Interior vinyl shutters come in a vast range of styles and qualities. If you have shutters outside your house, they are probably purely decorative, used simply to give your windows a finished look. (Unless you live in hurricane or windstorm-prone areas, in which case of course exterior shutters still perform an important service.)
But if you are thinking about installing interior shutters, you will find that they perform important services as well as being decorative. They can be an important tool in the fight to keep your home heating and cooling costs down, for example. Keeping the shutters closed in the winter will block out drafts and keep heat inside the home, and in the summer the shutters will block out the heat of the sun and help keep the interior cool.
It's also important to prevent direct sunlight from entering your home because sunlight can fade your fabrics, your artwork, and your book covers! And it's such a slow process that you probably wouldn't even notice it until it was too late.
If you're thinking of interior shutters, then, you'll have a choice between the wooden variety, and those made out of vinyl. Vinyl shutters are generally thought to be the best way to go. Unlike wood, vinyl does not warp or crack when exposed to the humidity in a bathroom or kitchen, for example.
Once you've decided on the material you want for your shutters, you'll have to decide what kind of design would best compliment your home. Visit various designers on the web to see what is available.
Designer Shack is a website that offers shutters in wood , vinyl and PVC. They offer a selection of stock shutters - for windows of average sizes, that come in the classic styles: traditional, with louver slats of 1 1/4 inch width, Cape Cod style with louvers of 1 3/4 inches width, and two types of Plantation shutters, in which the slats are 2 or 3 inches wide. They also have shutterettes, half-size shutters that cover the bottom paness of your windows.
They also offer custom shutters for such things as fancy bow windows, arched windows, open panels for fabirc or glass inserts, and specially shaped shutters.
Amazing Shutters is a site that offers polywood, vinyl and wood shutters in various styles. One knock against vinyl shutters is that they simply don't look like wood. With polywood however, you can get that look. As with most sites, they provide a FAQ and information pages on how to choose shutters, how to measure, and how to install t hem.
If you make a decision to purchase vinyl shutters, one of the most important tasks you'll have to do is measure your windows. If you have unusual size windows the shutters will have to be cut specially to fit, so the proper measurements is essential.
Interior shutters provide an eye-pleasing way to finish off your windows, and will also save you time and money. It's a win-win situation.
Viny Shutters Come In A Wide Variety Of Styles
The Many Benefits of Indoor Window Shutters
Blinds are a classic window treatment that are used in many places around the world. One of the great benefits of window blinds inside is how much they improve the decor of virtually any room in a house. They are timeless in design and versatile that they should both traditional and contemporary looks. Also, not only look great from inside, but also from abroad.
Another great advantage of the window blinds is the flexibility it gives light control.You are capable of regulating the natural light into their rooms from bright sunlight to complete darkness by tilting the slats as much as you want, from completely open completely closed.
Interior window shutters act as an insulator, efficient energy is another benefit. This quality also makes a good insulator of noise out of noise pollution. They also provide good protection for the privacy of passing pedestrians and neighbors.
Window shutters are very durable and require very little maintenance. That will last for the life of your home and you can enjoy your design time for the next few years. Its high resale value is another great benefit.
There's a lot of variety and flexibility in the interior shutters which is another great benefit. They are available in various styles, such as traditional or plantation shutters. Plantation shutters interiors are usually about 1-1/8 "wide thick using mobile blinds. This style has become increasingly popular. The second provision is the shutter 1-1/43 traditional interior shutters Shutter. This style is ¾ "thick and is very popular in the small colonial-style houses. There are many options in the louver panel and wide. The multiple choices of materials and colors blinds give the ability to fit well with traditional or modern decor. A clean, neutral feel can be obtained with crisp white or off-white, while the shutters painted and stained finishes can add warmth to any interior.
Interior window shutters are available in wood, fake wood, wood composites and vinyl. Wooden blinds offer the flexibility and range of application. Vinyl or faux wood blinds are especially useful in high-moisture areas and are easy to clean with a damp cloth. Upgrading operating systems are available with custom blinds.
Interior window shutters are a great investment to add value to your home.
For more information about shutter ideal for your home at http://www.shutterideas.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mayin_Cruz
Decorating Your Home with Outdoor Custom Window Coverings
One of the most recognizable outdoor custom window coverings is the window shutter. These versatile coverings protect against light, weather, intruders, and can be made to fit almost any size of window. Additionally, they can be installed either on the inside of the outside of your home.
The most traditional of custom window coverings is the wooden shutter. Many homes since the early colonial days have boasted these window coverings. Compared to other types of window coverings, these wooden shutters are very high maintenance. Common issues with wooden shutters include warping, the need of sanding, painting, oiling, replacing rusty hinges, or simply the fact that they have swollen due to heat or cold and no longer function in the manner they were intended. As a result, many manufacturers are offering lower maintenance replacements that actually offer considerably better protection than the original wooden shutters.
Among the replacement shutters available are the following:
Vinyl Shutters
These are perhaps the most durable of the available options often lasting around 40 years. Additionally the imitation wood shutters look very much like real wood, especially from a distance. They are easy to maintain and clean up quite nicely with soap and water (no scraping, painting, and oiling here) and you have many options for the look and design of your shutters. You can also buy them already primed for painting.
Composite Window Shutters
These shutters are both weather and rot resistant and are made of very thick compressed particleboard. These panels are basically made from molds and they offer an inexpensive alternative to wooden shutters. This type of shutters is traditionally hinged at the top in order to open and close them vertically.
Fiberglass Shutters
This particular type of window covering is more expensive than many of its competitors, however, they last for about twenty years and come in many popular styles including the Bahama style. If you live in a hurricane zone, these are the best choices in window coverings as they are much stronger, fasten more securely, and are lighter weight than other popular options. They also come in many styles from which to choose.
Aluminum Shutters
These shutters offer excellent protection for your windows both in terms of from intruders and impending hurricanes. The primary styles in which you can find these are the traditional Bahama and Louvered styles. Many people find that the powdered finish on these shutters looks tacky and it's important to note that the warranty on these particular shutters is only about three years.
Of course many people will always prefer the traditional wooden shutters for their window. The truth of the matter is that there are better and more affordable, though less attractive alternatives available and the need (both physically and financially as insurance rates rise in storm prone areas) for the protection of better shutters sometimes far outweighs the aesthetic reason for going with the traditional favorite.
BeautifulWindowBlinds strives to provides consumers information and tips on Window Coverings and Window Blinds. To compliment your outdoor window covering, discover on how to decorate your window coverings from the inside.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rob_Buenaventura
Add Beauty To Your Home With Interior Shutters
What is the difference between the curtain and the drapery? Many people use these terms interchangeably, but they are actually two very different terms. Curtains are made of lightweight fabrics and are usually unlined. They extend only the length of the window. Draperies, however, are employed on large windows - picture windows, for example. They extend to the floor, are lined with a backing, and are made from heavier fabric. There is so much of the material that they hang in folds.
Curtains or draperies are more important than they might seem. They are used for privacy purposes, of course, and also to block out the sunshine. Sunshine is all very well outside, but inside it is actually quite destructive. Direct sunlight causes the fabric of your furniture to fade, as well as your paintings or other wall decorations.
Interior Shutters
Curtains and draperies don't really keep out all the sunlight that they should. The solution is to install interior shutters as well.
Interior shutters come in a wide variety of styles and materials, from traditional wooden louvered shutters to those made of PVC or vinyl. Whatever the decor of the interior of your room, you can find a shutter to complement it - and one which will perform those other, vital services of providing privacy, sun protection, and even extra insulation should you live in a cold climate.
Surf the Web For a Vast Selection
You can see the vast selection of interior shuttles available by searching the web. However, if you decide to install these shutters yourself, it is imperative that you perform your measurements carefully - measure twice to cut once, as the saying goes.
Horizon Shutters is a company that excels in the traditional wooden shutters, featuring either the traditional or Colonial style louvers, or the wider louvers of the Plantation style. The rich color of wooden shutters would set off a Tuscan or rustic style decor to perfection. These types of shutters are bifold and can be drawn back entirely to provide a complete view of the window. The shutters can fit the entire window, or be 'half-shutters" to provide privacy at eye level if seated.
Shutter Classics is another online company that provides plantation shutters, as well as wood blinds and vertical blinds. (Blinds are louvered but hang from the top of the window and are raised and lowered, rather than being pulled open from side to side.)
