Unfortunately, new builds do come with a lot of extra expenses that you may not have come prepared for. One of these expenses, window blinds, is a must have for privacy, keeping a moderate temperature in your home, and the overall adornment of your windows. When starting out with several windows in your home that need blinds, the choices are many and depend on your own personal style.

Mini-blinds are generally made of thin plastic or aluminum, and come in slats ranging in size from thick to very thin. Mini-blinds are generally the blind of choice if you are seeking an economical solution for many windows. Often you will see mini-blinds in the windows of bedrooms or recreation rooms.

For windows that will be front and center in your home, you may wish to choose faux wood blinds. Faux wood is less expensive than wood blinds, but they are just as stylish. Faux wood blinds tend to come in thicker slats of 2 to 3 inches, and are easy to adjust for any window height. To customize, simply remove the extra slats that rest on your windowsill. Faux wood comes not just in white or brown, you can also choose from a variety of colors to suit your home.

If you are a fan of old country homes, you may wish to purchase shutters for your windows. Often when one thinks of shutters, the mind wanders to the outside of your home. In actuality, shutters inside your home look beautiful and provide privacy and light adjustment easily. Simply open or close your shutters, or adjust the slats for direct or indirect sunlight.

Bedroom windows are a place where you will generally want to be able to really darken the room. Roman blinds are an excellent choice for bedrooms if they come in a darker fabric, and they can be coordinated with your bedding for a very stylish look in your bedroom. Choose a fabric that coordinates with your duvet and area rug. For example, if you have a chocolate brown and blue bedroom, you could choose a dark brown roman blind to pair with a light blue duvet cover. Pair that with a brown shag or cotton area rug, and your bedroom will be instantly chic and trendy.

As most people think of a window covering as not just blinds, but curtains as well, you may be interested in acquiring both for your windows. Curtains, when paired with blinds, provide both the style and coverage you may be seeking for your new windows. With unlimited options in type, material, and colors, curtains are a nice finishing touch for any window.

If you are among the lucky few whom get to the experience the thrill of owning a brand new home, be sure to budget accordingly for window blinds. With so many different styles to choose from, you will run out of windows before you run out of options.

Benefits: Quality blinds at discount prices, Web site appeals to do-it-yourself home decorators

Cons: May not offer quite the same level of customer service as Bali or Hunter Douglas

If you’re looking for quality window blinds and coverings at a discount and are willing to do it yourself, then Levolor may well be the brand for you. Since 1914, Levolor has continued to lead the way as an innovative window coverings manufacturer, known for bringing creative, cost effective solutions to the window fashions industry.

Levelor is committed to providing you with enhanced benefits such as free swatches, how to guides on measuring, fitting and installing your own window blinds and the latest in window fashions trends and styles.

Levolor Window Coverings Product Lines

Levolor blind and shades control light and privacy in your room with a variety of stylish options. Levolor window coverings protect your furnishings from fading with fashionable window solutions.

With designer style and easy to install yourself, Levolor sells Wood Faux Wood blinds, Cellular and Roman shades, roller and vertical window shades. Offering over a hundred fabrics to complement any décor theme and color scheme, Levolor also offers a complete line up of designer draperies, valances and window cornices.

Levolor sells quality window blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and drapery hardware at prices that are hard to beat.

The Levolor Price is Right!

Knowing its customer base intimately, Levelor regularly offers special incentives and discounts through its huge dealer network. You can buy Levelor products at many large discount retailers as well as all the reputable Online Window Blinds Retailers.

Shop around and look for special coupons on Window Blinds Tips to save even more money on your Levolor blinds, shades and shutters.

Where Should I Buy Levelor Window Blinds?

Once you have decided to purchase Levelor window coverings, blinds and shades, you will want to search for a retailer. We have also reviewed the major window blinds retailers and discounters for you as well on Window Blinds Tips.

Click on a brand name below to see our reviews of the authorized retailers who sell Levelor window coverings:

Levolor Online Retailers

American Blinds
Blind Central Online
Blinds.com
BlindSaver.com
Blinds Express
Blinds Galore
Steve’s Blinds & Wallpaper

Levolor Window Coverings Retail Stores

Decorating Depot
CSN Stores
The Home Depot
National Blind Store
Star Decorating
Lowe’s

No other manufacturer offers the breadth and depth of selection that Hunter Douglas does. Hunter Douglas is widely known worldwide as the industry leader in window treatments and coverings, including blinds, shades, shutters and louvers.

If you’re looking for high quality, the latest in window covering styles and affordable prices, chances are Hunter Douglas will end up on any list of top suppliers. And for 2008, the Hunter Douglas brand offers five distinct product categories to meet your needs:

The Hunter Douglas Alustra Collection

Available only through exclusive Alustra dealers, Hunter Douglas offers the premier Alustra line of designer window coverings, which includes select products from Hunter Douglas’ various lines, including Siloutte window shadings, Luminette privacy sheers, Duette honeycomb shades, Vignette modern Roman shades and the woven textures, wood blinds and modern precious metals collections.

Custom Hunter Douglas Window Shadings, Sheers, Louvers and Panels

Hunter Douglas is well know and respected in the industry for its non-window blind products and sets the standard in terms of window coverings, decorative hardware, privacy sheers and other innovative products.

Hunter Douglas Window Shadings

Within its versatile window shadings category, Hunter Douglas offers several product lines of shadings:

Signature S-Vane™ – constructed using soft vanes of fabric suspended between two facings made with sheer fabric, Hunter Douglas offers shadings with a wide choice of elegant materials and features options.

Nantucket – window shadings with suspended fabric vanes supporting two sheer fabric facings, treated to block out UV rays and give your room a soft glow of natural or colored light.

Pirouette® – combines the look of a classic fabric shade with improved versatility and control over privacy and light entering your room.

Hunter Douglas Window Sheers

Luminette® – privacy sheers give you privacy without losing the soft light and touch of draperies.
Park Lane® Privacy Sheers – get the ultimate in designer appearance with matching sheers, drapes and vertical blinds combined within a single line. Park Lane makes it simple for even non-decorators to give their room a unique designer look!

Hunter Douglas Window Shades

From basic roller shades to today’s high tech, energy efficient honeycomb shades, Hunter Douglas offers you many options:

Duette Honeycomb Shades – with clean lines and durable construction, the Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb shades come in single, double or triple honeycomb versions to give you ultimate control over opacity, color and texture of the cellular shades you select. Fabrics range from sheer to semi-sheer, semi-opaque and opaque depending on the level of privacy, energy efficiency and light transmission suited to your window coverings objectives.

Vignette Modern Roman Shades – a complete line of Hunter Douglas woven wood shades, pleated shades and classic roller shades available in a nearly endless selection of styles, materials, textures, colors.

Hunter Douglas is the leader to beat in the horizontal blinds market.

Hunter Douglas Horizontal Blinds

Whether you want the look of real wood, faux wood, aluminum or composite materials, Hunter Douglas covers the entire gamut with its renowned horizontal blinds collections:

Wood Blinds & Cornices – Crafted from the finest hardwoods featuring the exclusive TopShield™ II finish.
Hunter Douglas Country Woods® Genuine Woods Blinds

Produced from the finest North American hardwoods such as genuine oak, cherry, maple and pine, Hunter Douglas offers the world’s most complete selection of wood grains, finishes and styles in terms of real wood window blinds, including features such as distressed wood finishes, oversized, beveled slats, and traditionally proportioned basswood slats in painted finishes as a less expensive alternative.

Hunter Douglas EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds

EverWood X-tra Alternative Wood Blinds – look like real wood shutters, but with the ease of use and flexibility of horizontal blinds, wide 2.5 inch beveled slats in 20 finishes.

EverWood® Alternative Wood Blinds – with two inch wide slats, the EverWood® blinds in Hunter Douglas’ widest color and finish selections available.

WoodMates® Alternative Wood Blinds – the best available value in two inch faux wood blinds, come with three inch valance, perfect for moist, humid room conditions, such as bathroom and kitchen applications.

Hunter Douglas Custom Wood Shutters and Vinyl Shutters

Heritance® Hardwood Shutters – real hardwood with maximum strength and durability, high quality dovetail joinery available in any of the 100 paint and stain finishes Hunter Douglas offers.

Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters – UV-resistant polysatin compounds help eliminate warping, chipping or peeling; perfect for kitchen and bathroom applications where real wood shutters may still preferred over vinyl, but where the effects of moisture and humidity must be considered.

NewStyle hybrid shutters – hybrid shutters combining the look of real wood with the enhanced strength and durability of composite materials.

Hunter Douglas Louvers and Panels

Alouette® LightLouvers – this Hunter Douglas collection pulls together the functional advantages of a traditional blind and the designer appeal of a wood shutter, with fine fabric finishes that will soften your room décor.

Hunter Douglas Skyline™ Gliding Window Panels – versatile and attractive, Hunter Douglas’ Skyline products offer a modern window panel that glides open and shut for a very sophisticated, yet understated contemporary look.

Aluminum Blinds – Hunter Douglas makes contemporary metal horizontal blinds, but Bali may a better bet in this category.
Hunter Douglas Vertical Blinds – Hunter Douglas also offers a complete line of vertical window blinds.

How Does Hunter Douglas Compare to Bali, Levolor and Others?

Hunter Douglas consistently gets positive customer ratings and satisfaction levels. While you may pay a slight premium for the Hunter Douglas name, you know you’re getting quality window coverings from a name you can trust to deliver style, performance and durability.

Hunter Douglas remains a popular choice of many interior designers and discerning consumers who have had good luck with the brand in the past and consistently choose to stay with Hunter.

Where do I Buy My Hunter Douglas Window Coverings?

