertical slats or panels. Once looked down on as dated or unattractive, today's vertical window blinds offer a variety of different materials and styles that are both beautiful and modern. Ideal for covering large windows or patio doors, vertical blinds can come in insulating designs for improved home energy efficiency. From sliding panel verticals to fabric vertical blinds, there are a number of different types on the market today, so make sure you evaluate all of your style options before you pick one vertical blind or another.
Window Shades

Window shades encompass a spectrum of different window covering options from roll-up shades to cellular shades. These window treatments typically cover the entire window when down, potentially limiting their versatility in terms of light management. On the other hand, many window shade styles also provide energy efficiency, black-out options, and elegant style.
Of course, these are just the most common general types of window shades and blinds that are on the market today. All of these options can be customized in terms of size, color, and often even texture/pattern to complement your decor. Now that you know the basics of the different window treatment styles, you can get started on selecting the exact blind or shade you want installed in your home. For more information, visit your area window covering showroom to speak with a professional!
Maria Allen is a home improvement and design enthusiast. He is also an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, providing SEO to help local businesses connect with customers online.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6371869

Christmas decorating and entertaining ideas



From decorating to entertaining ideas, we're your one-stop online holiday resource. Get into the spirit now!




By 
styleathome.com

Need ideas for decorating and entertaining this holiday season? Look no further than this collection of seasonal articles, covering everything from decorating to gift-wrapping to entertaining.

Decorating
• A Christmas tree guide
Learn how to choose and care for the perfect tree.

• 10 steps to a meaningful Christmas
Design diva Kimberley Seldon shares the two lists she has made for the holidays -- one from the heart and one for the home.

• Decorating: A cosy, country Christmas
Add rustic charm to your holiday setting.

• Inspirational holiday decorating
Get a stylist's advice for making your festive creations and decorations beautiful.

• Festive flowers
Follow our guide to holiday decorating with amaryllis and paperwhites.

• 10 tips for seasonal style on a budget
Stylist, decorator and TV personality Stephen Fermoyle shares his tips on getting the look for less.

• Holiday decorating: Beauty on a budget
With a spark of imagination, holiday decorating can be inspired yet inexpensive.

• Design lesson: Decorating the fireplace
Tips for styling your holiday mantel.

• Simple inspirations
Deck your halls with these easy and elegant decorating ideas.

• 20 festive fix-ups
Make your home its holiday best with simple but sensational holiday hints.

• Design lesson: A festive entrance
Inspired ideas that will leave your foyer brimming with holiday cheer.


• Design lesson: A festive entrance
Inspired ideas that will leave your foyer brimming with holiday cheer.

Shopping and gift giving
• Project: Peppermint candy stick
This easy craft adds a beautiful touch to gift-wrapped packages.

• 8 Christmas gifts for under $50
Keep your holiday budget under control with these 8 chic gifts for under $50.

• 10 great gifts from Canadian artisans
Give the gift of originality this Christmas with these 10 great gifts made by Canadian artisans.

• 10 gifts for food lovers
Treat the foodies on your list to fabulous gifts they're sure to love this Christmas season.

• Wine & spirits: Gifts for the host
Show your hosts how much you appreciate them with one of these thoughtful gifts.
Organizing
• Organizing 101: Countdown to Christmas
Make your holiday preparations as pleasurable as possible with our helpful checklist.

• Organizing 101: Holiday hot spots
Get your home (and yourself) ready for Christmas in no time at all with this efficient approach.

• Organizing 101: 30 holiday clutter busters
Get organized for the holidays (and throughout the year) with our clutter-busting, time-saving, space-maximizing tips.

Entertaining
• Surviving the holidays
Get through the holidays without losing your cool.

• How do you handle being a holiday hostess?
Real Canadian women share their tips for hosting a holiday soiree with elegance and ease.

• Nice and easy -- and nonalcoholic
A great holiday drink can be both appealing and alcohol-free.

• Winning wines
The authors of Have a Glass debunk some wine myths and help simplify your selection at the liquor store.

• How to welcome guests in styleThe author of A Gracious Welcome shares some ideas for making houseguests feel right at home.



Tradition and Function: The Plantation Shutter





by Matt Goering

If you're looking for a classic combination of traditional interior design and effective, functional window coverings, look no further. The plantation shutter is one of the most proven window coverings you're ever going to find. It provides privacy, protection, great looks, and convenient use, all rolled up into one. For rock solid performance and reliability, you can't beat the shutter that inspired them all: the plantation shutter.
What Is a Plantation Shutter? 

Conjure up visions of interior window shutters, and in all likelihood, that's a plantation shutter you're looking at. Their standard makeup consists of multiple rows of horizontal wood slats with a single vertical bar running down the center. The center bar is attached to the slats so that moving it up or down allows you to open or close the shutters for privacy, and adjust the amount of light you let into the room.
Benefits of the Plantation Shutter

Most homeowners choose to install these interior shutters because of their classic, traditional appearance. Plantation shutters offer a number of other benefits, however, that are often overlooked by homeowners shopping for quality window coverings.

Interior Design— Contrary to window shades, blinds, and other window coverings, window shutters can be painted to perfectly match, or contrast, your interior design scheme. Few other window coverings offer that versatility when it comes to enhancing the interior aesthetics of your home.

Insulation— There's a reason Victorian homes incorporated both window shutters and curtains when it came to window coverings. While curtains set the tone for the room, window shutters provided an extra layer of insulation against what were often leaky and inefficient panes of glass. While today's windows are much more energy efficient and leak free, a plantation shutter still provides an extra layer of insulation. That's a big plus in a time when energy efficiency is a top homeowner concern.

Light Control— Besides design considerations and insulation, a plantation window shutter also provides a level of light control that few window coverings offer. By adjusting your slats to the proper position, you can let in as much, or as little, light as you want. When you add to that the attractive, traditional looks of plantation style window shutters, there's really no better alternative than these timeless window coverings.