The Professional’s Secret To Window Covering Ideas

A window covering idea is not just as easy as hanging some attractive curtains. The window covering should be designed so that the proportions balance the room. If an element in the design is not the right size it will throw the entire effect of the window treatment off. In order to plan a balanced window covering idea there are a few basic principles that relate with space that you have to understand. The principles will include balance, line, proportion, scale, rhythm and harmony. Your proportions and scale in the window covering work hand in hand. The scale is how the size of all the other things in the room and the proportion is the relationship of the objects and parts to each other based on size. For example your window size and how proportional it is to the size of your room. A good over all scale will be achieved if all the window fixtures are proportioned right and relative to one another as well as to the wholes rooms theme. Sometimes a window treatment will be too large or maybe too small for the location. Careful planning of your window covering idea and a deliberate effort will help this and you will achieve an overall custom window covering that is well proportioned and will complete the room's window covering design effect.

Color, Pattern, Texture, window covering ideas

To coordinate your window covering and the rest of the theme and elements of the room, you must consider the texture, pattern and color and how to best use them so that your window treatment will blend in or maybe stand out in the background. The choice of colors and patterns along with textures can alter the way you are covering the manufactures window by having them appear smaller or larger depending with the scale of your design and the hues intensity. Texture is the subset of the elements and will add complexity by use of fabrics with coarse, matte, glossy or smooth weaves.

How to choose window covering colors

Window treatments that are designed to blend into the room will give you a serene ambiance. To blend and stay low key choose colors and fabric that match the walls exactly. By choosing cool and warm colors you can crate the way a window treatment will be perceived. Warm colors with sunny hues will seem to be closer together and will give the room an intimate flavoring. The cool tones along with neutral colors will make your room recede and will help open up a smaller room. If you use a less intense color variation you will reduce the affect that it will have to advance or recede your room.

How to choose window covering patterns

To enhance your window covering, patterned fabric is the easiest and most popular way to do this because patterns are a major vehicle for color. Using the rules for color selection will effectively make the field smaller when you select a pattern or a few complements of patterns. A window covering pattern with a large scale and using a warm color, will make it appear as though the pattern is coming towards you. This may create a stimulating and lively window treatment. A large space may feel cozier. If you have a small space to work with be careful in using a large scale pattern or it may over power the room. A small scale window pattern will make things appear to recede. For instance it will make a small room appear larger. But in a large room the small pattern may be bland. If you are going to use a small window covering pattern in a large room, pick the one that has some vibrant colors. Following some of these tips, you will have a custom window covering that looks like it was designed by a professional.

About The Author
Daryl Plaza is the owner of http://windowcoveringresource.com a web site that can help you discover new and amazing window treatment ideas. Our Resources and Reviews will help you with your window covering plans.

Window Décor Q&A: How Do I Balance Privacy And Sunlight?

Q: Our family room has a large bay window that provides wonderful sunlight, but, unfortunately, it faces the street and we live on a court. I love the benefits of sunlight, but I'm not comfortable with my neighbors seeing into my home for hours on end so my drapes are usually blocking out all that great sunlight. What can I do to let the sunshine in without giving up my privacy?

A: Letting in sunlight while preserving privacy is one of the industry's biggest challenges. For windows with an open view to the outside or inside, a top-down/bottom-up shade is the best option available. Cellular pleated or Pleated shades allow you to lower the shade from the top. This lets light in while keeping the bottom part of the window covered ensuring privacy. Other options like horizontal wood or aluminum blinds can offer you complete privacy control and style options.

For more home décor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Home Improvement

It is possible to make your home or apartment look good without spending a truckload of money on furniture and other items. As long as you follow a few simple rules and take advantage of new opportunities for frugal shopping (such as the Internet) you can transform any space into a relaxing, comfortable retreat.

1. Harness the transformative power of paint. Using paint to transform a room is one of the cheapest ways to make a big impact. Adding color, and maybe even paint designs, to the walls of a room is the easiest and most effective way to decorate a room and permeate it with your own personal style. You can also paint furniture to cover up aging pieces or antique finds that require some TLC. And if you make a mistake or decide to switch up your design in a few years, paint is very easy to change.