Once you have decided to purchase Hunter Douglas window coverings, blinds and shades, you will want to search for a retailer. We have also reviewed the major window blinds retailers and discounters for you as well on Window Blinds Tips.

Click on a brand name below to see our reviews of the authorized retailers who sell Hunter Douglas window coverings:

www.americanblinds.com
www.blindsexpress.com
www.shadesshuttersblinds.com
www.blinds.com
www.blindsaver.com
www.yourblinds.com

With manufacturing and distributions centers throughout the United States and Mexico, Bali is one of the foremost competitors in the North American window coverings market.

The Bali Blinds Web Site

Bali seems to have its finger on the pulse of recent changes in the window coverings industry. When you visit the Bali Blinds site, you find a lot more than just information about their products and solutions.

Bali strives to provide do-it-yourself customers with information, ideas and innovative product lines to meet the needs for style, easy of use and flexibility of consumers worldwide.

Bali is a leading supplier of window coverings, blinds and shades.

Your Home, Your Style; the Bali Mantra

Bali emphasizes the individual needs of its customers, offering them a lifestyle choice rather than simply a window covering! Following trends may be enough for the competition, but Bali shows a real passion for setting trends and encouraging consumers to do the same when designing and decorating their own homes.

Customer confidence is something Bali obviously pays attention to and shows in their customer satisfaction ratings and brand recognition data. The company presents itself as a socially responsible firm and seeking ways to reduce waste, eliminate hazardous materials and improve air quality within its manufacturing facilities and processes.

Bali goes so far as to vow that its efforts to be “green” shall connect to its customers’ needs and benefits. Hopefully, the parent company, Springs Window Fashions, will continue to live up to its mission statements.

Bali Blinds Web Site Tools

If you plan to buy Bali window coverings, be sure to visit their Web site. You can order free swatches to compare colors and finishes, prepare a window blinds Order Planning Checklist and use their measuring tool to be sure you measure your windows correctly for Bali blinds when ordering.

The Ideas and Solutions section of Bali’s site also provides some good tips on getting started, choosing colors for your window coverings, selecting a designer or doing it yourself.

How Does Bali Stack up Against Brands like Hunter Douglas and Levolor?

Bali customers swear by the company’s products, options and quality. Prices are similar on Bali and Levolor products and both brands tend to be more affordable than Hunter Douglas, which is recognized as an industry leading brand that can demand a premium.

Bali offers you quality similar to products from Hunter Douglas at prices you’d expect to pay for Levelor. Of course these days, all the major brands have products available at multiple price points in order to appeal to a broader customer base.

Really you want to find the blind you like first and consider brand second. If you find two competing products in the style, color and configuration you want, let the manufacturer’s reputation, pricing and availability be your determining factors in choosing a window coverings brand.

Where Should I Buy Bali Window Coverings?

Once you have decided to purchase Bali window coverings, you will want to search for a retailer. We have also reviewed the major window blinds retailers and discounters for you as well on Window Blinds Tips.

Click on a brand name below to see our reviews of the authorized retailers who sell Bali window coverings:

www.americanblinds.com
www.blindsgalore.com
www.blinds.com   
www.hdcblinds.com
www.homedepot.com
www.blindsexpress.com
www.blindsaver.com   
www.yourblinds.com
www.nationalblindstore.com
www.nobrainerblinds.com
www.stevesblindsandwallpaper.com   
www.stardecorating.com
 

But making window coverings is not exactly rocket science and the equipment and techniques are commonly known, making window coverings one of the most competitive home décor categories.

Read our Window Blinds Buying Guide 2008 for an inside look at the window fashions industry and how to save money when designing, specifying and ordering your own unique designer window treatments.

Evolution of the Window Blinds Brands

During recessionary periods over the last several decades, the window coverings industry has repetitively experienced heavy consolidation, leaving customers with fewer choices and, at the same time, leaving the door open for private label and discount window blinds companies to emerge.

Today, a handful of major window blinds manufacturers control most of the major brands in the industry. But, during the 1980s and 1990s a number of nationwide discount window blinds companies opened in the U.S.

Instead of being forced to pay high prices buying window blinds from designers or make their own coverings, people could go to these discounters and enjoy lower prices and increased selection. The development of these additional distribution channels has enabled new growth in a very established

Window Blinds Buying Guide 2008 gives you insight into the window coverings industry.

Window Blinds Industry Evolves Yet Again

With the advent of the Internet, a whole new way of purchasing window blinds has opened up, once again offering consumers a wider range of choices, styles and price points from which to select! This disruptive technology has caused turmoil, greater emphasis on specialization and hidden opportunities for upstarts within the window coverings space.

Now the do-it-yourself homeowner or decorator can measure windows and go online to purchase either name brand or private label window blinds and shades at much lower prices than ever before!

The other evolution that has helped make window coverings more affordable has been distribution through behemoth retailers such as JC Penney, Walmart, Target and others selling ready-made window blinds and shades at discounted prices. And while the selection is more limited in the largest chain stores, you can find bargain prices if can find what you’re looking for!

How Has Industry Change Helped Consumers?

All of this change and disruption has benefited customers with greater selection, lower prices and options from which to choose. But navigating the maze of window blinds and coverings choices, how do you decide what’s best?

When shopping for window blinds, you may not care that much about the brand you’re buying. But, unless you like replacing window blinds every couple years, it’s smart to pay attention to what brand you buy. As with anything, the adage “you get what you pay for” is certainly true when it comes to window blinds.

Major window blinds brands will have more options when it comes to materials, finishes, mounting hardware and operating controls. You can often buy a brand from discounters offering private label products.

Private Label Discount Window Blinds

These days, whether you buy blinds from a local store or designer or shop on the Internet, most likely the components used to make your blinds will come from one of the large manufacturers. Mass-customization is the name of the game, using state of the art supply chain management and custom component assembly techniques.

Window blind slats and other components are fitted and assembled to produce private label window coverings made either as ready-made blinds to fit generic window sizes or custom-measured and assembled to fit any non-standard shape and size windows.

Ask your blinds retailer, discount house or installer what brand components they use to make custom window blinds and shades. Whichever brand they use, your supplier should be authorized and trained to fit, install and service the products. Be leery if they say they don’t know or claim to make all the components in house.

Also ask about the warranty details of the store or supplier versus the manufacturer; if there’s a problem will you be able to return the blinds to the retailer or do you have to then deal with another, outsourced party?

What are the Big Names in Window Blinds?

There are really only a few major window fashions manufacturers; consolidation in the industry means that the biggest now own and operate under multiple brands, with a variety of quality levels, features and price points offered within each line.

We have researched customer feedback, product reviews and other data to bring you our assessment of the window coverings industry. We have reviewed each of the major brands for you in detail. Click on any brand name below to view a full review on the brand.

Hunter Douglas

One of the most recognizable industry brand names, Hunter Douglas offers a number of product lines, each catering to a separate customer base and leveraging different distribution avenues. Consumers buy Hunter Douglas for the reputation for quality and choice …

Read Hunter Douglas Window Coverings Review

Levolor

Established since 1914, Levolor is recognized worldwide as an industry leader and innovator in the window blinds industry and popularized the aluminum “mini-blind” back in the 70s …

Read Levolor Window Coverings Review

Bali

Customer who know Bali Blinds love the brand; they are like the Apple of the window fashions industry, with a loyal customer following and a knack for introducing the right products at the right time…

Read Bali Window Coverings Review

Comfortex

The focus of Comfortex began in 1985, when New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provided support to the company in developing innovative, energy efficient line of window coverings. The effort was a success, leading Comfortex to become an Energy Star partner…

Read Comfortex Window Coverings Review

Graber

A pioneer in full service window blinds, Graber offers window blinds and shades, along with drapery hardware, leveraging a network of dealers and decorators to do all the design consulting, measuring, fitting and installing for you…

Read Graber Window Coverings Review

Kirsch

Known as a high quality brand, Kirsch sells custom window treatments and drapery hardware through specialty retail stores, design professionals and department stores…

Read Kirsch Window Coverings Review

Getting a designer/installer and letting them manage the whole job. Sounds like a good plan … if you can afford it.

But if you want the look and quality of custom window blinds, there are still ways to save money while getting blinds that are custom fit, of quality construction and with a solid warranty.

In this article we will give you ideas and tips on buying and installing custom Venetian window blinds for an elegant look and easy operation.

Do I Need Ready Made or Custom Blinds?

Windows are made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes; if you have generic, standard sized windows you’ll be fine going with ready-made blinds, but if you have odd shaped, custom size windows, plan to go with custom blinds, meaning they are made to fit your window specifically.

Custom venetian blinds will give you years of use, stack neatly out of site when not in use and come in many styles and materials.

Another thing to consider when buying blinds of course is quality; how good are the materials used, lift cords and hardware, the paint or finish, etc. Custom blinds should be made of the best materials, with chip-resistant blinds, sturdy hardware and lift mechanisms built for durability and longevity.

Types of Custom Window Blinds

Custom window blinds should generally have wider slats than less expensive blinds such as mini blinds. Slat width is a pretty subjective matter, although designers will choose wider or narrower slats to match the theme, patterns and forms used throughout an interior.

Another choice is whether to go with pull cords or wands. Wands seem to hold up better and are easy to use for tilt controls, while cords can be less obtrusive and can be easier to reach, especially if you have a taller window. Wands and cords should be of the highest quality and incorporate safety tassels to prevent a choking hazard for small children in the house.

Custom Window Blinds Materials

Custom window blinds can be made of real wood, stained or naturally finished or with enamel painted finish. Faux wood can look almost as good these days, while being lighter and less expensive.

Take a look at some of the faux wood blinds before you decide which way to go and remember that real wood can warp or crack in time.

