Blinds 4 Less

Blinds, Shades and Window Treatments: What You Should Be Looking for

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:28:00 -0800

By Joie M Gahum | Submitted On February 13, 2016

Blinds, shades and window treatments are perfect accessories for homes that decorate windows, the eyes of a home. They are the frame that allows us to view the outdoors. Thus, picking a window blind that will allows us to enjoy the outdoors as much as we enjoy the privacy and quiet time we enjoy at home.

There are many things to consider when installing a specific window treatment for a home. Here are some of the tips that you can follow.

Know what your room needs

Before shopping for any furnishing, knowing how it will function and how the whole of the home will function with it is important. Prior to decorating one must access the room and check which items inside are considered good, bad or ugly. Knowing which are the good points and the bad points of a room will serve as a guide on how you can begin and proceed with adding accessories and furnishing inside, including window blinds. This is the perfect opportunity to play with color, pattern, texture and scale indoors.

Knowing how window treatments work

Different window coverings vary in use. Some are versatile and can work practically with any room. They can be of different uses as well such as light-filtering, sunscreen or simple decorative pieces added to make your indoors look great. Different coverings also give off different kinds of feel for a home. It can bring a modern or contemporary appeal to homes, or grand and expensive for some designs.

Decorative purposes

Most home accessories are there to decorate and add something interesting to homes. There are also many great choices in terms of home decor when one is aiming to decorate, besides adding efficiency to a home. Bedrooms can look lovely with Roman blinds while living areas would look refreshing with easy to operate roll out blinds. Detail and drama can be achieved if you know what looks great for your homes and what doesn't.

Blending colors

It is important that every hue inside your homes work with one another. This is also the case when accessorizing your windows. The color of your window covering should complement or should highlight an area inside your home. This is where the material of your treatments comes in. Knowing which material works with the existing style and the material that will make the function of your homes more efficient is also necessary.

Practicality

It is also important to consider the overall impact of a window covering for your home. Does this improves the energy consumption at home, provides a statement decor for your home and suits your budget at the same time? Then you are indeed getting the best for your homes. However, the best is not always the case for many. If a covering is within your budget and looks great for your homes but is a second best when it comes to design and style, you can still consider them, practicality in mind.

There are indeed many things to consider before adding a decor or furnishing for your home. Doing so, within a process or system ensures that your home is getting what's best for it, if not best for all.

There are many options for temporary blackout blinds available in the market that will most likely suit your need and budget for your decorative purposes at home. Several designs, material and color for this type of window treatment can be considered as a new statement or addition for your home decorating projects at home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joie_M_Gahum/2200904

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

How to Choose the Right Interior Shutters for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:35:00 -0800

By Alfred Ardis | Submitted On January 12, 2016

Window treatments bring style to a room and can increase a home's resale value. Many people overlook interior shutters, but they are an option that has stood the test of time by outlasting many other trends. They attach directly to your windows and allow you to control how much light is blocked. Choosing the right type can be difficult, as this treatment option comes in many styles and materials.

Material Options

Interior shutters come in a variety of materials. Most manufacturing and installation companies work with either wood or wood composite. Composite products are a medium-density fiberboard and covered with polypropylene. This design tends to be just as durable a real lumber, although they do not have the traditional, classical look. Those wishing to gain a classic feel should opt for solid wood.

Wood and composite shutters are not for every style, especially considering they are visible from both the inside and outside of the house. Other materials bring out the aesthetics and can complement the unique features of your home while avoiding heavier construction. Aluminum pieces are very light and work well on larger windows. Homes built close to the coast may consider using vinyl, as natural materials will warp from water exposure over time. Even if your home is not close to the shore, you might want to put a faux wood interior shutter in the bathrooms.

Style

When it comes to style, interior shutters come in three main types: west coast plantation, cottage, and plantation.

The west coast plantation design has larger panels than the traditional plantation style. They are popular in California and work well with larger windows. This design is for windows that are five to six feet tall as opposed to the typical window height of three feet.

Cottage style is most popular along the eastern coast. These pieces look more like exterior shutters mounted inside the home, taking up more room and making a bolder design statement than other models. Cottage shutters also have small louvers. Unlike the exterior models they resemble, they have hinges, allowing you to open and close them as you see fit.

Finally, there is the plantation style. Recessed inside the window frame, they come with wide louvers, which can be opened or closed to let in or block out light. Plantation is the most common selection.

Cost

Of course, you have to determine the cost before making this investment. Real wood may look the best, but it is an expensive option. You should budget around $25 to $30 a square foot. If you choose to go with a composite, you can save between 20 and 30 percent off that price. If you are considering an exotic wood like bamboo, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $60 per square foot.

There are a few additional cheaper options. Vinyl, for example, costs $20 to $25 a square foot. While it may not look as nice as wood, these faux options are a great way to get the look you desire without spending as much money.

Interior shutters are a great way to bring classic style to your home. They are more costly than curtains; however, they add charm to your home that simple window treatments cannot offer.

When considering interior shutters, Camden County residents visit http://albertswallpaper.com/process/services/Graber-WoodFaux-Wood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Alfred_Ardis/663300

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Customizing Plantation Shutters for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 5 Nov 2015 10:12:00 -0800

By Joie M Gahum | Submitted On October 25, 2015

Plantation shutters are sometimes called full height shutters. They cover the entire window from top to bottom with panels that open as portions of a piece. They have a clean line look when they compliment the color scheme of the room where you decide to use them.

Window shutters are also a perfect accessory for homes with a classic or country theme. Most shutters are decorated with plant boxes, shrubs, and flowering plants. However, one can go further and decorate the window treatment itself.

You could customize plantation shutters according to panel and frame options. Here are some tips to get you started.

Identifying the most suitable material for your panels

Wood

With this material, you would have unlimited choices of colors as it could be painted to match your room. Most importantly, shops offer staining services. You could go with stained shutters to blend with other furniture at home. Wood also has a classic and natural look. Choosing wood also means you could go with fewer but larger panels because it is light in weight.

Poly material

If you want a durable shutter, poly material has a long-lasting finish. Basically, it only has two colors, but it tends to hold its color for a lifetime (white and off-white). It doesn't absorb moist and is not prone to warping. Poly shutters are best for areas with direct contact with water, such as showers or bathrooms.

One considered disadvantage, though, is that poly shutters are heavier than the wooden one. Poly materials also tend to limit the size of your panels so you would have to go for more panels in order to cover your windows.

PVC

PVCs are also moist-resistant, but some people don't like their shiny look. They may not be applicable or most suitable in the living room, but they would be a great selection for wet areas.

Choosing the right shutter frames

Pick from the most commonly used shutter frames: the trim frame, the L frame, and the Z frame.
Initially, plantation shutters could be installed either in the recess of the window opening (inside-mount) or outside the wall's surface to create a bulky look (outside-mount).
Trim frame and Z frame:These frames are used for inside-mount shutters without wall trim.
L frame: L frames are more versatile. They could be used on both types of installations in corners with or without wall trim.

Installing your blinds

Upon scheduling your window blinds installation, the store staff will go to your house to estimate and fit the plantation shutters for you. They will offer consultation for more details and will usually ask for a deposit when a deal is made. Considering that, it would be easier if you have an understanding of the basics to customize your shutters. However, if your creativity and the whole family is up for the challenge of creating personalized shutters for your home, you can go for the task and consider it a bonding activity for the family.

A more beautiful home without the extra cost is possible if you choose to practice your creativity and implement personal ideas for your home decor. Check out designs via Blinds Online site for more decor inspirations for your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9207734

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 5 Nov 2015 10:02:00 -0800

How to Choose Vertical Blinds for Our Homes

By Joie M Gahum | Submitted On October 25, 2015

Home decorating is a very vast creative area that we should all take time to explore. As for creating the perfect home for our families with a touch of each and every member's personalities, there are many fixtures and home accessories available in the market that can help us to do so.

Window treatments are one of the aspects in home design that we could try to explore when it comes to home decorating. However, for some, they still prefer to stick with the design basics, just like vertical blinds.

Vertical window treatments add height to a low ceiling room. These types of blinds are ideal for patio doors, bay windows, and sliding glass doors or windows. Plus, they are much easier to clean than horizontal blinds, thus making them a favorite option among home decorators.

