A Guide to Roman Window Shades

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What is a Roman Window Shade?

It is actually a shade made from cloth or bamboo and it can be raised and lowered just like regular old blinds. There are many different designs of  roman shades. For the most part they hang flat when lowered and then fold up neatly for a stylish valence look when raised. Some people use roman shades as their sole window treatment. Others, preferring a more formal look, will use roman shades in addition to their drapes.

There is such a large selection of roman shades that you can find a roman shade for virtually for any style you are wanting to achieve.

Many people get custom made roman shades for their windows. These can be a bit pricey, however, they look absolutely gorgeous. There is a choice of different styles. Some roman shades have a pleated look even when they are let down. Others, called Tulip Shades, hang straight until the very end. When they are pulled up just a bit there are two tucks in each end of the shade. This provides a beautiful swag look. You can even add more scoops for wide windows. Besides the various styles of roman window shades, there are more fabric colors and patterns than you could ever imagine.

Where to Find Roman Blinds Online

  • Amazon has a great range of roman blinds and at reasonable prices.

How to Buy Roman Shades Online

Buying online provides you with the opportunity to shop from home and roman shades are not that difficult to install.

Simply mix and match color and style and fabric for the best roman shade for your window. Subdued colors are always the best as they will match just about anything in your room. If you have artistic vision however, then you may be a little bolder with color choice.

Roman window shades that are available online are already prefabricated. While you don’t get the advantage of buying completely unique roman shades you are still able to have the joy of decorating your windows.

Take some time to shop around. Determine what style you would like to purchase for your home. Non-custom roman shades are generally reasonably priced – in fact they are one of the cheapeast of all window treatments and yet they provide a wonderful look.

Roman window shades are a great addition to any window. They combine the privacy of simple blinds with the elegance of more ritzy window treatments. Many people opt for custom roman shades. However, if you don’t have a lot of extra money, you could consider picking your own roman shades out either online or in your local department store. Treat your home to the latest window treatment option on the market, and start picking your roman shades today!

How Do I Choose the Right Kitchen Window Treatment?

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cheers-chef-kitchen-curtainWhen choosing your new kitchen window treatment, there are a few different factors you need to consider. The right window dressing can truly add that finishing touch to the décor of a room.

Ultimately your choice should consider how much light you wish to let into the kitchen and whether you want to completely block out the light, or whether you need a product that lets you alter the amount of light you let in, so you can control the mood created in the room. A popular covering is a sheer kitchen curtain or venetian blind that you can adjust as you please.

However if you are concerned about preserving valuable energy the climate you live in needs to be considered. If it tends to get hot and the window is orientated towards that fierce afternoon sun a light reflective block out blind or curtain would be ideal to keep the room cool during those summer months. Thermal window coverings can also be of great assistance in cooler weather stopping precious heat from escaping through uncovered windows and preventing cold air from creeping in.

A kitchen is a place of great activity and traffic so the color of the covering you chose is also very important. If the window is close to action stations such as the sink or stove top grease and splash marks can be seen easily. A darker colored blind or a patterned textile in this situation would be ideal. A plastic venetian that can be easily wiped down would also help prevent any dirty marks from building up.

If the window is positioned away from these busy areas you could indulge yourself with a pretty neutral curtain, wooden venetian or roman blind that would really dress up the kitchen creating a more formal look.

There are some wonderful new textiles on the market that are machine washable and simple to rehang.

It is important to inquire about how to clean whichever product you chose.

Shedding light on Blackout Window Treatments

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bo-thermal-curtains-burgandyOnce spring turns to summer and the evenings get longer, do you find it hard to sleep? Is it harder to settle your children down at their usual time when the sun is still finding its’ way through their curtains? You may find that blackout window treatments are the answer to these problems. They can even save you money. To find out how, read on…

What are blackout window treatments?

These are simply regular blinds or curtains which are made from, or lined with, blackout material. This is a heavy, tightly woven fabric or a fabric with a bonding on the back which allows no light to penetrate through. Some blackout fabric manufacturers claim that the light reduction is up to 99.9%.

How can they save me money?

