blindsshades

Window Coverings Association of America

When measuring windows for custom blinds you first need to decide if you will install the blinds using an inside mount or an outside mount. Below I explain the differences between an inside and outside mount and how to measure your window for each.

No matter which type of mount you will be using for the blinds, these measuring basics will apply. Use a metal tape measure instead of a fabric or paper tape measure. Metal tape measures provide a more accurate measurement since fabric and paper can stretch. The tape measure should also be longer than the area you need to measure for the best accuracy. Write the measurements down, clearly marking which is width and which is height. Take all measurements needed and then do the measurements a second time verifying against your written measurements. When ordering custom blinds, the measurements must be correct or you may have custom blinds that do not fit the window for which you purchased them.

An inside mount is where the blind will be recessed within the window casing. With an outside mount the blinds will be mounted on the window casing or on the wall above the window. Use the following instructions based on which mount you will use.

How to measure windows for an inside mount:

Measure inside of the window casing, side to side for the width of the blind and top to bottom for the length. Measuring to the nearest 1/8″, as suggested on www.nobrainerblinds.com, will provide the best fit and light coverage. Measure the width three times, first at the top of the window, then near the middle, and finally near the bottom. Do the same for the length, measuring near the left edge of the window, around the center, and finally near the right edge. For the width, use the smallest measurement to ensure the blind will not rub against the window casing anywhere from top to bottom. For the length, use the longest to ensure coverage all the way to the bottom.

Do not reduce the width measurement as an allowance so the blind will not rub against the window casing. Custom blind manufacturers will automatically subtract a small amount from the width measurement to ensure proper fit of their product, as noted on www.nobrainerblinds.com and www.northernblinds.com.

How to measure windows for an outside mount:

Measuring for an outside mount does not need to be as precise as for an inside mount, since the blind will cover the entire window including the casing instead of needing to fit within the window casing. The critical step is to ensure that the screw positions needed for mounting can actually be used. If you plan to mount the blind on the wall above the window casing, you will need to verify that the required wall anchor or suitable screw can be placed through the wall at the exact positions required by the mounting bar of the blind.

There is a variety of wood or metal studs and fasteners under the drywall or plaster around all window and door openings. These are what attaches the window or door to the building and can extend several inches outward from the window. When attempting to install a pleated blind on a glass patio door, I encountered this problem. I planned to mount the blind above the patio door casing and ordered it just wide enough to cover the patio door casing from side to side. As it turned out the exact positions needed for the outer most screws were too close to the edges of the underlying wood studs. The screws would not held securely by the wood studs and wall anchors could not be used since the wood studs were in the way. Since I did not have enough width to shift the blind over, I had to mount the blind 1 inch higher than planned, causing the blind to be too short when fully lowered.

With an outside mount you can have the blind extend past the window several inches for better light coverage. You need to determine where to mount the blind and how far past the window on each side the blind will cover. Then measure the outside of the window casing. For width, once near the top, then near the middle, and finally near the bottom. For the length, measure once near the left outer edge, then near the center, and finally near the right outer edge.

Using the largest measurement for both width and length. Now add to the length measurement the amount needed to mount the blind above the window and the amount below the window you would like the blind to lay when fully lowered. For example, if the window is 42 1/2″ long, the blind will be mounted 2 1/2″ above the window, with 2″ extending below the window, your length measurement will be 47″ (42 ½ + 2 ½ + 2). If the window is 30 1/4″ wide and you would like the blind to extend 2 1/2″ past the window casing on both side, your width measurement will be 35 1/4″ (30 ¼ + 2 ½ + 2 ½).

Ought you require help in selecting curtains or blinds for your home then check out Window Coverings Association of America for more detailed information about how to design your space to fit your interior.

http://www.magneticblinds.org

This simple vintage window shutter Key Holder is a great way to add some stylish storage to your front hall or mudroom using a new or old wood shutter.

Who knew a wood shutter could also keep you really organized. The vintage look is timeless and well suited for many different styles. The added bonus is the extra storage this simple wood working Key Holder project will add to your home!