Vinyl shutters give the wooden versions a run for their money. Unlike wood, vinl shutters do not crack, peel or deteriorate as wood does. They are therefore necessary in areas like solariums, bathrooms, and the kitchen. Unlike wood, vinyl shutters are a fire retardant. They are also easy to clean.
Of course, just as wood varies in quality depending on what type of tree its taken from (hard woods vs soft woods) so vinyl varies in quality. You'll want the color of the vinyl to be solid throughout, not a mere coating. The more moisture resistant, the better. You'll also want to make sure the hardware to affix the shutter to the window jamb or the wall is of the highest quality.
Eclipse Shutters is a firm that specializes in vinyl shutters of all kinds. All Vinyl is another provider you can investigate in your search for the perfect interior shutter.
Eco-businesses are Making Green-money!
Eco responsible life styles are fast becoming part of our culture and as a result the companies offering them are cashing in on the green. Some experts report that by the end of the decade, more consumers will be demanding companies disclose just how eco-responsible their products are and they will most likely help usher in the change. Consumers have pull, like in the 1990’s, they demanded, overseas factories not make products using children and companies responded. Consumers will increasingly demand products not only be made of green materials but more importantly that companies use ‘global warming pollution reduction’ (GW-PR) technologies that uses less packaging and fabrication energy consumption.If you’re looking to start an Eco-responsible company you will also need to be competitive, man cannot survive on eco-alone. Consumers will demand durability, competitive prices and should be considered if a business has what it takes to succeed. To meet these demands a leading innovative window covering product developer borrowed technologies from the flooring and cabinet industries. A 3rd generation inventor from Pasadena California was issued three patents for an innovative laminate DuraShutter® that features a low cost laminate material, quick fabrication technology that is winning over both consumers and fabricators. The pricing is low enough that the laminate shutter can be purchased for about the price of a premium wood blind. The fast cut laminate shutter materials and snap-in shutter components require only a few hand tools enabling an installer to measure and install in the same day. Plantation shutters can substantially reduce energy consumption and upgrade a homes design while being the only window-covering product to increase the homes overall value. Seeing is Believing! Even houses which appear to be well insulated may not be as energy efficient as one may think. This house was photographed during the winter using thermal photography, a process which exposes higher temperature zones as indicated by the color transitions. You will notice that the areas around the windows are particularly "hot," proving that a significant amount of interior heat is escaping from these portions of the building. Information provided by the US Department of Energy (DOE) Thermography/Photography copyright 1997. Infraspection Institute Inc, Burlington New JerseyThe DuraShutter® WeatherGuard™ triad-design with patented solid core laminate material; flat louver design and dual tilt controllers has resulted in a superior insulative, noise, and light reduction properties. The technologies are available to any shutter manufactures company. • T-Cap design covers space between Louvers and Stile, providing improved insulating, light and noise reduction • Removable louvers design has no staples, tilt pins or tilt bar attachments.• Dual self-lubricating tilt controllers provide smother louver operation and tighter closure.Super Tilt Controllers™ can be easily mounted to either the back or front of panel to offer a discreet operating system that is barely visible from the front of the product and integrates discreetly into the shutter. To operate, simply tilt one louver to the desired position and the rest will follow. The rear tilt operating system offers a sleek contemporary look, expansive views and easy cleaning.The ‘shutter’ category is the fastest growth in recent years. Shutter’s popularity continues to grow and sales growth in this category has been better than 10% per year for the last 5 years. When you compare this to blinds, which have been in a decline for years, you can see that the best money making opportunity is in shuttersThe window covering shutter market offers a tremendous opportunity for the small to large business owner. There are 3 main channels of sales. • Retailer –Buy from factory• Factory- Sell to retailer• Home builders- Buy from FactoryMost window covering companies specialize in one of these channels, most being retail. One company is offering a Build-A-Shutter certified training program and a licensing agreement to buy DuraShutter® materials at price points, that empower a Build-A-Shutter fabricator to compete/sell into all three channels. This is done by the way of an exclusive DuraShutter® products that offer a patented Eco laminate material with a 5-Star Eco Rating.Other window covering franchise opportunities offer blinds as their chef product and don’t offer any fabricator program, and receive rebate from most all the factories they set up to buy from. Budget Blinds has done very well, offering a good opportunity however, the blinds category in window coverings is in decline and so are Budget Blinds prime territories.Homeowners can now afford to replace out dated blinds and the smaller companies can compete with low cost import and build a business making an exciting business opportunity.Today’s Home Products Inc. (dba DuraShutter®) CEO David Blachley is a third generation inventor with 25 years experience in cost reduction technology and product development innovations.United States Patent No.6,854,211, No.6,622,433, 7,055,231durashutter.com buildashutter.comPrime areas available! Build-A-Shutter is offering a 'Better-than-blinds business model' with start up cost and a factory direct DuraShutter Store model option for about the cost of a Budget Blinds franchise
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An Inside Look At Do It Yourself Plantation Shutters
Do-it-yourself plantation shutters are semi-opaque window coverings that normally hinge on either side of a window opening. These shutters are relatively attractive to end users looking to not only improve the appearance of a room, but also enjoy controlled access to light.
Do-it-yourself plantation shutters can come with louvers (horizontal and vertical slats) as small as 1 7/8-inch to 5 ½ -inch. The average sizes for interior plantation shutters include 2 ½, 3, 3 ½, or 4 ½-inch movable louvers and comes in elliptical and flat options. An elliptical louver is thicker in the center and tapers to the front and back. It is considered a more durable alternative to the flat louver. Usually, when getting plantation shutter kits, manufacturers rely on an elliptical louver. It is noteworthy to keep in mind that plantation panels are normally 1 1/8-inch thick - anything narrower is discouraged.
When looking through the many styles of plantation shutters, a collection of factors will influence your ultimate decision. The louver width, shutter size and color will all play an important role. For a more fine look, the shutters should have a narrow width louver, while a more traditional look comes with wider louvers. While the most in vogue color of shutters is oak or white, more customers are dabbling with the colors beige, gray, black, grayish green and cherry.
Nowadays, an expanding number of developers are producing homes with enormous rooms and open windows, making plantation shutters a fashionable option in window coverings. This category of shutter is more current than traditional options. The ability to darken a room and enjoy privacy makes this type of shutter is big plus. The flexibility of do-it-yourself plantation shutters continues to impress, as they are used to spruce up kitchens, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms and even dining rooms.
One of the biggest reasons that a homeowner outfits their household with plantation shutters is to improve the general appearance of their house. The shutters have a way of creating a more refined look. Another popular draw behind installing do-it-yourself plantation shutters is to obtain the capacity to adjust the amount of light in a room. With the easy adjustment of the louvers, a great amount of light may enter the room just as easily as allowing only a small amount.
Moreover, plantation shutters are much different than curtains or blinds, as they do not come with the gaps that allow light to seep through when closed. Once plantation shutters are closed, not only is light kept out, but also noises taking place outside of the home. While curtains may fade and become soiled, shutters require a low level of maintenance, with uncomplicated dusting to revamp their appearance.
When considering the pros and disadvantages between window treatments and plantation shutters, it is important to note the initial cost of shutters. The average price of do-it-yourself plantation shutters is a possible disadvantage that many end users face.
The price of plantation shutters is normally based upon a per square meter system. Keep in mind that elliptical widths often cost more per square meter than the flat blade. Calculating the cost of do-it-yourself plantation shutters involves the width and drop of window dimensions. To come to a base price for a kit, multiply the width and drop to assess the total square meters. Although the overall cost of plantation shutter kits is sometimes a setback, the long-lasting qualities are well worth the investment.
A few sample costs include café (or single) golden oak shutters measuring 34 ¼ inches wide and 50 inches tall for $386, while double hung pure white shutters measuring 44 ¼ inches wide and 24 inches tall may cost around $246. Also, remember that the hardware coupled with plantation shutter kits are sometimes bought separately, such as the hinges and magnets that keep the unit steady.
Plantation Shutters are a Good Long Term Investment for your Home Sublime
Plantation shutters, also called window shutters or interior shutters, are the classic wood shutters you’ve seen in those majestic Southern homes; just to give you a reference. That’s not to say that they are not popular all over. Plantation shutters are the classic window treatment, offering good looks, long life, good insulating properties and more.
