A-Z Home Centers

What Are Plantation Shutters?
Plantation shutters are a classy and elegant window treatment that fits beautifully in any style decor. They are made with rails, stiles, and most importantly, louvers that can be adjusted to any angle giving you complete control over light and ventilation. Although not always, they are generally constructed with solid woods giving them a natural and quality appearance that is sure to last decades. Shutters are often mounted to the inside of the window frame and since they are made with solid woods, it is generally recommended that you have them custom built for each specific window. Any shutter builder will be able to come to your home, measure your windows, and customize each shutter to fit precisely in the opening.

Benefits Of Shutters
Since learning how to build plantation shutters is extremely difficult, hiring a contractor to custom make your shutters can be expensive. However, if you can afford the investment, you can expect a number of benefits not including their aesthetic appeal and the increase in the value of your home. Some of the function benefits you can expect include:

• Superior Ventilation – Unlike shades or curtains which have an either opened or closed position, shutters allow you to dial in the louvers to the perfect angle for ventilation. Best of all, if you want your window exposed, shutters are hinged so that they can open completely for ultimate ventilation.
• Light Control – Similar to the control of ventilation, you can also control light and privacy easily with plantation shutters. By angling the louvers you can block direct sunlight, while still allowing natural light to bathe the room.
• Versatile – Shutters can be made to fit any window, even hard to manage windows like as a replacement for door blinds on your entryway door windows.

Read more of Why I Bought Plantation Shutters For My Home…

If you want to add personality to your windows and provide a more playful and artistic window covering than normal curtains provide, try adding tab top valances to your windows. The name of this valance style comes from the tiny fabric tabs or loops that align the top of the valance and aid in hanging the valance from a curtain rod. These tabs are equally spaced to make your window treatments look symmetrical and more attractive. The use of tabs, instead of a single, solid channel allows your valances for windows to cover the windows themselves, while still exposing parts of your decorative curtain rod.

You can locate window valances in hundreds of color options as well as various design differences. From straight valances to bowed down or tapered valances and in any color you could dream up. In fact, if you cannot locate the color you need, you may dye the tab top window valances into your color choice.

Another option you have when looking for valances with tab tops is the exact design of the tabs. Options include tabs with Velcro closures, decorative button closures or valances made from solid lengths of material with no decorative closures. In addition, you may find tab tops in different colors than the attached valances or even find tabs you can attach to any ordinary valance using small, undetectable clips. You can even make your own tabs for window valances and curtains using sections of fabric or ribbon and scissors.

Tab top valances look great placed alone in kitchen and bathroom windows or paired with drapes and curtains for windows in bedrooms and sitting rooms. These types of window valances offer a functional style that may appear new age and fun or traditional and charming, depending on the color options you choose, as well as the overall design of the valance piece. Pair your tab top valance with a decorative curtain rod and you are sure to create a beautiful window covering for any room of your home.

Read more of The Simplicity Of Tab Top Valances For Windows…

With time you may find that the louvers on your plantation shutters either become too lose, so they do not stay in place when adjusted, or they are too tight to easily adjust. Most plantation shutters, especially higher quality ones, have a screw in the louvers which is used to adjust the tension.

Most good quality shutters have access holes on the shutter panels, one on either side, with a small screw inserted. To change the tension all you need is a small Philips head screwdriver. When adjusting this, simply use your Philips screwdriver and turn the screw a tiny bit, perhaps only about one tenth of a turn for each adjustment. It is important to adjust the screws on both sides of the panel at the same time so that the tension remains equal.  Keep turning it a little at a time until you have the desired tension.

Note that most screws are covered, for appearance sake, by a button hole plug. You will, naturally, need to remove this plug before you are able to adjust the screws. Remember to put the plug back once you have finished adjusting the tension as otherwise you may see ugly screw heads on your otherwise beautiful plantation shutters.

Some plantation shutters do not have tension screws, but rather they are installed with what is termed self tensioning pins, usually made from nylon. These type of pins unfortunately cannot be adjusted, thus when purchasing your plantation shutters this is an important feature to keep in mind. Well made shutters should not need adjusting very often, perhaps only after many years of use; although that will depend on how much use they get. Even so, you do want to ensure that you are able to adjust them if needed. You may be told that the self tensioning shutters will never need adjusting, however that is a misconception and is often a mark of lesser quality shutters, where the manufacturers used inferior parts in order to cut down their manufacturing costs.