2. Plush pillows. Another wallet-friendly way to give your home that designer feel is to add accent pillows and rugs to the mix. Because these items tend to be small and sold for very little, you don't have to spend a lot of money to incorporate them into a space. A plush pillow alone can really work wonders, drawing your eye away from less appealing elements and toward a splash of color and texture. For extra effect, combine pillow sizes and shapes, or consider purchasing oversized floor cushions for even more color and added seating. Throw rugs constructed out of remnants are also a cheap way to add interest to an otherwise dull place.

3. Let there be light. Place several lamps around the room for an inexpensive way to create a space filled with warmth and comfort. If you opt for three way lighting, each lamp can serve a dual purpose: a brighter setting will provide working light when you need it, and a lower setting will create an intimate ambiance when you want to make the room feel even more cozy.

If you don't have enough money to buy new lamps, simply hide ugly lighting fixtures behind the sofa or a plant to keep it out of sight, and create a dramatic lighting effect at the same time.

Installing colored bulbs is another clever way to use lighting as an inexpensive decorating method. Colored lighting washes a room with soft light that produces an inviting atmosphere. This technique is most effective in the bedroom and bathroom.

4. Accessorize. You can easily reinvent a space anytime you want by incorporating new accessories. Buy new towels, a shower curtain, and other accessories if you want to revamp your bathroom. In other rooms, add a flower vase, or display a couple of cool knick-knacks you've picked up through the years.

An eclectic array of accoutrements works really well – you can usually find unique pieces at garage sales and on eBay for very low prices.

Candles are also a favorite. They instantly make a room feel cozy and warm without costing a bundle. They put that finishing touch on a room and make it feel complete. The fragrance alone will do wonders.

Decorative molding and medallions may seem too expensive a touch, but they are truly an affordable alternative to wood moldings. You can quickly and easily install them, and maintenance is a breeze.

Hanging framed photos of loved ones is another trick used by designers the world over. They add a simple focal point to a room and don't cost a lot to create.

5. Window coverings. A bit of money put into curtains or window coverings can do more for a room than you might expect. The beauty of fabric adds drama and luxury to bare windows and makes the entire room stand out. Even if you rent and have vertical blinds to contend with, the softness of a curtain creates a more elegant, finished look. If you know how to sew, purchase fabric from an outlet and make the curtains yourself. If you aren't an expert with pins and needles, consider buying basic store-bought curtain panels with a patterned fabric.

6. Use your own furniture. Instead of buying new, expensive furniture, use what you already have. If the pieces are in decent condition, give them a good cleaning, slap of paint, or a slipcover. Slipcovers are easy to find in home stores these days, and are sold at affordable prices. On top of all that, they are durable and washable.

If you have nothing to start with, become an online shop-a-holic. Scour online furniture stores for quality pieces at low prices. Often, online stores sell for less than retail because their business has less overhead to deal with – as a result, the savings are passed on to the consumer. And shipping prices have come down across the board, so there's no excuse not to order furniture online.

If you follow these frugal factoids and aren't afraid to shop in a few unconventional places for furniture and other items, you'll be able to furnish your entire home on a tiny budget. It'll be worth every penny.

About The Author
Katerina Mitrou sponsored by http://www.peoplesfurniture.net/ People's Furniture sells high end, low cost dining, living room and bedroom Furniture: http://www.peoplesfurniture.net/. Please link to this site when using this article.

Decorating Tips: How To Make Windows The Focal Point Of Your Décor

Windows are such an important part of any room, that it's amazing the number of times we ignore their many possibilities for creating or complementing a room's entire mood and theme. They are the source of light, air and sunshine, which are direct and integral sources of our feelings of comfort. Therefore, the task of how to dress them should become a focal point.

