Creative Window Covering Ideas

There is no simpler or dramatic way to totally transform the look of a room than to change the window coverings. You can do this by buying new Venetian blinds or window shades but probably the cheapest way is to simply change the curtains.

Always remember that your window coverings can help make the style of your room look more casual or more formal depending on what style you use. The more fabric, swags and pleats there are to your curtains, the more formal the room will look. The simpler your window treatment is, as would be the case with rice paper roll blinds or a single sheer hung from a curtain rod, the less formal the entire effect will be.Another way to personalize your d�cor is to paint your Venetian blinds. Simply take a stencil and spray-paint one solid design on the closed Venetian blinds. A stencil of a favorite motif or symbol and a can of spray-paint can also be used to embellish simple roll down blinds as well.You can also make your own window coverings out of specialty papers. These are transparent window blinds that are made from rice paper. Some of these papers are absolutely beautiful and feature details such as glitter, leaves or threads pressed right into mesh of the paper fibers. To make the curtain all you have to do is attach it to pinch clips. If you buy these in the store they are usually quite expensive especially if they are decorated with a motif pattern or a design as they are considered to be a bit haute couture.One the least expensive window coverings is achieved by simply removing the current curtain rod and replacing it with a new one. You can forget about buying rails and all that jazz. The simplest and most modern looking window coverings are simply swaths of fabric that hang from pinch clips. Pinch clips are hoops, which like clothespins, grip the edge of the fabric and allow you to hang any kind of drape or material (hemmed or unhemmed) from the curtain rods. One very popular look is to simply buy a very fancy wrought iron or aluminum rod and then hang white hemmed sheets from it that have been hemmed. You still get that romantic billowing look without the expense of spending money on prefabricated drapes. You can also sew your own drapes using any fabric that tickles your fancy, including eyelet, cotton, satin, velvet or sheers. Many fabric stores also sell ropes, tassels and ribbons that can be used as tiebacks for the curtains.

Always remember that your window coverings can help make the style of your room look more casual or more formal depending on what style you use. The more fabric, swags and pleats there are to your curtains, the more formal the room will look. The simpler your window treatment is, as would be the case with rice paper roll blinds or a single sheer hung from a curtain rod, the less formal the entire effect will be.

Author: Rob Buenaventura

Decorating Ideas:Curtain Rods and Curtain Valances

A curtain valance is designed to hang or drape over your curtain and conceal curtain rods, as well as add texture and elegance to the room. Curtain valances typically look like smaller versions of a curtain and come in many different styles: flowing, draped, hanging, or bunched fabric. There are many types of curtain valances available, some slide directly onto a curtain rod, some hang from the top of hangers, and others simply drape across wall tabs. No matter what type of curtain valance you choose, you�ll have the opportunity to experiment with different colors, textures, and fabrics (flowery, lacey, and otherwise) to accent and enhance the look of your curtains and your room. When choosing curtain valances for your curtains, you�re not limited to fabric. Curtain valances certainly don�t have to be the same fabric as the curtain itself. You may choose ribbons, beads, bows, and any other ornamental draperies to add a sophisticated feel to your room.

"When we moved into our new offices, we had no idea what to do about utilizing all the natural light we could, while also being mindful of energy efficiency and alleviating glare issues. Gordon's Window Decor gave expert advice, installed in a timely manner, and offered an extremely positive experience," explained Frank Weidman, Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA) Finance Director. Gordon's own EcoSmart(TM) Roller Shades perfectly fit the bill for CVAA.The possibilities are endless. Add your own additions to window valances you�ve purchased, such as hems, ribbons, or fringe to bring some of your own style into a room. Consider purchasing different types of curtain valances and mixing and matching�try hanging two at once to achieve a unique look. Choose either a double curtain rod that anchors to the wall under the curtains, or a spring curtain rod for ease and convenience. These rods can be adjusted as you wish to achieve the look you want.4 Laurette Drive Fort Ethan AllenFestoon Window Valance: This ruched, classic window valance is an easy way to make curtains look elegant.Year Established: 1985Shirred Window Valance: One of the simpler styles of curtain valance, the shirred valance is a great simple compliment to kitchen windows.It may seem to be an insignificant a part of you bathroom reworking or redecorating plans, but the right window treatment may be the completion for a lovely bathroom. And, the flawed window treatment (i.e. one that can't deal with the environmental calls for) will simply not last and from a design standpoint will detract from the overall magnificence and cohesiveness of the design.

