The color and shape of light you allow to come through your window fashions can liven any room immensely.  Kingston valances provide a dappled light that make your interiors sparkle, even in winter when the sun is lower in the sky. Both can warm the color of light when you choose a tone that compliments your décor, reflecting another layer of beauty into your rooms.

A simple solution to improve drafty rooms is to layer high R-rated fabrics and materials over or under existing window coverings. If you already have beautiful custom window fashions in place, how about new, vaned cellular blinds for a layer of heat transfer-stopping beauty. These blinds come in myriad light-controlling densities and color options certain to accent your windows while working hard to save you energy dollars. Other innovative shades and blinds and shutters also offer a vast improvement in heat-retention around your windows, and provide an added layer of beauty as well. Ask me about the incredibly gorgeous, high thermal quality fabrics and linings now available in creating custom draperies for your home. You simply won’t believe that such beautiful materials can also save you money, even in the short term.

We’re thrilled to announce that Sandra and Seth of Encinitas, CA are the winners of the Michael Payne $10,000 Exciting Windows! Makeover Sweepstakes for 2009! Along with working with an Exciting Windows! team of Scott Hay, Rose Mendosa and Dian Garbarini to design their beautiful window treatments, they’ll also receive a FREE design consultation with HGTV’s own Michael Payne, celebrity interior designer AND Exciting Windows! customer!  Watch for future blogs to follow the progress as we design, order and install their dream come true.

Late summer is right outside your windows. That light out there can not only brighten your rooms literally, but also can improve the look and feel of your beautiful rooms. What better way to brighten you views than with new light filtering and light controlling window treatments that let as much or as little of the outdoors come inside your home as you choose!  Sheer draperies can filter sunlight, and add a warm glow to your home.  Shutters, shadings and wood blinds can all help bring light control and privacy – and by adding beautiful fabrics in drapery panels, top treatments and custom valances, you can have high function and high fashion.

For­ s­m­all win­dows­, m­in­i b­lin­ds­ could b­e­ y­our­ b­e­s­t win­dow tr­e­atm­e­n­t alte­r­n­ative­. The­y­ com­e­ in­ a wide­ var­ie­ty­ of m­ate­r­ials­ like­ vin­y­l, alum­in­um­, wood an­d PVC plas­tic. M­in­i b­lin­ds­ can­ b­e­ a g­r­e­at way­ to de­cor­ate­ a s­m­all ar­e­a due­ to the­m­ b­e­in­g­ a ve­r­y­ in­e­x­pe­n­s­ive­ win­dow tr­e­atm­e­n­t, the­ir­ e­as­e­ to us­e­, an­d that the­y­ wor­k we­ll in­ com­b­in­ation­ with othe­r­ win­dow cove­r­in­g­ an­d b­lin­d tr­e­atm­e­n­ts­. The­y­ com­e­ in­ a vas­t com­b­in­ation­ of color­s­ which m­ake­s­ the­m­ e­as­y­ to b­le­n­d or­ hig­hlig­ht an­ ar­e­a. In­s­tallation­ is­ a ke­y­ factor­ with m­in­i b­lin­ds­. Take­ for­ in­s­tan­ce­ alum­in­um­ m­in­i b­lin­ds­, whe­n­ in­s­talle­d pr­ope­r­ly­ the­y­ ar­e­ e­x­tr­e­m­e­ly­ e­n­e­r­g­y­ e­fficie­n­t, will pr­ote­ct fur­n­itur­e­ an­d floor­in­g­ fr­om­ thos­e­ har­m­ful UV r­ay­s­, an­d can­ g­ive­ g­r­e­at s­oun­d ab­s­or­ption­. Whe­n­ de­cidin­g­ on­ y­our­ m­in­i b­lin­ds­ a couple­ of thin­g­s­ that y­ou s­hould take­ in­to con­s­ide­r­ation­ is­ how will the­ win­dow b­lin­d fit in­to y­our­ r­oom­’s­ de­cor­ or­ what le­ve­l of pr­ivacy­ y­ou de­s­ir­e­.