Plantation shutters should not be confused with Bahama shutters which are actually a type of external shutter, hinged at the top of the window, and can be lowered to protect windows from flying debris from tropical storms and hurricanes.
Shutters are not cheap; let’s get that out of the way right away. There are, admittedly, many cheaper window treatments options available. Shutters are a long term consideration. But, they are worth the extra money. They look good with just about any décor and even add to a home’s curb appeal. A house for sale with plantation shutters will usually list them as a feature so they add value to a home.
You can find less expensive plantation shutters made from vinyl, or faux wood (composite). The cost savings between real wood shutters and vinyl shutters is approximately 25% and about 20% for composite wood. Plantation shutters also come stained or painted, the latter option being the least expensive. An additional benefit of vinyl or faux wood plantation shutters is that they won’t warp, crack or split in hot or humid areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. When planning your order, you may want to keep that in mind.
Shutters are highly versatile. They can block light very effectively or let in plenty of sunshine just by raising or lowering the louvers, which range in size from 2 ½” to 4 ½”. If you are covering a large picture window, I recommend the larger louver size as they allow greater see-through. You can custom order them to fit windows of just about any size or shape. Shutters offer effective insulation, a real plus in almost any climate.
One limitation of plantation shutters is that the color choices are somewhat limited. Generally, the painted shutters come in white, off-white, alabaster, and similar shades. These are colors that won’t clash with any décor. The stained shutters come in colors from natural to dark walnut. One reason for the limited painted colors is that shutters are a very prominent addition to a room or home and bright or dark colors would tend to dominate the color scheme.
Real wood shutters usually come in premium hardwoods and are hand-sanded for a smooth finish so they are like fine furniture. And just like fine furniture, wood shutters make a statement about the home and the homeowners – that they care about their home and want only the best. If you are going to purchase real wood shutters, you may want to consider the stained variety as opposed to the painted ones. Why waste all that beautiful wood if you are going to paint over it? Then you may as well save money by purchasing the vinyl or faux wood shutters.
Advantages of Plantation Shutters
There are so many different options for window coverings for your home. These include blinds, shades, curtains, louvers, and shutters. One option that many people don't think about when they are looking for window treatments is plantation shutters. There are a lot of advantages to getting plantation shutters.
Plantation shutters are one option that can really improve the looks of your windows. These shutters look great, and usually look so nice you don't even need to add a valance or curtains like you do with blinds or shades. They are usually made of wood, wood composite, or imitation wood. They can be custom made to fit any window, even those with odd shapes and curves that are hard to fit with many window treatment options. There are many different types of finishes and colors, so they can be made to match the décor in your house.
Plantation shutters are also long lasting. Blinds and shades can wear out relatively quickly, sometimes within only a couple years. Metal blinds can get bent, and vinyl shades can tear. Fabric shades and blinds can get dusty and dingy looking and be difficult to clean. However, plantation shades are much sturdier and much less likely to wear out in a short time. They are also easily dusted so that they can be kept looking nice and clean.
Plantation shutters also offer great options for light control. You can adjust the louvers on the shutters to let in however much light you desire. You can close the louvers to block out most of the light, and open them wide to let in all available light. The louvers also add to your privacy as it is difficult to see in the windows from outside. However, as long as the louvers aren't all the way closed, you can still get a good view of the outside of your house.
Plantation shutters can also offer some insulating properties, making it easier to keep your home the temperature you wish. This is especially true of some of the shutters made of imitation wood, such as those made out of Thermalite. The imitation wood is very similar in looks and feel to wood, but much cheaper as well as more insulating.
Learn more about Plantation Shutters by visiting http://www.shutter-world.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris
Painting Window Boxes to Match Your Home
Window boxes are designed to be a part of the house and as such, color selection is crucial to matching or complementing your home. The choice of colors is plentiful and many times homeowners are unsure whether they should paint their window boxes or leave them unpainted. You want to make sure that you choose a color that is consistent with the home's style and flows nicely. Even if you don't have much design sense, there are a few simple rules you can follow to play it safe and pick a color that will match your home. It is often recommended that window boxes be painted in one of four ways:
1. To match the trim around the window
2. To match the color of the exterior shutters around the window
3. To match the color of your siding or wood shingles
4. A complimentary color if shutters are not already on the window
You rarely want to bring in a third color if you already have shutters and trim around the window of two different colors. This can make the window seem too busy and cause colors to clash on the house. It's a good idea to choose a window box color that matches your architectural style and personality as well. Bright colors will attract people's attention to the window box, but may also make the window box stand out more than the flowers or plants in them. Painting the window box neutral colors shifts the focus elsewhere so that the window box functions as an accent. They can also showcase plants and flowers better.
PVC window boxes are great for holding paint and the paint will not fade or peel. They're an upgrade over wood which has maintenance issues and vinyl which cannot be painted and have a shiny appearance to them. For PVC window boxes, if you decide to paint them, it is recommended that you use an exterior latex paint. Semi-gloss is better for minimizing sun absorption and Sherwin Williams even makes a vinyl safe paint that works well with PVC to do more of the same. Just remember to leave the inside of any window box unpainted no matter what material it's made from. You never want paint to be in direct contact with soil and water. Paint in direct contact with water, soil, and roots, will kill existing plants and prevent future growth.
Painting window boxes is a great way to make a window box truly feel like it connects with a home. The right color choice completely determines a great natural flow for the look of your home. The choice of color you pick is a direct reflection of your creativity and personality and can shift the focus to the home, window, window box, or even the flowers inside.
Flower Window Boxes builds window boxes and ships them around the country. Matt Buquoi, the owner, has many years experience building, painting, and installing window boxes.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Buquoi
Lovely Treatment Ideas to Make the Most of Your Bay Windows
Bay windows are eye-catching amenities you'll often see on classic houses and older Victorian homes. They can look very elegant and enhance the look of your house. There are, however, specific needs which must be met in order to design beautiful window treatments that will do your bay windows justice.
There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself before starting to think about the window treatments themselves. Why was a bay window installed in this particular location? Is there a window seat, and what kind of cushions do I need for it? What will its main use be? Is it located in a child's bedroom? Is the window mainly ornamental? By answering questions such as these, you'll have a much better idea of the type of window treatments you're going to want on your window.
If you have an old Victorian bay window, it may well be that it has always been dressed using the heavy drapery materials favored during that era. You might want to consider exchanging those heavy fabrics for newer, lighter ones that will provide an airier effect. These light fabrics will also soften the angles of the window. Whatever you decide, you'll want to find fabric that matches the décor of the room. In order to create a more dramatic look, you can add faux jewels to your draperies in order to make them more noticeable.
Your bay window provides an excellent spot for people who are trapped inside due to inclement weather to sit and watch the rain or snow while sipping a cup of tea. Your children might enjoy using the bay window seat as a retreat in which to do their homework or read a book. Be sure to keep a comfortable cushion on the window seat which will make the space homey and appealing for all of the people in your home.
Having the right window treatment on your bay window will add a touch of charm and friendliness to your room. You'll find that the entire mood of the room has changed. If you'd prefer a more modern treatment, however, you can always use bamboo.
Topped with a lovely window treatment, your bay window won't be allowed to fade into obscurity any longer. Instead, this warm, cozy spot will become a favorite with your guests. So isn't it about time you got started on a new window treatment for your bay window? Your house will thank you.
Visit us for more information on home window awnings, blackout window coverings and custom roman shades.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_W_Smith
Add Ambiance to Your Home With Plantation Shutters
When decorating your home, you may be interested in creating a certain mood or atmosphere. One way to add ambiance to your home is to install plantation shutters. Plantation shutters can lend charm and beauty to the windows and rooms of your home. These shutters are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles and finishes. A very popular choice for plantation shutters is when they are painted white. These type of shutters painted white can offer a clean and fresh look to your kitchen, bathroom or living area. If you would like a more rustic look, then you may want to choose a wood finish.
However, the wood finish does not have to be rustic, it can also be quite elegant. Some companies also offer plantation shutters in other colors besides white. For an additional charge, you may even find a company that will custom paint the shutters to your specifications. Plantation shutters also come several different materials. One of the materials these type of shutters are composed of is wood. They are also composed of faux wood, which is made of materials such as polyvinyl, composites and MDF. Some individual's may turn up their nose at the mention of faux wood, but many times faux wood is a wonderful imitation of the real thing. Faux wood products are great in high moisture areas, as well, such as the kitchen or bathroom. They also will not suffer wear and tear as real wood shutters will.