You can make this simple vintage window shutter Key Holder for about $100 or less, depending on how much you end up paying for your vintage window.

To Make a Storage Key Holder Out for a Vintage Window shutter You Will Need:

2X4's

Screw on Eye hooks (how many you want)

Plywood

Screws

Power drill

Drill bits

Primer

Paint

Picture hanging Hooks (optional)

Paint brushes (in a variety of sizes)

Magnetic door hook

Piano Hinge

Vintage wood shutter

Now, the first step is to measure your vintage window shutter. Measure how wide and tall it is. I like to use smaller vintage window shutters for this simple craft project. They are perfect for holding keys, which are somewhat small.

Use your 2X4's to build a frame the exact same size. Use you wood screws to screw the pieces of 2X4's together like a box frame. Predrill the holes for the screws with your power drill to keep the wood from splitting.

Now, cut your plywood to the same size as your vintage window shutter as well.

Screw the plywood onto the back of the wood frame you built. You can do this step gain by predrill holes through the plywood another 2X4″ frame. Insert your screws to hold them together.

Now, attach the vintage window shutter to the front of the Key Holder box. Do this by install a piano hinge on the left side of the frame. Attach one side to the frame you built and one side of the hinge to the vintage window shutter.

On the right side install your magnetic door hook. You could also use a hook and eye hook like you used to find on old screen doors.

Now, flip the vintage window shutter box five down. Install your picture hanging hooks on the back of the box. They should be attached into the plywood you put on the back.

Now, flip the box back over and lay it on it's back on a flat work surface.

Now, lightly sand any areas needed on the wooden box and roof.

Wipe away any dust and prime it out.

Now, once the primer has dried you can paint the inside and outside of the Vintage Window shutter key Box.

Now, you need to take your screw on teacup hooks and install them inside of the key holder on the back piece of wood. Simple take a pencil and marker a dot where you would like them to be. Now, screw them into place and you can hang your keys on them!

To blend the front of the shutter and the key holder you built try painting the entire key cabinet out in some milk paint or flat wall paint. This will make it look professional and like one piece.

Click here for more Vintage Lifestyle Projects and Photos by Rebecca.

Ought you require help in selecting curtains or blinds for your home then check out http://www.magneticblinds.org for additional detailed info about how to design your space to fit your interior.

Magnetic Blinds

Mini blinds are an often-forgotten item in regular cleaning. As such, they can get really filthy. I have always enjoyed mini blinds. Over the years I have found several degrees of cleaning to clean mini blinds. There are several ways to clean mini blinds depending on how dirty they are.

Dust to Clean Mini Blinds

I you keep up on cleaning your mini blinds, you may only need to dust them. This will need to be done frequently, depending on dust levels in your home. To clean mini blinds in this fashion is simple. Turn the mini blinds closed, then dust. Turn them closed the opposite direction to dust the other side of the mini blinds.

Another dusting method involves a specially-made multi-slat duster. These can be made with synthetic sheepskin, microfiber or other cloth. At Amazon.com, you can get the microfiber style mini-blind dusterstarting at $4.251, and the synthetic sheepskin mini blind style duster starting at $1.942.

Vacuum to Clean Mini Blinds

Another option to clean mini blinds is a vacuum cleaner attachment. Target.com has a mini blind vacuum attachment for $9.993.

If neither of these methods are quite enough, you can try the next phase of how to clean mini blinds.

Wipe to Clean Mini Blinds

If your mini blinds are a little more than dusting, a quick wipe may be all that's needed. This will work with aluminum, plastic and metal mini blinds.

Turn to close the mini blinds. Using a damp cloth, wipe the slats of the mini blinds. If necessary, you may wet the cloth with a diluted cleaning agent before wiping. Let dry, then turn to close the mini blinds the opposite direction to clean the other side of the mini blinds.

If you have wood mini blinds, you can try to dry-wipe the mini blinds, or use a little wood cleaner or furniture polish on the rag. Be sure to follow manufacturer's directions for your wood mini blinds to avoid warping and cracking.

If you have fabric mini blinds, only follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Some fabric may pile if it gets wet. Other fabric may stain or get damaged on fabric mini blinds.