Bamboo or woven wood blinds are another stylish option to consider when purchasing your custom window blinds. Custom window blinds are less likely to be made of metal, but if you are looking for a specific metallic finish to match your modern or retro décor then a custom metallic finish could make sense as well.

One other type of custom window blind to consider is the type where the slats are each made of two vanes wrapped in material, giving them a very soft appearance and quiet operation. I have these in a couple rooms in my home and we really like them; they almost look like cellular shades, but operate like Venetian blinds, with stacking slats rather than being a single, pleated shade.

How to Measure for Custom Window Blinds

Now, many people are uncertain when it comes to how exactly you measure for window blinds. The answer, of course, is that it depends. The type of blind being installed, how it operates and whether it is an inside or outside mount can all affect the way you correctly measure window dimensions and window blind width and drop.

The best thing to do is determine the brand and type of blind you want to buy first. Then check the FAQs or Installation Instructions before measuring to see how the manufacturer wants you to take measurements.

In most cases, if you are buying an inside mount window blind, you will measure the distance between the sill and top of the window opening for drop and the distance between the left and right inside edges of the window opening to obtain the width, but again it can vary so check measurements multiple times before you order online.

Choosing a Window Blind Brand

There are a number of top window fashions manufacturers; most of them sell products under multiple brands. Thus, if you learn which manufacturer’s products you like, you can check each of their lines for the style, features and price point that fit you best. We’ve provided a review of all the major Window Blinds Brands as well.

Finding a Good Installer

Now, you don’t need a designer unless you absolutely don’t trust yourself to pick the right style, materials and configuration of your window blinds. We give you hundreds of tips and ideas here on Window Blinds Tips, so we’ll trust you can figure out what you like, but if not, try visiting a couple of local custom blinds shops and ask them for advice.

If you don’t plan to install your own custom blinds, then buying locally is probably the best thing to do. You’ll get end to end service and if anything goes wrong with fitting you’ll have a much easier time than trying to save a few bucks buying online.

Save Money By Buying Blinds Online

If you’re like a lot of Window Blinds Tips readers though, you’ll probably opt to save money and install your own blinds. In this case, it really pays to decide what you want (Bali, Hunter Douglas, etc.) and shop online for the best bargains.

There are MANY online blinds and window fashions resellers these days, so look around for special offers, put your name on our newsletter subscriptions list and wait until you find the blinds you want at the right price. You can save 30%, 40% or even 50% if you shop around versus what you might have paid at the most expensive retailer.

Buy from a reputable reseller who is authorized to sell the brand you are buying and check the return policy and warranty details carefully before checking out.

Look no further than cellular shades. Cellular, or Honeycomb, shades can offer you the best of both worlds with top-down/bottom-up lift control and remote control motorized operation!

With the honeycomb shades that open either from the top down or the bottom up, you will have the ultimate flexibility and ease of use you’re looking for at a reasonable price. Install shades yourself to save even more money.

Benefits of Cellular Shades

• Single Cell shades block up to 50% of the heat from escaping your home in winter or getting into your home in summer
• Block up to 99% of sun’s harmful UV rays
• Work great as an under-treatment for designer window treatments such as curtains, draperies, valances or other top treatments

Ease of Operation with Top-Down/Bottom-Up Configuration

Cellular shades with a top-down/bottom-up configuration offer flexible control over light and privacy.

You can purchase select honeycomb shades, pleated shades, Roman shades and woven wood shades with the top-down/bottom up feature and the number of colors, fabrics, styles and light filtering characteristics available is nearly endless!

Cellular Shades Offer Superior Light Control

Whether you are looking for an opaque, light blocking material or something that is translucent enough to give a soft ambient light level in your home, you have plenty of choices when selecting your cellular shades.

Save Money Buying Your Top-Down/Bottom-Up Shades Online

If you want great selection, a money-back guarantee and deep discounts, visit blinds.com today and save 10% on Blinds.com Top Down/Bottom Up Cellular Shades!

Its one of those oft-overlooked details that has to be managed, but it doesn’t have to break your budget! If you know a few secrets and have a plan you can decorate your windows nicely without spending a fortune.

Follow these tips and strategies to save money on your window coverings!

The best tips aren’t so easy to find online so we’ve done a little research for you and come up with some great money-saving tips and window blinds facts to help the smart shopper.

Whether your budget is $100 or $10,000 there are a few basic things you can do to get the most value from your investment in window treatments:

• First, consider doing the installation yourself; it’s a great starter project for a new homeowner looking to gain new skills and confidence with home remodeling and decorating!
• Have a plan; keep detailed notes, sketches, photos, samples, window opening measurements, color schemes, room design and patterns together as you are researching, planning comparing.
• Smart designers know not to leave window treatments as an afterthought; your window coverings should be integral to every element of designing your overall home décor and individual interior spaces.
• If you don’t want to spend the time or aren’t certain of your DIY skills, you may still be able to get a deal on the installation cost by installing or replacing coverings on all your windows at one time; this also helps you shop for the best deals.
• Take your time designing and selecting the window treatments you want and know your budget before you make purchases; by knowing what you want you can more easily compare features, plan for installation and getting the best bargain possible.
• Set a budget and try to get the most value possible with that budget; you might skimp in some less prominent rooms in order to splurge a little in the rooms that really show off your home and décor.
• Always compare several vendors before you decide; be sure you understand their reputation, delivery cost, return policy, service commitment and guarantee before making a final decision.
• Always try to negotiate for a little more service, options and package pricing! You’ll be surprised sometimes what vendors will do to win your business so it never hurts to ask. 

Learn how to save money on window blinds and shades with these easy to follow tips.

Save with Window Shades Instead of Blinds

One of the primary determining factors in your budget will be the type of window treatments you select. Cellular shades have become increasingly popular for their affordability, ease of installation and flexible controls and options.

Another reason to select cellular window shades is their insulating qualities, which can help cut heating and cooling costs.
Save with Faux Wood Instead of Real Wood Blinds

If you do want the classic look of wide-slatted Venetian window blinds, you can save money if you go with faux instead of real wood blinds. If you plan your room design so that white or another color finish will work, then there is very little reason to spend the extra money on real wood.

Faux wood blinds with a painted finish are durable, don’t tend to warp and easy to clean, making them a great money-saving alternative. Unless you look closely, today’s wood composite and vinyl products look a lot like the real thing and you can save as much as 50 percent on faux wood blinds!

Faux wood blinds are more durable than wood and don’t warp, crack or split; a great benefit if you live in the humid climate of the East coast or the dry climate of the Southwest. Faux wood blinds are also easier to clean since you can dip them in water with a mild cleaning solution; not something to try with real wood window blinds!

Hunter Douglas, Levolor, Bali and the other major window fashion manufacturers all have faux wood products in their lineups, but sometimes you can save by buying what are called their “signature” lines which don’t carry the same labels and are marketed under less recognized brand names.

Know in advance the color, size and type of window shade or blind you want before buying.

The Mini Blind Alternative

You might also consider window blinds with the narrower one or two-inch wide slats, especially in a utility room such as the laundry room, mud room, etc.

While mini blinds have a reputation for being used in motor homes and cheap apartments, they are functional, durable and affordably and you don’t have to buy the cheapest looking aluminum ones. Mini blinds today are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles.

Interior Window Shutters

Generally speaking interior shutters will cost more than window blinds. Quality plantation shutters are typically made with real wood, although vinyl interior shutters can be a more affordable option, if you like the look.

Most people prefer the look of real wood shutters and opt to splurge on these in prominent rooms that will really benefit from the stylish look of real wood shutters. Using them in one or two rooms may not break your budget if you can find other rooms where you might offset the expense with less costly window coverings.

Bamboo Blinds and Shades

Another option is to go with the natural look of woven wood blinds or bamboo matchstick shades. Bamboo blinds have become quite popular and can work in a variety of design styles, from Asian-inspired décor to tropical and beach décor and modern, contemporary or transitional room designs.

Shop online to save money on your window blinds purchase.

Where to Find Discount Window Blinds and Shades

Your best bet is to shop online first to establish baseline prices for all the blinds and shades you need and zero in on a few options that put the total within your budget range. Then call around and visit a few local retailers to compare prices and weigh the value of installing them yourself or having a local company do the installation for you.

You will probably find that the online prices are lower, so you have to decide for yourself the importance of local service. Another option is to visit discount stores such as Home Depot, Costco and Wal-Mart; these bigger retailers sometimes have great discounts on certain brands and models that may fit your budget and room design.

Look for closeout sales and negotiate for the best price by comparing retailers’ prices; point out the prices of one retailer to another if you feel it may get you a better deal. Even if you don’t get a better price this way, you may get cheaper installation or enhanced features by shopping around and taking a little extra time to select your window blinds!

Arch top windows bring graceful curves and additional light and warmth into any room, adding interest unique elegance to the room décor inside and enhancing a home’s architectural style from the outside.

But deciding how to select blinds, shades, shutters or another type of window covering can be challenging when dealing with the custom sizes and elliptical shapes of arched windows!

Types of Arched Windows Used in Homes

Arched windows are gracefully curved, making it a fun challenge to design the proper type of window treatment!

Single Arch Window Treatments

With the increasing popularity of single arch windows, most of the major window fashions manufacturers now offer an array of blinds, shades and shutters made to fit standard size arch windows. If you have a custom arched window, completely round window or sunburst window, many of these window treatments are also available in custom sizes and shapes.

Look at arch window coverings from a top brand such as Hunter Douglas, Bali or Graber to find a wide range of cellular and pleated shades in both light filtering and blackout materials and colors galore. Motorized operation is a great option if you have a very stall sunburst window.