Even if the windows themselves are not attractive, some sort of treatment on them (if only to disguise them) will change their appearance, but even more importantly will beautify the entire room. In this way, windows can greatly influence a room. They can be the focal point of an entire scheme in which you build the room around them because of a fabulous view, or just because the window itself is impressive.

Alternatively, you may choose to let them blend into the overall theme, because a piece of artwork is of specific interest and so needs to stand out. If you have a small living space or office, you may decide to keep things simple and neutral to maximize the room's dimensions.

Sometimes, however, even this rule must be ignored, because you may want to maximize the feeling of intimacy within the room.

According to Yasmin Siboldi, Manager Visual Merchandising at Blinds To Go, the country's leading manufacturer and retailer of custom made blinds and shades, it is best to begin, as with all décor choices, thinking of what you need with regards to function.

"Window treatments have so many variations, that they will probably be some of the most challenging, but also the most interesting decisions you will make about the look of your room," Siboldi said.

But finally, she says, the one issue that has no bearing on needs, is simply aesthetics. That is to say the "need" to create a mood, a theme, a way of beautifying the appearance of a room, even if the treatment is unnecessary.

"Once you have determined the mood and theme you want to create for your room, selecting a window treatment can be easy," Siboldi added. "Just remember decorating is supposed to be enjoyable and creative, so there really is no wrong answers. What's important is that you created a look that you are pleased with."

For more home décor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Decor Tips: A Glossary Of Key Window Decor Terms

So you've moved into your new home and have nothing but bed sheets obstructing your neighbors from peering into your windows. Looks like you're in dire need of quality window treatments.

But before you run off in search of the perfect window dressings, here's a helpful glossary of window décor terms from the experts at Blinds To Go to help you navigate through the sea of design choices.

Blinds are window coverings that offer versatility. They have horizontal or vertical slats that can be rotated for maximum light and privacy control. The slats can be made from wood, fabric or aluminum. The slats or material can be rotated for light and privacy control. Vertical blinds operate similarly to a drapery; they can be opened from the center and stack as a pair on both sides of the window, or they can draw from one side and stack as a panel. Horizontal blinds are drawn up and can be easily hidden, if desired, beneath a valance or top treatment.

Cellular shades are an innovative fabric shade constructed from honeycomb-shaded cells that insulate windows with pockets of trapped air. The practical honeycomb structure of this shade is visible only from the side. From the front, a closed cellular shade appears to be a cascade of crisp pleats. When opened, cellular shades fold up neatly along the pleat lines to the top of the head-rail.

Double cellular shades are fabric shades with double cell design for increased energy efficiency. This fabric is also available in single cell design.

Fabric shades are shades that are generally raised and lowered by folding or gathering fabric to the top.

Pleated shades are fabric shades made from a crisply pleated material that closely resembles a cellular shade.

Roman shades are fabric shades that fold neatly to the top when drawn open. A classic roman shade has overlapping folds when the shade is lowered, while a flat roman has no folds when lowered.

Room darkening fabric is a term that refers to fabric that has been treated or is constructed to block out a large portion of the sunlight, providing a "room darkening" effect. This type of fabric is used mainly in bedrooms, but has applications in a wide variety of rooms.

Shades are window coverings that are made of material, which can be permanently pleated, like that of a cellular or pleated shade, or can be a drapery fabric like that of a roman shade. Shades are drawn up and stacked at the top of the window. Shades can be raised to allow more light into a room and then lowered to afford more privacy. They can be stopped at different intervals on the window, and still maintain a neat, finished look.

Stack is a term used to describe the amount of space a treatment uses when drawn to reveal your window.

Top treatment refers to any treatment that is used over the "top" of another, most commonly referred to as a valance.

Window shadings refers to a new category of fabric blinds which combine the features of a horizontal shade with the elegance of sheer fabrics.

For more home décor and window covering ideas, visit a Blinds To Go superstore (1-800-blinds-7 for store locations) or its Web site at www.blindstogo.com.

