Archive for December, 2007

Doing the right measure for window coverings is very simple and often overblown by window designers who want scare you in thinking that they have to do it in order to get your business.

For standard measuring, theres 2 types of mounts for a regular window opening. The first is the inside mount (standard mount) which is the easiest to measure for. The second type of measure is for the outside mount (outside the window), which needs just a little more work on your part.

The only thing an inside mount really means is that the blinds are going to fit inside a window opening that has a recession. This means the window has depth before it actually hits the glass. This is your typical window surrounded by drywall and has a windowsill.

The proper way to measure for an inside mount is to first get a metal tape measurer. The fabric or wood ones are not as accurate. First, run the tape across the top of the window opening and write the measurement down on a piece of paper. Second, do the same for the middle width and lastly, the bottom. Measure each one to the nearest eighth of an inch. If you are bad with 8ths like I am, you will be fine to round down to the nearest quarter. The narrowest of the three measurements for the width will be you actual width. So, use the smallest of the three. Next, do the same for the height but go with the longest measurement. For inside mount measurements, the manufacturer will take the appropriate deductions to fit inside that window which is usually a half-inch on the width. You do not need to think that the blind will scrape the sides of the window. Just measure it and they will do the rest.

For outside mounts, it is slightly trickier because the factory is going to make the shade the exact size you tell them to. They will take no deductions. Outside mounts are mainly used for window that has no depth or you need to go over the entire window. Examples are doors with glass on them and sliders where you need to clear the entire opening. Also, many old home have windows that tilt inside the room when opened and they will not open in if a blind is in there. The reason it is trickier is because you typically need to add to your measurements. The best way to do this is picture the window as a rectangle or square and the same for the blind. How much bigger does the blind need to be in order to fit completely over that window? Remember, the manufacturer is going to make that shade the exact size you tell them to from the width and from the height. Typically three to seven inches wider and higher is all it takes unless you need to go over trim or molding surrounding the opening.

That is it. For inside the window (inside mount) just measure the opening and the factory takes the appropriate deductions. For outside the window (outside mounts), the factory takes not deductions and makes the blind to the exact size you tell them to so add the appropriate width and height to go over that opening.

Faux wood window treatments are the most popular type of horizontal blind sold in todays window coverings market. There are 2 main types of faux wood blinds out there. First is the one hundred percent PVC blind (vinyl) and the very popular composite blinds.

The one hundred percent faux wood blinds is made of pure polymers (vinyl). They come several slat styles including the one inch slat, two inch slats (most popular), the 2 half inch slat and finally, the three inch slat materials. There have been many changes have been perfected in the last ten years. Some of the examples of the new changes are: longer life against discoloration, and warpage. Vinyl faux wood blind is heavier than most other blinds and requires more strings to pull the shade up and down.

The composite faux wood window coverings are a relatively new blind product on the market. These new faux wood blinds are made of a wood and vinyl mixture. These are totally recyclable and much, much lighter than the one hundred percent vinyl (PVC) faux wood blinds. The new composites blinds will typically last longer but are typically more expensive than their counter parts one hundred percent faux wood blind.

The Roman style blinds and shades are a thick piece of fabric that operates down and up while and the fabric stacks up to the top of the window opening. Romans have become very popular in the window covering industry over the last several years because the cost has gone way down and production have been stepped up. Most roman shades used to be home made with single fabric bought at a fabric store. Today, you can pick the fabric you prefer from sample books and the production is made at the production plant. This saves you time and most of all, money.

There are many options with roman shades that are not applicable with the homemade style. The first unique feature is the top down, bottom up option. This will allow the operator to drop the blind from the top and you can also lift it like normal. Secondly, is motorization (motorized). The infrared and radio technology prices have dropped significantly over the last few years making it very affordable for the average person. Lastly, it the teardrop or hobbled roman shades. They are folded in a teardrop shape looking much more formal.

Window blinds are made like a door that open and close inside or over a window. Shutters or plantation blinds have different sized louvers that can close and open which allows views and total privacy. Included are three types of plantation shutters. The first is the faux wood shutter (PVC), second is the composite wood (wood and PVC mix) and lastly are the real wood shutters (Basswood).

The faux wood (PVC) shutters are made of 100% vinyl and are hollow on the inside. These shutters are very affordable, waterproof and damage proof. Some of the advantages are a lifetime warranty, very ease of repair, and of coarse, and the cost. Two of the disadvantages include a plastic look, and possible discoloration over time.

The composite (wood and PVC mix) window shutters are made of a wood and vinyl mixture. Three advantages are the cost; it looks more like real wood and has a lifetime warranty. Three disadvantages include heaviness (more heavy than wood), small limited color selection, and difficulty in repairs without having to ship it back.

The final type of shutters is the real wood (basswood) shutter. The main advantages are the numerous stains, lightness and original look. The two main disadvantages are warping and the price.

Bamboo blind are roman roll up shades that are made of or grasses and bamboo. Bamboo shades have become very stylish over the last couple of years mainly because of pricing and quality.

Bamboo shades are now much nicer and are not necessarily made of total bamboo. Every blind is unique in workman ship. Most bamboo shades are made with grasses and bamboo combined and some are made with different types of sticks and bamboo material.

What is nice about bamboo shades is that it is very friendly to the environment. All mechanisms of this blind are made from natural materials including the optional backing made of cotton that can protect the blind. This makes the shades recyclable and long lasting. The average shade can last from five to twenty five years.