The possibilities are endless. Add your own additions to window valances you�ve purchased, such as hems, ribbons, or fringe to bring some of your own style into a room. Consider purchasing different types of curtain valances and mixing and matching�try hanging two at once to achieve a unique look. Choose either a double curtain rod that anchors to the wall under the curtains, or a spring curtain rod for ease and convenience. These rods can be adjusted as you wish to achieve the look you want.

Author: Erica Ronchetti

Bathroom Curtain Ideas

There are a number of issues about bathroom windows that make the bathroom window treatments you choose for them completely different from these in the remainder of your home. In a bathroom, all the things is exposed to a much higher degree of moisture than the furnishings in your different rooms are. As well as, most individuals need bathroom window treatments that afford them a high degree of privacy. Subsequently, earlier than purchasing window treatments on your bathroom, you will need to take a number of things into consideration.

Some bathroom home windows are obscured from the general public so that you simply will not want a window treatment that affords you more privacy. On these home windows you will be free to use any type of curtain or valance that you simply want. As soon as once more, though, you'll need to bear in mind the excess moisture your window treatment will likely be exposed to as a way to buy something that may stay trying good till you are prepared to switch it.Blinds provide a simpler however typically elegant answer, blinds are referred to as for the job. They provide enough privateness while giving a flexible design that could easily be matched by the essential elements found within the bathroom.Privacy, privateness, privacy. If your bathroom windows face the street or a nearby neighbor, contemplate gentle controlling blinds or shades (material, aluminum, vinyl, and natural wovens), operative shutters or lined panels. For windows on second or third floors, think about top down/bottom up upgrades that provide each pure light and privacy.Toll free: 1.800.869.2199

Blinds provide a simpler however typically elegant answer, blinds are referred to as for the job. They provide enough privateness while giving a flexible design that could easily be matched by the essential elements found within the bathroom.

Author: Jeremy Finster

VERMONT PROFILES IN BUSINESS: Treat Office Windows Right and Save Your Business Money

What do Energy Efficiency, Safety, Glare Reduction, and Style have in common? They are all benefits that result from owning proper Window Treatments. An office's environment is crucial to the productivity, morale, sustainability, and overall success of the organization. A key feature that impacts the environmental experience of both employees and clients is the windows.

