by Rita St. Clarie

Q. We’re planning a casual design for the two-story living room in our new home. Decorative rugs will be used to add color to the limestone floor, and we’ll hang some fabrics on the off-white stucco walls.  A large window with a curved top poses an unsolved problem. It offers a beautiful view, but we need to add some kind of window treatment for the sake of privacy. Any ideas on how to cover a picture window with such a shape?

A. I assume you’re referring to something like the Palladian style window shown in the photo. A window of this sort is usually left without a covering, in part because it is indeed difficult to fit one to its shape. In cases where privacy concerns are paramount, one common tactic is to hang under-curtains and add a stationary fabric lunette for the curved upper part.  This sort of treatment can be quite attractive, but it’s more elegant than the rest of the design you describe.

In a casual setting, whether contemporary or traditional, the best option might be to emphasize the shape of the window with fitted wooden blinds or shutters. Depending on the actual size of your window, wood blinds may be easier to operate and will allow for more flexibility in regard to the position of the vanes. You can open the blinds fully in order to enjoy the view or close them top-to-bottom in order to ensure complete privacy.

The “Country Woods” blinds shown in this model are newly designed by Hunter Douglas. They can be adjusted manually, but if your own window is really large you may want to consider a motorized system. Battery-powered and hard-wired options can readily be found.

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by windowcoverings101.com 

Arched windows are usually employed in classical architecture designs of buildings. There are plenty of houses which make use of the arched windows. It has a semi circular design with some long length rectangular windows that make the room dimensions larger. Having to decide on what arched window coverings to use for these poses the challenge to you. Remember that the structure itself is elegant, classy, and distinct and hence the arched window coverings must be made of the materials which nonetheless would be able to complement the structure itself

As for the best qualified arched window coverings, the blinds are the best type of materials to employ. Even the professional decorators would agree on this point because of the reason that no other kind of material could be able to fulfill the purpose of giving justice to the structural design of the arched windows. Blinds may be readily custom made to suitably fit into the arched windows. They could likewise be opened as well as closed with so much ease. The arched window covering blinds are either ground operated or with the use of the remote control. These types of arched window coverings give the user the access to exercise the full control over the amount of light that could pass through the window.

The arched window covering blinds are craftily done and decorated for the great satisfaction of the consumers. There are even arched window covering blinds manufacturing firms that has the feature of filtering the bright rays of the sunlight that comes into the room and eventually turns it into cool whitish light. There are also those arched window covering blinds that allow the user to see clearly the sunset or the sunrise as these blinds are operated.

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By Ashley NietfeldA few tips to make sure your home is prepared for cold winter months

If you have older windows, chances are that the harsh winds of Dodge City will find their way into your home. While this might not be much of a problem in the summer months, it could hurt your wallet in the winter, when your heater has to work harder to keep your home warm.

There are a number of ways to seal drafty windows, and each has its own pros and cons. Solutions include rubber weather sealing, insulation film, cellular shades, layered curtains and draft snakes. While cellular shades and curtains may be the most visually appealing solution, they’re also the most costly. While drastically cheaper, rubber weather sealing and insulation film may leave behind a sticky residue.

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By James and Morris CareyGO GREEN

It’s never been easier to be green when it comes to your home. Environmentally friendly building products and materials are available for virtually every category – windows, doors, siding, decking, fencing, roofing, lumber, flooring and insulation, to name a few. Think “green” the next time you make a home improvement purchase. Chances are the material will last longer and you’ll feel better about it.

IMPROVE COMFORT

Your home should be a refuge from the stress of work and the world. We suggest that you resolve to make your home as comfortable as you can for you and your family. This can include adding comfy couches and seating; using a splash of color here and there with paint, fabric or flooring; getting rid of clutter and opening up the space in your home; allowing in more natural light with updated window treatments; and organizing closets and storage. Create a special place in the garden as a retreat. Add a water feature – the sound of trickling water can be very therapeutic.

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by Newport News, Va., Daily Press An alternative to curtains, blinds come in various styles and are easy to clean.

Blinds can be an easy and functional alternative to drapes. They can also be dust-magnets that let in more light than you want.

How do you find the right kind for you, and keep them clean once you have them? Here’s a quick guide:

The combination of the size of the slats and the type of material you choose depend solely upon your good taste. Most commonly used are: wood, plastic, aluminum and faux wood.

Mini Blinds:

Mini blinds are one of the most practical and versatile styles of window blinds, ideal for small and medium-sized windows. They can be used practically anywhere in the house, and “custom” mini blinds can be made to fit oddly shaped windows. The least expensive are vinyl blinds.Vinyl blinds are a good choice if you are renting or expect to move soon. For strength and durability aluminum blinds are better than vinyl. Wood is at the top of the cost but add warmth and beauty.

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by fosters.com LifestylesBlinds can be an easy and functional alternative to drapes. They can also be dust-magnets that let in more light than you want.

How do you find the right kind for you, and keep them clean once you have them?
Here’s a quick guide:

BUYING BLINDS

Style and finish:The combination of the size of the slats and the type of material you choose depend solely upon your good taste. Most commonly used are: wood, plastic, aluminum and faux wood. Keep in mind that some blinds have a “blackout” feature — overlapping slats ensure that no light enters the room when the blinds are closed.

