Posts tagged "open"

Motorized Window Treatments

A lot of homes have manual window blinds. They have to manually adjust these window treatments for the lighting levels in a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room or living room. Blinds were not really a big thing in the past. The color they came in was always white. Spring-action pulls with a lot of jerking back and forth of those cords are the main and only thing about them. They can get quote annoying. It was such a hassle to lift and lower them, and those cords were dangerous to little kids. The attached wand must be twisted to open or close the slats. But it’s all a thing of the past now! Motorized window treatments are a slowly becoming a trend that combines ease-of-use with modern design.

In keeping up with the contemporary home décor choices, those old-fashioned blinds have to say goodbye. Motorized operation of window blinds could only mean that you can open and close any blind plugged into this system even from afar while you’re sitting pretty in a chair, couch or bed. There are so many motorized window treatments that you can choose from. Some choose to operate from a wall switch, while there are others that come with a remote control that is somehow the same with the one for a TV or DVD player.

For those that come with a remote, the only thing you have to do is press a certain button to control the upwards and downwards movement of the blind. There’s also a button for the opening and shutting of the slats to different degrees. Imagine having this type of wireless convenience at your fingertips.

The options for motorized window treatments when it comes to design are massive. For the extra chic contemporary design look you can opt for fabric curtains and drapes altogether. It’s such a contemporary feel to be in a room and notice very stylish blinds or even shades and they can hold up all their own. You can find electronic shades that are flat or Roman style. Blinds usually come in neutral colors.

Be the first to comment - What do you think?
Posted by Sarah Moore - March 19, 2014 at 4:41 pm

Categories: Window Treatments Articles   Tags: , , , , ,

How do I take measurements for curtains that will be hung over vertical blinds?

Question by ninfragile19: How do I take measurements for curtains that will be hung over vertical blinds?
I have a sliding glass door in my living room that goes out to the deck. I recently hung vertical blinds over the door, but am looking to put up a curtain as well for extra light blocking and hopefully to trap in some heat.

What is the best way to measure for curtains so that there the curtains will be wide enough and tall enough?

Best answer:

Answer by seamstress

First and foremost, you will need to get a curtain rod that has brackets to extend past the projection of the vertical blinds when they are tilted open. This projection can be up to five inches or more.

There are several curtain rods to consider, depending on the look you are after.If you go with a telescoping metal rod and use drapery rings in the header (top section) of the drapery, then the area where the rod telescopes will constantly catch on the rings, causing frustration when you open and close the drapes. In this case, take a piece of scotch tape and make a small “ramp” as you wrap the tape to build up the height and gradually eliminate the difference in rod thicknesses at the telescoping intersection. This scenario can be avoided if you use a wooden seamless rod.

A traverse rod is operated by pulling strings to open and close the drapes, usually with a pleated header, which are on little hooks that go into sliders in the rod.

A regular pole rod, whether it be metal or wooden, used with a pocket header, causes the drapery difficult to maneuver as it is pulled open and closed, usually causing tearing over the course of time.

Now, for measuring. Most sliders will take a standard 84 inch long curtain panel. Make sure your rod is hung correctly so it will accommodate draperies that are 84″ long so you do not have to go through the expense in having the drapery hemmed. For the fullness (left to right measurement), the drapery panels should equal two and a half times the rod length. I say rod length instead of slider width because you may select to install your rod slightly overlapping the wall as to have a place for the drapery to stack, allowing more sunlight into the room when the drapery is open.

I hope this information has been helpful in selecting the right application for your window treatment.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?
Posted by Window Treatments - April 25, 2013 at 1:55 pm

Categories: Window Treatments Questions   Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Is there a window treatment for open dormers that I can close automatically?

Question by Dena P: Is there a window treatment for open dormers that I can close automatically?
We just moved to our new home in Florida. In the living room we have two open dormers that provide a lot of light. I would love to find a window treatment (blinds?) that I can open or close automatically. I love the open brightness of the room, but it casts a major glare on our big screen TV. Not to mention being blinded by the bright sun during the middle of the day.

Do remote controlled blinds exist? I would love to be able to control the brightness of the room.

Best answer:

Answer by Jon R
Yes they exist and are pretty common. You will have to go to a custom window treatment store to get them or order them online, so they may be a bit pricey. They even have them with a remote control!

What do you think? Answer below!

Be the first to comment - What do you think?
Posted by Window Treatments - November 9, 2011 at 4:27 pm

Categories: Window Treatments Questions   Tags: , , , , , ,