It does not necessarily matter where you buy from them from, either. Home Depot plantation shutters can be just as fine quality as those made and sold by stores that specialize solely in shutters and blinds. Thus, even if you buy plantation shutters online, you will often find lesser and better quality shutters in the same store, so choose carefully and pay attention to these small details that are important.

Read more of Adjusting the Tension in Plantation Shutters Louvers…

If you want blinds for your home, you will realize that there are many different types out there to choose from.  By talking to an interior designer you can pick up tips and ideas regarding which is the best blind to fit for a particular situation.  We asked some of these professionals for their opinion on blackout roller blinds and we got a couple of very interesting replies.

Firstly the experts told us that there are several main advantages to black out blinds.  ‘They are second to none when it comes to light suppression, privacy and also energy efficiency in the home’, one expert stated.  Because they help in stopping the light from coming into the room, they ensure that if you are trying to sleep, you will not be disturbed by diffused light entering the room.  They also assist your windows in retaining heat in the room and thereby increase the energy efficiency in the home, helping to cut down on fuel bills.

‘Many people that live in homes that are overlooked by neighboring properties find these blinds very useful also as they really help you to maintain your privacy’, another expert added.  ‘So as you can see blackout blinds have a lot of important uses and for this reason are popular’.

The blinds are not difficult to clean in the main.  Most good quality blacked out blinds are made of a material that is dust repellant and even though they are black, they really only need a wipe down with a damp cloth in order to come up clean again.  You can also get them made of fire resistant material or anti—glare material and all of these specific materials will improve the over all performance of the blinds.

Blackout roller blinds will fit equally well in a conservatory, living room, bedroom or any room in the home.  They can also be used in conjunction with curtains if you want to achieve a softer look in a room.

Read more of Looking For Blackout Roller Blinds: Talk To The Experts…

When it comes to purchasing “made to measure wooden blinds,” there are a lot of different factors that need to be taken into consideration early on in the process. Along with deciding on what style of faux wood blinds you like you need to make a decision on how they are to be installed in the home and where and for what purpose. In this article we will tackle the things you want to consider when talking about installing made to measure discount faux wood blinds.

First off you are required to choose what type of custom faux wood blinds you will need. There are two types of mountings for wooden blinds available those that suit within the opening and those that sit outside it. Definitely if you like to make a more uniformed look in your home then using made to measure faux wood blinds that are suited inside are best. On the other hand, if you happen to have wooden blinds that fitting the mounting inside them would show their limitations then the externally mounted kinds are the better choice for you.

When it comes to increasing your faux wood blinds if you pick the second choice then you need to ensure you have enough hardware to increase them with. Also you need to make sure that there is enough left to allow them to overhang on each side of the window. But if you mean to use wooden blinds that are increased inside the window area it is significant that there is plenty of space for the hardware of the wooden blinds to be set in place.

Photo by StevenBrissonAfter doing a decision as to what form of mounting to use for mounting your windows you want to measure the window where they are to be installed. It is significant that you measure every window where the faux wood blinds to be suited in three different places. Not only must you measure each window length on the left and right but also the width across the middle.

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If your uPVC windows have reached a certain age, you may have noticed that certain parts are not working as well as they should.  Often it is the uPVC window handles that are to blame, given that they get a lot of wear and tear over the years.  Many homeowners put up with this problem, not knowing that it is not that difficult to replace these handles if they want to.  In this article we will give a short guide to how and why you should consider changing old or damaged uPVC window handles.

•    Your old handles are not just old fashioned and less attractive than newer models – they hold a lot more bacteria, are less secure and less safe than newer styled window handles.  Most homeowners lose the keys to uPVC windows shortly after they are originally installed.  If your windows were installed 20 -30 years ago, the chances are you never locked them in the first place.  In these present times this can be a security issue.
•    If you do, for any of the above reasons, decide to change your uPVC window handles, then the best place to start is to find out who the manufacturer of your present window handles was.  In many cases if you open the window and look where the lock strip is you will see the name of the manufacturer stamped.  If not then the installer of your windows should be able to help.
•    Take down any relevant and visual details of your existing handles – what kind of lock is in place, what size is the handle, etc.  All of this information will be useful.  If you are in doubt, you can also take a digital photo of the handles and upload it onto your computer.

Photo by ettlz•    Contact the manufacturer by phone or online.  If you can send him the photograph of your existing uPVC window handles, he will probably immediately recognize them and be able to recommend to you a more up to date version that will suit.  You can then either fit the new handles yourself or get a local tradesman to carry out the task for you.

Read more of A Guide To uPVC Window Handles…

Washing windows to get a better view only takes a few minutes per window. It is something you can do gradually, a window or two per weekend as part of your do it yourself home improvement chores. If you take this task on and just do it yourself, you can avoid having to pay for an expensive window cleaning service.