Soak to Clean Mini Blinds

If you really need to clean your mini blinds because they have caked on dust or greasy grime from the kitchen, you may have to soak those bad boys. This can be done in the bathtub.

If you choose the bathtub option, you will be able to soak your blinds for a while. Add some concentrated cleaner and water to your tub according to the concentrated cleaner's instructions. It's best if you choose a cleaner that can remove grease.

Release your mini blinds to full length, then turn to close. Remove the mini blinds and carefully take to the bathtub. Lay them in the bathtub, separating as many slats as possible. You want the cleaning solution to get all the slats.

Allow your mini blinds to soak at least 20 minutes. More time may be needed depending on the degree of grime.

After soaking and while still in the bathtub, spread out a section at a time of the mini blinds. Use a scrubby sponge or a hand brush to wipe or scrub the slats. Be sure to get around the cords. Work like this on one side of the blinds a section at a time until you clean that side of the mini blinds.

Carefully turn the blinds over and repeat the process for the other side of the mini blinds.

When you are finished, drain the water out of your bathtub. You can then use your shower to rinse the mini blinds. If you prefer, you may rinse the tub and refill with clean water to soak-rinse your mini blinds. Be sure to lift them gently up and down in the water s few times to remove the cleaning solution.

After soak-cleaning your mini blinds, you will need to hang them up somewhere to dry. Weather permitting, this can be done outside. If not, find somewhere inside to hang them, placing a towel or sheet underneath to catch the drips.

The MiniMaids Blind Cleaner4 has become a popular advertisement. This is a set of hanging devices to use to hang your mini blinds on the wall in the shower. It is supposed to make cleaning mini blinds easier. I have never tried MiniMaids Blind Cleaner so I do not know if it makes cleaning mini blinds any easier or not. I have only been able to find this product on ebay.com4. As of the date of this writing, this product is selling for $9.95.

To Spray Clean Mini Blinds Outside

If you're cleaning your mini blinds in good weather, you can take them outside for a spray cleaning. This takes a little more effort than the bathtub method, as the mini blinds will not be soaking in cleaning solution.

Follow the same steps as above to remove your mini blinds. Take them outside where you can lay them flat. Spray your mini blinds with the hose. You can either pour cleaning solution on the blinds and scrub from there, or you can add cleaning solution to your scrubby sponge or hand brush to clean mini blinds.

Clean as you would in the bathtub method, making sure to get both sides. Then you just use the hose to spray them off. As above, you will need to hang them somewhere to dry.

Finish Cleaning Mini Blinds

When your mini blinds are almost dry, you should wipe them with a dry cloth to be sure there are no streaks or smears. WiseGeek5 suggests rubbing your dry mini blinds with a fabric softener sheet to prevent build-up. This may prolong the next event in which you need to clean mini blinds.

1) Amazon.com; Microfiber Blind Duster; www.amazon.com

2) Amazon.com; Do It Best Imports JXQY1001 Blind Kleener; www.amazon.com

3) Target.com; Search Results for Mini Blind Cleaner; www.target.com

4) ebay.com; MiniMaids Mini Blind Cleaner - Hang & Rinse Clean; www.ebay.com

5) wisegeek.com; How Can I Clean Mini Blinds?; www.wisegeek.com

Should you need help in choosing curtains or blinds for your home then check out Magnetic Blinds for additional detailed info concerning how to design your area to suit your interior.

A new and innovative window treatment to add to the decor of your home,and an easy home improvement,DIY project, is adding blinds to your windows. The options are unlimited, and shopping can be fun with all the choices in blinds. Whether you prefer Aluminum venetian blinds or wooden blinds, caring for your window treatments is easiest if you clean them on a regular basis. Cleaning blinds can be as easy as dusting them with the attachment of your vacuum cleaner, a soft duster or a pair of cotton gloves or old socks.

Weekly dusting will prevent heavy grime build-up and more intensive cleaning. All blinds are easily dusted, one slat at a time. Vacuum cleaner attachments are very effective for this task due to the suction. If you prefer a soft duster, take care to do one side of the blinds, flip them using the attached chord, and repeat on the back side. One of the most time efficient ways of dusting blinds is to slip a sock on your hand, grasp the slats and wipe the dust off each one.

