"Selecting The Coverings"

Many factors play a role in selecting the right
covering for your window. The main reasons as to
why you should install window coverings are light
control and privacy. Other factors include
durability, life expectancy, cleaning, formality,
versatility, safety, and the price.

Light control
The most difficult factor to control is light,
with most window coverings falling into one of
five categories:
1. Transparent - Clear, without obstruction
2. Translucent - Diffused light, which
prevents the perception of distinct images
3. Filtered - Muted light in bright
conditions
4. Semi-Opaque - Surfaces imprenetrable
by light, yet it also allows some light through
the gaps
5. Opaque - This is where all light is
blocked

Privacy
Privacy can be best achieved with almost any type
of window covering. The window treatment simply
needs to be translucent or better to diffuse
images. Frosted glass or glass block can even
help to give adequate levels of privacy.

Durability
A window opening by nature is a harsh environment
that is subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and
even temperatures. Add these factors to frequent
use and its simple to understand why windows
need to be constructed well. The life expectancy
is normally less for fabric window treatment
that can fade with time. Solid coverings, such
as shutters, have a long life span.

Cleaning
Each and every window covering will collect dust
and dirt. Fabric coverings are the most difficult
to clean, and are subject to stains. The
furniture quality window coverings will normally
wipe clean with a light solution.

Versatility
Some coverings will work well in formal settings,
while others will work best in casual living
settings. Alternate styles are versatile and
blend in well with almost any style of room.

Safety
Small children in the home will usually come in
contact with windows and their coverings. Some
coverings will have cords to raise or lower
for better visibility. Although they are handy
to have, they can be dangerous if they come
within reach of a child.

Price
While there is a discrepancy in the costs of
window coverings, it's very important to weigh
the overall value involved. The term "value"
is often overused, although when purchasing
long term household items it is necessary to
consider the return on the investment.

Window coverings on the low end of the price
spectrum will normally have a short life
expectancy and low durability. The higher
priced coverings, such as shutters, are designed
to last the life of the home - all while
retaining the original character.

Shutters offer a hard window covering that is
semi opaque when closed, although they provide
great visibility when opened. The furniture
quality wooden shutters can be either painted
or stained in order to meet the needs of most
decors. All shutters are extremely durable
and offer a long life span.

"Mini Blinds"

If you enjoy the practical and enjoy efficiency, then
the mini blind is going to be your ideal choice of
window covering. When choosing a blind, you should
take several factors into account, such as the
appearance, privacy, cost, light control, ease of
use, and the ability to insulate.

Mini blinds are inexpensive and can easily fulfill
all of the considerations above. They are also
easy to use as well as efficient. You can also use
mini blinds in conjunction with other types of
window coverings and window treatments, and they
come available in an amazing array of color choices.

If you are new to the world of mini blinds and
their installation, you'll find them to be very
easy to install. Something to keep in mind, which
is a common mistake of the window treating novice
is measuring incorrectly - you should always list
the width first in writing the measurement. Then,
when you order any blinds, be sure to give the
width first and not the height.

Also referred to as aluminum blinds and Venetian
blinds, mini blinds offer a curved slat for extra
strength. The most standard and practical choice
of mini blinds is the 1" aluminum blind.

You should look for a finish that is built to
spring back, durable, and resistant to both dust
and static. Another stylish option to mini blinds
is the 1 3/8" aluminum blind. This type of blind
delivers a bold statement, yet it has the same
practical features that make mini blinds appealing.

For a look and style you really can't go wrong
with, mini blinds are the way to go. They are
very affordable, offer you an array of features,
and they will improve the look of your home.

"Introduction To Mini Blinds"

The mechanisms that are used to open and close blinds
range from simple cords and easy to use chains to
remote controlled electronic devices. Mini blinds
will block out sunlight, prevent people from
looking into your house, and also add style to
your home. Mini blinds come in various styles
and you can even make them yourself at home.

Mini blinds are available in a wide range of
sizes and colors, along with custom sizes and
styles. This allows you to control the direction
and amount of natural light while still
providing a sense of insulation. There are some
blinds styles that even adjust to allow breezes
to flow from the window into the room by raising
or tilting the slats.

With one style, slats are sandwiched between
two sheer fabric layers that diffuse light when
the slats are open. With another style, the
slats are laminated vertically to a single
fabric layer for a curtain effect.

Mini blinds can come in wood, faux wood, vinyl,
and even aluminum. Wood type blinds offer
rich, subtle colors along with unique textures.
The classic types of blinds look elegantly
simple and can help to enhance a contemporary
look or even add a classic flair to your home.

A less expensive alternative to wooden mini
blinds is faux wood, or a synthetic wood
made of PVC or a composite material. Aluminum
is a good choice as well, as it provides a
low cost and durable solution to your window
problems. Aluminum mini blinds are also
easy to clean and easy to maintain. The
least expensive variety is vinyl blinds,
that come in standard sizes only.

"Installing Mini Blinds"

Measuring
The first thing to do, is to determine the position
of the mini blinds, deciding if they will be inside
or outside of the window. Inside mounting will look
more customized, although outside mounting will
provide better control of lighting.

For inside frame mounting, measure the width between
the points where the brackets will be placed; top,
middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest of the
measurements you receive. Now, measure the length
from the top inside casing of the windowsill. At
least 1 inch of flat surface will be needed on the
inside casing in order to attach the brackets.

For outside frame mounting, you'll need to measure
the overall width of the area to be covered. Hang
your mini blinds outside of the frame if there is
less than 1" of flat surface on the inside casing.
The measurement should overlap the window by at
least 1 1/2" on each side.

