by blape on April 25, 2011
Is there anything more important to a home than the windows? Without them, a home would be nothing more than a drab box of darkness, illuminated only by artificial light. Despite the importance of these portals, windows can still be problematic for many homeowners. After all, a great deal of energy can be lost through [...]
by blape on February 5, 2011
Decorating a child’s room can be a fun activity for both the child and parent. Curtains can be used to define a style that the child likes. The window treatment can complement wallpaper and carpeting, or can become a dominant decorative element that is supported by accessories. When selecting curtain fabric for kids’ rooms, consider [...]
by blape on February 5, 2011
Interesting curtains for kids bedrooms provide a focal point and adds to the décor. Color, texture and pattern draw the eye to the window. Since windows break up a two-dimensional wall space, the dimension of depth can be used to advantage. Consider using materials and colors that create a mood or an atmosphere rather than [...]
by blape on February 5, 2011
French doors present a lovely alternative to a solid-core door. The light penetrating through the window glass and the symmetry of the panes create a welcoming atmosphere for an entryway. French doors also can be used as a subtle divider between rooms. Wide-open, there does not seem to be a division while, when closed, the [...]
by blape on November 27, 2010
Shades are wonderful for more than just keeping out light. They can be used as a lovely piece of room decor, so long as one finds the right composition. If one wants to use the traditional model of roman shades, it is not necessary to look any farther than those made by Ambria. Brand Recognition [...]
by guestcontributor on November 20, 2010
Have you ever considered decorating a room with a specific theme? A fully themed room is not merely a color choice or a style of furniture, but rather a collection of furniture and decor that allows for one to express a singular concept in a given space. Many enjoy giving their rooms, especially bedrooms or [...]
by guestcontributor on November 20, 2010
In decorating, it is common (if a bit counter intuitive) practice to use opposites to create a particular atmosphere. However, these “opposites” are usually a bit more than that; thematically, they are easily tied together. For example, a room may use a mixture of antique and modern furniture, but the styles may well be similar [...]
by guestcontributor on November 16, 2010
Sometimes, the colors of a decorative piece can set the tone for an entire room. A dark red couch, for example, might inspire a designer to use colors that are more rich and daring in the rest of the space. A dark wood on an end table might inspire one to use a richer sort [...]
by guestcontributor on November 16, 2010
If you have spent time and energy decorating a room, you may eventually notice that there are a few areas that are just hard to bring in to line with the rest of the space. Be it that one corner that simply does not fit, the antique mantle that cannot be moved, or even the [...]
by guestcontributor on November 13, 2010
While curtains are a nice touch for any home, the actual usage of the curtain can be problematic in many homes. From the fact that a long curtain can scrape the floor (and thus get dirty) to their seemingly inability to actually stay in the position that the decorator has intended for them, it is [...]
by guestcontributor on November 13, 2010
With the sheer number of different decorating options on the market, it is certainly of no surprise that one rarely sees two homes decorated alike. It is surprising, then, that one almost always sees the same classic white horizontal blinds in every home. While these blinds do certainly look nice and serve well in their [...]
by guestcontributor on November 13, 2010
Doors have a sad tendency to look a bit, well, boring in the home. Perhaps it is because of their largely utilitarian nature – after all, most expect a door only to open and close. But to be honest, the door is a rather important part of the home, especially when we think of those [...]
by guestcontributor on November 13, 2010
Contrary to popular belief, blinds are available in almost every color of the rainbow. Despite this quite apparent fact, most are content to use the simple, off white shades that can be found easily in every big box store. But for those that want to stand out, especially those that are willing to take a [...]
by blape on November 7, 2010
Sometimes, the classics of decorating are the best. Look at the changes in home decor that have not stood the test of time: overgrown shag carpet, green bathroom sinks, rolls of laminate on the kitchen floor, and even the recliner have mostly given way to more timeless options. While it is always good to innovate [...]
by blape on November 7, 2010
If one is following the classic rules of home decoration, one will inevitably purchase wooden horizontal blinds for their window. It almost goes without saying that these blinds will be white – after all, this is what most homes have had for years, and they are readily available in most stores. But for those that [...]
by blape on October 31, 2010
Red is a bold color that can be used to add interest to a room or set off an element of the décor. Used sparingly, it enhances an atmosphere and adds drama. Each shade creates a feeling: deep red-burgundy is elegant, oriental orange-toned red is mysterious and cherry-red is cheerful. Select a shade that complements [...]
by blape on October 23, 2010
Contrasts in color schemes enliven a room’s décor. Black and white curtains can be a delightful addition to the decorative scheme by selecting a pattern that gives pizzazz to this seemingly ho-hum combination. Because black and white are neutral, any color palette can be used for walls, furniture and carpeting. The patterns and designs of [...]
by blape on October 14, 2010
Brown is traditionally considered a masculine color, but its many shades, from rich, deep mahogany and coffee to taupe, almond and ecru can be used effectively in decorative schemes. Brown curtains look opulent when made of fabrics with variations in texture, reflective sheen and in complementary shades. Hues of brown may have undertones of red [...]