Louvers are also another consideration for those interested in buying plantation shutters. Louvers can be stationary or movable. If the shutters are to be installed in an area where you would not find the occasion to open the louvers, then a fixed louver shutter would be an excellent choice. However, if you are interested in allowing light to come in through the shutters, then movable louvers would be the best option. The louver sizes also vary. The size of the louver should not only depend on the look you find most attractive, but also on how much light you are interested in letting in through the plantation shutters. Louvers come in sizes up to five and one half inches. Whatever type of plantation shutters you are interested in installing, you are sure to enjoy the ambiance they will add to your home.
Learn more about Plantation Shutters Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris |
Even Peeping Toms Will Like Your Faux Wood Blinds
The most energy-efficient window covering available today is cellular shades. They have a honeycomb structure that traps air for maximum energy efficiency and sound reduction. They're going to give you a great number of options when it comes to controlling the light and they have wonderful cordless feature. When fully raised they do not obstruct a major portion of your view either. They reduce noise, help you enjoy your view, great for privacy, lower heating and cooling costs and are child-safe.
Wooden blinds add a special touch of warmth and richness to your room and will create a room where you can re-energize, letting your creative juices flow with the clean lines of natural wood. They come in a wide range of slat sizes ranging from 1 inch up to 3 inches as well as a full range of finishes and control possibilities. They're great energy savers, reduce glare, good for privacy, great for hard to reach windows and are child-safe. Faux wood blinds are some of the most popular on the market today. They can be opened or closed by tilting the slats for light control and privacy.
They look and feel like wood, but one of the most attractive features is their discount price. The colour selection is rather limited and may require a great number of ladders to support their less rigid faux wood slats. They are recommended in areas where there is high humidity, and are excellent for game rooms or other demanding areas. They will create a nice modern look with a budget-friendly price. Aluminium mini blinds are a great, low-cost, durable solution, especially if your budget is a priority. They come in a variety of slat sizes from the 1-inch mini to the 2-inch macro. They will create a modern, contemporary look, having a cordless option for the children's room, and will also give you a great updated look with a budget-friendly price.
Best known for covering patio doors and wide windows, vertical blinds are tried and true. You can purchase them in fabric vanes or vinyl along with various textures and colours. If you want to create that perfect retro look or add a sleek modern twist to your room, these blinds are perfect for that purpose. They're great for use in high-humidity areas, as well as offering style and reducing noise. A timeless and classic blind is the roller blind or roller shade. Available in numerous decorative trim styles and fabrics, they truly offer you a unique look. You'll find that these roller window blinds come in bead-chained loops or spring lifts that are both child-friendly styles.
Roller shades are recommended for anyone that wants a modern look with a budget friendly price and they are also great for children's rooms. Woven wood blinds are both zen and contemporary, and will produce harmony and tranquility in your home. Woven wood comes in grass cloth, bamboo or matchstick blinds. This great blind will bring nature's authenticity indoors to you. They will allow you to express your personal style, and most manufacturers have valences along with decorative trims and finishes. You will also find decorative banding, privacy liners and the option of either a bottom-up or top-down feature. They offer you such benefits as reduced noise and casual harmony, and are really great for keeping your privacy.
Roman shades offer warmth and richness and will help you create your private hideaway to help you relax and unwind. They help one connect with the calming softness and revitalizing comfort that their fashion fabric design creates. Roman shades will soften and accent your windows. There is no primping or fussing and they allow you to easily control light and privacy with light filtering or room darkening fabrics and liners. Sheer shades work like cellular shades and wood blinds all in one.
They offer you privacy and will filter light. Some of the more popular horizontal sheer shades or blinds include Hunter Douglas Silhouette and Comfortex Shangrila. Sheer shades are going to give you a clean contemporary look, offer remote control for hard to reach windows and are excellent for controlling light and privacy with filtering or room dimming fabrics. Electric or automatic blinds are essentially a form of motorized blind and are going to make your life easy!
They're great for hard to reach windows, increase energy efficiency and personal security, and you can even set the timer to raise and lower your blinds at specific times. The best part about this great blind is there is no wiring required! Some of the benefits include, increased energy efficiency since they are on a timer, increased security and peace of mind when you are home alone, and great control for hard to reach windows. They even make it easy to control light into a home theatre area.
Pleated window shades and pleated blinds are a designer's dream. They offer the depth of colour and texture that woven fabric brings. In addition to stylish fabrics, they will allow the right amount of light into your room as they come in sheer, semi-sheer, light filtering or opaque. They're tremendously versatile and functional for giving you light control. They offer traditional value at an affordable price, and you can even add a pleated shade liner. The benefits include rich colours and textures to accent your windows that will create a fresh look with a budget-friendly price.
For that arched window, arch window treatments give you back control over the sun and allow you to enjoy your room once again. They are either fixed or movable window coverings. Available in wood or cellular fabrics, they are made from the finest of materials that will last. Distinctive designs and inviting accents are used to define the shape of your arch window to make it the focal point of your experience. Use these blinds to block the sun's glare and heat, and open up your room to more light while keeping it private.
Arch window treatments give you back control over the sun and allow you to enjoy your room once again. Arch window shades can be either fixed or moveable coverings. Arch window blinds are available in wood and cellular fabrics. Our arch window blinds are made of the finest materials, for an arch window treatment that will last. Arch window shades use distinctive and inviting accents; arch blinds define the shape of the arch window making it a focal point of your experience - to relax and rejuvenate.
Lastly, skylight blinds are perfect for taking back your room from the blinding and baking sun that makes it so hot and uncomfortable. This great blind is available in light-filtering or room-darkening fabrics, and can be operated manually or you can get motorized ones. They offer the benefits of energy savings by lowering heating and cooling costs, and they significantly reduce light in media rooms with sidetracks to block light. They will reduce noise and are easy to operate for hard to reach windows when motorized. Whatever your lifestyle requires, there is a window covering to make it more pleasant.
Terry Price is a successful web publisher & expert author and is a regular contributor to http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/faux-wood-blinds.html Find just that special window covering for any season or lifestyle: http://www.best-window-blinds-shutters.com/113-arch-blind-window-wood.html
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Exterior Window Shutters - Creative Curb Appeal With Custom Shutters
Exterior window shutters may be just the face-lift a frumpy, run-down home needs to blossom, and exude designer curb appeal. A custom window shutter, for interior or exterior use, adds warmth and interest, and comes with a number of practical benefits. Extensive ranges of exterior window shutters, make it possible to enhance virtually any architectural design in an elegant, and stylish way.
Fixed exterior window shutter installation is purely decorative. The shutters are attached to the outside of the home, and are used as a home improvement with aesthetic value. In contrast, operable exterior window shutters offer sun protection, improve security, and may also be of value during storms.
Colorful Vibes With Vinyl Exterior Window Shutters
Non-functional vinyl shutters are the least expensive ranges on the market. These decorative, lightweight exterior window shutters are a favorite choice of do it yourself enthusiasts, as installation is usually fairly easy. A wide variety of color options are available, from white, to burgundy, or the classic blues and greens. One of the advantages is that the manufacturing process allows for a molded-through tint, that is resistant to fading, and other signs of sun damage, or chipping and flaking.
Classy Composite Exterior Window Shutters
Composite custom shutters are normally a non-functional alternative to the more expensive wood shutter. This window treatment, manufactured from materials such as PVC and fiberglass, is virtually maintenance-free. A quality product will be finished with an automotive grade paint, ensuring years of colorful service.
New technology has made a fully functional fibreglass exterior window shutter possible. These hinged shutters are operable, and robust enough to be used as storm shutters. Beautiful lines are designed with historical accuracy, to satisfy even the most discerning homeowner. Extensive warranties attest to the durability of these exterior window shutters.
Warm Wood Exterior Window Shutters
Wood has always been a popular exterior window shutter choice, and with good reason. A wood such as Incense Cedar, with its naturally bug-repellent tannin, is often used. Incense Cedar isn't prone to warping, and the sealing properties of the natural oils help to prevent decay and rot. With the correct preparation, painted Cedar exterior window shutters hold their color extremely well.