About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

The Professional’s Secret To Window Covering Ideas

A window covering idea is not just as easy as hanging some attractive curtains. The window covering should be designed so that the proportions balance the room. If an element in the design is not the right size it will throw the entire effect of the window treatment off. In order to plan a balanced window covering idea there are a few basic principles that relate with space that you have to understand. The principles will include balance, line, proportion, scale, rhythm and harmony. Your proportions and scale in the window covering work hand in hand. The scale is how the size of all the other things in the room and the proportion is the relationship of the objects and parts to each other based on size. For example your window size and how proportional it is to the size of your room. A good over all scale will be achieved if all the window fixtures are proportioned right and relative to one another as well as to the wholes rooms theme. Sometimes a window treatment will be too large or maybe too small for the location. Careful planning of your window covering idea and a deliberate effort will help this and you will achieve an overall custom window covering that is well proportioned and will complete the room's window covering design effect.

Color, Pattern, Texture, window covering ideas

To coordinate your window covering and the rest of the theme and elements of the room, you must consider the texture, pattern and color and how to best use them so that your window treatment will blend in or maybe stand out in the background. The choice of colors and patterns along with textures can alter the way you are covering the manufactures window by having them appear smaller or larger depending with the scale of your design and the hues intensity. Texture is the subset of the elements and will add complexity by use of fabrics with coarse, matte, glossy or smooth weaves.

How to choose window covering colors

Window treatments that are designed to blend into the room will give you a serene ambiance. To blend and stay low key choose colors and fabric that match the walls exactly. By choosing cool and warm colors you can crate the way a window treatment will be perceived. Warm colors with sunny hues will seem to be closer together and will give the room an intimate flavoring. The cool tones along with neutral colors will make your room recede and will help open up a smaller room. If you use a less intense color variation you will reduce the affect that it will have to advance or recede your room.

How to choose window covering patterns

To enhance your window covering, patterned fabric is the easiest and most popular way to do this because patterns are a major vehicle for color. Using the rules for color selection will effectively make the field smaller when you select a pattern or a few complements of patterns. A window covering pattern with a large scale and using a warm color, will make it appear as though the pattern is coming towards you. This may create a stimulating and lively window treatment. A large space may feel cozier. If you have a small space to work with be careful in using a large scale pattern or it may over power the room. A small scale window pattern will make things appear to recede. For instance it will make a small room appear larger. But in a large room the small pattern may be bland. If you are going to use a small window covering pattern in a large room, pick the one that has some vibrant colors. Following some of these tips, you will have a custom window covering that looks like it was designed by a professional.


About The Author
Daryl Plaza is the owner of http://windowcoveringresource.com a web site that can help you discover new and amazing window treatment ideas. Our Resources and Reviews will help you with your window covering plans.

Lace Curtains, Valances, Tiers and Panels – Charming Window Coverings To Mix and Match

THE COMPONENT PARTS OF THE ANATOMY OF A LACE CURTAIN

Designing Lace Curtain window coverings can be very confusing. Let's try to simplify the challenge by starting with the very basics. Most major Lace Curtain suppliers offer many different pieces to be used in combinations to arrive at completely different looks. The pieces have various names including One Piece Swags, Fan Swags, Swag Pairs, Valances, Tiers and Panels. They are woven into delicate lace patterns or stunningly bold Macrame ring lace. Depending how you use them, your window treatment can be formal or casual, simple or ornate. Whatever combination you use can greatly influence your over-all design goals.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO CREATE YOUR VERY OWN LOOK

The simplest design would be to use a Lace Valance and a Lace Tier together as shown here. This picture uses a Macrame Ring Lace, however, any Lace Valances and Tiers can be used for the same effect. This design is shown on tension rods inside the window casing. The treatment also can be used where both Valance and Tier are mounted on rods that are attached to the wall outside of the window frame. Another attractive style would be to mount the Valance on an outside mount rod and the Tier on a tension rod inside the jamb. In yet a different version you could mount the Valance on an outside mount rod and use a full length Lace Panel or pair of Panels on a rod under the Valance rod. One of these options may be just what you want but, hold on, we are just getting started.