Before buying vertical window blinds, though, you must consider the budget, the style of your house, and how long do you expect your blinds to last.

Choosing one boils down to your aesthetic preference. Here are some quick advice you can follow.

How long does it have to be?

Measure first your window frame. Blinds must cover the entire window to have a maximum privacy and proper control of light.

Primarily, you must know the two styles of vertical blinds: the inside-mount and the outside-mount blinds. The inside-mount sits in line with the window frame. While the outside-mount hangs outside the window frame. It looks bulky and spans larger area.

For inside-mount blinds, measure the window frame's length and width. However, for outside-mount, you could decide how long the blinds would be since you can drop it longer than the window. But to be safe, you might as well add up 1.5 to 3 inches on either side to ensure it overlaps.

Decide on materials.

Wood vertical blinds

Wooden blinds bring elegance to a room. It's popular in many homes, though wood is prone to mildew and easily fades with sunlight. It is also not advisable for covering multiple windows as it would be too expensive.

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) blinds

This synthetic material is durable and comes in various colors. PVC is flame-resistant and ideal for your child's room.

Textile vertical blinds

Those who wanted to combine the softer feel of curtains and the sleek structure of blinds opt for fabric vertical window coverings. A vacuum cleaner could remove its dust, though stains are harder to clean.

Aluminum blinds

These types of material do not rust over time and are easier to clean. However, they could be noisy upon closing doors or when it's breezy with the open window.

The cost of vertical blinds varies with the materials, length, and the number of the windows where it will be installed. You can let the store staff do it for you or you could install it on your own.

Your windows are one of the most important areas in your homes that should be given proper attention to. Check out ideas and other window treatment options that you can use for your windows via Blinds Online's page.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joie_M_Gahum/2200904

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

The Benefits of Using Venetian Blinds at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 10:53:00 -0700

By Zack P Bauer | Submitted On October 12, 2015

Window blinds are a popular favorite especially among modern homeowners who want to give their windows a clean and put together look. When choosing the right set of window blinds to decorate one's home, it is recommended to give venetian blinds a try. They are easy to install, passed safety standards, trendy and durable.

Venetian blinds are one of the most popular window blinds out there on the market. A great number of homeowners favor venetian blinds because of its aesthetic value. These types of window blinds are known for their classic and elegant appearance. There are many benefits when it comes to choosing venetian blinds:

They give you more control.

One chief reason why venetian blinds are a popular favorite is that homeowners find that they have more control over how much light they want to enter a room. With that being said, they also have the control over the privacy they want. In order to control light, one can simply control the angle of the blind's blades from a fully opened angle or a fully closed one. If one prefers maximum amount of light to enter the room, one has the option to and can raise the blinds all the way up in order to allow the light to fully enter the room. Privacy is uncompromised with this type of window covering.

These types of blinds are easier to install.

Besides giving one more control, window blinds are user-friendly and are easier to install. Those who have purchased a set of these blinds find that they do not have to worry about hiring a professional to have them installed. These blinds can be custom made to fit the type of window that homeowners may have. One simply needs the instruction manual and a basic set of tools. Prior to purchasing a window blind, it is still important to correctly measure the size of your windows. There are many online tools and videos that can help guide even non-professional on how to correctly measure their window for window blinds purchases.

They are easier to clean.

Many homeowners find blinds to be low maintenance and easier to clean. Unlike fabric blinds, which have to be taken to the cleaners in order to keep them looking their best, venetian blinds can be cleaned by means of a damp cloth or by means of a feather duster. It is just that simple. A vacuum cleaner can also be used every six weeks to ensure that blinds are kept clean and dust free.

Besides being elegant and classy looking, venetian blinds can provide many first time homeowners with many advantages that can brighten up their home. It is often advised to choose venetian blinds for a low maintenance upkeep of one's home.

Style and elegance in your homes can easily be achieved with venetian blinds. There is a wide selections from Blinds Online you can check for styles and colors that will match your home's current theme.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Zack_P_Bauer/1608692

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Wooden Blinds - Major Benefits of Using Them

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 6 Aug 2015 16:55:00 -0700

By Sean O'Sullivan | Submitted On August 01, 2015

Blinds on doors and windows are the main decorating items in interior design. Wooden Blinds are the ones that give a wooden look. Moreover, it gives a warm look to the room's atmosphere. When using blinds made out of wood you can be assured of getting the classy look that can change the look and style of the room. Moreover, customizing the blinds according to the style of the room can make the interior design more attractive.

Decorating interior with wood blinds

Wood blinds are the perfect choice if you prefer to give your room a charm that is graceful without making it look artificial. They have the grace and charm of making a room look much better than the curtains, which were traditionally used for decorating rooms. Wood blinds for windows are the perfect insulators that can give the room the right protection from extreme heat of the sun or the cold weather. Areas which are humid in the house like kitchens or bathrooms can be decorated with faux blinds that give the look and style of blinds made out of wood.

What are wood blinds made up of?

Two different types of wood are usually used for the purpose of making blinds. They are:

• Ramin wood
• Bass wood

Ramin wood is a cheaper option. On the other hand, Bass wood is chosen to make wood blinds that are stronger and sturdier. Blinds can be made without a hole option. This will allow the rooms get a dark effect, as not sunlight is allowed to peep in. Making use of a 3 inch valance can make the blinds more attractive. Usually in ramin, 2 inch valance is used at the top of the window so as to hide the rails made out of metal.

Varieties of wood blinds

There are a lot of variations in wood blinds. They include:

• Woven wood blinds
• Vertical wood blinds
• Faux blinds
• Mini blinds

In the market you will get to see wooden blinds in different sizes, shapes and colours. The wood used in making them too varies. You can also customize your order for wood blinds so as to fit the style of your room. While ordering window blinds, you can choose certain features like motorization, UV control, fabric tapes, cord, or even anti static control features.

Care to be taken while buying blinds

While purchasing wooden blinds, care should be taken to check the size of the slats. For French doors and for windows that are small, one inch slats are perfect. For windows of other sizes and shapes, choosing two inch slats would be better. Those blinds with slats that are bigger than two inches look like the plantation shutters. The see through spaces is also bigger when the blinds are opened. Cordless blinds and valance upgrades are the options that are available according to the needs and requirements of the customers.

Where is it available

You will find wooden blinds in every interior decoration store or home improvement centres. These days, since you can buy everything online, you will find a whole lot of online stores supplying blinds of various kinds. All you need to do is go through any such site and pick your choice.

SL Shutters and blinds is a leading company that is well-known and can supply all types of shutters and blinds. This is a one stop destination for all types of shutters and blinds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_O'Sullivan

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Here Is What You Need to Know About Roller Blinds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 08:59:00 -0700

By Aman Tumukur Khanna | Submitted On June 11, 2015

What are roller blinds?

So you have moved into a new home. Or perhaps, you've renovated your old one. And now, you are debating about what kind of blinds to use on your windows. Have you considered choosing roller blinds? Made mostly of stiffened polyester, and mounted upon a metal pole to add to the support, roller blinds are easy to use, and easy on the eyes. They are generally designed on the form of a large piece of the fabric, and can rolled up or down from one end.

Why should you choose roller blinds over other kinds of blinds?

Every kind of blinds comes with its own set of advantages. Here is what the roller blind has to offer to your home -

• These blinds are attractive - Roller blinds do not have slates or excess fabric. They come with a very simple design that is easy to use, and does not create a mess. These days, roller blinds are being made out of a variety of materials including translucent fabrics (which let the light in), sun-screening fabrics (which help to screen the sun's glaring rays and the ultraviolet component therein), and block-out fabrics (which do not allow much light through).

• These blinds are flexible - Most of the fabrics that are used in the making of roller blinds enhance the flexibility of the product. Also, since these blinds are designed in a manner that requires them to be rolled up and down, it is crucial that they are flexible. They are also flexible in terms of the purpose for which they can be used. For instance, depending on the material used, they can be used for letting the light in, acting a sunscreen, or for blocking out the light.

• They are easy to use - These blinds can be aided by a spring, operated by using a chain, or can be powered by a motor. In fact, motorized blinds can all be linked together so that multiple blinds can be closed and opened simultaneously. How cool is that! This also makes it easier to operate blinds that cannot be reached easily in case they are blocked by pieces of furniture in your home.

