Blind Solutions

    We often use shades to block an unsightly view but what if your view is fabulous? Then again, the view may be fabulous but the intense sun shining through the window is not. There is a solution to this apparent problem. You can keep your view with  sheer solar shades. UV Blocking Properties When sheer solar shades are drawn during the sunniest part of the day, they provide protection for your furniture, artwork and rugs from harmful UV rays. These UV rays can fade your decor and even weaken the fabric of your furniture. Most of, we just pull down regular shades and there goes the light and the view. With solar shades, the light is not blocked but diffused and the view remains. Stylish Another great feature of sheer solar shades is that they can enhance any decor and be added to any window treatment. They can also be used alone for a very minimalist look that will not distract from the view. You can also add a diffused hue of color to complement the mood of your ...

   No one likes cleaning blinds. It is a tedious task that takes much longer than it should. Wood blinds need frequent cleaning due to the larger surface area that tends to collect visible dust much more quickly. Here is a great hack for cleaning wooden blinds. Save Your Socks Tube socks are the only tool you need to clean your wooden blinds quickly and completely. Everyone knows how to make a sock puppet. Simply place your hand into the sock and form a "C" with your fingers. This shape will enable you to clean both sides of each slat with one pass, cutting your cleaning time in half. Another benefit is you don't even have to remove the sock to rinse it out when it becomes dirty. Water is All You Need Cleaning chemicals are not necessary. All you need to wipe down your blinds is water. Water is sufficient to remove any dust or debris from your window slats. The key is making sure you use just enough water to remove the dust. Your sock should be damp -- not soaked. No wate...

     It can be a bit of a conundrum deciding on window treatments when you live in a climate with four seasons. The bedroom can be particularly difficult due to all the variables to be considered. Some of these variables are: privacy, temperature control, light control and style. We have found the following the best all-season window treatment for your bedroom. Honeycomb Shades Honeycomb shades are very versatile and functional. They provide a lighter look to a room while creating clean lines. These shades are great for controlling light for those early sunrise days and providing privacy for those long winter nights. Honeycomb shades are also great for insulation, keeping out the hot summer sun as well as any cold winter drafts that might be swirling around your windows. Greater insulation means savings in your wallet! Noise reduction is another benefit. Napping and trying to go to sleep before the sun sets on the long summer days requires a quiet, dark room. Blackout Hon...

    The season of fall reminds us that chilly nights are ahead. Seldom do we consider how our window coverings can affect that heating/cooling bill and the overall comfort of our home. We have all seen the folks who duct tape plastic to their windows to address this problem (we know this is not you)! Heavy drapes have been used for years to also keep out the chill. Actually, even though it is cold outside, you want that warm daylight to flood your room. Honeycomb shades may be the answer.  Honeycomb shades are known for their insulation properties while allowing light to be diffused into the home. These shades are a real money-saving feature for your home! The shades also have a top-down and bottom-up feature available to customize the amount of light filtering into your room during the day! This shade type is not only stylish but also provide noise reduction for those street-facing rooms. There is also a cordless feature for homes with children and pets. Che...

  Believe it or not ... fall is here! The leaves are changing and cooler temperatures will soon have us turning on the heat and pulling out the blankets. It's time to check the heater, clean the gutters and read these Tips on Getting Your Windows Ready for Fall.  1) Check Window Seals Take a good look at the seals around your windows. The summer-time heat can cause drying and cracking of the seals. As the weather cools, these seals will now contract, causing small gaps that will allow the outside air to filter into your home. Make sure to inspect both inside and outside of the window. 2) Inspect Window Coverings Another tip on getting your windows ready for fall is -- inspect your window coverings. Do your blinds/shutters have missing, bent or cracked slats? Are your shades thinning, torn or have holes? All of these conditions compromise the insulation properties of your window coverings. Decreased insulation equates with higher energy costs when it comes to keepin...

The best way to freshen up a room is to start with your windows. Windows cover a great amount of the room's surface. A properly dressed window can really make the room pop. Poorly designed window treatments can totally ruin a room's esthetic. Consider incorporating the beauty of valances. The pros of valances is that they are both versatile and affordable.  Minimalist Look Using a colorful valance is a great way to add that pop of color or softness to a window while maintaining an uncluttered look. The fabric will need to be chosen very carefully because the eye is naturally drawn to the brightest colors in a room. If you want to draw the eye to artwork or some other feature in the room, your best bet is to use a valance fabric the blends with your walls. This will create a more timeless look. A pleated valance will add a structural element to your windows and is a timeless look that will never go out of style. To obtain a color cohesive look, have the valance compliment the pr...

    Window dressings have a great impact on the look of a room. You want to change the look of a room but your finances are a bit thin. No worries! Here are three window dressing tips to create a fresh, new look. 1. Layering You can soften the look of a room by adding drapes to shuttered or shaded widows. Shutters and shades create a more structured look to a room. These window treatments create hard lines around your windows and are a good choice for a minimalist look or to create an airy feel to a room. Layering drapes at the window edges will soften the look of the room. Drapes will cozy-up the room and depending on the color and pattern you choose, drapes can really make the the room pop! 2. Mixing Colors and Patterns You may be thinking: "my shades have a pattern/design so layering won't work." No problem! Drapes and sheers come in a variety colors and patterns today. This makes it very easy to upgrade any window to match your lifestyle and home decor. You can find c...