Wood exterior shutters offer styles to suit every preference. Louvers can be fixed or operable, and designs make provision for flat, oval, or tapered blades. If you prefer a more unique look, opt for panels, board and batten, or tongue and groove. Custom shutters allow for any combination of these, including horizontal, vertical, or diagonal placement of the louvers and panels.
Attractive Aluminum Exterior Window Shutters
Thermal powder coated aluminum exterior window shutters are durable, and finished in an eye-pleasing palette of colors. These window shutters are styled to imitate the aesthetic appeal of wood. If security is a major concern, opt for interlocking slats to maximize protection. This is a virtually maintenance-free product, finished with peel-resistant paints. Although you can choose fixed louvers, operable louvers have the advantage of allowing you to manipulate privacy and sunlight.
If your family home is in need of a drastic change, add both value and verve to the property with exterior window shutters.
Awnings-and-Blinds.com - Read the FREE Exterior Vinyl Shutter article at Awnings-and-Blinds.com - also by Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com.
Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
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What Makes Value Blinds Different From Custom Built Blinds?
Endless list of anything lands you in confusion to make a choice out of it. Same is the case with Window Blinds. Are you confused about which Window Blind to choose? If your answer is 'yes' than this article is meant for you. The list of it goes like Wood Blinds, Plantation Blinds, Value Blinds, Mini Blinds, Faux Blinds and so on and on. Sounds familiar right? Don't confuse! This article will resolve the confusion.
One thing you must take care is there are varieties of Window Blinds with different standards of quality. So always make sure that you have good extent of understanding about the quality difference between them. Window Blinds play a major role in altering the mood and lighting status so do keep in mind this point also.
Both the above stated Blinds are similar in the aspect of the quality material that they are made with. The window coverings that are partially constructed with a height of your choice to a specific extent according to the window size are Express, Cut-Down, And Value Blinds. They are artistically adjusted to fit into the window. Everything needs good colour combination to appear good. Even these are offered in different colours but a little limited. They even are organized in the matter of convenience. The tilt cord controls on left and the Raise and the lower cords on the right make them more comfortable.
You might have come across a lot of large discount stores; they hardly provide you with what you require. They simply rely on offering low price Blinds which are most commonly used and are of a particular size on an average. That even lands you in more complex situation making your room uglier than before. That is all because they hardly fill your requirement. The size of the Blind either does not fit well to your windows size or the inferior quality of the Blind makes it worst.
Rather than landing in all the above circumstances you may look for Value Blinds. Don't worry about the cost, because it's one and the same. Value Blinds even fill all your requirements. Lets take up self stock Blinds, all the windows do not have same size and dimensions right? And, Self stock Blinds fit to only the window in a particular limit of sizes.
Now consider price, its reasonable to consider price to some extent but if you over consider it. You will end up buying Shelf Stock Blinds because they cover the market at the lowest price range. Do keep in mind the low quality materials that they are made up of, the limited colour range that they come in, and most importantly the least warranty of the Blinds. Where as what if Stock Blinds takes somewhat more money but give you the warranty of around 3-5 years.
They are the best ones. They are built basing on the size of each window properly measured which makes them a perfect fit for any window of your residence. Not just that they even come with the life long warranty on them. The best material and hardware used in their preparation makes them highly recommended for their best quality. That's not all; they are marketed by highly reputed and pure branded companies like Timber Blinds, Hunter Douglas, Levelor, Royal Windows, Graber, Prestige and Bali. They are even demarcated with the very huge range of colour choices. The different shades of white and the 20%2B stained wood tones gives you better platform to make a choice of your own.
Adam Peters is the author of many resources on blinds related topics published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com Keep reading about window treatments and shutters at his web.
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Home Decorating With A Contemporary Grandfather Clock
Home decorating pros put up interior and exterior styles that look so easy on the eye. You won't have an inkling that to create that effect, home decorators consider many factors to achieve the desired result. Many of them have relied on a contemporary grandfather clock to give that spirited touch to many modern homes.
Recreating That Quiet Retreat in A Big City
People living in noisy and unfriendly cities long for a retreat that provides warmth, relaxation, and cheer. Those who can afford interior decorators can express that they want their homes to give them that serenity akin to their memories of home. And following the elements of contemporary decorating styles, home decorators add a timekeeper like the contemporary grandfather clock - with a twist.
For those living in impersonal apartments and high rises, decorators warm up the minimalist interiors with dramatic colors to enliven the room. A kitchen with stainless steel fixtures is made homier with an old fashioned clock on the mantel. In the living room or den, a contemporary clock in wrought-iron simulating an outdoor feel is set up as focal point.
Interior decorators are flexible artists and can adopt styles responsive to suit any demand and temperament. If you want a country-style living room, a jazzy den, or popular, modern, or minimalist decorating, there will always be one contemporary grandfather clock that will complement your chosen style. Whether you are in a big smoggy city or in a tree-lined suburb, you'll find that longed-for peace and quiet right in your parlor.
A Clock for City Digs
For the American country look in the parlor, the home decorator will propose some faux antiqued logs to depict the interiors of a log cabin in the woods to match with a firestone fireplace. A large sofa and smaller chairs around a focal low table laden with baskets of flowers will take up space.
The seating arrangement may overlook the cityscape or face the fireplace. The cozy atmosphere will be enhanced by the chiming of the Kinzie, a clock with a cherry case accented with burl inlays. The polished pendulum enhances the golden glow of the cherry wood polished with select veneers. The warm glow of the case and the glint of the pendulum will lend a rustic charm to the entire parlor.
The Howard Miller Satinwood, designed with a minimalist focus, is very right for the minimalist home decorating theme. The black satinwood will break the monotony of the light-colored walls. By itself, this clock is a sharp study in contrast to the black satinwood and nickel pendulum and weights. The curved glasstop softens the entire look of the clock without detracting a fraction of its appearance.
The Viveka from Kieninger won't need any complementing piece. It has the ultra modern look, fusing light, silver, chrome, and glass. Nine tubes play the Westminster, St. Michaels, and Whittington chimes that are driven by the movement of a triple chime cable. To top it off, the anchor pivots are bedecked with 12 rubies.
Any contemporary grandfather clock will fit into any decorating schemes. Whether you want the country, pop, modern, or the minimalist look, the wide selection will always yield the right grandfather clock that will keep in time for years. Deciding to redecorate? Think of the contemporary grandfather clock.
Want a contemporary grandfather clock? Check out the Howard Miller grandfather clock and other grandfather clocks from GrandfatherClockMarket.com today.
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Plantation and Hurricane Shutters - Form and Function Combined
Plantation shutters have a long history in home repair and decor. They can be traced back to ancient Greece when they were used for security and for privacy. These early shutters were an important facet of Classic Greek architecture that spurred and influence many other design styles in the Western world. Plantation shutters offer much to today's homeowner. They offer a beautiful, functional way to cover windows. What is the history of plantation shutters?
In the past, glass was often too expensive to purchase and/or too difficult to find. This is when shutters were at the peak of use, because they were used to close the windows of homes. Shutters were used to protect the home from weather and to help keep the house safe from intruders. The plantation shutters were very functional, in that they could be opened and closed as needed to allow air and sunlight in when needed and wanted, but closed during the evenings or during bad weather.
You can see the impact of Greek architecture in homes and buildings that were built as recent as the early 20th century. This type of architecture was very popular in the design of office buildings, banks, and other public buildings in the United States. The plantation homes that were built in the south took much of their design from Greek architecture. These antebellum homes from South Carolina to Mississippi took elements from Greek design that can still be found in some of the restored mansions.
In the South, the plantation and hurricane shutters were used both for form and function. Their great beauty helped to enhance the design of these beautiful homes , but the function of the shutters helped to keep the homes safe from both weather and intruders. This safety function was used quite often during the Civil War to keep the homes safe from looting soldiers and from slaves that were revolting.
Selecting Hurricane and Plantation Shutters
Here are some things that you want to keep in mind when you are selecting plantation and hurricane shutters to help protect and beautify your home.
1. Find a contractor or carpenter that you can trust. They can help make sure that your window frames are strong enough to hold the weight of the shutters, so that they will open and close correctly without harming the window casing.
2. Think about how wide you want the louvers of your shutters. This width has a big impact upon the function and the appearance of the plantation shutters. If you choose wide louvers, more air and light will be allowed into the room.