• These blinds are strong and durable - You will not have to make a replacement every few months. In fact, the ones that are of dependable quality can last for several years with very little maintenance. It is one of the important things to remember.

To know more about blinds, please check our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Tumukur_Khanna

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Ideas for Decoration of Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 08:53:00 -0700

By Aman Tumukur Khanna | Submitted On June 11, 2015

Windows are often neglected for other important areas like doors and shelves and ceilings. However, decorating the windows in your home can add a wonderful touch of beauty. And it is easy to do as well, because windows do not normally occupy much space. Some ideas for decorating the windows in your home, office, or even your school or crèche are given below.

1. Making use of creative panels - Painted fretwork panels can act as a wonderful accessory to your windows. You can choose the color and pattern according to the composition of the rest of the room.

2. Try the old fashioned, but nevertheless trusted, curtains - Curtains have been used for window decoration for decades now. As a result, there are different varieties of curtains available - fabrics, laces, strings, shells, and so on. You have a wide range of options to choose from, and so, you can pick the one that best complements the existing décor in your home.

3. Add that feminine touch - Place flowers in vases along the window sill, or use floral curtains to cover up the panes. Either way, adding anything sweet or flowery will bring a softer side to an otherwise hard edged décor. You could even add delicate vines and creepers to curl around the bars on the window.

4. Blind fold your windows - There are several varieties of blinds available - roller blinds, Roman blinds, electronic blinds, and more. Shades can be used too. These kinds of decorations serve a dual purpose. They add to the decorative aspect, and at the same time, they help to filter the light that gets into the room.

5. Painting and art frames - If you have one of those windows where you decide to keep one or more of the doors locked and closed forever, then it would be a novel idea to treat it as a wall, and therefore, hang in paintings and art frames on them. You could also doodle and paint some of your favorite quotes on the frames.

6. Personal touches - Just like how paintings can be added to up the decorative factor, so can photographs. You could hang photos of family and friends, or even just place them in frames on the window sill. There are also several Do-It-Yourself projects available on the internet, and these can be used to add a pop of color to your windows easily.

To know more about roller blinds or blinds, please check our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Tumukur_Khanna

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Window Covering Ideas for the Bedroom

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 May 2015 08:58:00 -0700

By Alex Pupkin | Submitted On May 28, 2015

Window treatments are not only versatile decorative accents but also provide a couple of important functions, especially in the bedroom. When it comes to window covering ideas for the bedroom, you want to consider decorative elements in addition to the factors that make your bedroom a calm and peaceful place for sleep. Indeed, window coverings in the bedroom need to fit your personal style while also offering exceptional privacy and light and sound control. Here are some tips for getting the most from your bedroom window treatments.

Make a Statement

No matter the room, window treatments can make a bold first impression. You obviously want to choose window coverings for your bedroom that match your decorative style. So, for example, if you prefer a contemporary style that features clean, straight lines, consider custom blinds or solid-panel curtains. Another accent feature for your window that matches well to a variety of styles is a cornice. Cornices are essentially upholstered valances that make a great window accent while also covering rods and rings from which curtains hang.

Think Comfort

Typically, bedrooms are not the most formal rooms in your home, and there are good reasons for that. Your bedroom should be a calm and relaxing place, so your window treatments should reflect a sense of comfort or coziness. Roman shades are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colours and patterns. They can provide the textural features of woven fibres while also providing excellent noise and light control. Wood blinds or plantation shades also offer exceptional light control, or consider brightly coloured, lined curtains for a bit of pop.

Singles or Pairs

Sometimes simplicity is best and you really only need one window treatment in your bedroom. Blackout curtains block light and noise, and they sometimes even help reduce heat exchange. Cellular shades are the perfect choice for bedrooms in cold climates as they help improve window efficiency without compromising style - they're available in a wide range of patterns and colours.

On the other hand, you may want to get a little more sophisticated with your bedroom window coverings. Layered treatments create an elegant decorative accent, so consider combining contemporary blinds with an attractive valance and patterned curtain.

Suit Yourself

Ultimately, your own decorative preferences should guide your choice of bedroom window coverings. All the experts in the world can tell you what's right for your space, but at the end of the day you want your bedroom to be a relaxing place for you. Don't be afraid to take risks or think outside the box when considering window covering ideas for the bedroom. There really is no right or wrong - as long as you're happy.

For more information on window covering ideas, visit Arlene's Interiors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Pupkin

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Creating a Beach Style Home With Window Blinds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 12:27:00 -0700

By Jenny Grace Molbog-Mendoza |

When you are someone who loves everything about the beach, then you are precisely dreaming of having a home that exudes an ambiance similar to it, right? When you want to create a beach style home, you can actually achieve it with the help of window blinds.

Window blinds as your home's window treatment offers versatility. With the many types of window blinds available from different suppliers nowadays, you can surely find the best set that will not only complement with your abode's general design but will also bring out its natural beach-y feel.

Achieving a beach style home is not only limited to a structure built near the coastline. It can likewise be a home kilometers away from the long stretch of naturally blue water and white sand.

For each nook in your home, you can design it in such a way that it will display a beach-like atmosphere. So read on to learn more about these practical tips and strategies.

Coastal Den

To design the bay windows of your coastal den, you may opt for woven wood sliding panels and woven bamboo vertical blinds in prints which could be the picture of flying cranes or the serene coastline. And if you have huge windows, you can try looking for woven wood Roman blinds.

Living Room

It is best that you pick neutral-colored furniture and furnishings for your living room. And to make it grand and beach-looking, you can install window blinds in ocean blue hue. You may also try printed roller blinds. Choose prints that characterize the beach - blue waves, star fishes and seashells, white sand, and sprawling beach line.

Bathroom

One major thing to keep in mind when designing your bathroom is to never make everything white, or else, you will have to watch your tiles, bath tub, and window treatment disappear all at once. Therefore, if your bathroom essentials are white, break the monotony by picking top-down bottom-up kind of window blinds that are made of bamboo or wood. You may also check on the available vinyl vertical blinds in brown or pastel colors.

Kitchen

If you want your kitchen to have a beach-like feel yet totally chic-looking, you can make everything in it, from furniture pieces to furnishings, plain. But your window blinds must be attractive enough to complete the design. For the kitchen of your beach-style home, you may look for oak-colored wood window blinds.

Windows Near the Patio

For the windows near the door leading to your patio or to the breakwater, you can use Roman blinds in brown or off-white shade depending on the color scheme of the said area. You have to ensure, though, that your window covering does not wash-out when combined with your decorations and furniture.

Bedroom

For your personal nook at home, choose bed sheets and pillow cases in blue or green prints like stripes. Meanwhile, select white vinyl window blinds to come up with a nautical atmosphere.

Since you have some tips in mind already, order blinds online now to start transforming your home into a beach-looking nook. Just keep in mind, of course, that in achieving a beach style home, your window blinds are not the end of it all since you also need to have furniture and furnishings that will help you design your abode the way you want it to be.

Jenny is a Senior Writer at Article and Design, a one-stop shop for all types of web services. For window blinds concerns, please visit http://www.directblindscork.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Grace_Molbog-Mendoza

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Comparing Honeycomb and Silhouette Shades

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Apr 2015 12:11:00 -0700

By Ciaran Pilkington | Submitted On April 06, 2015

Blind options have continued to increase on a daily basis. Polymer blinds are some of the most common blinds that are available on the market today. This can be attributed to the fact that they are fairly cheaper than most of the other blinds that are currently available in the industry today. Over the years, wooden blinds have also become common. Despite being more expensive than most of the blinds that are available in the industry, the wooden blinds have actually continued to be very popular. This can be attributed to their unique attributes such as being easy to clean and being durable. But, there are other blind options that you can consider if the wooden blinds do not meet your personal desires. You can take advantage of honeycomb shades and silhouette shades. Here is a good comparison of the two shade options. You can use this comparison to decide whether to choose one of these shades.