Beyond dusting, cleaning your blinds is relatively easy. Should they require a more thorough cleaning, here are some tips specific to the type of blind you choose. Wood Venetian Blinds come in various colors and textures. To maintain the lustre of these fine window treatments, dust as instructed above. The smooth texture allows for quick and easy removal of dust particles. On occasion, you may want to clean more deeply. Wood blinds should not be submersed in water, as this may cause the slats to warp. It is best to use the dry dusting method, but if it is warranted, it is recommended that a damp cloth be used to wipe the slats clean. Excessive water is not recommended, despite the seal applied to wood blinds.

Aluminum Venetian blinds can be cleaned by submersing in water and it is safe to use detergent. Close the blinds to flatten the slats and wash and rinse each side. Aluminum is water and detergent resistant, but take care not to bend the slats, which will alter the look of the treatments. Dish detergent is especially effective for blinds that hang in kitchens where grease is sure to adhere to the slats. A household sponge will be effective in washing the slats. Completely wipe each slat to avoid missing any areas. You can wash your aluminum blinds while hanging, but for very thorough cleaning, removing them from the window brackets is recommended. A backyard hose, utility sink or bathtub are all very handy for washing your aluminum blinds. If you choose to wash them outdoors, hanging the blinds on a clothesline is very convenient. Using a hose will aide in rinsing off excess detergent. Take the time to wipe the slats after cleaning, to remove any excess water.

If you choose to wash your aluminum blinds indoors, submerge them in the bathtub or utility sink. Using a sponge, wipe each slat to ensure thorough cleaning. The easiest way to rinse blinds is with a shower attachment or hose attachment. Weather permitting, hang the blinds outside to dry over your clothesline.

Whether you prefer Aluminum or Wood Venetian blinds, regular dusting for maintenance, and seasonal thorough cleaning will help to maintain the integrity and lustre of your window treatments. The time and effort in keeping your blinds clean will surely pay off in adding to the warmth, function and decor of your home. If you have any questions or concerns about your blinds, be sure to contact the manufacturer for more product specific information.

Should you need help in choosing curtains or blinds for your home then check out for more detailed data regarding how to design your room to fit your interior.

There is a quiet debate as to which form of window covering is the best. Are blinds better than shutters? Well it would really depend on how your home looks. Some homes don't look good with blinds, and some look good with them. Shutters have the same effect as well. So how do you determine which is the best for your home when comparing shutters to traditional blinds? Well here are some factors to consider when comparing the two. One thing I do know about blinds is that they like to get tangled and they wear and tear a lot faster than shutters. Shutters on the other hand are very durable and you won't have to deal with the tangling and the mangling like you would if you had blinds.

Shutters have more of an elegant look than blinds and they are very conveniently accessible. All you have to do with shutters is push them up to close them or just pull down to open them. You can't get any easier than that. They also come in a wide variety of colors. You can get them in maple wood, red wood, white, black or any other color that you desire. Shutters are a great way to give your home a distinctive look and in many cases increase the value of the property because it increases that elegant look to the home.

Blinds are whole lot more traditional. You have to pull a string to get them to pull them up and you have to spin or twirl the rod on the side to open the blinds. The only thing about blinds is that they are not that durable. They are not durable because sometime you can get frustrated with them, when trying to open, and pull too hard and mess the blinds up. They can also bend causing the blind to intertwine. However, when taken care of, you can have a great look for certain rooms such as your bedroom or kitchen. These two places in the house would more than likely have blinds in them. It also gives a very homely look. If you live in the country, blinds are definitely a great way to bring that homely affect on the household. Shutters may be a bit much for bedrooms or kitchens, even though there are some homes that have them.

So before you decide to purchase blinds or shutters, find out if you need one or the other or if you need both in the home. Based on how your home is structured, you can have the look you are searching for in no time.

Ought you require help in choosing curtains or blinds for your home then take a look at Interior Design Association for a lot of detailed information regarding how to style your area to fit your interior.