Total Employees: 30If you need to put blinds in your bathroom windows, it's worthwhile to keep away from wooden blinds. Wooden blinds soak up moisture and can warp out of shape. Some metallic blinds do not hold up nicely in damp circumstances, either. A good selection of blinds for a bathroom is both the sort product of some type of plastic or fake wood. Both of these selections face up to moisture, look nice, clear simply, and will give you the privacy you want. One other beauty of plastic and pretend wood blinds is that they're two of the extra economical sorts of window treatments you possibly can buy.Phone: (802) 655.7777Window treatments by Gordon's Window Decor are delivering energy cost savings, glare control, and more secure environments in a variety of public and private work spaces. Many schools in Vermont have implemented changes to improve their facilities by addressing energy conservation, safety, and reducing operating costs. With energy efficiency being a primary objective, Julie Benay Principal of Swanton's elementary and middle schools realized the window shades in her own home gave her the answer - EcoSmart(TM)" cellular insulating shades from Gordon's Window Decor. In addition to energy conservation, other priorities for Julie were safety, and ensuring a secure learning environment. As a result of the 2006 school shooting in Essex, it became critical to have shades that could be lowered quickly during an emergency, so that the students and teachers would be out of the line of sight of any potential danger. "We value the beautiful windows we have in both our buildings however, we noticed that we were losing a great deal of heat through them," articulated Benay. "At the same time we were addressing student safety and asked the Board to consider energy efficient shades as part of the strategic facilities plan. The Board, having heard directly from founder and owner Gordon Clements, accepted the bid from Gordon's Window Decor." Benay added, "We did an analysis of our natural gas usage, and found that we started saving money in the first year. We are pleased to have worked with Gordon's, a local company with an excellent product."www.gordonswindowdecor.comAt the Husky Injection Molding Systems, Inc facility in Milton there is a skylight running the length of the building that consists of 308 large glass panels impacting the cooling requirements of the building. To properly address the concern, Husky partnered with Efficiency Vermont to develop a project designed to reduce the solar gain (or the increase in temperature resulting from excessive sunlight) from these glass panels, and decrease the cooling equipment's energy consumption. Having served the window treatment needs of Husky in the past, Gordon's Window Decor is no stranger to their natural light control challenges. The solution was to apply window film to these skylights, which are located in the manufacturing area's main corridor. "The goal of this project was to address the building's cooling capacity, and minimize the degree of sunlight passing through the skylights. This solar gain was identified as a major source of heat that increased peak demand on the cooling system," explained Greg Baker, Senior Project Manager with Efficiency Vermont. "We have estimated that by installing window film on these skylights a 5% peak demand reduction on the cooling load will result, thereby improving efficiency and economic status of this facility," concluded Baker.Balloon Window Valance: Balloon window valances offer a very delicate look and are perfect for nurseries or children�s rooms.Gordon's Window Decor has been providing businesses, institutions, municipalities, developers and architects with state of the art window treatments since 1985. Their extensive product line offers savings on energy and operating costs; creating a more attractive, comfortable and private work space. As a reputable, well established local manufacturer, quality craftsmanship and product reliability are standard practice at Gordon's Window Decor. The commercial line of products offered at Gordon's has grown in variety and sophistication over the past several years, allowing more businesses to realize the value and benefit from investing in high performance window treatments designed to enhance and complement the work environment. "We bring outstanding creativity and expertise to each customer's window treatment needs," summed up Gordon Clements.Scarf Window Valance: Typically draped over the perimeter of the window and over curtain knobs or tabs, scarf window valances are a very easy way to make your home look classic and elegant. No curtain rod necessary.Gordon's Window DecorDoor windows are a great opportunity to use window valances as a window treatment. These windows are typically small, yet let in a good amount of light. If you�d like additional privacy, a window valance alone can allow maximum light to enter your home but at the same time offer you seclusion. Instead of installing a curtain rod into your wall, choose a spring rod as it�s the easiest method of curtain valance installation. Spring curtain rods are also great for non-traditionally shaped windows�circular, diagonal, and otherwise, because spring curtain rods allow you to conveniently place the valance wherever you wish.

Total Employees: 30

The Process Of Making Curtains Is Easier Than Ever Before

Looking for elegant window treatment ideas? One way of achieving it is by draping or swaging fabric loosely around a rod, and just letting the fabric pond on the floor, or fall at any length along the sides of the window. Depending on the fabric, you may only need to hem the ends for those who do not sew.

Unlined fabric may be well suited to frequent washing, so curtains made from this material are particularly appropriate for the most extensively used rooms of a home, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Finding a trimming of a curtain weight, size, pattern, and color to suit your particular curtain fabric should not be difficult because of the wide range of trimmings that exists."Beautiful place, excellent holiday," he says. "But I had no idea what the sign meant."What is an Informal window treatment?

Unlined fabric may be well suited to frequent washing, so curtains made from this material are particularly appropriate for the most extensively used rooms of a home, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Finding a trimming of a curtain weight, size, pattern, and color to suit your particular curtain fabric should not be difficult because of the wide range of trimmings that exists.

Author: Roger King

New! Creative Ideas On Choosing Your Window Covering Style

Window coverings have a process on how you should choose your window curtains and drapes. You have three basic choices to decide from on what window treatment is best for your homes decor. You first have to decide whether you want informal or formal window coverings? Secondly unlined or lined? And thirdly the style and type of heading desired. After you have decided on the type of window treatment you are looking for you can start to finalize the design. Window coverings are influenced by several elements, which include the function of the space, the style of the architecture of the home, and the window treatment preferences of the homeowner. The resulting factor is the same window design can be treated very differently depending on the person's taste. Imagine a dining room that has a bay window. This type of window style is usually a multi layered floor length window treatment - basically it's a formal window covering. If your taste is a more casual laid-back style you may introduce an informal appearance of caf� curtains with some sill length and some tied back side panels.