Washing windows is a chore that goes back at least a century. Many different ways are available to wash windows. There are a number of new gadgets on the market; however, the same old styles work just as well. The traditional window washing technique includes Windex or an off brand of window cleaner used together with old newspapers.

Many people have used paper towels in the past but it is not advisable. The different types of paper towels on the market are basically two styles. They come in a thick style which is not a good idea because it can leave fuzzes on the window; and thin paper towels will shred and they do not leave a good looking window either.

Newspaper works for washing windows for a better view; the science behind it is not that clear but the fact that washing windows with glass cleaner and newspaper will give you a window that appears clean and without streaks. Newspaper also works for cleaning mirrors and other glass surfaces. It is one of the least expensive ways to clean windows and it is also one of the easiest.

There are a number of tips about cleaning windows which will give you more shine to your windows. Washing the windows on the outside of the house should be done before washing the inside windows; also do not wash windows during noon time houses when the sun is hottest; try washing them either in the morning or evening.

The way you wash the windows is important; kind of like the scene from Karate Kid when he is learning to paint. When washing inside windows you should use the motion of a side to side action; but on the outside windows you’ll be washing from top to bottom. After you have finished you’ll be able to see if you need any touch ups.

If you are pregnant, or have young children at home, or if you are simply concerned about chemical sensitivities in cleaning products, take time to review the ingredients of your window cleaning supplies. In any case, even if they are not at all toxic, you will want to store all detergents, sprays, and the rest of your window cleaning equipment high out of the reach of your children.

Read more of DIY: Be Your Own Window Cleaning Service…

You might think it is a little extravagant to change your window treatments in the summer, but if your living room or bedroom has very heavy drapes then it will spoil the whole feeling of the room when the weather gets warmer. If you are able to use a few items to switch the mood of your room, why not do so? And it can be as easy as rolling up a fluffy rug, swapping a mohair throw for a cotton one and changing velvet valances and curtains for light cotton.

As for summer window treatments, the best valance styles are simple scarf valances, which use a long length of very thin or sheer fabric looped over a drapery rod. This is as light as you can go with valances.

Much depends on the hardware that you already have at your windows, however, as it is not a quick change if you need to add new curtain and drapery rods with the change of the seasons. A light scarf type valance only works if you have a rod, rail or pole for your valance which is attractive enough to be on display. If you have a white plastic or metal rail or drapery rod, then you need another plan.

An alternative is to make or purchase light summer curtains and matching valances. As summer curtains don’t need lining you can get reasonable quality cotton curtains fairly cheaply. Choose a light color to reflect the season and if they are patterned a small flower sprig or pattern of green leaves on a white, cream or pale yellow background would work well depending on the color scheme in your room.

If budget is an issue, cheap plain cream curtains and valances made from calico will still be better than heavy velvet drapes in the summer. If even they are too much plain cream roller blinds with a decorative valance covering the existing rail will work well too.

Read more of Window Valances 101: Summer Valance Styles…

There are many ways to do it and many styles of window treatments. Some of the more simple designs are often the ones that can give you the greatest return in terms of your home design and décor features.  You don’t always need to go with the most ornate or eccentric pieces.  This is true of many interior home decorating tips.  Often, less is more.  This is as true with the window scarf valance as it is with any window treatment.

Whether you go with blinds or shades, no window valance or one that is custom designed and handmade, your windows do speak much about the design of your space.  You’ll quickly notice this if you haven’t done anything with your windows yet.  They will be drastically changed with the addition of blinds, curtains or, as we’re discussing here, a valance.

The scarf valance is just as the name implies.  It is a piece of fabric that is slung in an attractive way around the curtains and curtain rod to create a nice sweeping look.  Often, the material is a bit more sheer than the curtain panels themselves.  This isn’t a necessary feature, but it will give your curtains more depth.  Other times, the material could be the same fabric as the curtains and just hung and draped around the rod for added effect.

Curtains are one of those features that can add a lot of drama and ambiance to a room.  The color and choice of materials will help to create this look as well.  Think in terms of the type of mood you would like the room to portray.  If in a bedroom, a more velvety and luxurious type of curtain could give you that extra sense of passion.  In a living or family room, having a nice crisp fabric with clean lines can add a touch of class and elegance to your space.  You can use these ideas and then enhance your space with these window scarf valances.