For­ in­s­tan­ce­ y­ou m­ay­ wan­t n­o lig­ht appe­ar­in­g­ whe­n­ the­ b­lin­ds­ ar­e­ clos­e­d an­d lots­ of pr­ivacy­, y­ou will wan­t to choos­e­ a m­in­i b­lin­d that is­ n­ot tr­an­s­par­e­n­t in­ m­ate­r­ial choice­ an­d clos­e­s­ ve­r­y­ flat. B­ut if pr­ivacy­ dur­in­g­ the­ e­ve­n­in­g­ hour­s­ is­ n­ot an­ is­s­ue­ an­d y­ou wan­t m­ax­im­um­ day­lig­ht dur­in­g­ the­ day­, choos­in­g­ a s­he­e­r­ m­in­i b­lin­d is­ a b­e­autiful an­s­we­r­ to y­our­ n­e­e­ds­. Ove­r­all, m­in­i b­lin­ds­ can­ b­e­ the­ m­os­t cos­t e­ffe­ctive­ s­tar­t to y­our­ win­dow tr­e­atm­e­n­t de­s­ig­n­ an­d with the­ir­ com­b­in­ation­ with othe­r­ win­dow tr­e­atm­e­n­ts­ like­ cur­tain­s­, cor­n­ice­s­, s­wag­s­, valan­ce­s­ – y­ou will achie­ve­ a ve­r­y­ pr­ofe­s­s­ion­al fin­is­h to y­our­ win­dow de­cor­ that will e­n­han­ce­ an­y­ r­oom­s­ appe­al.

Mini-blinds have replaced the old-fashioned Venetian blinds as more convenient and attractive window treatments. Blinds are window coverings that can have either vertical or horizontal slats, have an accordion or honeycomb construction, or are woven from natural or synthetic reeds. The only disadvantage they have is that they cannot be cleaned easily.

The mechanisms for opening and closing blinds range from simple cords and easy-to-operate continuous chains to remote-controlled electronic devices. Blinds block out sunlight, prevent curious passersby from peeping into your house, and also add to the decor of your house. They come in various styles. You can buy ready-made blinds or make them yourself at home.

There are mini blinds to fit everyone’s budget. Aluminum and vinyl mini blinds are the least expensive, while faux wood and wood blinds are at the top of the price range. You are sure to find mini blinds that will go with your decor with all of the choices that are available.

link

Enough of your old window blinds. Make way for the stylish aluminum venetian blinds. If you really want durability in your window coverings, aluminum venetian blinds is the one that will suit it best. Aluminum blinds will give you the special ambiance you always desire. For having aluminum venetian blinds in every room, the kitchen, in the receiving area of your home, you can also color coordinate the blinds in every decoration you want.

Aluminum venetian blinds are manufactured to the fact that people always wanted something that will surely last. In deciding to buy aluminum venetian blinds, you can choose for different types whether you like vertical or mini blinds. Specifically, aluminum venetian blinds look good if you put in a formal dining area.

Although aluminum venetian blinds are more expensive than vinyl blinds, it is much cheaper than wood blinds. If you prefer an aluminum mini blind, you can have it with 1 inch slat or much more with slats 2 to 3 inches wide. If you’re shopping for your aluminum venetian blinds, there are lots of colors to choose from as well as to a number of different levels of confidentiality.

link

Faux wood blinds are the most common form of blinds used as window coverings. This is because they are the perfect alternative to wood blinds and they are cheap. Fauxwood window blinds are made of vinyl material or a combination of vinyl and hardwood. They are called faux wood blinds because they look like wooden blinds. However, they are more durable than real wood and are suitable for all rooms of the home, even those with high levels of humidity. Faux wood blinds are also much easier to clean than wood blinds.

The main reason that faux wood blinds have become so popular is that homeowners like the look of blinds to their windows and the fauxwood blinds are cheap. Faux wood blinds can cost 30% less than wood blinds. They also last a lot longer than blinds made of real wood, which makes them really cost effective. An occasional cleaning and dusting will keep faux wood window blinds in perfect condition. In fact, these window blinds are so durable, you can take them down from the window and wash them in the bathtub.

link

Curtains are a fast way to bring new life and color to any room, and now home decorators can create them more quickly and easily than ever. One clever example: simply clip an attractive tablecloth or tea towel onto a rod. Curtains and drapes will give you the more traditional window covering that you can combine with window shades and blinds.

Choosing a great window treatment idea can be a daunting task if you’re not sure where to start.

Measure each window separately and record the measurements on paper. Be sure to check all measurements twice before you purchase a new window treatment. Measuring and installation is available in the Brooklyn, NY area. Measure from the point you’ll hang the shade to the point where you want it to drop. Add an extra two inches to the top portion of the window frame to allow for mounting brackets.

There are many types of window treatments to choose from. Aside from the standard curtains and drapes here are: wood blinds, pleated shades, cellular shades, plantation shutters, aluminum mini blinds, and vertical blinds are only a few of the many options available.

link