Mini Blinds:Mini blinds are one of the most practical and versatile styles of window blinds, ideal for small and medium-sized windows. They can be used practically anywhere in the house, and “custom” mini blinds can be made to fit oddly shaped windows. The least expensive are vinyl blinds, but the slats are fragile and can be easily damaged. Also, the slats are thin and can sag. Vinyl blinds are a good choice if you are renting or expect to move soon. For strength and durability aluminum blinds are better than vinyl. Wood is at the top of the cost but add warmth and beauty.

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 by Economic Times TNN

No sooner does a curtain drape the walls of your room, you can feel your space cut away from the din and bustle outside. It turns the whole milieu into a cozy hideout. Curtains essentially help in blocking the sunlight. But curtains are also very versatile when one wants to accessorise their home and add to the entire feel of the house.

Almost every room in the house can be transformed using the variety available in curtains. Not only do curtains serve many purposes like decorations, changing the look of the room, blocking light and providing privacy but also give the room a distinct mood and expression. Curtains can truly be called decorative utility products.

Broadly speaking, curtains can be classified into three categories, namely, the panel, café and the tiered curtains. Panel curtains give the window an informal look. Such curtains are ideal for bedrooms, dining rooms and bathrooms (shower curtains).

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by ABTOP bedrooms

Window coverings serve an important role in your home, giving you privacy and also protecting your furniture and decor from the harshness of prolonged, direct sunlight. But the range of choices is so wide, including blinds,
shades, shutters and curtains, that some homeowners have a hard time deciding which they prefer, or whether they can
mix their window coverings according to the room where they are installed.

There are no hard and fast rules about what you should use, versus what you could use. The decision is up to your tastes, preferences, and what works with your decorating scheme. What you decide is great for one room, may not fit in another, so you switch from blinds in the bathroom to window shades in the bedroom, and that is just fine, as
long as you are happy with the way the dйcor looks when you’re done.

For example, the living room is where most people entertain visitors and family, and because it is often a “public”
room, people tend to go for more distinguished or striking window coverings, that may include shutters or curtains,
and occasionally a combination of both.

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By James and Morris Carey

Blinds can be an easy and functional alternative to drapes. They can also be dust-magnets that let in more light than you want.  How do you find the right kind for you, and keep them clean once you have them? Here’s a quick guide:

Buying blinds

Style and finish: The combination of the size of the slats and the type of material you choose depend solely upon your good taste. Most commonly used are wood, plastic, aluminum and faux wood. Keep in mind that some blinds have a “blackout” feature — overlapping slats, to ensure that no light enters the room when the blinds are closed. This feature can prove very practical for bedroom windows.

Mini blinds: Mini blinds are one of the most practical and versatile styles of window blinds, ideal for small and medium-sized windows. They can be used practically anywhere in the house, and “custom” mini blinds can be made to fit oddly shaped windows. The least expensive are vinyl blinds, but the slats are fragile and can be easily damaged. The slats also are thin and can sag. Vinyl blinds are a good choice if you are renting or expect to move soon. For strength and durability, aluminum blinds are better than vinyl. Wood is high on the cost list but does add warmth and beauty.

Large blinds: Larger wood or aluminum blinds hold up well and can last for decades. Aluminum blinds are generally available in half-inch, 1-inch and 2-inch slat sizes. Faux wood blinds (we like to call this the “plastic coated chip board line”) also are available and look quite nice, but don’t last nearly as long as aluminum or real wood.

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by James & Morris Carey, The Associated Press

Unlike traditional personal resolutions that are typically embarked upon cold turkey on Jan. 1, New Year’s resolutions for your home can consist of a doable list that you will work to accomplish throughout the year.

The last thing that you want to do is sabotage yourself (and your partner or family) by setting unrealistic expectations. Your resolutions should consist of projects that can be accomplished during the year with available resources.

The New Year is a time of renewal — maybe you’re ditching the ice cream and promising to call your mother more often. But you’re not the only one in need of some improvement. This year, think about your home.

 CONSERVE ENERGY

Whether you’re worried about utility bills or the environment, this is a resolution for everyone’s list. Some energy conserving upgrades to consider: install a programmable thermostat; replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting; prevent drafts with weather stripping around doors and windows; install low-flow shower heads and aerators; fix leaking faucets; install Energy Star appliances; install energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment; upgrade insulation, and install replacement windows.

 GO GREEN

It’s never been easier to be green when it comes to your home. Environmentally friendly building products and materials are available for virtually every category — windows, doors, siding, decking, fencing, roofing, lumber, flooring and insulation, to name a few. Think “green” the next time you make a home improvement purchase. Chances are the material will last longer and you’ll feel better about it.

 IMPROVE COMFORT

Your home should be a refuge from the stress of work and the world. We suggest that you resolve to make your home as comfortable as you can for you and your family. This can include adding comfy couches and seating; using a splash of color here and there with paint, fabric or flooring; getting rid of clutter and opening up the space in your home; allowing in more natural light with updated window treatments; and organizing closets and storage. Create a special place in the garden as a retreat. Add a water feature — the sound of trickling water can be very therapeutic.

Link