You may want a more formal treatment as shown here. It consists of a Swag Pair with a Valance in between and a full length Panel underneath. As another option, in a narrower window, you could eliminate the in between Valance and just use the Swag Pair or a One Piece Swag. If you use two Panels you could tie them back to each side for a totally different style. Also, a Priscilla look could be created by using a second Panel underneath the first Panel and tying them back to opposite sides.

There is another design, shown here, that uses a little of all of the above ideas but is more informal and could be used in a den, dinette or kitchen area. Please notice that this picture also shows one window treatment used over two separate windows which creates the impression of enlarging the spaciousness of your room.

As you can see, Lace Curtains can be highly personalized to create the very look that makes your home warm and inviting We are not finished yet. Let's think even more outside of the box. What if you have a curved top window. That's easy. Just find a solid metal rod and bend it to the same contour as your window frame and use the same designs we just discussed. How about another idea. If you have two corner windows you have the option of treating them as one window or two windows. You can mount separate curtains on each window or as in the picture above you can make the two windows look like one giving the effect of a much larger window.

THE MANY NOT SO MYSTERIOUS WAYS TO CREATE WINDOW COVERING BEAUTY IN YOUR HOME

Hopefully with this new knowledge you will really enjoy creating your very own professional looking décor by stretching your imagination. The above pictures of window treatments are just a start. You can probably think of many additional attractive ways to arrive at your own person choices of Lace Curtains. In fact, you could even vary the treatments by purchasing lace yardage and sewing your own version of a window treatment. Best of luck with your newly discovered design freedom.

About The Author
Allen Nelson will be happy to answer any and all questions you may have about lace curtain design PLUS you can review even more design tips when you visit his web site http://www.oldeworldelace.com.

The author brings to this article 30 years of experience in the interior design field including custom window decorating design, fabrication and installation. His specialties involve all types of window décor as in custom made draperies, ready made lace curtains and macrame ring lace as well as blinds and shades. His designs have been used in a variety of settings in many beautiful homes throughout Southern California.

How To Choose Color Schemes For Your Rooms’ Decor And Window Coverings

How to choose color schemes for your rooms' decor and window coverings.

The color that you choose greatly affects the décor and window coverings. Colors establish a mood and feel of a room, and when used properly can create different illusions. Using neutral or lighter colors such as grays and cream colors will give you an impression of spaciousness, where the darker colors can make a big room feel more intimate. Warming colors have the ability to make a room more cheerful and give it a livelier disposition. On the other end, cool colors are a more relaxing and soothing feel. When choosing your décor color scheme, consider the effect that you are trying to achieve. Sometimes it is tricky to choose the right tints, shades or the tones in order to get your desired look. So understanding how to use the color wheel can greatly help you in choosing your décor colors.

How does the color wheel work for decorating.

Time and effort spent first choosing your perfect color scheme will repay you back every time you enter your room or open your curtains First here are some basics using the color wheel. A monochromatic color scheme will use various intensities and values of just one color. Using this color style is relaxing since it allows your eye to flow from one shade into the next. This creates the illusion of space. Implementing patterns and textures into this scheme is recommended. Having two or three colors falling next to each other using the color wheel creates an analogous color scheme. So pick your favorite color as the dominant and accent with the others.

Here are some complimentary color schemes.

Two or more ways to choose your home decorating color would be complimentary color schemes, which are made up of two colors which are exact opposite from each other on the color wheel. Their style will produce a dramatic and unusually stimulating effect. This bold effect will be softened if you use one color as the predominant with the other color as an accent color. Split-complimentary is matching one color from the wheel not to its complimentary color but to a pair of colors on either side of its complimentary color. Red would be teamed not with green but with shades of yellow and blue green. Varying the intensities of colors will have the best effect.

About The Author
Daryl Plaza is the owner of: windowcoveringresource.com - a website focused on helping people to understand more about their window coverings and how important your décors designs are. We have resources and reviews on window coverings, window covering ideas and tips so you can learn more before you buy your window treatments.