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Let's Talk: Roman Shades

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    Looking for something with a little more panache for your windows? Blinds just won't do it for you and shades will seem a little "meh". Let's talk: Roman Shades... . A Little History Roman shades are a product of very ingenious Romans who were looking to keep the dust out of their homes as well as cool their homes in the summer. They would wet these pleated shades and let the breeze flow through the wet cloth to cool their homes as well as capture any dust blowing about. The style is obviously timeless and has always been quite popular. Pros If a touch of style is what you are looking for, Roman shades are hands down a class act. These shades will never go out of style, come in a very wide variety of patterns, colors and sizes to fit any decor. Roman shades can also fit any budget while adding that old world charm to a room. When lowered all the way and depending on the thickness of the shade, they can act as an insulator for your windows -- cutting a few extra do...

Light Can Make All The Difference

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        One may be very surprised to find that light is very influential with regard to our well-being. There is actually a heavy psychological impact upon our work and daily mood with relation to the amount and color of light we are exposed to at any given time. Light can make all the difference. Studies have shown that people who spend a considerable amount of time in windowless workplaces are more subject to depression and suffer more sleep disruptions than people who work in adequately lit spaces. And, did you know that inadequate lighting can affect your overall mood, creativity and cognitive functioning patterns? ( Medium Psychology, June 13, 2017 ) The color of the light also affects our sleep cycles and moods. For example, blue light stimulates us and will keep us up. We are bombarded with the blue light spectrum from our computers and cell phones. Some cell phones today have a night mode where the screen lighting changes from blue to amber...

Use Window Coverings to Save Money on Your Energy Bill

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    Everything is rising in cost. Gas, food, household items and clothing just to name a few. Then are are rising energy costs. It is going to cost more to heat and cool your home these coming months. Here are two simple ways to reduce the hardship on your wallet and use window coverings to save money on your energy bill. Let in The light During the Winter The windows on the south facing side of your home provide the most light during the winter months. Utilize the sunlight to help warm your home. During the day, open blinds and shades on the south side of your home (provided it is not overshadowed by another structure) to allow for the maximum amount of light into your home.  On the northern side of the home, you will want to make sure your windows are draft-free and sealed tight. Honeycomb thermal shades are the best window insulators on the market and they come in many colors and textures to fit any home decor. These shades should fit snugly against the windows. The g...

Want to Change the Feel of a Room?

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 There are times when we just feel a need for change. You want your child's play room to look more playful or a home library to feel more scholarly. Your windows play a large role in how your room looks and feels. Want to change the feel of a room? Here are a few tips to turn an ordinary room into an experience. Playful and Whimsical  Blinds and shades come in a variety of colors. For a more playful feel, try Honeycomb shades in a primary color of yellow, blue or green. The texture and construction of these shades are fun and will provide a soft light that reflects color about the room. Cozy and Studious Do you have a home library that does not have the sophisticated library feel? Wood blinds will provide coziness and structure to the room. Blinds also allow for ultimate light control so that you can create your desired  atmosphere.  Elegant and Sophisticated  Roman shades are a sophisticated accent for any room. Roman shades come in elegant brocades and classic...

Three Benefits of Drapes for the Winter Season

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  Drapes can make a room instantly luxurious, cozy and warm. What a great feel for winter. A cascade of opulent material flowing from the ceiling line into puddles on the floor, creates a soft, grounded feel to a room. Drapes not only look fabulous in a home, they are also quite practical -- especially during the winter months. Let's look at three benefits of drapes for the winter season. Eliminates Drafts It is well known that our windows are where there tends to be the most heat loss during the winter. As cold breezes begin to chill the night air, it becomes less comfortable to sit on that couch in front of the window. Since drapes (unlike curtains) are of heavier material and can be lined for UV protection, the drafty windows are kept at bay. This reduces your energy bill and makes your wallet very happy. Creates More Privacy As winter approaches and the sun sinks further to the south, the hours of the day wane into darkness much earlier. Another benefit of drapes is privacy. We...

Changing Your Window Treatments Can Change Your Mood

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     It's a well known fact that light and color have an effect on the way we feel. Traditionally, darker colors and diminished light can create a more closed-in feeling. For some, this is a feeling of coziness and security. For others, this atmosphere may seem heavy or even depressing. If you are not satisfied with the way a room makes you feel, there is a solution. Changing your window treatments can change your mood. Control Your Light The more versatile your blinds are in controlling light, the more choices you have as to how you want your room to feel. Studies have shown that lighting can affect your appetite, your ability to make decisions and sleep cycles. Our moods are also affected by the amount of natural light we receive each day. Natural light is a great motivator; however, too much light can affect our ability to focus. There are a wide variety of blinds available to fit every decor. Consider Color Window treatments occupy quite a bit of space on our walls....

What Are The Most Popular Blinds and Shades?

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  Blinds have come a long way. In the past, when we thought of blinds, we pictured white, horizontal, metal slats with a pull cord. Today, there are many different styles of blinds using many different fabrics, materials and colors. So, the question remains: With all these choices, what are the most popular blinds and shades?    Vertical Blinds One nice thing about vertical blinds is that they allow for excellent directional light control about the room. They are also great for large windows and doors and are readily available in large sizes. They may come in metal, plastic, and fabric-covered styles. However, on a problematic cleaning scale of 1-10, they hover around an 8. Every slat requires individual cleaning, using the manufacturer's recommended protocols.   Roman Shades Roman Shades are probably the most opulent-looking window treatment. These shades are highly versatile and can enhance any room's decor. They can be more expensive than blinds, depending on t...