Arched Top Window Treatments

The EasyView® arch by Hunter Douglas.

The decision to leave arch windows naked and natural or to cover them is inevitably related to the orientation of the windows, how much privacy is needed in the room and whether the theme and design elements of the room better fit bare or treated arch windows.

But for convenience and practicality, installing some type of window treatment on your arched top windows still makes sense. Shades will protect home furnishings and décor from fading and keep your home cooler on those hot days!

Depending on the location and orientation of your arch window, one option is simply to leave them bare. While this allows plenty of natural light to enter the room and retains the full natural beauty of an arched window, it is often impractical for reasons of light control and privacy!

Arch Window Treatments – Best Bets

Once you decide to install arched window treatments, you’ll want to begin to think and plan the treatment best suited to each window, the functional needs and the room décor. You can make your arched window a focal point in the room or create an

understated look if the fireplace or other design element serves as the focal point. To cover arched windows that enhance and augment your room design, consider these options:

Window Blinds

Island Blinds makes custom size blinds and shades for arch top windows.

Cellular Shades

Cellular and pleated shades are also a popular choice to cover arched windows. In this case, the windows below and the arched-top window above can use a more integral cellular shade design to blend the windows and give more the appearance of a single arch window.

Interior Shutters

Traditional or colonial style shutters with movable louvers are a very elegant way to treat arch windows. Plantation shutters with wider three or four inch wide slats will give your room a clean, modern look. Shutters may be either the café type or double-tier design.

Curtains or Drapes

For a softer look, a semicircular shirred-on fabric can be fitted the arch. Use a drapery rod at the point where the curves begin to give the window a greater sense of verticality. If you go all out with a layered window treatment, it can really enhance your arched window as a focal point for the room.

Arched Window Swags

Use decorative hardware and a simple swag to accent your arched window covering, adding color and texture to the room. Simple touches can really add appeal and interest to your room design; repeats and echo patterns of the arches can be a great way to tie things together for example.

Understated Arched Window Treatment

If you do not intend your arched window to be a focal point or have multiple arched top windows in one room, leaving them bare or installing simple shades or fabric panels often makes sense. A simple sheer fabric panel will let subdued, filtered light in without drawing undo attention to its role as a covering.

Motorized Window Treatments

Motorized controls are a huge convenience if you have very tall arched windows to cover. At the touch of a button, you can set whatever lighting and filtering you want by angling window blind slats or raising and lowering the stack for even more flexibility.

The motorized cellular shades are not too expensive to install, but do remember to consider wiring needs. Integrated lighting control systems can even dim or brighten the lights in concert with the setting of arched top window blinds or shades. You can have a setting for waking to filtered early morning sunlight, one for late evening privacy, and another for rainy days when it’s dark out and you want to let in every last bit of natural light!

Buying Arched Window Blinds and Shades Online

You can save money by shopping online for your blinds and window shades; from a variety of retailers with competitive prices you can choose and purchase your blinds on the Web. Be sure you understand the measuring and fitting directions your reseller offers and understand the warranty and return policies clearly.

Arched Window Treatment Buying Tips

• When shopping online or locally for arch window shutters, keep several considerations in mind:
• Arched window covering installation varies greatly as you can see by the variety of options and choices available. Some are easy to do yourself, while others, such as motorized window treatments, are better left to the pros!
• Look at lots of pictures before you decide what type of window treatment to use; make a design that is unique and fits your budget, room design and functional requirements.
• Wood or faux wood blinds can have many types of finishes, from natural wood grain stains and finishes to painted finishes in white or off white and other colors.
• Finishing your own blinds is not typically necessary, but be sure you select the color and finish that best suits your window treatment design.
• Finish quality is important to buying arched window coverings that will be durable and long lasting. Check to see how your manufacturer applies paints or protective coatings and warrantees their products.
   

And there are special considerations to make when it comes to selecting and designing window treatments in the living or family room, since these rooms tend to have larger windows than others in the home, making the choice of window blinds, cellular shades, curtains or draperies especially important.

Often, there will be a media center or television viewing and privacy needs to consider as well, in which case you need window treatments that will be flexible and easily adjusted to allow more or less light into the room.

Matters of color, texture, patterns and decorating style also play a large factor in the type of window treatments you select in your living and family rooms.

In a modern style living room like this one, neutral color window shades or simple curtain panels are in order.

To help you decide what window treatments will work best in your family room or living room, try following these tips:

• If you are decorating your living or family rooms with new an all new theme, color scheme, furnishings and accessories, don’t leave the selection of blinds or shades as an afterthought; make this an integral part of your interior design planning.
• If your family room or living room has already been decorated, then your window treatments should complement the existing décor, colors and patterns in the room. Often the best choice may be to go with neutral blinds or cellular shades if you are in doubt about what to install; you can always add a decorative valance or curtains that match your wall colors or pick up accent colors in your furniture upholstery, area rugs or throw pillows.
• Always consider function first and window treatment styles second; those traditional full length draperies with linings may look great, but if they darken the room and prevent you from being able to open a large picture window up when you want to enjoy a great view or let in the sunlight, you may find yourself disappointed with the results.
• 
  Elegant patterns and rich colors work nicely when designing window treatments for your traditional style living or family room
  Window treatments can either be understated so as not to diminish the design elements in your family or living room, or in some cases, can become a grand design statement that sets the overall tone of the room; especially true if you have an extremely tall and large window space that commands attention and serves as a focal point in the room.
• To create a bold window treatment that is also highly function, a layered approach works well; you can use neutral color cellular shades as a base level, providing extremely versatile light and privacy control, with rich, deep fabric colors and/or patterns in draperies over the shades. Add swagging, a cornice, tiebacks or decorative hardware to give the window treatment a complete look and feel.
• Be sure your window treatments are in keeping with the theme and style of your room décor. For instance, in a country style family room, window treatments should match the style; you might use tabbed curtain panels, simple panels with retro fabrics, or frilly lace curtain panels. In a modern style room you would more likely want the clean look of wood or fauxwood horizontal window blinds with larger slats like three inches, with a neutral colored or natural wood grain finish.
• Interior wood shutters will give your living or family room an elegant, understated and clean look and work very well in room decors from contemporary or modern to more traditional styles equally.
• When selecting family or living room window treatments, you can leverage colors, patterns and textures to either play up or down other features in the room. For instance, if your room décor features bright, bold colors, then a subtle color choice makes sense for window coverings.
• If your living or family room uses neutral wall colors, the window treatments can be a great means of introducing a splash of accent color and pattern into the room and are easily changed later if you change your mind; without having to repaint the walls!
• Use a color wheel, pick up some color samples at your local home improvement or decorating center and try them at home before making your final color and pattern choices; you want to settle on a primary and one or a couple of secondary or accent colors and have a firm color scheme in mind for your family room or living room décor. This will guide you in selecting the right colors to use in your window treatments.

Bamboo roman shades are easy to maintain and keep clean, whereas any fabric shades collect dust, cobwebs and grime. This is one great reason to choose bamboo roman shades.

Anther great quality of bamboo is that is comes in many color tones; reds, browns, yellows, or nearly white. So, you have a great variety of colors from which to select or even combine.

Bamboo roman blinds can also be made in many styles. You can have shades made from very small pieces, like matchstick-sized, or choose flatter, rounded shades that look more like traditional blinds.

Coordinate your room’s decor with bamboo mats or area rugs for an exotic feel. This will tie your decor together, and your can add some color with accent pieces and accessories.

For an exotic designer touch, you will want the stylish bamboo roman shades for your window treatments.

You can complete your window treatment with a bamboo valance, banding the edges banded with a nice fabric to add color and depth.

Bamboo roman blinds are light weight, so shipping is affordable if you buy online at a discount and are very simple to install.

They let in light but are also provide superior privacy.  You can also get bamboo roman shades with fabric backing that can be detached to let more light into your room.  Since the fabric is light weight, it won’t hinder lowering or raising the blind.

You can open the Roman blinds from either the top down or the bottom up, giving you even more options to change the look of your window treatment.

If you really like the natural texture and beauty of bamboo, consider using bamboo wood flooring and your bamboo roman blinds will complete the natural and exotic feeling this exotic flooring material provides.

Skylight blinds will also help keep your interior cool in during the summer months when the sun beats down on your loft windows.

You also have plenty of choices when considering what type of loft blind or shade to use; awning blind are one popular alternative, but pleated blinds or roller blinds are also good options to reduce glare and still give your interior a light and airy feel.

Fabric options include Velux brand, which is specifically intended for use with roof windows and skylights. Generally, fabric options are more limited with this type of window blind.

Roof windows and skylights present special challenges when it comes to window blind selection and installation.

Custom fitting and installation is usually recommended for roof windows, but if you are handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house, you can install your loft blinds.

Be sure to measure properly and plan ahead for wiring if you plan to use motorized blinds or shades.

You don’t want roof window or skylight window blinds to hang like with normal window blinds; they generally need to be tensioned with side rails or wires.

For this reason, they are also typically mounted inside the loft window recess, which needs to be taken into consideration when measuring.

Since loft windows are typically hard to reach, you might want to consider a remote control system with rain sensors.

Types of Roof Window and Loft Blinds Available

Blackout Blinds – a good alternative if you need to shut out window light entirely. Avoid plastic side rails, which can melt in the direct sunlight your roof or loft window is typically receives.

Pleated Blinds – since they open and close on a wire or string, pleated blinds are also a good option for roof windows.

Roller Blinds – the cheapest solution, roller blinds require some sort of specialized system to secure them to the sides of a roof window opening; usually with pegs or clips.

Venetian Blinds – run with tracks inside the window recess, aluminum venetian blinds can also make a good loft blind option, and since you can adjust the angle of the slats, you get more flexible light control.