The honeycomb shades are available in multiple colors. This explains why they are more useful than most of the other blind options that are popular today. Over the years, they have also continued to rise in popularity based on this rare attribute. They come in a variety of styles depending on the preferences of the customer choice or desires. This is actually what makes them capable of serving more purposes than ordinary silhouette shades. Unlike most blinds, the honeycomb shades can be used during winter as well as summer. You do not need to change your blinds when winter approaches. All you have to do is to continue with the same honeycomb shades. They will work as perfectly during the summer as they do during winter. As a matter of fact, they are preferred by most people on this basis.

In as far as energy saving is concerned, honeycomb shades are more popular compared to their silhouette counterparts. Over the years, honeycomb shades have proven to be the most reliable shades as far as energy saving is concerned. They can prevent the loss of heat during winter. This means that you can enjoy your winters even if your neighbours are busy complaining about the low temperatures that have invaded their homes. On the other hand, silhouette shades have no capacity to enable you to save energy during winter and neither are they good at enhancing heat loss during summer. As such, they are not as energy efficient as the honeycomb shades are.

When it comes too being very easy to install, you will never go wrong with silhouette shades. They are very easy to install and can enable you to realise your desires quickly. On the other hand, honeycomb shades have to be installed in a certain way for you to realise the benefits that are associated with them. if you are not careful during the installation, you will never be able to realise the advantages that are associated with them. The arch honeycomb shades also show greater ability to allow for the entry of light compared to silhouette shades which often fail to allow any light when they are closed.

Ciaran Pilkington who provides informative and detailed articles and reviews for home improvement & interiors. In this article he writes about honeycomb shades & arch honeycomb shades.He has been vehemently writing articles for Buyhomeblinds.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ciaran_Pilkington

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

How to Take Care of Venetian Blinds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:20:00 -0700

By Alex Pupkin | Submitted On March 23, 2015

Venetian blinds are versatile and popular window treatments that are constructed from a wide range of materials including plastic, metal, or even wood. If you have Venetian blinds in your home, you're no doubt aware of their propensity to attract dust. As such, cleaning these window treatments is a necessary endeavour that requires special attention to the type of material and even the amount of dust.

Regular Maintenance is Best

Ideally, you want to regularly clean your Venetian blinds so they require only light cleaning. Weekly wiping and dusting of your blinds will prevent stains and dirt from building up making the job of cleaning much easier. Simply put your blinds in the closed position and wipe them clean. Flip the blinds to the opposite position and wipe again. Using a soft cotton glove, dust-attracting cloth, or even a clothes dryer sheet helps to remove dust more easily. You may even want to spray your blinds with a mild cleaning spray or warm soapy water if you're cleaning metal or plastic blinds. If you have wooden Venetian blinds, wipe them with a dry glove or cloth to avoid streaking.

When you're wiping your blinds, start from the center and wipe to the edge on both sides and from the top of your blinds to the bottom. This will help ensure that you remove all dust the first time. Also, if your blinds are more heavily soiled, be sure to change your cloth or gloves regularly to prevent spreading dirt across your blinds.

Vacuum Cleaning

Another method for cleaning Venetian blinds is to vacuum them. Again, regular cleaning is ideal to maintain the quality and condition of your blinds, so you probably want to vacuum them at least a few times a year. Most vacuum cleaners come with a soft brush attachment that can be used for cleaning blinds. If you don't have this attachment, you should purchase one as other attachments may scratch or chip the slats in your blinds. With the blinds closed, vacuum each of the slats from center to edge and from the top of the blinds to the bottom. You'll also want to steady the blinds with your free hand. Once you have vacuumed one side of the slats, flip them to the opposite direction and repeat this process.

Deep Cleaning

Even the most assiduous cleaner will likely discover that their blinds need a deeper cleaning at least once a year. For plastic or metal blinds, immerse your blinds in warm water and add a cleaning solution such as dishwashing soap or bleach. Allow the blinds to soak for at least half an hour and then gently wash with a soft cleaning brush. Then just rinse your blinds clean and allow them to dry. For wooden blinds, you should never use bleach or detergent, so it is important to maintain a more regular cleaning schedule.

For more information on blinds and how to take care of it, please visit Arlene's Interiors

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Pupkin

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Motorized Window Blinds For Your Kids' Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 08:42:00 -0700

By Jenny Grace Molbog-Mendoza | Submitted On March 19, 2015

When you have little children and pets at home, you certainly want your environment safe for them. In fact, you would look for home furnishings and furniture pieces that are not hazardous, especially when they are running around.

When it comes to window treatments, you are eyeing for something affordable and fashionable. So you decided to opt for window blinds. However, with the pull cord or string, you become somehow hesitant because it may pose danger to your playful children and pets. You definitely know that playing and making fun are what they love most. Thus, you want to get rid of those dangling materials.

Hunter Douglas

One major strategy of eliminating those cords and strings in a chic and modern way is to buy yourself the motorized set.

By opting for motorized window blinds, you can actually enjoy a number of benefits. Among these are the following:

1. No ugly and safety-hazard cords and strings. Apart from these pull cords and strings can be cause of strangulation among little children and pets, they can also be an ugly component of your abode. And this particular dilemma can be answered by window blinds in motorized designs.

2. Children can operate your window blinds by themselves. When you are very busy attending to something important like household chores, you do not want to be bugged about adjusting your window covering, right? So with just a press on a remote control, your children can already operate your window blinds according to their preference, whether to slant the slats or to pull the entire covering up. Sounds simple, huh!

3. Friendly to install. With the way the motorized blinds are designed, you can surely install them by yourself. And if you find it difficult to figure out how to keep them hanging, you can always check the operations manual that comes with it.

4. Many colors, many designs mean great designing. Motorized blinds also come in different designs and colours. Therefore, you have an array of options in order to come up with a great designing idea.

5. Easy on the pocket. Some may have thought that the motorized variant of this window treatment is expensive. Actually, motorized blinds are affordable. If you are going to check with a number of suppliers now, you will be amazed at how easy they come on your pocket.

So visit your potential supplier right away! And if they have a website, you may check for their available colours and designs there first. And if you think that you do not have enough time to do actual shopping, you may ask them how to order blinds online.

Jenny is a Senior Writer at Article and Design, a one-stop shop for all types of web services. For window blinds concerns, please visithttp://www.directblindscork.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Grace_Molbog-Mendoza

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

How to Choose Venetian Blinds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 10:52:00 -0800

By Jenny Grace Molbog-Mendoza |

When choosing window treatments for your home, you are definitely provided with numerous options. Among the most common suggestions are curtains and window blinds.

Since curtains seem to be the most commonly used window covering among homes throughout the world, you thought of considering window blinds instead. And as you browse over the different types of this particular window treatment option, you realize that they are actually available in a lot of choices - from wood to metal, from vertical to horizontal, and from sheer to block out.

While being bombarded with these variants of window blinds, you finally settle for the horizontal type, which is known as venetian blinds.

However, before hitting the store to buy venetian blinds or visiting a website to order blinds online, you may want to take a look on the following details first. Just keep in mind, though, that the slat material and width are your major considerations in picking your own set of these horizontal window coverings.

1. Slats. The width of your slats depends on the amount of light that you want to block. Therefore, the wider the slats, the more light they can actually block. Generally, these slats range from an inch to 3 ½ inches.

2. Vinyl (made of plastic material known as polyvinyl chloride or PVC). While this can be the most affordable material, this can also be the most fragile since they can be bent easily. But despite this limitation, vinyl blinds are still preferred by many household due to their being lightweight and resistant to moisture or humidity. Their availability in several colours and styles is another good attribute. Thus, if these are the things that you would like your window covering to have, vinyl-made can be your best option.

3. Aluminum. Venetian blinds made of aluminum are another lightweight option. However, they are more expensive than the vinyl ones. They are offered as well in many colours, sizes, and finishes.

4. Real wood or faux wood. If you are someone who loves wood furniture and home furnishings, then you can check on the available real wood venetian blinds from your supplier. Meanwhile, if you love wood yet afraid that your slats may warp so easily, then, you can go for the faux variants.

5. Inside-mount or outside-mount. The width and length of your blinds will depend on your mounting preference. So if you choose inside-mount, measure the inside portion of the window frame, from top to bottom and from left to right. For outside-mount, on the other hand, measure from where you would like to install them until where they will drop. After it, measure from right to left. For both options, make sure that you add 1 ½ to 3 ½ on all sides.