3. Vinyl or wood shutters? Vinyl shutters are much more durable than wood, especially in areas where moisture and humidity are common. They are also easy to take care of. Wood shutters offer a home and room a more natural and warm feeling, but need more maintenance and care. Either can be found to go with whatever your curtain style.
4. Fixed or movable louvers? If you are using your hurricane shutters for protection and privacy, you will want to use shutters with fixed louvers. If they are for light control, movable louvers may be a better choice.
5. Warranty? A warranty can help to ensure that you are getting a reliable product. Make sure that you choose a well-known company with a proven track record to ensure that you will get maximum satisfaction from your home repair purchase.
The free-lance writer Jack Blacksmith is very passionate about things dealing with swing arm curtain rods and curtain rods. You might find out more about his work on swing arm curtain rod at other sources for swing arm curtain rod information.
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Window Curtains: Still the Classic Solution for Your Home Sublime
Considering new window treatments or coverings? Don’t forget the venerable window curtain, they still offer classic good looks for almost any room.
Window curtains go by many names: drapes, drapery & drapery panels. There’s custom drapes, made-to-order as well as the stock sizes which are partially a do-it-yourself solution. And, just about every store under the sun sells drapes. I think that I once saw them for sale at a gas station in Phoenix once – just kidding. The point is though that window curtains are pretty ubiquitous and vary widely in quality, looks and, of course, price.
I remember the curtains in my Grandmother’s house. They were polyester and had that dated look from the 1970’s. They were the kind of drapes that would, unfortunately, probably last forever with care. They were also a considerable investment back then. My Grandma’s were high-quality drapes with the nice lining and everything and they covered a huge window in the rear of her home. But, I digress. You may have a similar memory but don’t let that deter you from giving them a fresh look for your interior decorating plans.
Drapes come in a wide variety of colors and materials, such as silk, cotton, linen, polyester blends, faux suede and more. Most of the upscale drapes come with a basic lining but you can opt for an interliner or blackout liners. An interliner is essentially a soft brushed flannel fabric that provides extra body and added protection from sun fading and is highly recommended for silk fabrics. For bedrooms, I would highly recommend choosing the blackout liner option.
Window curtains come in a variety of styles, including pinch pleat, grommet style, rod pocket, French pleats and more. Which style you choose is completely up to your tastes. Some of these styles have a more classic look and some have a fancier, upscale look. So just make sure if cohesive with the basic décor of your room.
The cost of window curtains varies widely. You can purchase the cheap, one-size-fits-all drapes at Target or stores of a similar ilk which, in my opinion, are drapes best suited for kid’s rooms. Or, you can purchase more upscale drapes from Crate and Barrel and the Pottery Barn. A third option is to purchase window curtains online. There are a plethora of good e-commerce websites selling mostly custom drapery panels. This is a good solution from a cost perspective as they are generally less expensive then retail establishments.
If you are planning to decorate a living room, family room, etc. and are considering window curtains, I would recommend budgeting a similar amount of money as you would spend on good quality window blinds or shades. The extra cost really shows in the finished look. Another consideration is to use window curtains in addition to window blinds and shades for a layered look. This can add a richness and warmth that is hard to beat. Window curtains look especially great with plantation shutters, wood blinds or faux wood blinds – basically blinds made from, or at least looking like, wood materials. They don’t compliment mini blinds, vertical blinds, or fabric shades quite as well but there are exceptions to that as well.
To recap, the right window curtains can really make a nice addition to almost any room and should not be overlooked when considering window treatments or coverings. – David Brooks.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_469895_27.html
Interior Design - Tips For Window Treatment
Take a step back. Look at your windows and ask yourself: What do you see? It's easy to see your windows in a whole new light with tips from a professional interior designer. With just a little bit of thought about the look you are trying to achieve, combined with the design savvy of window treatment experts, windows like those seen in the top design magazines are just days away.
When you talk about window treatment, it means all the accessories required to decorate a window.
In interior decorating, window treatments generally come in two varieties, soft and hard, based on the texture of the material used in the decoration. Treatments may consist of curtains or drapery including sheers, window blinds including Venetian blinds and plantation shutters, a valance, tiebacks used to hold curtains, paper or cloth screens on a solid frame, and shades such as Roman shades, pleated fabric shades, or roller shades. Treatments may also include treatment applied directly to glass.
Here are a few tips for window treatments:
• Be sure to use some form of a treatment, however minimal. It softens the room's architecture, and adds privacy, drama, and color.
• Try some various shades, if drapes are too bold, which add wonderful visual texture and maintain a clean look.
• Another way to add decorative treatments to windows without the sense of heavy drapes is to use sheers and valances.
• Glass block can be used, which allows light without the ability to see in, not even silhouettes.
• To avoid a sense of vulnerability when looking out of black holes at night, window treatments help. Even a sheer helps alleviate this feeling.
Window treatments may be for interior design (purely decorative) or may also serve functional purposes, such as security, providing better insulation and temperature control, or light control.
Michelle Evangelista is a lover of all things interior design and active participant on RSVPStyle.com, the web's most active Interior Design Community.
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Window Treatment - Easy Ideas For Effective Designs
If you're planning to dress up your window or just want to add new elements for a completely different look, what better way to do that than to use window treatments? If used effectively, window treatments can provide efficient light and privacy control, create the illusion of space, hide structural defects and create a whole new ambience in any area in your house.
Basically, there are different kinds of window treatments you can use either by themselves or combined. These are drapes, curtains, blinds and shutters. Your pick on which of these window treatments to use will depend on your needs and the particular look you want to give a room.
1. Drapes and curtains
Drapes and curtains are probably the most common window treatments.
If you want to expand the room and create the illusion of a bigger space, use light colored curtains and light fabrics. Light colors also allow more light and create a sunnier room. Let in the breeze and sunshine with tiebacks that either match the curtains or provide a great accent.
Drapes are perfect for Victorian-inspired rooms or if you want to create a romantic, opulent look. They can make any window look elegant especially if you choose colors and texture that are rich and luxurious. If you have tall windows, use heavy drapes to keep the windows from overwhelming your window treatments. Lighter drapes look best in smaller windows.
2. Shutters and blinds
Shutters and blinds can be made with fabric, vinyl or wood.
Shutters create a look that is similar to the plantations of the Old South. You get great control over light and privacy by simply opening or closing the louvers. They also offer great protection from wind and dust. If you want a country-style house or a look reminiscent of a Paris apartment or a nice remote beach house, shutters make a perfect window treatment for your home.
Blinds also allow you to manipulate light and give you better control over privacy. If you have large windows, you can try festoon blinds. This type of blinds will work well if you want the puffy, romantic look. If not, go for plain fabric blinds or Roman blinds, which allow you to lift an entire portion of the fabric to keep the window view clear.
To learn more window treatment ideas, visit http://www.windowtreatmentideas101.com
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How to Choose the Best Kitchen Window Treatments
You know how parties often go - everyone ends up in the kitchen. This is certainly true at my house. I am not sure why that is. Maybe it is because the hosts are often still cooking or preparing food and so the guests naturally want to hang out where the people are. Or, maybe it has something to do with the whole "hearth & home" aspect of our past, and centuries of life where staying warm was paramount and eating was more about survival than pleasure. Whichever it is, the kitchen is usually a place of congregation and comfort and therefore a natural focal point in most homes.
This is probably why the kitchen is one of the most common home remodeling projects. And, the right window treatments can add that finishing touch that can really make a room beautiful. Realtors and home appraisers know this and when they are assessing your home's value they look at the kitchen and bathrooms first because those are the rooms that can add real monetary value and influence a purchasing decision.
So, which window treatments are best for kitchens? One of the main factors that must be addressed is the environmental conditions that often exist, namely heat and humidity; and let's face it, sometimes even smoke. Because of these conditions, it is wise to purchase durable blinds and shades made from synthetic materials. For example, faux wood blinds and shutters. These also come in vinyl and composite.
If you are interested in preserving the view from your kitchen windows you may want to look into solar shades, which are a type of roller shade. Solar shades come in varying levels of opacity depending on how much light you want to let in. They are also made from synthetic materials and come in a wide variety of colors to match any décor. These types of shades look great and reduce the amount of solar heat gain as well as UV damage to your furniture or other home accessories. Similar to solar screens are roller shades. They too offer different levels of light filtering but also come in solid fabrics that offer greater room darkening, even blackout.