There are few things you wish to do before you get window blinds or curtains for all of your area and house window treatments and coverings. When it involves doing some enhancements to your house and room, treatments blinds are huge half of the whole picture. Obtaining the incorrect coverings might ruin what should be an elegant house. However the query remains as to what you actually need. Are you going to shop for window blinds or curtains?

The reason this query is always at the forefront of anyone plans when dressing out your windows is that there are such a lot of selections out there these days. While is great knowing that there are huge picks, styles and designs out there to decide on from, it additionally becomes confusing. To slender the talk on which is the simplest for your home decor and window covering needs, you need some few tips or data on how you can go about it.

1st off is to make a decision whether or not you prefer curtains or blinds for your room. To determine what's the simplest is to understand the location of where you wish it to be installed. You also need to see why you wish it in the first place. Do you would like it for privacy and to block daylight that goes through your area? In this case you may need blackout window blinds. Are you installing it on high traffic place where it will simply get dirty? These queries would like to answered before you start shopping for your window treatments.

If it's an area where there's usually moist, you're presumably to higher off with to shop for window blinds. However if you would like to have some sunlight and breeze coming back off your windows for fresher area, then curtains is sweet option. Obtaining to know exactly what you wish why you need certain type of window coverings over the other varieties can create you shopping more easy and easy.

Last factor you wish is to travel and search for something and then later need to exchange or come it as a result of it will not rhyme or match with your home furnishings and layout. Getting the correct match is of utmost vital if you would like styled elegantly and luxuriously looking. What else is best than to possess a great looking space or house?

Looking into the benefits and advantages of both blinds and curtains for your window treatments or coverings is the most effective manner to grasp which the most effective to get is. If you need to buy window blinds, create certain to urge the precise measurement before you start shopping around. The last thing you need is to shop for blinds that are exhausting to put in as a result of they are doing not work in your window.

Realize additional data around window covering at Window Blinds Association of America

Custom window blinds can be a great way to get the exact function and style you are looking for. Custom window blinds can also be an expensive undertaking. Here are my top 3 choices of where to order blinds online.

JustBlinds.com

JustBlinds offers a wide range of custom window treatments through their website. Horizontal blinds are available in faux wood, wood and aluminum. Shades styles available are cellular, pleated, roman, roller and woven wood shades. Vertical blinds in PVC or fabric and Plantation shutters in wood or faux wood are also available.

The JustBlinds custom window treatment web site has a clean layout and is easy to use. They offer some Bali and Shangri-La products while the majority of the products are non-branded. The greatest cost savings available is on the non-branded products. This can be a bit of a quandary since you cannot determine the quality of any product simply through a website. This can be overcome though by ordering free samples of the products you are considering. Click on the Free Samples tab and order samples of the products and in the colors you are considering.

During the ordering process, simulations of the available colors are displayed. At least for the products and colors I looked at, the color selector was obviously wrong. To verify the color and make certain it came as expected, I would order a sample.

HomeDepot.com

The Home Depot not only provides custom window treatments through their stores, but also through their website, HomeDepot.com. The website offers a wide variety of custom blinds and shades by Levolor, Bali, designview, and Hampton Bay. The pricing is slightly higher on HomeDepot.com than JustBlinds.com, but HomeDepot.com offers many more varieties of the branded shades and blinds. If you want to stay with a specific brand, HomeDepot.com most likely will be a better choice for you on which to order custom blinds or shades online.

The HomeDepot.com custom window treatment web site also has a clean layout and is fairly easy to use. To order sample swatches click the Order Free Swatches button in the navigation area across the top of the page.

Blinds4Cheap.com

Blinds4Cheap.com is a plain looking website offering cheap window treatments. Horizontal blinds are available in faux wood, three grades of wood and aluminum. Horizontal cellular shades are available, single and double cell, plus plantation shutters in wood or faux wood. All products are non-branded, with products from brands such as Bali or Levolor not available.

The ordering process is very straightforward, mainly due to the somewhat more limited product offering as compared to both JustBlinds.com and HomeDepot.com. There is no visible tab or link from which to order sample swatches, but I did find instructions on how to do this on the Contact Us page.