Jenny is a Senior Writer at Article and Design, a one-stop shop for all types of web services. For window blinds concerns, please visit http://www.directblindscork.com/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Grace_Molbog-Mendoza

100+ Beautiful Designer Bedrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:20:00 -0800

click pic to see gallery

Bedrooms come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, so how do you design your own? We've got your bedroom decorating inspiration here. With more than 80 bedrooms (and styles) to choose from, there's an idea for everyone.Need ideas for other areas of your home? Our bathroom and living room design galleries have hundreds of gorgeous ideas to steal.

BY THE EDITORS OF HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

The 3 Principles of Interior Design

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 06:47:00 -0800

The 3 Principles of Interior Design

Account for function, mood and personality in any decorating project with these pointers.

By: Shari Hiller and Matt Fox

A beautifully decorated interior not only functions well but it creates a mood or a feeling and shows off the personality of the family that lives there. It's attention to these three important ingredients — function, mood and personality — that ensures decorating success.

Before painting and rearranging, spend some time thinking about your family and how you live. Look through magazines for inspiration and pull out ideas or rooms that appeal to you. Gather things from around the house that make you feel good and study them carefully for color cues and perhaps a clue to the mood you're looking for in your home. This is the beginning of a well-planned and decorated living area.

As for the rest, let's start with function.

Function

Decorating is more than just eye appeal — it's making a room really work for you. Here's how to do it, element by element:

The focal point: Sometimes rooms have natural focal points (places the eyes travel to immediately upon entering a room) — a fireplace, a bay window with a view, maybe even a built-in bookcase. If the room doesn't have a natural focal point, create one with a dynamic piece of art or a colorful area rug.
The furniture: Determine whether the furniture satisfies the functions you've planned for the room. If a piece isn't working or if it's too large or too small for the size of the room, get rid of it or trade it for something else around the house that may be more appropriate.
The lighting: Lighting should be selected for the functions of the room as well as for visual appeal. Every task will require either direct lighting from a lamp or indirect lights that simply brighten the room for conversation or TV-watching. Accent lighting — floor spots, track lighting or recessed spotlights — enhance texture, color and room details.
The furniture arrangement: Draw your room on graph paper. Measure and mark electrical outlets and switches, vents, windows and doors. Measure your furniture and place it in your floor plan. Generally, the main furniture pieces are directed toward the focal point, keeping the major traffic patterns open. Fill in with pieces you'd like to have that may or may not be available now. Be sure to balance high and low pieces as well as heavy and light ones around the room.

Image courtesy of Phillips Collections.

Mood

The mood or feeling of a room is created by your choice of colors, the style of furnishings, the amount of texture and pattern you choose and your accessories. Since there's so much to think about when creating a mood, establishing a theme through the selection of an inspiration piece can make this portion of a decorating project much more fun and interesting. Here are the factors you need to address when setting a mood:

Image Courtesey of Company C, Inc.

The inspiration piece: The easiest way by far to decorate is to start with some source of inspiration. A decorative pillow, a favorite scarf and even a magazine photo are good places to begin. Select your inspiration piece wisely, and be sure it makes you feel good when you look at it. It's the basis for selecting your theme, colors, patterns and textures.
Theme: Analyze your inspiration piece and develop a theme name for it. For instance, a needlepoint pillow with a botanical design on a black background may inspire a title like "formal botanical garden." Be descriptive with your theme name and all sorts of supporting ideas will come to mind. Botanical prints, striped walls, greens and floral colors, formal fabrics and furniture, dark woods and black accents all fit this particular theme.
Color cues: Color should always support the theme. Many times, the colors that are most appropriate are found in the patterns and design of your inspiration piece. Generally, it's best to choose three colors in a room: a dominant color, used for walls, carpeting and fabric backgrounds; a secondary color, found throughout the room in fabrics and accessories; and an accent color, used sparingly to give energy and excitement to the room.
Patterns: Stripes, checks, florals and plaids are just a few of the patterns to consider as you continue supporting your theme. It's all right to mix patterns as long as you do three things:

Keep the background color the same.
Make sure all patterns share the same colors.
Vary the scale or sizes of the patterns.

Texture: Too many smooth, shiny objects or too much nubby, rustic texture becomes tiresome. Use variety to keep the room interesting. Even a pattern can be used as texture. Many prints look dimensional and therefore add depth to a decorating scheme.
Furniture: Aside from being functional, your furniture plays an important role in supporting your theme. Some pieces may function well but their style or color may stick out like a sore thumb. Try to salvage it with slipcovers, tablecloths or paint. If it's a lost cause, remove it from the room.

Personality

Here's your chance to put your personal stamp on a well-planned room. Here are some strategies:

Accessorizing: Pictures, vases, pillows and area rugs are all integral parts of a great decorating plan. Generally, they should support your theme, but allow more flexibility here; an antique picture frame could add wonderful variety to a contemporary room. Accessories are located on walls, mantels, furniture, tabletops and floors; they can be paintings and photos or pillows.
Whimsy: This is optional in your decorating scheme, but it can counteract any sterile quality that may have been created by strictly following all the guidelines. A beautiful country sitting room may get some relief from a playful quilt placed over the fireplace.
The unexpected: Interest doesn't have to be whimsical; it can simply be something unexpected in a room, like a brightly-painted ceiling.

25 easy ways to live green at home

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 06:38:00 -0800

25 easy ways to live green at home

By: Yuki Hayashi

Photography: Tracey Ayton

Easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be a better friend to the environment.

Being environmentally friendly at home doesn't have to mean sacrificing your sense of style. Smart choices can ensure that you do your part, all the while looking (and feeling!) good about your contribution to our planet's wellbeing. Here are 25 ways that you can live green at home and be a better friend to the environment.

1 Buy for the long-term. Save toward a quality sofa, for instance, rather than a series of cheapies that you'll be throwing out every five years. A well-made sofa can be recovered several times over the course of its decades-long life.

2 Pack a litter-less lunch. Make sure your food storage containers are free of harmful bisphenol.

3 Lower your thermostat a few more degrees and cosy up with your sweetie under an eco-friendly bamboo throw blanket!

4 Buy cotton mesh produce bags and take them to the market instead of using plastic bags for your fruit and veggies. They will help keep them fresh in your crisper drawer, too, and are washable when needed.

5 Renovating? Add character to your home with reclaimed and salvaged items. Top hits: re-plated chrome bath fixtures, re-enameled vintage bathtubs, reclaimed barn board flooring and salvaged architectural accents like columns, corbels and mantels.

6 Switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. Look for products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free and not tested on animals.

7 Or just check out your cupboards: Vinegar diluted with water is great on windows and floors; baking soda is great for gently scouring and deodorizing kitchen and bath surfaces.

8 Use reusable shopping bags when grocery shopping.

9 Reduce your use of paper towels. Use re-useable, washable cloths whenever possible.

10 Get an energy audit and find ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. Common to-dos include improving insulation, upgrading windows, installing weather stripping, trading up to a high-efficiency furnace and installing a programmable thermostat.

11 Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). If you really, really don't care for them, just change your porch light, laundry or utility room light to CFLs. You won't notice the difference, but CFLs use 75% less energy than standard bulbs.

12 Recycle and compost.

13 Consider reading your daily newspaper online instead of in paper form.

14 Plant a tree on your property. Or more, if you have space. Trees provide wildlife habitat and help cool the planet.

15 Help clean your indoor air with houseplants; studies have shown that they can clear toxins like benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde from the air (these baddies lurk in paint, varnishes, particle board, foam insulation, cleaning products and other common household materials). Philodendron, dracaena, spider plants and peace lilies are particularly good clearing the air.

16 Eat organic. Pesticide residues harm wildlife on land, and with rain, run off and pollute lakes and rivers. Fertilizers can produce fatal algae blooms that destroy fish stocks. Further, many common agricultural fertilizers are known to have negative effects on human health.

17 In the market for new appliances? Buy Energy-Star certified products.

18 Stash reusable shopping bags so you'll have them where you need them: in your bag or briefcase, at home, in the car, in your office desk, etc.

19 If your lawn languishes without lots of fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide and regular watering, consider letting it die and replacing it with moss or a drought-resistant ground cover like creeping thyme, clover, or a grass species native to your region.