Because they are so heavy and thick, blackout curtains or blinds will not only cut out the light, they will help to insulate your home from heat loss. Blackout curtains can reduce heat loss by up to 25% which is a substantial saving – so the curtains will pay for themselves in a very short time and after that, it’s all clear profit! Also, they are also very hard wearing and will last for many years. …and they’re eco-friendly!

If you’re saving energy, that reduces the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production of energy, so they’re good for the planet too!

Cut down on noise

Blackout curtains and blinds can also help with cutting down noise. It won’t give you total silence but it can muffle sound enough to help you relax and drop off.

How much blackout window treatments cost?

This depends on many factors. Blinds and curtains differ in price. It depends on the size of the window treatment and also on the thickness of your blackout fabric as they can be of lighter or heavier grades. It’s best to do an internet search to optimize your chances of finding just what you’re looking for, at the best possible price.

Can I make them myself?

Absolutely – and this is probably the least expensive choice. If you are a confident stitcher, then you could line existing blinds or curtains with blackout fabric, which can be bought from a fabric store or online. Just be aware that quality can very so if you’re buying in a ‘real’ shop, hold the fabric up towards a strong light source to see how it performs. If you’re buying online, try to check out customer feedback or reviews before buying – or see if you can buy a sample first to be sure it’s what you want.

Handy Tips

  • With blackout curtains, be sure that the gathered heading tape is high enough over the top of your window to prevent light from coming in at the top. Also make sure the curtain rod or pole –or the blind – extends far enough out from each side of the window, for the same reason.
  • To minimize heat loss, try not to open your blackout curtains or blinds during cold spells, unless the sun is shining right into the room or it’s warmer outdoors than indoors.
  • If you’re sewing your own curtains or inserting your own linings, it’s really worth basting / tacking (after pinning) the linings in place before sewing. Then be sure to remove all of the pins. The blackout material is heavy and when you’re trying to haul a heavy length of fabric up to your machine, you don’t want a run of pins to scrape right up your leg. And yes, I do speak from personal experience. It hurt – a lot! But it was worth it!

CLICK HERE to buy ready made black out window treatments or black out window treatment material to make your own.

Premium Roman Shades – Roman Blinds That Provide Privacy and Light

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Roman BlindRoman blinds are an attractive alternative to covering your window if you want a blind that gives you privacy but still allows light into the room.

These Premium Roman blinds are made from  high quality woven fabrics which gives them a textured look.

 The blinds are raised and lowered in the same manner as ordinary blinds, and they are made from a semi-opaque fabric that allows the light to come into the room while the providing you with the privacy you want.

These blinds can be upgraded with a continuous cord loop lift for easy and smooth operation ( useful for larger shades), andy you can also add a fabric-wrapped aluminum bottom bar to provided  better stability.

There are many versatile colors and patterns available for Premium Roman Shades. They all have a plush, thick weave and  are available in both flat and hobbled styles (hobbled style shown in image).


Stunning Red Silk Sari Panel Drapes Curtains

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 If you are looking to add a beautifully dramatic look to your room you might like to try the addition of this pair of stunning  Red Silk Sari Curtain drapes.

These  rich red silk curtains certainly make an elegant statement with their perfect blend of gold with bright rich colors.

You can even mix and match with matching Silk Sari bedding and embroidered toss pillows.

These drapes easily slide over any standard curtain rod.

So what do you get in the pack:

The base fabric is a is silk blend.

Time For an Update – Jacaranda Micro Suede Curtains Drapes

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Jacaranda Collection Micro Suede CurtainsThere comes a time when a room just needs an uplift and  changing your window treatments are certainly one of the quickest and easiest ways to change the look of your room

These elegant looking micro suede curtains  add a touch of glamor to a room.

This set of 2 striped drapes are are from the Jacaranda Collection and the Camel Micro Suede has black and chocolate trims which will tone with almost any decor.

And the beauty of the  stylish Jacaranda striped window treatments is that the 1.5 inch rod pocket panels are easy to change.

If you are looking to update your bedroom why not look at dressing up  the look with the coordinating micro suede Jacaranda bedding sets.

Micro Suede is a beautiful fabric and the soft camel color is very restful.