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The main purpose of a skylight is to allow beautiful radiant sunshine to enter the house via a window on the roof. That is essentially what a skylight is and to enjoy such luxury one must invest heavily in order to build one in their home. Some houses come with pre-installed skylights and you can imagine how much these houses cost. Regrettably there are many homeowners who leave the skylight as is. They tolerate intense sunshine without even considering an option to filter the light. One would think an investment of around $100 is reasonable and worth it to install skylights blinds. This would seem like a logical approach considering the amount of money spent by homeowners to build the skylight.

Having the capability to manipulate and filter the amount of sunshine that enters the house is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. There are some days when the sun is unbearably hot, this can heat up the house and increase your cooling bill during summers. There is also the fact of having too much blinding sunlight in the home which can be an inconvenience. Too much unfiltered sunlight at high noon can quite unbearable and uncomfortable. Skylight blinds can easily solve all of these problems.

One issue that homeowners are concerned about is the operation of skylight blinds. They are concerned about the inconvenience of opening and closing the blinds. This should not be an issue at all, first you can open and close the skylight blinds manually with a pole extension. You simply raise it and turn in either direction to open or close the blinds. You can also buy motorized skylights blinds, these automatic window blinds are the most convenient. With a press of a button you can automatically open and close the skylights at any time. Some models even have advanced settings and allows a person to program the time and day in which they want skylights blinds open or closed. These reasons alone should give someone with skylights a perspective into just how beneficial skylight blinds can be. They will save you money on energy bills as well as make your home more comfortable.

Read more of Skylight Blinds are Great for Light Filtering and Insulation…

Most of us have all come across the problem at some stage.  A window  in your home that sticks regularly or that will not open at all.  This can be frustrating when you wish to air a room and can also have safety implications for you and your family, if you cannot leave via a window in the unfortunate event of an emergency.  Here is a 5 step process to ensuring that your windows do not stick, and freeing them if they do.

1.    Carry out a regular check on all of you windows.  Even if you do not think that your windows are in danger of sticking, there is no harm in regularly checking that all hinges, locks, frames, etc are lubricated and looking maintained.

2.    Ensure that you paint timber windows every few years.  Timber, without regular maintenance, will absorb moisture and then expand or warp, causing sticking problems.  Painting or varnishing is the best way of ensuring that your timber windows are well looked after.

3.    Remove excessive coats of paint from stuck windows.  Excessive coats of paint can result in your windows getting stuck over a period of time – this especially applies to sash windows.  If this happens, run a blade along the effected area and free the window.  You may have to remove the old coats of paint back to the bare timber and start the painting process again.

4.    If your windows are stuck, use a rubber mallet to free them and then use an agent such as talcum powder or a silicone spray to get them running properly again.

5.    If the above gentle measures do not work, or if the problem keeps occurring with alarming frequency get more qualified advice.  The problem could be down to poor workmanship on the windows, or worse, could be the result of a construction problem in the building.

The 5 tips above should be of assistance to you if you have problems with windows that stick.  You can get more tips on windows at http://sashwindowsguide.com. Usually regular maintenance will help you avoid having windows that give you this problem and the small tasks for freeing windows that have become stuck should resolve the matter easily.

Read more of 5 Steps To Unsticking Your Sash Windows…

The fashion and interior design magazines will always tell you the latest colors for this and that. Brown is the new black. Ivory is the new white. Purple is the latest shade for walls. But when it comes to kitchen curtains you don’t have to listen to any of it. You don’t have to care what the best dressed kitchens are wearing. All that matters is what will go with your kitchen.

In fact, if you like, you can forget about theory altogether and just take yourself to the curtain department of a large store, the kind with rows and rows of curtain fabrics ready to be made up to your specifications. Just browse through the racks of fabrics and you will quickly see that there are some curtain fabrics which are plainly unsuitable for kitchen curtains (because they are too precious, too fancy, too formal or just plain not washable) as well as some where the colors will clash horribly with your kitchen.

Hopefully you will also find some curtains for your kitchen that you like and which you know will suit your room. These curtains will be in the right color spectrum (either warm or cool tones) to match your kitchen in general and they will have colors which tie in with your walls, units and/or accessories to give a coherent look to your decoration. For example, if your units are painted duck egg blue then look for a pattern which contains duck egg blue within it. If you have a beautiful mosaic wall tile in fall shades then look for those colors in your curtains.

If you are not sure what to choose ask for samples of a few fabrics that you think may be suitable and take them home so that you can consider them right in your kitchen. After a few days one is sure to strike you as the best option or pop into another store and browse a new set of fabrics!

Read more of The Latest Colors For Kitchen Curtains…