20 Put a rain barrel by your downspout to collect rainwater to use in your garden later.

21 Eat local. Less travel equals fewer fossil fuels used for shipping. (And food tastes fresher, too!)

22 In the housing market? Consider a property within biking or walking distance of your office, so you're more likely to leave the car in the garage. (Look for good connections to public transit, too.)

23 Install aerators and low-flow showerheads so you can save water without sacrificing water pressure.

24 Put your dryer on vacation and use an outdoor clothes line or indoor drying rack whenever possible.

25 Eat better-quality meat (organic, hormone-free, free-range), but save money – and your heart – by eating it less frequently. Work vegetable protein into your diet with tofu, beans and nuts. Vegetable protein uses less water and land to produce than meat.

Choosing Between Wood and Vinyl Plantation Shutters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:57:00 -0800

By Andrew Stratton | Submitted On January 12, 2015

Plantation shutters have a vast history and were used to protect windows long before glass panes. These window treatments have a basic design consisting of rows of louvers, housed between supporting rails and stiles. While durable wood materials were originally used in the manufacturing process, more affordable materials like vinyl are now an option for savvy homeowners. Learn more about each option and their benefits.

Classic Wood Plantation Shutters

Many homeowners prefer real wood plantation shutters due to their classic look and all-natural construction. Real timber brings warmth to a home and can be easily matched with a home's existing decor. Timber is also very versatile and can be shaped and sized to fit nearly any window opening. True hardwoods are considered the best design option as they provide unsurpassed energy efficiency, durability, and charm.

There are numerous material options for homeowners to choose from. Some of the most popular include solid basswood, maple, mahogany, cherry, knotty pine, alder, walnut, as well as more unique choices like teak and bubinga. Nearly any type of timber that furniture can be made of can also be used to manufacture these window treatments.

Homeowners have the opportunity to completely customize the way their window treatments look when wood is used. Raw timber can be stained a wide range of colors and tints to blend effortlessly with your home's decor. It can also be painted or left natural for an authentic look.

Modern Vinyl Plantation Shutters

Vinyl plantation shutters are constructed of various poly-resin materials designed with durability and resilience in mind. Due to the sleek, plastic-like material, vinyl is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Problems like cracking, fading, or the peeling of paint are generally not an issue when this modern material is used. High-quality materials are also less likely to deteriorate over time.

Most vinyl products are noticeably less expensive than real wood, making them more economically friendly. Because it is a more stable material, vinyl is also often a wiser investment. As the material is flame retardant and resistant to moisture, it can be used in nearly any room of a home, including bathrooms and kitchens. While most commonly used inside the home, these window treatments can also be installed outside.

There are several types of vinyl shutter styles to choose from. Hollow selections are idea for moist environments, such as on a window next to a shower stall. Other types of vinyl can be made to look exactly like real wood, giving you the best of both worlds. This material generally comes pre-colored or tinted directly from the manufacturer to ensure that the color does not fade over time.

Shopping for new window treatments for your home? Consider what materials would work best with your home and budget so that you can make an informed decision.

To learn more about their options for plantation shutters, Indianapolis residents should visit http://www.thewindowvalet.com/custom-window-treatments/shutters/.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8881802

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

How to Purchase Plantation Shutters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 13:38:00 -0800

How to Purchase Plantation Shutters

Whether you need to make that perfect statement in a new home, add a finishing touch to an already well decorated room, or gain control over rising energy costs, plantation shutters have become one of the most popular window coverings in today’s energy conscious home fashion market. Plantation shutters have become immensely stylish in almost every type of home setting, from regal estates to modest condominiums, adding grace and elegance out-shown only by their easy to clean functionality.

The origins of these classic window coverings actually date to the nineteenth century where they were used to protect plantation homes against the cold winters and sweltering summers of America’s southeast. Proving truly timeless in decor, plantation shutters have gained enormously in popularity over the last three decades.

Why shutters

The uninitiated will certainly be impressed when viewing plantation shutters in a home for the first time because they work magnificently on almost any size or shaped opening, including normally difficult to cover French and patio doors. Designers have long known that shutters can truly recreate rooms with an exceptional capacity to produce a wide range of appearances and moods. While they are open, plantation shutters create a spacious, light quality without encumbering even the most breath taking of views. Closed, they offer warmth, privacy and protection from summer heat.

One quality unique to plantation shutters over other types of window coverings is their ability to architecturally open and add brightness to a room by way of ambient light reflection, a feature which, alone, can truly change the entire feel of a room.

How to select

One difficulty for consumers entering the shutter market stems from understanding the significantly different levels of material, construction and price points available. Over the last decade, differing quality levels have come available from both domestic and overseas manufacturers, further driving the importance of consumer education and product knowledge. Understanding these differences can be a challenge because variation can be found in every part of shutter construction.

For example, in the realm of wood shutters, lower priced construction levels made of single wood types such as Bass, Alder or Poplar can work quite well in small or shaded windows, but a higher quality multi-specie wood construction is often needed in larger and more exposed openings. Synthetics, such as vinyl or poly-core, are sometimes perfect for smaller openings or damp environments, but often have sagging issues in larger openings with wider or multi-panel installation.

Recently, several foreign manufacturers have begun exporting shutter products into the United States using different materials, including Basswood, MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and other composites. While all of these can work well in some applications, they can have serious issues making them simply not the best choice for many types of windows, despite a temping lower price point. There is also controversy centering on the use formaldehyde in MDF manufacturing capable of “off-gassing”, especially in warmer environments.

What to look for

Though the right quality shutter will last for decades, the most common mistake made by buyers is purchasing a lower quality material or construction than what is indicated by their window environment, and an error of this kind can be expensive. Even low-end shutters can look nice when new, however, most problems stem from using the wrong inherent construction with consequences not revealing for several months. Making a selection even more difficult, the average consumer must often rely on the not-so-impartial advice of retailers carrying only one or two lines of shutters.

Most experts agree that the best way to reduce the risk of purchasing the wrong product type is by shopping with a company carrying several types and levels. It may be wise to avoid companies carrying multiple types of window products in favor of direct distributors specializing exclusively in shutters. Direct distributors often provide significantly better value and are more likely to offer unbiased information than the “big box” stores. When it comes down to making a decision between using the right shutter construction quality versus, perhaps, that new wide screen T.V., think twice about stretching your dollar at the sacrifice of shutter quality. When budget is concern, it may be wiser to consider doing fewer windows and staying with the best shutter for the job.

It is also prudent to look for a comprehensive written warranty, and a transferability clause can be especially important if a future home sale is a possibility. Most quality manufactures will allow at least one warranty transfer, a plus to a home buyer. Remember that a warranty is only good as long as the company that issued it is there to stand behind it, so a call to your local Better Business Bureau is always a good idea.

How much to spend

Once a decision is made determining the best shutter quality for your home, the only remaining factor is cost, and prices can range substantially depending on the quality chosen. Plantation shutters typically will cost less than draperies, but two to three times more than ordinary blinds. Some companies price on a “per square foot” basis, which can work in the buyer’s favor for small windows. Others use a “price grid” method, more advantageous for those with larger openings.

Whichever method is used, the old adage of “you get what you pay for” is quite apropos in the world of plantation shutters. For those willing to do the necessary research, the reward is a window covering that will transform most homes into an energy efficient, elegant showplace. Picking out the right ones for you isn’t rocket science, but it pays to do your homework.

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Decorating With Window Blinds

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 7 Nov 2014 13:41:00 -0800

By Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D., MSW | Submitted On November 06, 2014

Why choose to decorate with window blinds? They're fun, they look sophisticated and they give you control over how much light you want to let in. Before you go shopping for new window blinds, ask yourself a few questions to help narrow your focus.

How much light do I want to let in?

With traditional window shades, light is all-or-nothing. They're either up or they're down - there's no in between. With blinds, you can adjust the amount of light you want in your room. You can pull them all the way up for a crystal-clear unobstructed view, you can pull them down but leave the slats open for lots of light, you can close the slats for hardly any light, or choose one of a practically infinite number of variations in between based on your particular desire at that moment.

The adjustable nature of blinds is also an important consideration for privacy, especially if you live in a ground-floor apartment or a neighborhood in which houses are situated close together or near the street. Blinds allow you to see out without allowing everyone else to see in.

How do I want my blinds to enhance my living space?