Comparing the 3 websites

To compare these three window treatment web sites, I selected the most similar product with the same options on each. My trial product was a 3/8″ double cell cellular blind, 32 1/8″ wide by 36 7/8″ long. At HomeDepot.com the product selected was a Bali Diamondcell and it priced out at $77.35 (* reflects a 15% off all blinds promotion). At JustBlinds.com the product was a non-branded Light Filtering Double Cell blind which priced out at $62.00. At Blinds4Cheap.com the product was a non-branded double cell blind which priced out at $57.77.

JustBlinds.com stands out over HomeDepot.com and Blinds4Cheap.com with its 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee, even on custom products. Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

A number of valuable information all-around window blinds can be found at this site.

If you want to immediately change the look of your room, window treatments are an inexpensive, quick solution. And Roman blinds are a great choice.

You can have them installed by professionals or purchase them ready-made and install them yourself. If you are feeling creative, you might decide to make Roman Blinds. We will discuss some of what you will need to do this project. Exact instructions will be different depending on the type of Roman blind you want to make and the dimensions of your window. You need to know at least what is involved before you decide to make Roman blinds.InstructionsThings You’ll Need:

• Fabric, depends on window size and type of Roman blind.
• Lining Fabric, same amount
• Plastic rings, or ring tape
• little screw hooks, at least 4
• Cord
• cord-locking hardware or a metal cleat to tie the cords around to secure
• 1″ BY 2″ BOARD, SIZE OF WINDOW OPENING

1. Step 1

   So, you want to make Roman blinds. The first thing you need to do is determine the type of Roman blinds you want to make. There are flat, lined Roman blinds, butterfly Roman blinds, hobbled Roman blinds, relaxed Roman blinds, slatted Roman shades and balloon shades. These all are made with the same principle, but different technique. The best one for a first-time project is the flat, lined Roman blind.

2. Step 2A Roman blind is basically a fabric panel that has little plastic rings attached in a regular pattern on the back. Cords are run through the rings and then along the board at the top, through little metal screw rings. The cords, when pulled to raise the shade, pulls the shade up in a pleated manner. The type of pleats resulting from the cords being drawn depend on the style of shade.
3. Step 3The plastic rings could be replaced with a tape that could be sewed or applied with adhesive that saves the tedious sewing of all those little rings. The advantage of the tape is that it is easier to avoid an error that will cause the shade to hang askew when the cords are drawn to raise the blinds. If you want to make Roman blinds, the tape might be a good choice for the first project.
4. Step 4For basic flat, lined Roman shades, you usually measure the width of the window and have your board cut to that dimension. You will also need to calculate fabric needs. You will need the width and length of the window plus one inch extra allowed all around. You will need this amount of lining and decorative fabric to make Roman blinds.
5. Step 5Fabric choice is quite variable. You can use everything from velvet to a thin, sheer fabric, but you must be conscious of what kind of Roman Shade you want to make. the heavier fabrications may not hang correctly, for instance, as balloon shades. You need a lining fabric, keeping in mind the view from the curb.
   If you are utilizing your Roman blind as a sheer behind other window treatments, you will want a thinner fabric. But, if you are intending to enjoy the sun-blocking and nosy-neighbor-blocking benefits of roman shades, then you need to think about using a more opaque fabric.
6. Step 6The hardware you choose to use is up to you. The Roman Shade hardware looks complicated, but really just pulls the cords to one side and locks them when the shade is drawn up to keep it in position. You can omit this hardware and tack a little metal cleat to the trim around the window to wrap the cords around when the shade is drawn up.
7. Step 7The actual steps involved vary according to style, but a flat blind is sewn wrong sides together, turned, and the rings applied. They are usually around 7 inches apart. That again can vary. The fabric is attached to the board, metal screws put in to direct the cord to the side, and you are ready to hang it!

Tips & Warnings

• Once you learn how to make Roman blinds, you will probably make them for all of your windows.

A quantity of useful information all-around window blinds can be found at the British Blind and Shutter Association