Next up are cellular shades and pleated shades. Both have a similar look, with folded pleats, but pleated shades don't offer the insulation of cell shades. Both are attractive, fairly durable and come in a wide variety of colors and textures. These types of shades offer a classic look and are a great way to inject some color into your kitchen's décor. If you are interested in greater insulation, cell shades are one of the best and they come in single cell, double cell and triple cell with the latter offering the most. Additionally, these shades can be ordered with the top down/bottom up option which is a great way to let in light while still preserving privacy.
There are other choices such as mini blinds, roman shades and woven woods. But, in my opinion the latter two options are not ideal because they are, more often than not, made with fabrics that are a little less easy to clean which over time can be a pain. Mini blinds will work fine but again, cleaning each individual little slat is a cumbersome process. If you have ever had to clean mini blinds you'll know what I mean. I would recommend to stay away from wood blinds and shutters in the kitchen as they are not quite durable enough for the kitchen environment.
There you have it a mini guide to kitchen window treatments. My personal favorites are solar screens, vinyl plantation shutters and faux wood blinds; they are some of the best choices for your kitchen. - David Brooks
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DIY Comfortability With Vinyl Shutters
Vinyl shutters dramatically affect the way you make effective use of light and shadow. Installation of Vinyl shutters itself give you an excellent chance to manipulate the ways you implement the usage of light. They are both outdoor and indoor Vinyl shutters. They not only improve the beauty of your interior home designing but also are a mark of appreciation. They serve both the purpose of interior designing and even add artistic look to the outdoor space.
Think about implementing your own thoughts and creativity into your interior decoration. The feeling of doing so itself makes you happy Right? So here is the equal chance for you. Rather than calling an interior decorator or an expert you may go for Do-it-yourself package. It fits best to those people who are willing to do it themselves with special sensibility. Don't worry its at all not complicated. The package comes with all the required tools and hardware. However it may be advisable you call an expert if you are going for more sizeable custom shutters.
They thought of wooden windows gets overnight cracks, colour fading, paling and scratching etc... that's not the case of Vinyl shutters. They are or you can say they should be manufactured from exterior grade vinyl. This ensures their durability when compared to wooden qualities. The colour also is durable enough. The shutters with aluminum reinforcements have higher strength.
That's not all here comes the chance of success to your ever desire of improving the look of your bathroom and kitchen. These areas are highly humid so they demand a particular product which can withstand the humidity. Here is the solution for this also. The moisture resistant properties of vinyl make it more prone to such circumstances. This makes it a well defined and obvious solution to give you the chance to give final touches to your desire.
Now comes the best ever heard factor, the high insulation factor. This factor makes them comfortable to reduce noise pollution and keep the outer noise interference away.
They availability of vinyl shutters in different sizes and shapes make them more compatible to different windows in your home. There is a small component that's worth consideration in vinyl shutters that is the smooth adjustable screw. Make sure it is easy to be used as the comfortability to use makes it more useful.
Do keep in mind the colour factor as overlooking it lands your home in a funny look. Make sure the colour of vinyl shutters add beauty to the place or room and complement the painted appearance of your room. If you wish to go for shutters with wood like appearance, keep in mind that it maximizes the light filtering ability of the shutters.
These are available in every possible creative and imaginable manner. This makes it more comfortable to make a choice. There are designs with sun protection factors which you may proceed for if you are that conscious about sun protection.
Go ahead a well organized new pattern is awaiting you. Good luck...
Adam Peters is the author of many resources on vinyl windows related topics published at http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com Read additional info on plantation shutters or interior shutters
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Cellular Blinds, the Toyota Prius of Window Blinds
This article is for all those people who are concerned about global warming and want to make their home as energy efficient as possible. Cellular shades, also know as honeycomb shades, are an easy and relatively affordable way to lower your heating and cooling costs. This is good for you and the planet. More and more people are doing what they can by purchasing more energy efficient cars, replacing incandescent light bulbs with long-lasting florescent bulbs, adding solar panels and much more.
With the cost of energy so high these days, especially home heating oil, you may want to look into cellular shades. These shades, also called honeycomb shades have internal honeycomb-like cells that trap air. These cells are what make cell shades so energy efficient and, therefore, earth friendly.
These shades come in three levels of insulation: single, double and triple cell. Obviously the triple cell variety offers the greatest level of insulation and cost the most. But, the cost will be offset in the long run by the insulation benefits. This is true of any of the cell shade varieties. Consider them a long term investment.
Cell shades are also made for just about any window type, including vertical blinds, skylight shades and even for arched windows. So, if you wanted to, you could outfit your entire house. And, though energy efficient, cellular shades look great and are highly functional. Most come with advanced options like motorization, top down/bottom up and continuous cord so you don't have to give up any of the cool conveniences available in window treatments these days. They also come in a large spectrum of colors to match just about any décor.
There are also available models that offer substantial room darkening, sometimes called blackout cellular blinds. These are perfect for bedrooms, home theatres, really any room that you want to make dark.
I lived in New Hampshire for many years and I purchased cellular blinds for my entire house and I was glad that I did. It was a significant expenditure at the time but over many ling, cold winters I was glad to have them. And, when it came time to sell my house, the buyers were happy to see the energy efficiency of all those shades. I know these were one of the reasons that they ended up buying my house. The same holds true for hot climates, where insulation is still a major factor, just in this case it is about keeping the cool air in.
There are other insulated window treatment choices, though they aren't as energy efficient as cell shades. There are plantation shutters, especially the vinyl or composite variety. Pleated shades also offer some insulation but, again, not as much as honeycomb shades. If cell shades just aren't your bag, or if you don't want honeycomb shades in every room, you can improve the insulation properties of almost any blind, shade or drape by adding a lining. This is an option and will cost you extra. Again though, I would stress that a little extra expense now will save you money in the long run.
If you want energy efficient window blinds, go with cellular blinds, the one with the honeycomb soul. - David Brooks
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Sean_Brooks
Window Shutters On A Budget
While there is great value in installing custom-made interior wood window shutters, sometimes they are still too expensive for certain applications. Some alternatives – including poly or vinyl shutters – are less expensive but also much less attractive. For a high-quality solution at a lower cost, look for a company that sells individual solid wood shutter panels that can be installed in any configuration.
When shopping for individual shutter panels, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The most important factor is the material used to make the interior shutter panels. Basswood has the best characteristics for window shutters because it is a very straight hard wood with little distortion. Basswood also has a fine, uniform texture and indistinct grain, which make it superior for staining or painting. You should also look for a company that can make a large number of panel sizes so you can receive the best final fit for your window.
How To Determine Individual Panel Sizes to Order
It is best to determine how you will mount your shutters before ordering the shutter panels. Sometimes it is necessary to use hanging strips to attach shutters to the outside of the window opening. A reputable company will provide information about different installation methods so you can determine how best to install on a specific window.
Width:
Measure the width of the area you want the shutters to cover (NOT including any trim strips).
1. Divide this width by the number of panels you want across the window. This will give you the approximate width of each panel. Round this measurement up to the nearest 1/4 inch.
Example:
Width = 36-7/16"
Divide by 4 and round up to nearest 1/4"
Order (4) shutter panels 9-1/4" wide
Height:
Up to 1" may be trimmed off the top and the bottom of each individual panel (a total of 2" per panel).
1. For a two tier unit (panels across the top and bottom), combine individual panel heights as required.
Finishing
A high-quality wood shutter panel can be painted or stained to a beautiful finish. Even if the shutters arrive and seem fairly smooth, a light sanding is advised before beginning the finishing process. After sanding and brushing off any dust, primer and paint can be applied. Often a more smooth finish is achieved by spraying the primer and paint, although the use of a high-quality brush can also result in a nice finish. When staining, follow the instructions given by the stain manufacturer. The stain manufacturer may recommend applying a wood conditioner before staining in order to ensure even stain color penetration.
Once your shutters are finished and installed, you will have a high-quality product that will increase the value of your home at a fraction of the cost of custom-made shutters.