Installation

1. Determine if you want inside or outside
mounting, and measure your window accordingly.
2. After you have purchased the correct
size of mini blinds, remove the window stop from
the top of the window on the window casing.
3. Screw the brackets that came with your
blinds to the side window casing at the top, using
either two or three screws per bracket.
4. With the wand on the left and the lift
cord on the right, slide the mini blinds into the
brackets you just installed.
5. Once you have the mini blinds in place,
secure the caps over the brackets.
6. If the blinds are too long, remove the
slats from the bottom of them, as this should help
to get them to the appropriate height.

"Exterior Shutters"

Installing exterior shutters to a window is a quick
and easy way to add style and flair to the outside
of a home. Both historical and modern houses will
benefit from the timeless accent of having exterior
shutters. As with all types of home improvements,
the quality and longevity of the exterior shutters
should be evaluated before you make a purchase.

The exterior window shutters for your home are
available in many different shapes and materials.
Vinyl or wood shutters are easily available at most
home improvement stores, and they can also be a
cost effective option. You can also make wooden
shutters operable with functional hardware.

Exterior shutters can also be made out of several
types of wood. The best wod to use is cedar, as
it offers outstanding durablity and resistance to
decay. Cedar also provides long service with minimal
maintenance in applications involving mud, silk,
window sahes, fencing, poles, and even exterior
shutters.

The tannin oil in ceder is what really makes it an
ideal wood for exterior shutters. It will prevent
moisture penetration - and bugs hate it. Keep in
mind, exterior shutters shouldn't be left unprotected.
It is however, best to finish the shutters before
you install them, so that all surfaces can be
fully covered.

The ideal base for exterior shutters is a primer
coat of oil base primer that is tinted as close to
the final color as possible. The oil will penetrate
into the wood, giving better protection. For the
best results in painting, you should always consult
a professional painting company.

You can mount exterior shutters to your home with
a 1/2" spacer between the back of the panels and
the building to allow ventilation. If you aren't
using functional hardware, you should use rust proof
screws that sink flush to the wood. Once you
have finished the installation, simply paint over
the heads of the screws.

By having on opaque finish painted on the wood, it
will prevent light rays from penetrating the finish
and breaking down wooden fibers of your exterior
shutters. If you choose, you can also stain
exterior shutters.

Anytime you are staining shutters, you should use
finishing products that are designed specifically
for exterior use, and be prepared to do proper
maintence on your shutters to keep them looking good
all the time.

Exterior shutters will add color and style to the
outside of your home, making them a purchase you
can't go wrong with. Wooden exterior shutters are
the most popular and best to use - making them
something you truly must have for your home.

"Cleaning Mini Blinds"

At some point in time, all of us have come across
mini blinds at the local home improvement center.
They look really nice sitting there, although
no one wants to spend a few days removing the
dust from them. Regardless of what you may hear
or think, it doesn't always have to be this way.

Detail oriented
It will probably seem obvious, but you should
close the slats prior to dusting. Weekly blind
dusting is the best way to go, using a lamb's
wool duster, as lamb's wool will naturally attract
dust and can help prevent buildup as well.

If lamb's wool isn't available, a paintbrush
may also do the trick. Make sure you place
some towels underneath the blinds to catch any
excess dust. If you want to be thorough, you
can also take the blinds down and clean them
in your bathtub.

To remove the grease from the blinds, an all
purpose cleaner can be used. Spray the blinds
good, then let the cleaner work on them for a
few minutes. Then, wipe the cleaner off with
a soft cloth, although rinsing the cloth will
make it even more effective. To clean the other
side of the blinds, flip it over and do the same
thing as mentioned above.

Fast and simple
This one is simple - simply use an old pair of
cotton gloves to clean your blinds. Slip the
gloves on, dip your fingers into a solution
of 1 teaspoon ammonia and 1 quart water, then
run your fingers through the mini blinds.

If you prefer, you can also use the vaccuum
cleaner hose attachments. You can even use
the vaccuum cleaner without having to remove
the blinds. Putting a dryer sheet on the
blinds will remove any static so that dust
will no longer be attracted to the blinds.

"Buying Budget Shutters"

Even though there is a lot of value in installing
high quality interior wood window shutters,
they can sometimes still be too expensive for
certain applications. There are some alternatives
that include poly, pvc, or even vinyl shutters
that are less expensive although much less
attractive and look cheaper in comparison.

For quality at an affordable cost, you should
look for a company that sells individual
wholesale discount wood shutter panels that can
be installed in any type of configuration.
These types of shutters are also referred to
as DIY, or Do It Yourself shutters.

When you shop for individual shutter panels at
a discount price, there are a few things you
should keep in mind. The most important factor
is the material that is used to make the
interior shutter panels.

Basswood is the best wood for shutters, as
it has the best characteristics and it's a
straight hard wood with very little distortion.
Basswood also offers a fine, uniform texture
with an indistinct grain, which makes it
ideal for staining or painting.

Before you actually order the discount panels,
it's always best to determine how you will
mount your shutters. Sometimes, it is
necessary to use hanging strips to attach
shutters to the outside of the window opening.
Reputable companies will provide information
about installation methods so you can decide
which way is best to install your specific
type of window shutter.

Anytime you buy budget shutters, you should
always do your research first. There are some
brands that are better than others, which is
why you should research the types of shutters
you are interested in. With a little bit of
your time and effort, you could quite possibly
end up with shutters at a perfect price which
will add more color and style to your home
than you ever thought possible.