Piles Service? Did they have a special room at the back for emergency treatment? Actually, they probably did it on the counter in full view of everyone because Piles Service in French means Battery Service.An informal window treatment can consist of one or two basic layers or you may decide on having nothing at all. If you have a great window location with privacy a beautiful window can look great even without a dressing especially if you have a great view. Sometimes just some basic casement curtains look great for a casual room. If you need to cover only the lower half of the window a Caf� curtain can offer you privacy and not block the light. Fabrics that are used for the informal look consist of chitz, ticking, linen, muslin and gingham. A benefit to the informal window coverings over the formal window coverings is that most of these are washable and easy to take care of.Hanging fabric over a window or door creates a strong visual focus in any room. The amount of fabric needed is affected by the width of the opening, type of hanging system style. Translucent fabric makes ideal curtain material when daytime privacy is desired. For the most part, the effect of a curtain will determine the character of a room.Lined curtains and drapes have more body, which will give you softer and deeper folds and improve the window treatment appearance. The lining will block sunlight and protect the window fabric from fading. A lining also preserves the color and increases your privacy and will reduce noise from outside. Look for linings that are treated to resist sun damage and rot, once the lining becomes deteriorated you can just realign it or just hang the window covering without the lining on. The rule of thumb is that if you line one curtain in the room do all the rest the same so they will match, Usually the lining fabric will be off-white or white although you can get colored linings you should know that this will affect the hue of the window covering when light passes through it especially in a lightweight curtain fabric get samples and test them together for a color change.Mind you, perhaps those Duracell Battery Bunnies get both fixed at the same time.Anymore silly signs that you have snapped?A formal window covering usually will have two or three layers. The first layer may be the casement curtain and will be installed within your Windows trim area. Usually you would use a sheer, solid or maybe a lace panel that will lay straight or either gathered at the top. Over draperies usually called just draperies will be your second layer. Generally they will cover the trim and window and if there is room left stretched further to each side or even the area that is above your window. Optionally the third layer of your full formal window treatment will be a valance this is also known as pelnet that horizontally runs across the top of your window and will cover the curtain or drapery heading. Another piece of the formal window treatment is a hard valance, also known as a lanbre-quin or a cornice. It is normally made with wood, which is then covered with upholstery or some fabric. To some people by not using the third treatment it will appear like the window covering is unfinished but in all sense this depends on the taste and style that you are trying to obtain. By using heavy but curious fabrics which would include brocades, Tapestries, silks, Damasks and velvet you will enhance the prestige of the formal treatment. The downside of these fabrics is that they will require cleaning from professionals every couple of years.

Lined curtains and drapes have more body, which will give you softer and deeper folds and improve the window treatment appearance. The lining will block sunlight and protect the window fabric from fading. A lining also preserves the color and increases your privacy and will reduce noise from outside. Look for linings that are treated to resist sun damage and rot, once the lining becomes deteriorated you can just realign it or just hang the window covering without the lining on. The rule of thumb is that if you line one curtain in the room do all the rest the same so they will match, Usually the lining fabric will be off-white or white although you can get colored linings you should know that this will affect the hue of the window covering when light passes through it especially in a lightweight curtain fabric get samples and test them together for a color change.

Author: Daryl plaza

Signs that miss the mark

ROBERT McNulty, of Almondbury, was a little bewildered by this sign in the window of a jewellers shop in Penmarch, South Brittany in France.

Begin by examining your practical requirements; take into account the shape and size of your windows, the need for privacy, and the overall decorative style and color scheme of the room. Before you begin to make your curtains, you must decide on the type of hanging system you intend to use. You may wish to add accessories and fixture to your curtain hanging system that allows you to completely personalize your curtains.* PAINFUL SUBJECT: Special service in a French shopWindow drapes and curtain liningsCAPTION(S):Lined curtains and drapesWhat is a full formal window treatment?

* PAINFUL SUBJECT: Special service in a French shop