Awning Blinds – these will be installed outside and help protect your loft window from the elements, which can add useful life to the window. They are usually made with a black mesh material and can help cool your room substantially if your roof window or skylight gets a lot of direct sunlight.

Plantation shutters were used to protect homes from the elements before the invention of glazed windows.

And they were used on isolated plantations to provide security from bandits.

Their functionality has certainly been proven, and they’re also an attractive window treatment.

Plantation shutters can be used on most sizes of interior windows, sliding glass doors, oddly-shaped windows, and french doors.

Plantation shutters are excellent for blocking light from your room and for ultimate privacy.

Choosing the Right Plantation Shutter

With plantation style shutters, you select the slat or louver size from choices just under two inches up to 5½ inches. Larger louvers will let more light and air into the room than smaller louvers. They’ll also offer the best view if you plan to leave the shutters closed and adjust the louvers. Note that when the louvers are closed, the room will not be completely dark. Some light will still trickle in between the slats.

Slat shape is your next choice. Elliptical slats are thicker in the front than in the back, providing a sturdier slat in comparison to the flat version. Most plantation shutters today are available with the elliptical slat, although you can find flat slats if you look hard enough, or you can special order them.

Your slats may be fixed or adjustable. Adjustable slats open and close by operating the tilt rod, letting in a little air and light when the interior shutters are closed. You can also leave them partially open to direct the light. Fixed slats remain stationary, so you’ll have to open and close the shutters themselves.

Divider rails can be installed on your interior window shutters to allow the top and bottom sections to operate independently with adjustable slats. Or, if you’ve selected fixed slats, you may still like the look of two sets of slats per shutter.

Be sure to get properly treated wood shutters if you plan to install them in a bathroom or else consider vinyl interior shutters as an alternative.

You can choose one large shutter, two shutters (installed one on each side to cover the entire window or to cover only the lower half of the window), or four shutters (covering each of the four quadrants of the window).

Each of these window shutter options offers a different look and varying light control. In general, the fewer shutters you use, the more light you’ll have in the room.

Style-wise, you can select painted or stained wood shutters, unfinished wood shutters, or vinyl shutters. Be aware that vinyl versions can be heavy, and make sure to choose high quality versions that don’t look and feel cheap.

Unfinished wood offers you the opportunity to match colors exactly, but be aware that with all of the slats, painting shutters is not the easiest of projects.

Your installation options will vary depending on the type of window you are covering and how you plan to hang the shutters. You may want to select window shutters with frames if you plan to mount them outside of the window.

You can also hinge the shutters differently depending on their use. For example, with two shutters you might want to hang one on each side of the window, or you may want to attach the shutters to each other with a hinge in the middle of the window and then attach the set to one side of the casing. This will allow the shutters to fold together and to one side.

Whatever style options you choose, it’s certain that your plantation shutters will give you an attractive look for your home.

You want your bedroom windows to be as large as possible, to let light in and open up the space when desired.

But, you also need privacy and the ability to shut out the light in your master bedroom, guest or children’s bedrooms.

If you are redecorating a bedroom, then it’s the perfect time to add new window coverings, and you have a lot of options to consider!

Bedroom Theme Sets Style for Window Coverings

Are you trying to make your bedroom look modern or perhaps Art Nouveau; with flowing curves and floral patterns? Or, maybe you prefer something more traditional, like English Country, with a plain and natural feel or Victorian, with rich, dark colors and more ornamentation and drama in your bedroom?

Regardless what theme you pick for your bedroom, the window coverings should be well matched both in style as well as color considerations. If you plan the type of window covering you want in advance by looking at photographs online or in books and magazines, it will make your job that much easier when you’re shopping. And if you shop online you may well save yourself a bit of money as well.

A large part of designing and selecting bedroom window treatments must be based on more practical considerations. Do you work night shifts and need to block out light in order to sleep well during the day? Then you might want to consider blackout shades.

Lovely draperies and arched windows give a feeling of romance and elegance to this bedroom design.

Bedroom Privacy and Light Control

If privacy is a concern, which is typically the case unless your bedroom looks out onto a private courtyard or other private area outdoors, then you probably don’t want to use sheer curtains unless you plan to install shades or liners underneath, or your neighbors may be in for a bit of evening entertainment!

Layered window coverings are often the right choice for the bedroom, giving you the best of both worlds; open the shades or curtain liners when you want to let in the light and close them when you need more privacy or less light entering the room.

With this layering approach, you can use a sheer fabric for your curtains to give the bedroom more ambiance and color, adding finials, eyelets, tiebacks or other curtain accessories to add to the style.

Curtains also help enhance your bedroom decor by filtering light to cast glowing color and romantic patterns of light and shadow into the interior. Choices for bedroom curtain fabrics will typically include silk, velvet and linen. Plain white or off white will look nice in a country style or modern room, while prints or other textures may give you a more formal look.

Bedroom Window Treatment Alternatives

With so many choices, how do you select the right window covering or combination of shades, blinds and curtains to complement your bedroom design?

Here is a run down on the pros and cons of each bedroom window covering alternative:

Wooden Blinds

Pros – wood blinds offer great light and privacy control, since you can raise or lower them completely or partially and also rotate the slats to let in more or less light. The look of Venetian blinds in either real or faux wood is clean, simple and masculine.

Cons – with hard surfaces, wood blinds can look too sterile and typically need a valance or other decoration to add some spice to your bedroom decor. Dusting slats is a bit of a chore and real wood blinds are more costly than other options.

Wood Shutters or Plantation Shutters

Pros – wood plantation shutters offer a romantic and intimate feeling to any bedroom. With the ability to rotate slats and open or close shutter, you have good control over light and privacy.

Cons – must have room on either side of the bedroom window to open and close wood shutters. It is also impractical to add a cornice or valance above plantation shutters since this impedes your ability to open and close them. Shutters can also be one of the most expensive bedroom window covering options.

Blackout Shades or Blinds

Pros – blackout shades or blinds are a good option if you work nights and need to sleep during the daytime. They also work well in a nursery or young child’s room for better afternoon nap time. Be careful of any blinds in children’s rooms as the pull cords may present a choking hazard.

Cons – generally less attractive than other options, any type of roller shade or blackout shade usually comes in monochromatic colors and styles are more limited. Cost is also higher than other types of shades and blinds.

Roman Shades

Pros – with a soft, romantic look, roman shades are a great bedroom window covering option. Available in a wide variety of colors, fabrics and patterns, the folds add depth and style versus straight panels or shades.

Cons – hanging open on the sides, roman shades tend to let in more sunlight than other options in the bedroom. If you don’t mind a bit of sunshine waking you in the morning, roman shades may the right solution, or you can add roller blinds or pleated shades underneath for more light control.

Bedroom Curtains

Pros – curtains are readily available online or at your local retailer and are very easy to mount. You can enhance curtains with a nice curtain rod and some finials, or add tiebacks for a more stylish look. If you are handy with a sewing machine, pick a fabric and make your own bedroom curtains! If you add a plain roller shade or pleated shade underneath makes, you’ll have a practical and stylish bedroom window treatment.

Cons – can look out of date if not done properly. Also, unless you use a heavy enough fabric, you won’t get the privacy and light control most bedroom windows need.

Top Tips for Bedroom Window Coverings

• If your bedroom design is somewhat cluttered or decorated ornately, select a simple fabric, which will complement your bedroom decor with out taking it over the top.
• Roman blinds, roller blinds and pleated blinds are probably the best options if you want blinds in the bedroom. Any of these can be enhanced by adding simple sheer fabric curtains with tiebacks for a more complete window covering.
• Personalised blinds in your bedroom will give the decor a more unique look and the optimal control over light and privacy you desire.
• Remember that natural light is important to making your bedroom look open and airy. You don’t want your bedroom to feel dark and confined by too many layers of curtain fabric, which will make the room feel smaller.

There are some tradeoffs to consider in terms of higher cost and design and attractiveness with any of the options available that can make your room entirely dark versus typical blinds and window treatments.

Read on to learn what options you have to make your room dark when required, but still giving you total control over light and privacy in your home or business setting.

There are many situations in which typical window coverings simply aren’t adequate to control the light entering an interior space through windows and doors.

Typical situations that require total blackout window treatments include:

• Home Theater Room – window glare greatly reduces the picture quality of most projection and large screen HDTV televisions.
• Baby Nursery – your baby or toddler will nap much more restfully if the nursery is completely dark.
• Bedroom – if you work night shifts or suffer from insomnia and need to sleep during the day, studies prove that you will sleep better in a completely dark room.
• Studio or Darkroom – if you are a photographer and still like the quality of film versus digital images, then a darkroom is required. Also, if you have a photo or art studio, then blackout shades or curtains are a necessity.
• Business and Commercial – many business and commercial interiors have need for a completely dark environment to conduct operations like research, customer demonstrations and audio/video presentations, etc.

The ultimate in luxury and convenience, motorized blackout shades make any home theater room completely dark for better enjoyment of a large screen or projection TV system.

When and Where Blackout Shades, Curtains or Blinds are Important

Window Blackout Options

While there are some types of Venetian and mini blinds that can be made to block out most window light, these will typically be quite expensive compared to blackout shades or blackout curtains.