Many different looks can be achieved depending on the style of blinds you choose: wood, faux wood, metal, vinyl or another material. A dark, heavy, hardwood blind can bring a warm, outdoorsy feel to a room. White or light-colored vinyl blinds suggest a breezier atmosphere, perfect for a beach house or a kitchen. Colored or patterned blinds offer your room a really distinctive look, and deciding on vertical versus horizontal can also have a major effect on a room's demeanor.

How much will they cost?

Even though blinds are often considered a sleek, cosmopolitan addition to a home, it doesn't mean they have to break the bank. Love the look of real wood but can't afford the steep price? Try faux wood - many people won't be able to even tell the difference. Sure, a remote to raise and lower the blinds would be nice, but if you're trying to cut corners, you can skip that feature. If you have neither children nor pets, you don't need the added cost of cordless, either. Some blinds can be purchased for as little as $25 each, while higher-end blinds can run more than $100 each. Installation fees can vary as well, depending on where you shop. If you're handy, install them yourself and save even more. Make sure you feel comfortable tackling the job, however; it won't save you money if you end up having to call in a professional to re-do the work.

And just because you have blinds doesn't mean you have to give up fabric! Top your blinds with fun fabric patterns, or drape wide swatches on either side to soften those edges. Either will enhance your look while helping to keep dust to a minimum.

If you're tired of your old roller shades and curtains and want to bring an exciting new look to your home, consider decorating with window blinds.

Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more.

To discover the best window blinds for your home or office in nothern Utah, see Blind Spot.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jillynn_Stevens,_Ph.D.,_MSW

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8798894

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

5 Important Tips to Choose the Right Roller Blinds for Your Homes and Offices!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 6 Nov 2014 09:19:00 -0800

By Aman Tumukur Khanna

Here are a few important tips to help you buy roller blinds:

1. Figure out your requirements

Depending on the type of home that you are living in, the area where it is located and ultimately the purpose that you expect it to serve, the type of window shades chosen will also differ. For example, if the location of your home is such that your rooms are receiving too much light, investing in thicker window shades to reduce the intensity might be your best bet.

2. Colour:

The market is flooded with several types of colours when it comes to choosing window shades. But, you have to choose what best matches the interior decoration of your house. Ideally, if your walls are light coloured opt for a darker shade and vice versa. You can also opt for textured patterns particularly if you want to highlight the window area.

3. Ease of operation

Roller blinds are a more urbane replacement to the traditional idea of curtains. Additionally, roller blinds are supposed to be easy to operate. Therefore, prior to making the purchase, don't forget to check their smoothness of operation.

4. Choose a good quality fabric

Several types of fabrics are used to make roller blinds. Use a little bit of research to understand which kind of fabric will suit your requirements in the best possible way. For example, the flame retardant fabric used in some types of roller blinds is extremely good if you want to increase the security of the premises. On the other hand, solar control fabrics are great for people wanting to control the amount of light entering the premises.

5. Should be easy to maintain

While choosing window shades, invest in an option that is easy to maintain as well as long lasting because you don't want to be spending thousands on getting your window shades cleaned regularly, do you?

To know more about roller blinds online, please check our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Tumukur_Khanna

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8793350

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

blinds4less01.com

Four Types of Blinds to Make Your Homes Look Even More Beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 3 Nov 2014 10:30:00 -0800

By Aman Tumukur Khanna

When it comes to window treatments like roller blinds, making the right choice requires you to take into consideration several factors like the existing interiors of the place, the purpose that they are expected to serve, the amount of money that you can spend etc. However, even before you start considering these factors, you need to channelize your energies to understand the different types of blinds available in the market. After all, this is the basic information that will simplify your process of choosing.

Here is a brief preview of the different types of blinds available in the market:

Venetian blinds: One of the simplest and most common choices, these venetian blinds are the perfect option for people who want to add the much needed dose of elegance to the overall aesthetic appeal of the place without actually spending too much money. Comprising of horizontal slats fitted together, these blinds are usually made of plastic or wood. Installing them is easy and barely takes more than a few minutes. Additionally, these blinds are a low maintenance option.

Roman Blinds: Made of soft fabric, these blinds are perfect to add a soothing touch to the ambience. When you raise the blinds, they gather to form pleats and end up looking extremely beautiful. Also, these blinds are known to be extremely effective when it comes to filtering the light and also providing a certain degree of privacy to the members of the premises.

Roller blinds: Using a stiffened fabric, these blinds can easily be rolled up when you are not using them. Apart from being easy to operate as well as install, these blinds come with a long shelf life allowing them to withstand the routine wear and tear in a better way. Also, installing them comes across as an extremely economical option making it a preferred choice for people who are facing budgetary constraints. You can easily choose the fabric, colour and finish, that goes well with your premises.

Blackout blinds: This is also a variant of roller blinds that come with a special coating to prevent the light from penetrating to them. Ideal for places that experience bad summers, using these blinds helps in lowering the temperature of the premises to quite an extent. This in turn reduces the reliance on air conditioners and even helps you bring down the overall electricity bill. An added advantage of using these blinds is that they provide a high degree of privacy.

To know more about roller blinds online, please check our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aman_Tumukur_Khanna

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8793344

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

I'm Looking Through You, Making the Most of Your Windows!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Aug 2014 09:12:00 -0700

By Alexa Keating

You guessed it; it's time to address those windows! There are many easy and affordable ideas to treat the space where light reigns supreme in a manner that will compliment your design plan.

Some window styles reflect the style of the home. For instance, a home with arched windows may be somewhat of a challenge when creating a Primitive Design. Likewise, the older more typical square windows challenge the Contemporary, Spanish and Southwestern designs.

Once you have selected your style, paint colors and floor treatment, the windows complete your canvas of the dream room you envisioned. The picture will be complete when the room is finished!

Tips to begin:

a) Wash the windows!
b) Clean the woodwork and paint if necessary.
c) Assess the challenge! Do the size and style of the windows work as they are, or do you need to change the perception to create your style?
d) Get creative; packaged window treatments are made for the 'house of commons,' not your palace! When creating your own design, you become the leader, not the follower.
e) Measure the actual windows both vertical and horizontal; then measure from the top of the wall to the floor.
f) Take a moment and caulk your windows. Heat and air conditioning is lost through windows and doors, increasing your energy bills and making it harder to heat or cool your home. Caulking also prevents ants and other undesirables from entering your home.
g) If you live in a manufactured house, tear down those 'made for a trailer' window treatments! Nothing says I'm perched on wheels like the little valances and kitchen curtains hanging all over the house. You will be amazed at how your home can look!

Now we're ready to begin! Let's look at materials, and what is possible.

If you are working with Southwestern, Spanish or Primitive designs, regardless of whether you have square, arched or small windows; try picking up full length wood bi-fold doors and painting them or grab a can of Min Wax spray stain and put the finish of your choice on the doors. They fold out just like shutters and can be used on sliders as well as windows. For very little money you have custom window treatments!

Cottage designs work great with the plantation shutter styles. You can hang these higher and wider that the actual window if you need to visually increase the size of the window to make a bigger statement.
Give some thought to using hand railing for stairs as curtain rods over wide expansive windows or to create that illusion! These come in nearly every style, some with intricate design in addition to the more typical styles. They are also readily available in reclaimed stores. Mediterranean and Spanish styles can use wrought iron pieces to create interesting rods.

All of these items can be picked up at the same thrift stores, consignment stores, Craiglist and any other source you know would be worth looking at in your area.

We're creating a masterpiece here and can hardly be bothered to simply pick up a simple rod and hang it up. Window design starts from the rods. Don't ignore branches from your trees for a Primitive look, or bamboo stalks for a natural look.

If your home has small, older windows try hanging your drapes from the top of the wall and extend them out past the actual window. Visually the wall and the windows appear larger; and the room feels more substantial.

Drop in at the remnant section of the fabric store. Look for large bolts that are offered at $1.00 a yard. You're looking for texture that will compliment your personal style. If you're not handy with a sewing machine, never fear; just purchase Stitch Witchery and head for your ironing board to create rod pockets at the top and finished hems at the bottom.