Things to like about these easy to hang drapes:

  • Dimensions: 57 in x 84 in
  • The drapes coordinate with Miller Home Fashions Jacaranda Micro Suede Bedding Sets
  • Easy to care for:  They are machine washable,  hang to dry

What is a Balloon Shade?

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simply-shabby-chic-balloon-shadeThere are window treatments out there to fit every home. You can use blinds, both vertical and horizontal, curtains, drapes, shades, you name it there’s probably a window treatment for it.  A balloon shade is a great way to accent a tall window.  But what is a balloon shade?

Balloon Shades are a window treatment that rises like a roll up shade but instead of packing into a tight package it puffs up at the bottom. This leaves a big billowy bottom that shows off the fabric of the window treatment.

There are a few reasons to consider using a balloon shade.

  • Tall windows: If you have a set of windows that are too tall for the room dimensions you can install a balloon shade to visually remove some of the height. Since the shade covers more surface area it will make the window look smaller.
  • Arched windows: Another option for a balloon shade is to use it with an arched window. If you want to square off the top of the window you can install a balloon shade above the top of the arch and let the fabric puff out to below the arch. Then just install another curtain underneath the balloon shade for functionality. Basically you’re using the balloon shade as a window valance.

You can make balloon shades yourself with just a little bit of fabric and a curtain rod. This lets you design the perfect shade to fit whatever room style it’s in. You aren’t limited to just a commercial choice. Instead you can pick up exactly what you want from a fabric store.

Hopefully this will answer, “What is a balloon shade?” Simply put they are attractive window treatments that work in almost any window. They provide a different style choice and allow for customization so it will look perfect in any home.


How to Clean your Vertical Blinds

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Cleaning house is a chore most of us dread. Spring cleaning is even worse. Even though it’s a hassle there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a completely cleaned home.  When you’re deep cleaning you want to concentrate on areas that collect dust. This includes the vertical blinds.  Cleaning your vertical blinds doesn’t have to take hours and break your back though. Here are a few easy ideas that will get the job done in no time.

  • Start at the top: Start with the top of the blind mechanism rail. You always want to start at the top and work your way down so you don’t redistribute any dirt on the blinds. Since the top isn’t readily visible all you’ll need to do is wipe it down with a static cloth to remove the dust. For the front of the blind mechanism just use a duster or if there are any spots clean it with a damp rag.
  • Lubricate the blind track. Use a little bit of spray oil to lubricate the vertical blind rails. It won’t take much oil; you don’t want to risk spilling it and staining the blinds or carpet. Just give it a quick spritz and operate the blinds through their travel path a few times to work the oil in.
  • Clean the vertical slats: If you have hard vinyl slats you can wipe them down with a cloth and sponge clean any dirty spots on them.  Remember to work from the top of each slat down to the bottom of it.If you have cloth covered vertical slats use a hand vacuum to run up and down the length of the blind. Spot clean with a fabric pen if needed.

That’s all you need to know for how to clean your vertical blinds. It’s not a fun job but clean blinds will brighten up the window and the room itself.

How to Choose a Door Blind

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Doors with built in windows are an attractive feature in any home. They’re stylish and let in natural light. Even though built in door windows are great you still want a little bit of privacy. You don’t want a would be burglar to be able to case your place just by looking through the door when you aren’t home. To add style and privacy to a door window consider choosing a door blind.  How to choose a door blind mainly focuses on three elements, style, blind type and privacy.

  • Style: If you’re installing a new door in your home why not look for a door that has a built in door blind. Built in door blinds are sandwiched between panes of glass with an operator on the interior of the door. The biggest benefit of a built in unit is that it presents a nice finished appearance. Another important consideration is you don’t have to worry about cleaning the dust off it since it’s encased in glass.
  • Blind types: You can find vertical or horizontal shades to fit the door. These are going to be a little bit different than those that hang in your windows. The main difference is that the blinds form a complete unit without hanging free at the bottom. This means you don’t have to worry about the blind flapping back and forth whenever you open the door.
  • Privacy: You can achieve total privacy without sacrificing light. Look for translucent blinds that let the light through but keep anyone from being able to look through the window. You’ll need a light colored blind to achieve this effect.

How to choose a door blind is simple.  All you need to do is find the style, and blind type to suit your taste. You’ll gain privacy and a great door accent by installing a door blind.


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