The best options to consider if you need a completely dark room include:

• Blackout Roller Shades – probably the most effective option to darken your interior, blackout roller shades are made with special opaque materials to block virtually all light from entering the room when the shade is lowered. The blackout fabric is attached to a spring-based roller bar and can be easily drawn up or down using a manual or optional motorized lift mechanism. Special guides on either side of the shade keep light from entering from the edges where it meets the window opening. The top and bottom of the shade are likewise designed to keep light out. With all these design considerations, you can expect to pay a premium price for blackout shades.
• Blackout Cellular or Pleated Shades – while you will pay a premium for pleated blackout shades, pleated or cellular blackout shades mounted inside a window opening are more stylish in many cases than the roller blackout shades. As with the roller shades, some of the more expensive cellular or pleated blackout shades are also fitted with guides and rails to further block out window light.
• Blackout Curtains – curtains made with blackout liners can be effective for blocking light from entering a room but are unlikely to completely darken the interior like blackout shades can. You can find these available commercially or make your own blackout curtains.
• Blackout Blinds – available with the route-less feature, some window blinds are intended to darken a room more completely than typical Venetian or mini blinds. Add blackout liners if you want the look of window blinds but need to completely darken your room.

Materials and Options for Blackout Window Coverings

Various materials can be used to make blackout shades or blackout curtains; more expensive materials contain approximately 50% fiberglass, while most are a combination of plastic and vinyl materials. Most of these materials will be coated for fire resistance.

If your budget allows, a great option is to get motorized power blackout shades, which will give your commercial interior or home theater room added convenience and style, enabling you to raiser and lower the shades with the touch of a button.

The motorized option is also convenient with hard to reach or very large window spaces, and makes it significantly easier to darken or lighten the interior as you desire.

You can purchase most types of blackout shades online or through local specialty retailers. As with any other window blinds or shades, careful measurement is required before ordering.

The days of the plain and functional white rods are over, and now we have many options available to compliment our window treatments and add dramatic flair to our drapes and curtains.

Many window treatments now include decorative curtain rods as a part of their overall design, and the rods are intentionally exposed to highlight their visual appeal.

Consider the following tips and tricks when selecting and installing drapery rods in your home.

Curtain Rod Basics

Curtain rods and hardware will help add style to your window curtains and shades.

When it comes to selecting the right curtain rods, you have a few factors to consider. You want a material and style that are attractive and hold up well under the weight of your window treatment, you want decorative elements that enhance the overall effect, and you want to hang the rod in a way that will attractively showcase your windows.

Silver eyelets and matching curtain rod give these curtains a modern look.

Make sure that the material you select will hold up well under the weight of your curtains, particularly if you plan to hang floor length panels or heavier weight fabrics. The last thing you want is a sagging window treatment.

You can slightly compensate for weight problems by buying a larger diameter rod, but really, you should consider a heavier rod made with a strong supporting material like graphite, and then add supporting brackets to help hold the weight.

Once you have a basic rod, you can select decorative elements to give it the right look and feel. Many wooden rods don’t need a lot of embellishment, since you can get carved versions that look attractive all on their own.

But for plain metal versions, look at decorative finials to adorn the exposed ends, or hang the rod in a decorative wall sconce to add formal drama.

Elements like these can help to make your window treatments look finished.

Curtain rods and enhancements like these buff leather on Milan aubergine curtains and modern finials are sure to make your window treatments unique and stylish!

Where and how you hang your drapery rods can make all of the difference. Follow these steps to get the best result possible:

1. Decide where you want to hang your curtains. Generally, you want to attach the rod slightly above and beyond the sides of the casing. Another possibility is to install a rod for long panels right above the ceiling. Again, the rod should extend slightly beyond the edges of the windows to insure full coverage and a balanced look.
2. Measure the height of the window or the height to the floor to insure that your curtains will fall slightly below the casing or pool on the floor as desired.
3. Whenever possible, attach support brackets to the wall studs. If your home doesn’t have studs in the right positions, you’ll need to use toggle bolts for extra support. Use a level to install the other bracket even with the first.
4. If your rod requires a little extra support, use your level to install a center bracket to help support the weight. The easiest way to determine where it should be installed is to clip the rod into the brackets you’ve already installed, and then attach the center support to the rod. Slide it to the middle of the rod, mark off its position, and attach it there. It’s probably easier to get the rod out of the way first.
5. Slide the curtains or drapery onto the rod, and clip it back onto the brackets.

If you’re looking for a functional window treatment that will block strong morning sun or keep your neighbors from watching you walk around in your bathrobe each morning, then most people will say you need a “curtain.”

If style is more important than function and you’re seeking a more formal look, then most people will use the term “drape” to describe your desired window treatment. Some people also use the terms interchangeably.

In this article, we’ll look at formal, decorative window treatments.

Clean and simple, these sheer white drapes add to the design of the room without detracting from other elements like a crystal chandelier.

While drapes tend to be decorative, they can also serve a purpose. Most drapes are made out of heavier fabrics which help to alleviate problems associated with drafty windows.

You can up the insulation quotient by purchasing lined drapes and save money on your heating bills.

Most people use drapes as a stationary window treatment rather than one that can be opened and closed with a pull cord, so if you want to be able to close off a window due to strong sunlight, you may need to pair them with another treatment like a roller blind or sheer curtains to get the function you want.

Window drapes can be purchased at the store if you’ve got a basic style and fabric in mind, but more specialized looks may require custom or homemade drapes.

Custom looks can be rather expensive, but you may be able to get a custom look for less if you’re willing to put a little work into it.

Consider purchasing a set of mass-produced drapes and customizing them with accessories.

By layering drapes in complimentary colors, picking decorative tiebacks such as tasseled or ornate ironwork versions, and using decorative finials or wall sconces to dress up the curtain rod, you can often come up with a beautiful, custom-look window treatment. You might also try searching for vintage drapes, which are often more affordable than custom drapes.

Embroidered silk window drapes give this dining room decor a rich and very tasteful touch.

Choosing the Right Drapery Fabric

You have a lot of options when it comes to drapery fabric, and each will impart a different look to your rooms as well as having different maintenance requirements.

Consider the following options when selecting the right fabric for your new drapes:

• Cotton – Cotton has the advantages of being easy to care for, sturdy, and available in patterns and colors to suit any room. However, wrinkling may be a problem, and cotton doesn’t hold up well in a lot of sunlight.
• Silk – Silk is shiny and opulent-looking, but it doesn’t hold up very well. It’s prone to water spotting and fading, and it’s also relatively expensive.
• Linen – Like cotton, linen is known for its sturdiness. But it’s also comparatively stiff and prone to shrinking.
• Rayon – Rayon hangs well, but it doesn’t handle well. It will crease and shrink unless it’s treated.
• Synthetics – Synthetics like acrylic and polyester blends are generally affordable and wear well, but most are prone to pilling.

By layering your drapes with another element like these shoji screens, you can create depth and visual impact to your window treatment.

Choosing the Right Type of Drapes for your Windows

When it comes to selecting drapes, your choice can make all the difference between a drapery treatment that works and one that doesn’t.

Consider the following choices and tips when you’re choosing window drapes:

• Lined Drapes – Lined or insulated drapes have an extra layer of fabric on the inside. If left closed, they let lined drapes let in very little light and help insulate against drafts. Unlined drapes, on the other hand, may be somewhat sheer depending on the fabric you choose, so you should still see a little light when they are closed. Choose insulated drapes if your windows are particularly drafty, if you have a home theater that requires complete darkness, or if you like the look. Lined drapes hang differently and keep their shape better than most unlined versions.
• Pleated Drapes – Most drapes are pleated, although it’s possible to find unpleated versions if you look hard enough. Your job is to select the style of pleats that you like the best. Drapes can be pleated by tying them together with a sash, creating a more casual look, but most will have a more formal vibe. Box pleats, for example, are created when vertical stripes are sewn into the top of the fabric. Pencil pleats are smaller and more subtle. And French pleats are formed when groups of three pleats are made close together.
• Drapery Length - Most drapes are long, accentuating the height of the windows and the room for a more dramatic look. Consider hanging drapes up near the ceiling to create a formal sitting room vibe, or allow them to puddle on the floor for a feeling of opulence.

This formal bedroom decor matches window drapery with drapes around the bed, putting the drapes front and center as interior design elements.

Today’s vinyl shutters are available in many colors and natural wood finishes that make them tough to tell apart from real wood shutters.

Budget considerations aside, you may want to consider vinyl shutters over wood as an easy-maintenance alternative, since they are not painted and the finish won’t peel or crack.

Most quality manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on vinyl shutters, which are also more durable than wood.

Interior Vinyl Shutters offer the look and style of real wood plantation shutters, but offer greater durability at a signficantly lower price.

If you have pets or children, vinyl is easier to keep clean. And if you live in a humid location, wood shutters can warp, making them difficult to open and close, whereas vinyl shutters have greater dimensional stability.

Vinyl won’t show dings and dents the way wood does; especially painted wood finishes. Since the color pigment is continuous, even scratches will show less than with painted wood shutters. Other than cleaning with a damp cloth, vinyl interior shutters are virtually maintenance free.

Vinyl’s ability to withstand moisture makes these interior shutters a great choice in your kitchen, bathrooms or kids’ rooms, or if you live in a locale subject to high humidity. With vinyl, you won’t have to worry about warping, mildew or mold as you will with real wood products.

And did we mention budget? If price is a consideration, you will pay as much as forty percent less for vinyl than for wood shutters! So, you can use that extra money on other home decoration projects.

There are several disadvantages to consider with interior vinyl shutters:

• Vinyl shutters are hollow, providing good insulating qualities
• However, this means that end caps are required and the caps also change the look of the shutters and some people may prefer the cleaner look of real wood slats
• Hollow rails and louvers result in an opaque slat, which does limit the vinyl shutters’ ability to keep light out
• The vinyl texturing process does simulate the look of real wood, but feels like plastic, so this is another consideration

Either vinyl or real wood shutters will increase the resale value of your home and are considered an upgrade from most window blinds and other types of window coverings.

Plantation style shutters are the most popular, with rotating slats that can be opened and closed to control the natural window light. A range of slat sizes is available to match your preference and decor.