by John F. on September 10, 2010
Lined curtains can enhance windows in any room. Lining protects draperies from ultraviolet light to prevent fading, adds crispness elegance to the cascade, increases thermal and acoustical insulation and blocks light. Lightweight linings help fabrics keep their shape and protect from direct sunlight, but do not provide significant thermal insulation or completely block light. Interlining [...]
by John F. on August 30, 2010
Using appropriate curtain hardware is important because the poles and brackets must support the full weight of the curtains. When multiple sets of curtains are hung, additional rods are often needed to accommodate the layers of draperies. For large or complex window curtains, several individual rods or single unit with two or three bars can [...]
by John F. on August 30, 2010
Window treatments can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room. Attractive windows create a focal point; the eye automatically moves to variations in a flat wall surface. Adorning windows with interesting color and patterns can be used effectively in a room with neutral walls or accessories. Blue is a primary color, one of the few [...]
by blape on August 19, 2010
Installing new curtains can improve the ambience of a room without undergoing major redecoration. Green curtains suggest the outdoors, giving a cool, fresh feeling to the interior. Although some shades are trendy, like lime green curtains and the avocado green curtains popular in the 1970’s, classic shades such as forest green never go out of [...]
by blape on August 4, 2010
The beauty of french doors and sidelights can be accentuated by the use of appropriate window treatments. French Door Curtain Ideas French Door Curtain Fabric Types Transparent, light-weight fabrics such as voile, batiste, net or lace enhance the windows of french doors. Voile is a plain-weave, light-weight, transparent fabric made from cotton, silk or synthetic [...]
by blape on July 29, 2010
Gingham window treatments are light-weight, made of yarn-dyed fabric, and are usually woven in checks. It was also traditionally woven in stripes, a pattern not common today. Originally made from cotton yarns, it is now also available as mixed cotton-synthetic fabric and as oil-cloth. Gingham fabric is transparent and filters sunlight, an important feature for [...]
by blape on July 22, 2010
Yellow window curtains impart a classic sensibility. Whether purchased with or without a tie-back, yellow curtains allude to secure, prosperous times, and foster a sense of warmth. When buying a yellow curtain, be sure to check what sort of material they are made out of, what accessories are included, and how well they insulate. Yellow [...]
by blape on July 22, 2010
Billowing balloon curtains feature ruffles, patterns, and a free-flowing sensibility. Balloon style curtains are for people who appreciate fun and vibrancy in their décor. Buying the best balloon curtain for your particular set-up is easy as long as you understand the look you’re going for, the insulation properties of the curtain, and of course, just [...]
by blape on July 20, 2010
Floral curtains span a range of different fabrics, styles, materials, and budgets. Whether you want to add an inexpensive flourish to your bedroom window or a stunning fabric centerpiece to your newly detailed designer digs, floral window curtains satisfy almost any drapery need. Untailored Floral Curtains Style: A floral curtain designed to simply hang in [...]
by blape on July 20, 2010
With their translucent sheerness and crinkled patterning, voile curtains can create a fairly powerful decorative impact. Great for windows and doors, a voile curtain can be mounted virtually anywhere. Buying the most efficient and beautiful pair of voile curtains is dependent largely on the type of material from which they are made. It should be [...]
by blape on July 20, 2010
Opulence, comfort, and vivid color are the trademarks of velvet curtains. Whether bound with an ornamental sash or hung so that the curtain ends pool on the floor, a velvet curtain adds character and distinction to every room in which they hang. When purchasing velvet drapes, take into account their insulation properties, their decorative elements, [...]
Whether you’re seeking full length curtains, window panels, or a colorful addition to your drapes, pink window curtains offer a vivid alternative to more traditionally conservative coverings. When buying curtains, always pay attention to how energy efficient they are. By investing in good material and proper mounting, you can not only reap the benefits of [...]
by blape on June 26, 2010
With metal or plastic rings sewn into the top of the curtain fabric, eyelet curtains are both distinctive looking and one of the easiest types of curtains to install. After a supporting rod has been bolted firmly to the wall, the eyelet curtain can quickly be attached. Unlike other types of curtains, eyelets are easy [...]
by blape on June 25, 2010
When buying curtains for kids rooms, make your child feel at home, and make the room beautiful, safe, and energy efficient. Curtains for Kids Bedroom Ideas Children Curtain Fabrics Trendy Patterns When decorating, many people’s first impulse is to buy children’s curtains with patterns of popular cartoon characters or music stars. This is not a good idea, primarily [...]
by blape on June 12, 2010
Unlike many other window treatments, a bay window blind system places a heavy emphasis on accentuating the frame of the bay windows themselves. Therefore, in addition to energy efficiency, light blockage, durability and price, window blinds should also be evaluated for how well they display the bay windows themselves. Aluminum Bay Window Blinds Style: Available [...]
by blape on June 11, 2010
Choosing patio door window treatments isn’t just about style — you should also focus on insulation and the amount of light blockage each treatment provides Patio Door Window Curtains Style: From Victorian ornamentation to spare, heavy cloth, curtains come in all styles for virtually any look or atmosphere you want to create in your home. [...]
Although it may seem daunting at first, comparing the benefits of window treatments for sliding glass doors can be accomplished relatively easily by separating the major types and qualities. Vertical Shade Window Treatments for Sliding Glass Doors Style: Usually mounted on a bar above the window, vertical shades are a simple and elegant way to [...]