Curtains that pool onto the floor are much more appealing and do not look like pre-packaged curtains. Look at sheets if you do not want to spend time at the fabric store. They are long, offered in a wide range of colors and already have top and bottom hems. Just slit the sides of the bottom and slid the rod through. Sheets are available in unbleached muslin and a large variety of fabrics. Natural cotton is beautiful as drapes for Cottage styles. Just slit the sides of the top hem and insert the rod after using your stitch witchery magic or hand needle and thread to complete the newly cut seam. Natural hemp ropes work perfectly as tiebacks for Cottage (especially Seaside Cottage designs) Country and Primitive. Look for natural rope and other different ideas to tie them in a balloon style 29" from the floor and let them pool on the floor. Beautiful!

Sheets work great as shower curtains on spring rods; insert a liner behind it and decorate away!

If you plan to tie your curtains back look at wide cloth ribbon and other trims that are not so fussy and do not appear prepackaged.

If you are working with a Victorian, Classic or Traditional design look at the long table cloths that also offer special designs particular to your style. Try adding long strings of pearls that are found in craft stores and Christmas decorations. They make fabulous trims! Look for natural fabrics like unbleached muslin to bring a true country or Primitive feeling into any space.

If you have typical windows and are looking for a whole new look with an unconditional fix; define your style and consider adding plantation shutters that are 18" shy of the top of the window.

Next, look for leaded glass or, or Plexiglas that mimics lead glass sections; place this section above the shutter to cover the rest of the window and add a trim board. Suddenly your 'same old windows' now feature leaded glass and thick, rich wood shutters. Stain or paint the shutters to match your design plan.

You no longer have average or typical windows. It's a brand new view!

Avoid those 'found in every home' mini blinds if possible. They feel like a cheap fix, and are unbecoming to a palace and your plan. Dare to be different.

The 'fan' treatment for the top of arched windows needs to be kicked to the curb too. The arches grace the top of the window; leave them bare and let the sun shine in! If you simply must cover them, look for window films that are elegant and will add a punch of your décor quietly. They peel right off when you are ready for a change.

Make a real effort to think outside the traditional prepackaged window treatments available almost everywhere. Search for great deals on things that can be repurposed into your plan.

Your goal is to make your home different and spectacular; affordably! This is the mark of a master designer.

'I'm Looking Through You' is an excerpt from 'How To Make It Mine.' Please join me at http://www.arkconnect.com to preview this and other design idea books available.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexa_Keating

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

Window Coverings: Chic, Stylish, Economical?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 10:20:00 -0700

by Marc Dickinson

Window treatments always spruce up a room's interior design. They add a little style and décor to an otherwise drab area of the home. Windows aren't typically exciting and they only provide one clear function: to let the light in. Not only does this look boring (unless you live in a very scenic area), it isn't very energy efficient either. So no matter how much you like the view, it's always important to invest in some kind of window covering.

Layered Savings

Window coverings add elegance and privacy to a home, but they also create big energy savings. Just like bundling up the kids for school, your home wears its own layers: siding, insulation, drywall, etc. But since glass isn't the best insulator and any opening can become drafty, windows are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, they need their own kind of layering: window treatments. During the winter, these decorative items also add an extra barrier of insulation to protect your home's thermostat. And they can also help cut out the harsh summer sun, which prevents furniture fading and rising temperatures.

From the Inside Out

Like layering your clothes in winter, while selecting your window coverings it's best to start from the inside out. Begin with the layer closest to the glass and work outward:

Get Vertical: Your first line of defense from the outdoor elements is shades. Whether it is a vinyl pull-down or a thermal solar screen, these items can easily be customized to fit any size or style of window (porch door, skylight, arched cornice, etc.). But it's important to put this closest to the glass so as to block any residual light from passing through Tip: This means that as you install, the brackets will be screwed on the inside of the frame).

Drapes or Curtains

Go Horizontal: But you don't always want to completely block the natural light, so the next layer provides options. Blinds are the best of both worlds because of their adjustable slats. Aluminum mini-blinds, or Venetian blinds, are popular because of their inexpensive price tag and horizontal design, but they can also get bent, sun damaged, and dealing with the string can become a hassle. Therefore, you may want to consider other materials on the market, such as wooden or bamboo shutters.

The Dressing: Draperies and curtains create exterior drama. Plus, they clean up a space by hiding the more practical layers you've just installed. Though they're usually made from fabrics, which can run the gamut in terms of price, you may want to think about sliding panels, sheer vertical blinds, or pleated shades. These combine the function of previous layers with the style of chic drapes, while avoiding all the extra expense.

The Outside: If you really want to get secure, you could even add exterior shutters, grills, or louver vents. These dampers can add a stylish accent to the outside of your home, while protecting your windows from rain and moisture. Though they're often placed on commercial buildings, they can still work on any residential door or window.

Professional Advice

Though window coverings can easily be bought and installed on your own, it doesn't hurt to hire a professional interior designer for some advice. Since there are an infinite number of décor options out there, it can sometimes feel like the blind leading the blind (no pun intended). But these interior experts are better able to identify your décor needs and can help lead you through the design maze. They have the ability to assess a space in terms of its size, style, and necessity. Plus, they can open your eyes to the newest products on the market (such as motorized and remote control shades), allowing you complete access to all the available options.

Marc Dickinson has worked in both the general contracting and landscaping trades and is currently a home improvement freelance writer with over 300 articles published.

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

Bamboo Blinds Are Beautiful, Earth Friendly Window Treatments

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 10:12:00 -0700

by Matt Goering

It's hard to find an industry these days where bamboo hasn't made an inroad. Be it building timbers or cutting boards, the hardwood qualities and attractive appearance of bamboo is turning heads. Window blinds are no exception. That warm, natural, tropical feel of bamboo is especially well suited to use as a window treatment. And even better, you'll know your new bamboo blinds are as easy on the environment as they are on your eyes when you kick back and enjoy your new shades.

Several Styles to Choose From

While you will find varying styles of blinds to choose from once you start shopping around, the variations have more to do with the width of the bamboo slats and the method in which the shade is raised and lowered than anything else. Here's some opening day notes from bamboo blinds 101:

Roman shades. Most bamboo shades come in this style, referring to the way the shade is raised and lowered. Roman shades fold up into several inch sections as they are retracted.

Roll up shades. This is the other style of popular bamboo shade, in which the material actually rolls up from the bottom as the shade is raised.

Matchstick blinds. Matchstick refers to the width and overlap of the bamboo slats being used. Matchstick bamboo blinds are made of thin, round "sticks" rather than flat slats, and let in more light than slat style blinds.

Slat blinds. Slat blinds are blinds made of flat, thin slats woven closely together. Slat designs offer more privacy and block more sun than matchstick varieties.

Blinds 4 Less

Quality Blinds, Shutters, & Shades

Proudly Serving Southern California since 1994

Free In-Home Shopping

(951) 924-9435

http://blinds4less01.com

Blinds 4 Less

Blinds, Shades and Window Treatments: What You Should Be Looking for

How to Choose the Right Interior Shutters for Your Home

Customizing Plantation Shutters for Your Home

How to Choose Vertical Blinds for Our Homes

The Benefits of Using Venetian Blinds at Home

Wooden Blinds - Major Benefits of Using Them

Here Is What You Need to Know About Roller Blinds

Ideas for Decoration of Windows

Window Covering Ideas for the Bedroom

Creating a Beach Style Home With Window Blinds

Comparing Honeycomb and Silhouette Shades

How to Take Care of Venetian Blinds

Motorized Window Blinds For Your Kids' Safety

How to Choose Venetian Blinds

100+ Beautiful Designer Bedrooms

The 3 Principles of Interior Design

The 3 Principles of Interior Design

Account for function, mood and personality in any decorating project with these pointers.

Tags:

Function

Mood

Personality

25 easy ways to live green at home

25 easy ways to live green at home

Choosing Between Wood and Vinyl Plantation Shutters

How to Purchase Plantation Shutters

How to Purchase Plantation Shutters

Decorating With Window Blinds

5 Important Tips to Choose the Right Roller Blinds for Your Homes and Offices!

Four Types of Blinds to Make Your Homes Look Even More Beautiful!

I'm Looking Through You, Making the Most of Your Windows!

Window Coverings: Chic, Stylish, Economical?

Bamboo Blinds Are Beautiful, Earth Friendly Window Treatments