Raised interior panel shutters based on the traditional Williamsburg style are also available from some manufacturers. Solid panels can be raised or lowered to control light and privacy. Panel-style shutters may have two primary panels, or multiple panels to match your design and style preferences.

Specialty design vinyl shutters are also available to fit palladium and sunburst-shaped windows.

Sure, the glass roof of your sun room lets in natural light but sometimes this can cause problems as well.

Once used only as a hothouse to grow plants, today sun rooms more often provide additional living space in the home.

Whether you use your sun room as a living room, playroom or home office, controlling sunlight is important to your enjoyment of the space, allowing you to use it throughout the year.

Blinds protect your conservatory furniture from fading, prevent glare and help control the temperature year round.

Consider a few of the advantages of installing blinds in your sun room:

• Reduces the harsh glare of direct sunlight
• Provides privacy and a pleasing decorative element
• Protects your furniture from those harsh UV rays and heat the sun brings during the warmer months
• Blinds can also help keep the heat inside your conservatory during the colder months

Whether you choose Pleated, Venetian Roller or Pinoleum sun room blinds, you can find affordable, quality products online, with local installation options available from most manufacturers if you choose not to install them yourself.

As a decorative, yet affordable option, you can purchase cellular shades for your sun room roof. Cellular sun room blinds provide excellent shade and sun protection, but don’t completely block out the light, keeping your sun room open and airy. Venetian blinds in either aluminum or a faux wood finish are another affordable option.

Roll up sun room roof blinds are also a good option, offering solar reflectivity for maximum heat protection and keeping direct sunlight out during the hottest part of the day to keep your conservatory cool.

Conservatory blinds offer a an affordable window covering option to shade your conservatory or sun room from the glare and harsh UV rays of direct sunlight.

Available with either mechanical or remote control operation, Roll up blinds give you a flat look that is simple and available in a wide range of colors and fabrics.

Finally, you could spend a little more and choose Pinoleum roof blinds, which come in either Roller or Roman blind styles made from wood. The Pinoleum blinds have the added quality of casting light and shadow inside your sun room, giving a subtle, dappled effect of light and retaining views to the outside.

Protecting your furniture from unkind rays and heat of the Sun, our conservatory blinds also help keep heat in through the winter months, and offer you the level of confidentiality you desire.

Regardless which type of conservatory blinds you select, you won’t be disappointed with the added privacy, sun protection and temperature control they provide. Once you have them installed you’ll find yourself spending even more time relaxing at home in the comfort of your sun room!

Characterized by ruffles and white or off-white neutral fabric, Priscilla curtains are often made with a sheer or semi-sheer fabric, but can also be found in heavier, more opaque fabrics and many other colors and floral printed fabrics as well.

Widely available in home decorating stores and through online window fashions retailers, Priscilla curtains are inexpensive and easy to install and look especially nice as either a kitchen or bathroom window treatment. They will also add style and comfort to your guest bedroom.

Whether you use them alone or with blinds or shades underneath, Priscilla curtains are a wonderful way to decorate your windows with a feminine, soft feeling.

The Priscilla curtains are normally hung on double rods, allowing one to overlap the other. Oftentimes, the front layer is tied back. Top treatments can include using a balloon valance in matching fabric.

Priscilla window curtains can have wide ruffles adorning the inside and bottom edges of the panels. The ruffled Priscilla curtains are often pulled back to the sides of a window with a pair of matching tie backs.

Some styles of Priscilla curtains will have a ruffle that is stitched to the top of the panels, eliminating the need for a separate top treatment such as a valance.

Tiebacks add to the nostalgic look of Priscilla curtains, which have been popular in many decorating styles, from Colonial revival to 1950s Retro decor themes.

For the more contemporary look, use Priscilla curtains with straight edges decorated with a contrasting ribbon of accent color, forgoing the wide ruffles of more traditional country style Priscilla curtains.

Since they leave the rods and hardware more exposed than some window treatments, you can add decorative style by using brass, wrought iron or other decorative rods and hardware.

One of the main attractions of Priscilla curtains is how cheap they are to purchase. Shop online at discount prices and you can find a complete set, with sewn in ruffled valance, matching panels and privacy tiers for under £40.

Hanging your Priscilla curtains typically involves mounting hardware and shirring them over the rod according to your manufacturer’s instructions but should typically take less than an hour and require only a few tools such as a cordless drill and screwdriver.

For easy care and washing, choose curtains made with easy care machine wash and dry polyester that requires little or no ironing. Cotton and other fabrics will be easy to clean and maintain also, but may require pressing the panels before you re-hang them.

Classic and timeless, Priscilla curtains are an affordable window treatment option always worth considering!

When it comes to window blinds or shades for the home office, function is the first thing to be considered; glare and visual distractions outside can make it hard to focus on work at home.

And yet, you want as much ambient light as possible. Natural window light can be the best source of ambient light in your home office, making it a productive workspace for those long hours you spend building your own business.

Read on for tips and ideas on how to design the best window treatment for your home office, whether you are converting a spare bedroom to a working office or want to give your posh, high budget home office a touch of luxury and functional control over light and privacy.

Venetian or Horizontal Blinds provide great light control and flexibility in the home offfice.

Home Office Location and Sun Exposure

A common mistake people make when selecting home office window coverings is neglecting to use something versatile enough to provide various degrees of light filtration and control as the angle and direction of sunlight changes throughout the seasons and time of day.

Direct sunlight can make it nearly impossible to work on a computer screen, leading to severe eyestrain and a significant loss of productivity. On the other hand, a dark room is depressing and working in a room without adequate natural light can also inhibit productivity. An effective window treatment is in order to give you versatility and complete control over how much and how direct natural window light enters your home office.

Most people think about furniture, storage space, flooring and equipment needs when creating their home office environment, but window blinds, shades or other window coverings are too often left as an afterthought. Later, after working in their office at home for weeks or months, they realize that the lighting and ambient light conditions just aren’t optimal.

You are much better off to consider the ambient and window lighting up front as you initially plan your home office workspace. First, when considering the best location for your home office, you will want to think about the exposure it gets from direct sunlight.

For instance, if your home office space has North facing windows, they will not receive much direct light, so window coverings could be a less critical factor, but you will also need to plan for adequate ambient lighting in this case.

However, many people will prefer spending long hours in a home office with a more Southerly window exposure, providing a good source of ambient lighting throughout the day, even as the seasons change.

Natural light from your windows, if filtered correctly will lighten the mood and ambiance of your home office, allowing you to work productively throughout the day. You may also need to keep window coverings shut on hot days to keep your home office cool. And on days when the outside temperature is mild, you will want to be able to open them and let in the fresh air!

So, selecting window coverings for your home office requires something versatile and easy to operate. If budget is not a problem, then automated controls with remote push button operation or even sensors that automatically adjust light filtration are worth considering. And for those of us on a budget, window coverings with pull cords or wands within easy reach will be a necessity.

How you place home office furniture and equipment makes a signficant difference in what type of window coverings work best.

Placing Office Furniture and Computer Monitors for Optimum Productivity

Once you have selected the room in your home to set up your office space, you will want to consider furniture and a floor plan that gives you easy access to office supplies, your computer, printer and other office equipment.

Also important in setting up a home office is the placement of your computer monitor and office seating. If you work alone, then you might want to place your desk and chair so that you have a view out the window. A modular office furniture system can help optimize your office space, with desks, cabinets and storage shelves facing the walls.

On the other hand, if you have partners or associates in your home office frequently, then a partner’s desk or other standalone desk placed in the middle of the room allows people to sit facing each other on either side of the desk for a floor plan that is more conducive to collaboration.

The center desk arrangement works best in a larger home office space and you have three options for your own seating; you can set up your desk so that you face windows, have your back to the windows or, if the windows are on only one wall of your home office, you can place it so that the windows are to one side or the other.

Each of these configurations has pluses and minuses to consider. If your back is to the window you will not have a view outside, in which case neighborhood kids playing in the street or other distractions are less likely to be a problem, but you also have to be more concerned with glare on your computer display.

Many people prefer to face the windows, so that they can enjoy the view outdoors. With this configuration, glare in your eyes can be a problem when direct sunlight pours in through the windows unless you have window coverings that can be easily adjusted to filter the sunlight.

Regardless how you configure office furniture, plan for optimum productivity by placing storage cabinets, shelving and office equipment such as the fax machine, printer and copier within easy reach.

Make several sketches of your home office floor plan and consider all your options before settling too quickly on a final configuration and purchasing furnishings. You’ll be glad you spent this time later down the road!

Affordable white curtain panels give this home office interior a light and airy feel.

Choosing Window Coverings for Your Home Office

With your floor plan settled, you can begin to consider the best window covering options for your home office. Following are the most effective window blinds and shades to consider for your home office space:

Vertical Blinds

While vertical blinds can be noisy if you have your home office windows open on a breezy day, they are quite flexible in that you can open and close them to the left or right as needed to block direct sunlight, as well as being able to change the angle of the vertical slats to filter light.

Vertical blinds can work quite well with windows that slide open or shut or if you have full length sliding glass doors in your home office.

Horizontal Venetian or Mini Blinds

Versatile and stylish, Venetian blinds with wide slats or mini blinds with the narrower slats, offer good versatility and a wide choice of styles, colors and materials.

You can select Venetian blinds with slats made of metal, real wood or faux wood with natural or painted finishes to match your home office furniture and decor. Or, select the newer “privacy sheer” window blinds, with slats that are covered with a light weight fabric material to soften the look and help deaden ambient noise.