ShutterLand Interior Shutters provides solid wood interior window shutters sold as individual shutter panels. Interior window shutters come unfinished, ready to paint or stain. Plantation and traditional style shutters are manufactured direct in hundreds of sizes, sold at a discount, and shipped quickly nationwide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Vande_Krol
Blinded by the Light? Vertical Blinds May be the Answer
We all hear the positive references to light. Phrases such as let the sun shine in and Light up my life all have us making our way into the rays. However, the grand irony of the sun and excessive light is that it can blind as well as aid in sight. Letting in light can show off a room and leave it with a warm, tingly glow. There are times however when we want to dim that light just slightly. Other times, we may wish to completely stop the light from entering at all. On occasion the light thrusting in is more of a curse than a blessing. The answer to this problem is vertical blinds.
Vertical blinds provide the perfect solution to light control problems. They allow you to adjust them according to the amount of light you want to allow in. You can have the sun coming in at full force or none at all and varying stages of light filtering in between. Whatever your choice for the moderated natural lighting, you can manage your illumination using vertical blinds.
There are literally hundreds of vertical blind types, leaving the buyer spoiled for choice. The obvious question is which type of vertical blind is the best to buy? If you are looking for something basic and inexpensive but yet, not unsightly then aluminum vertical blinds could be the answer for you.
Aluminum Vertical blinds are a great option. They are small, lightweight and easy to install. Their design and flexibility also makes them easy to clean. They are perfect for office, workshop and garage use. They are also perfect for many other rooms in the home.
Aluminum vertical blinds are also very easy to use. They can be adjusted by the cords on either side making it possible for you to allow in the amount of light you choose. They reflect the rays of the sun away so as well as blocking out the light one can also cut down on air conditioning bills. More than all of this, you can select from a wide range of standard colors, think about the primary colors, and a range in between. You may also be interested in specialty colors, like wood styles and more. Although they are rather basic, vertical window blinds provide and easy and inexpensive solution to light control problems.
When you are interested in allowing natural light in throughout the day, consider fabric vertical blinds. Fabric verticals, when made from high quality woven materials, can be beautiful, and can last a long time. In addition to this beauty, what we are really concerned with here is lighting. Consider that when the fabric vertical blinds are moved to the side, and are out of the way, you can allow nearly all of the light to enter the room. Next, consider that the blind can be moved across the window to be open, but ready to rotate. When rotating the blinds, you can have as much as one hundred eighty degree control. This means that when you close the fabric vertical vanes, you can flip them completely I the other direction to change the light filtering of the vertical blinds. You can move anywhere in between, for real control.
There is a major environmental and ecological benefit of fabric vertical blinds. When you completely darken a room with PVC vertical blinds, you are forced to create light inside the room to see. This means that if you only want to have a little privacy, you can keep your lights off, thus saving electricity with fabric vertical blinds.
PVC Vertical blinds, also called plastic vertical blinds, also can help to control the blinding light. These do not have to be unattractive plain pieces of plastic. Those days are gone. You can choose among a range of attractive styles for PVC vertical blinds. The range of colorful PVC verticals is increasingly large, with textured and patterned designs. And these also allow you to block all of the light, or only a little of it. When choosing PVC vertical blinds, select a thicker plastic pattern; it can offer better resistance to the damage of the sun. These thicker materials will hold their shapes and colors longer. Remember, as destructive as the intense light from the sun can be to your eyes, it can also be bad to the products that protect you from the sun.
We all love light and the rays of the sun, however there are times when having light pouring in just isn’t practical. For these times, a set of vertical blinds could be the perfect solution. Being easy to install and clean, as well as allowing you to control the light, one can hardly go wrong with this choice. Vertical blinds are available in high quality from many places. Get a set today and stop squinting.
Judith Persit writes about vertical blinds. Learn more at BlindsFactoryDirect.com, vertical blinds, plantation shutters, roller shades , cellular shades & wood blinds.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_198557_27.html
Insulated Window Treatments
Insulating window treatments are a smart choice no matter what type of climate you live in. It does not matter if you live in Minnesota or Arizona, insulation is important. I live in San Diego which you may think is a place you never need insulation and the way the homes are designed here, you would think that was true. But it is not. During the winter, the temperature can get down in the 40s and in the summer it can be 100 degrees. And, with little insulation you really feel both extremes.
One of the major culprits of poor insulation is your home's drafty old windows. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest areas to improve. First, I would recommend checking the caulking around your window, because there's no sense investing in insulated window treatments if the draft can still sneak around the corners. But even if your windows are air tight, you can still suffer from convection drafts when warm inside air hits the cold window panes.
Time was, not that long ago that your choices in window treatments was somewhat limited, especially when it came to energy efficiency. The good news, though, is that now you have many options when it comes to insulated window treatments.
First, you can choose cellular shades. Top quality manufacturers like Hunter Douglas, Levolor and others have developed innovative cellular shades that use single, double and triple layers of individual cells to stop and absorb drafts. These cellular shades are available in varying light control levels, from semi-opaque to blackout, depending on your requirements and, style-wise, they can go formal or casual.
A classic alternative to cellular shades is traditional insulated drapes. Some retailers offer heavy fabric roman shades with concealed magnetic strips to better trap cold air. Pick a heavy fabric to ensure maximum insulation, or even consider a two-layer treatment with the heavy fabric on the outside and a more decorative color or pattern for the interior. Not only does this provide maximum temperature control, it also allows you to choose color and fabric combinations. Or, you can combine cellular shades with an insulating drape-style for maximum efficiency that also offers a beautiful layered look.
A lesser known insulating window treatment is plantation shutters, especially composite or vinyl shutters. Shutters don't have quite the insulating properties of cellular shades but they are substantial and offer a fair amount of insulation when fully closed.
As a side note, all blinds and shades should be installed as flush with the panes as possible without interfering with the covering's operation for maximum insulation affect.
In the end, what you choose will be dictated by your budget and style preferences. If you have the budget for it, triple cell cellular shades are the most efficient. But maybe you live in a milder climate where that much insulation is unnecessary. Either way, over time, your investment will pay for itself in fuel savings and general comfort of a warm and cozy or cool and refreshing home environment.
So, if you are looking for insulating window treatments, consider cellular shades, insulated roman shades or drapes for those drafty windows. - David Brooks
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Sean_Brooks
Wood Shutters - Choosing Well to Weather Water, Wind and Warping
Well-crafted, durable wood shutters - whether interior or exterior - represent an investment in your home you will never regret. Apart from contributing to the elegance, grace and atmosphere of your dwelling, wood shutters will prove their worth in many practical ways over time - not the least in protecting your home from the harsh extremes of sun and storm!
Exterior wood shutters are available in a number of basic designs. These range from the raised panel that is particularly popular in coastal areas, to the familiar fixed louver. Alternatively opt for "country style" board and batten, or an exotic, but practical bermuda wood shutter installation.
What should you take into consideration when deciding which wood shutter set to order?
To start with you will need to decide what look you are trying to achieve, and this will depend largely on the style of your home. Wood shutters can be designed to complement just about any residence, but cost will of course play a much bigger role in highly customized, and fully functional wooden shutters.
Before making this major home improvement decision, look at your general interior design, patio design, and patio furniture. Your window shutters should blend into, and enhance these aspects.
You will also want to ensure that the right wood is used for a durable, and warp-resisting wood shutter. Although many woods are used in the construction of wood shutters, the woods of choice are Western Red Cedar, or Mahogany. Vertical-grained wood is also more resistant to warping.
If wood-work isn't your cup of tea, take a carpenter-friend along to check the quality of construction, especially the joints. Mortise-and-tenon joints are much more durable than screwed, or butt-glued joints. While you're at it, also ensure that you get wood shutters with copper or aluminum capping for more protection from the elements.
Interior wood shutters can be considered part of the furniture, and if the right design is chosen, they contribute greatly to the atmosphere, elegance and warmth of a room.
Even though interior wood shutters are not directly exposed to the same range and intensity of the elements as exterior shutters, they will still need to properly deal with temperature changes and design stresses. To avoid warping and other alignment problems, wooden shutters constructed of 100% hardwood, such as American Yellow Poplar and Elm, are well suited to the role.
Of course, interior wood shutters are also more than mere decorations! They are excellent insulators to keep temperatures at a comfortable level.
Don't go for the first fit-all-sizes window shutters you come across. By doing some research, and getting lasting, stylish and functional wood shutters, you will greatly increase the value of your home!
Awnings-and-Blinds.com - Read the Plantation Shutter article at Awnings-and-Blinds.com - also by Rika Susan of Article-Alert.com.
Copyright 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rika_Susan
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