And since you can open and lower the slats as desired, in addition to angling them, you have great flexibility in filtering and controlling natural light as the angle of the sun changes. You can darken your home office when computer monitor glare becomes a problem or open the blinds and let the sunshine stream into your work space when you are on the phone, spending some time on creative thoughts or otherwise not working on the computer.

If budget constraints are tight, the mini blinds will provide the same functionality as the more stylish Venetians, but are a much cheaper alternative!

Pleated Shades or Cellular Honeycomb Shades

Window shades come in so many materials and styles that you can be sure to find something that meets your home office needs. The only disadvantage with some shades is that they are either open or closed, so you will want to consider options such as dual top down, bottom up openers for added flexibility.

Shades are generally available in blackout, semi sheer/opaque or sheer materials, each of which can have pros and cons depending on how much light your home office generally receives. Pleat sizes vary from as small as 3/8 inch to about 3 inches, depending on what look you want to achieve. Most designers consider the larger pleat shades to be more elegant than the smaller pleated shades.

Roller Blinds or Roll Up Shades

With a decorative valance, plain solid colored roller shades can also be a good option for your home office window coverings. Bamboo or woven wood roll up shades are available in a variety of decorative patterns and will add texture and warmth to your home office decor.

Draperies and Curtains

If you want a more formal look, you could use curtains or draperies in your home office. Ready made curtain panels are an affordable option and come in a range of materials and sizes to fit standard window openings.

For a custom look, you can have custom curtains or draperies installed, with curtain rods, rings, toppers, tiebacks and other options that run the gamut from plain, simple curtain panels to ornate draperies with liners to suit any decorating taste.

Window Glass Treatments

Window films and tinting are worth considering, especially if your home office windows have a predominately Southerly exposure and you live in a hot climate. They can lower your air conditioning costs and help protect furniture and office equipment from the harsh effects of UV ultraviolet rays and the glare of direct sunlight.

Combination Window Treatments

For the ultimate in style and versatility, you can combine window coverings to create a completely custom window treatment in your home office. Examples include using a semi sheer window shade with sheer curtain panels over it, so that you can open or close both layers to filter and block sunlight as needed. Or, you could install interior shutters made of either real wood or vinyl for a more decorative style in your home office.

Basic cellular shades made with lightweight 100% polyester honeycomb material are available in fifteen colors and conform to C.P.S.C. child safety guidelines so that the shade pulls do not present a choking hazard to young children.

Choose the continuous cord loop configuration and the ever popular open top down, bottom up configuration for ultimate light control.

Single cell honeycomb shades generally fit windows from 15 to 96 inches in width and from 10 to 71 inches tall, depending on the material and operating configuration chosen. Custom sizes may are also available through some retailers.

Single cell honeycomb or cellular shades are great window coverings and also work well for french doors.

You can purchase ½ inch or ¾ inch single cell honeycomb shades in translucent, light filtering (semi opaque) or blackout material, depending upon how much privacy and light control you need.

The material is treated to be stain and moisture resistant, which is another great feature of cellular shades when comparing them to Venetian blinds or typical pleated fabric shades. The polyester material also will not fray or tear the way some fabrics may.

While some cellular shades are available for outside mounting, most are inside mounted for a stylish look; flush with your inside walls and designed to insulate your windows more completely.

Generally, your cellular shades will come with a one year warranty, but be sure to verify warranty terms with your dealer before ordering. Durability and longevity are hallmarks of the cellular shades.

You will enjoy the comfort and flexibility of your single cell honeycomb shades without spending a fortune to cover your windows!

They are an old standby that will rarely fail you and are easy to recover, or dye should they become outdated or soiled and as such can.

Vertical blinds will be perfect for the retro look that seems to be so popular today, when used with the older more sixties look in furniture and fabrics.

Verticals are stylish for covering wide windows or doors and with so many different ones to choose they are wonderful for use in nearly any room.

Even if you want something bright and colorful, vertical blinds offer a wide range of color options to suit your taste and room decor.

The vinyl variety of vertical blinds is perfect for use in a sunny bathroom window because they will repel the water and stay in pristine condition for years to come. They don’t absorb the dampness, won’t mould or mildew and are easy to clean and maintain.

They are a sleek fit in the bedroom, with a small valance or a sheer drapery to cover them, blocking out the light when you want it darkened and an easy open by the use of the vane when you want an unobstructed view of the outside world.

Strangely enough they can also add a modern look to your brass and glass living room. In the living room a vertical blind of a brilliant color will show your taste and style when it’s closed as well as the skyline when it’s opened.

Choose fabric vertical blinds for your living room as they may be easily recovered when your décor changes, and will do a great deal to block out those elements of the outside that you would prefer not enter your home.

Fabric blinds are noise reducing and will insulate you well from the heat of the sun and the chill of the wind.

In the kitchen for the sliding glass doors they are a perfect way to prevent the suns rays from damaging your carpets or draperies, and will fit admirably with nearly any style of furnishings.

Your kitchen blinds should ideally be the vinyl variety and should not drop below the lower window sill to curtail the necessity of washing frequently.

The kitchen will benefit from the vinyl type in that they will, again, not absorb the dampness or oils that will be part of that atmosphere due to cookery and dishwashing and the normal day to day tasks.

As you can see, there isn’t a room in your home that could not benefit from the use of a vertical blind to prevent damage to other furnishings or to save you some extra labor or utility bills, or simply just to make your room as fashionable as it can be by the addition of a new window treatment.

Vertical blinds combine grace, ease of use, beauty and clean lines with such remarkable attributes as sound proofing, control of light and each of this quality can be purchased in a huge variety of textures, patterns and colors that will match your current décor, or complement the new furnishings to your home upgrades.

For the upscale home, vertical blinds can even hide an unsightly area in the garage.

An ideal and stylish window covering in the room has the power to transform the undesired mood into a desired one.

Therefore, it becomes all the more important to have ideal window coverings at appropriate windows.

It’s one thing to have the best of fabric for your window coverings, but if, for example, the color of fabric does not match the overall scheme of things of the room, then you are in for a major disappointment.

Whether you prefer elegant and natural wooden venetian blinds like these or something more intricate and ornate, these tips will help you find the ideal window coverings to match your interior.

Read these selected tips and pointers to help you in selecting ideal window coverings for your home:

• First thing’s first! The primary purpose of any window covering is two fold – to prevent the sunlight into the room and to protect your privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors. So, whatever fabric, style, design, or color you chose, always remember that these twin objectives are always served.
• 
  Select the window blinds or other window coverings that suit your requirements for letting in and blocking out light. Venetian blinds made a great choice for easy operation and flexible light control.
  If the windows are positioned such that your privacy cannot be compromised, you can omit any window covering. However, if the sunlight is not required in such room, it’s better to have adequate protection on these windows.
• The next step is to decide the kind of atmosphere you want to create in the room where you are planning to install window covering. The rest of your room, the furniture, the flooring etc. will guide you as to the overall feel of the room. You may have a traditional backdrop, or a modern outlook, or a mix-n-match style of room.
• Settle for the window coverings that complement this overall feel of the room. The idea is that your carefully selected window treatment should not look out-of-place when finally installed in the room.
• The fabric for the window coverings should be extremely carefully selected. Different colors depict different moods. Similarly, different patterns can have different impact on the visitors. Generally, brighter colors and patterns signify a room bustling with activities, and lighter colors have a soothing impact.
• Finally, the selection of style is your personality statement. You have tons of styles to choose from a wide range of blinds, curtains, valances, drapes, shades, swags, and shutters.

So, now you’re ready to visit a local showroom or go onto one of our advertiser’s web sites and select the style that is just about perfect for your requirements and taste!

If you have typical windows of different dimensions, it’s best to have made-to-measure window coverings.

Unless the blinds are properly measured, they just cannot display their fullest glory in the room.

Mis-fit blinds are worse than having none on the windows. Therefore, it becomes vital to properly measure for your window blinds.

This is a simple and diligent task, and there’s absolutely no need to entrust it to an expert.

All you need to do is follow simple instructions, and you are done with an indispensable process in made to measure blinds.

The most important part in ordering your window blinds online is knowing how to measure correctly. Follow these steps or watch our instructional videos on how to measure your windows for blinds.

Here’s a quick lowdown on all you require to do to measure for your window blinds:

1. Decide beforehand if you want your blinds installed within the window opening, i.e., Inside Mount, or on your wall or trim, i.e., Outside Mount. Inside Mount is the preferred mode as it gives out a tidier feel to the whole blinds arrangement. However, if the opening is too shallow or the window is out of square, Outside Mount will give out a better picture.
2. Always use a steel measuring tape instead of the soft one. This is due to the ease with which steel-measuring tape can help you in measuring the dimensions.
3. Remember to measure down to the nearest 1/8”. Rounding off the measurements can be extremely detrimental to the overall looks of the final product.
4. Use a big and tidy paper to note down all your measurements. The Height and Width columns should be clearly demarcated with the measurements for width preceding that of height. And never, for a second, believe that height and width of your windows will be the same, because even if the windows look square, there is definitely some difference in their dimensions.
5. For Inside Mount, you just need to measure the height and width in three different places, i.e., top, middle and bottom. As mentioned earlier, measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. For width, use the narrowest measurement, and for height, use the tallest measurement. Take no deductions.
6. For Outside Mount, you just need to measure the height and width in three different places, i.e., top, middle and bottom. As mentioned earlier, measure to the nearest 1/8 of an inch. For horizonal blinds, add 3 inches to the height and width measurements, and for vtertical blinds, 3 inches to the height measurements and 4 inches to the width. Take no deductions.

Finally, remember that measurement of blinds may be the first, but, certainly, the most important step in made to measure blinds for your house windows.

Instructional Video – How to Measure, Inside Mount Aluminum Blinds