We all know how curtains and blinds can make a huge difference in a room and can add an aesthetic dimension to it. If you want to change the look of your room, one of the best ways to go about is to work on the window treatments. Once you will add new blinds to your room, you will see a change in the atmosphere.

Choosing a window treatment for your house can be very tricky, especially if you don’t know whether you should be opting for curtains or blinds. Here is a small guide that will help you in choosing the right window treatment for your house:

Lounge and Living Area

Traditionally, all of us have been using curtains to cover the windows in our living area, since they tend to give a cosy feeling. In addition to this, since there are so many options in the market, people have the choice to reflect their preference and style.

It is important you know that since the development of blinds, things have not been the same. Today, more and more people are opting for blinds in their living area as it allows them more flexibility while being versatile with the look, giving control of the light and privacy and being easier to maintain.

Blinds have a modern look, but if you want to opt for something classic, you can always opt for Roman blinds. If you have a large space, it is recommended that you opt for motorized blinds as they will give you the flexibility of adjusting them with the click of a button.

Kitchen

Kitchen is the heart of the house and is a space where the family sits together to share a meal, which is the reason why it deserves your special attention. When it comes to the window treatment, blinds are a better option because they are easy to clean. Generally, people like to opt for Venetian blinds, especially timber venetian blinds and aluminium venetian blinds.

Bedrooms

More people are now opting for blinds to cover the windows in their rooms. If you have a small bedroom, you can add depth to it with the help of Roman blinds that are a few inches below the ceiling of the room and gives the impression that the room is bigger than it is. If you sleep in late, you can consider blackout roller blinds as they will prevent the light from entering the room.

Bathroom

Roman blinds are a great option for bathrooms as they tend to retain their colour and shape even in humid conditions. The problem with having curtains in the bathroom is that since the atmosphere is very damp, they tend to lose their colour or the fabric starts to disintegrate after a while.

When you are choosing window treatments for your house, make sure that you take the following factors into account:

• Look of the room
• Décor of the Room
• Size of the room
• Energy Efficiency
• Privacy
• Illumination

Ask any person who has blinds in their home and they will say that they have a hard time cleaning them. What is it about blinds that makes them difficult to clean? And are they really that hard to clean? If you are struggling with cleaning your blinds, you are reading the right article as it will tell you the right way to clean them.

Learning about Cleaning Your Blinds

Before we get started, it is important to know that blinds have a lot of attachments that do attract dirt and dust and that means you need to have different cleaning methods for different parts if the blinds. Here is how you can clean your blinds:

Vacuum Them

The first thing that you need to do is vacuum your blinds with a small brush attachment, so that you can get rid of all the excess dirt. Make sure that you use the right brush attachment as that you won’t end up scratching or denting your blinds. It is recommended that you close all the slates, so that you can vacuum all the blinds.

Spot Clean Them

Once you have vacuumed the blinds, make sure that you get work on the dirt buildup as well as the finger marks. Get a damp sponge and clean the blinds in small sections. If you want to avoid water marks, then make sure that you clean with an old towel or with a microfiber cloth.

Wash Them

Some blinds are so dirty that the only way to completely clean them is to bathe them. You need to remove plastic, metal, as well as the painted blinds and immerse them in a concoction made with water and dish soap. Leave the blinds for 30 minutes and then carefully dry each slate with a towel so that water marks can be avoided. This is a great way to clean the hard to reach spots and to get rid of grime.

A word of advice is that this method is not recommended for wooden blinds and blinds that have decorative tapes on them.

Work on the Tapes and Ropes

A lot of blinds have ropes, tapes, as well as white cording area so dinginess can be an issue. If you can’t get rid of the dirt in the white area, a good hack is to use white shoe polish.

How to Make the Cleaning Concoction

If you want to clean your blinds thoroughly, you will need to make a cleaning concoction with a bucket of water, a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of glass cleaner. If you want to dry clean the blinds, this concoction is not needed and you will only need a cleaning cloth and a suitable brush attachment.

Here are some of the tools that you will need to clean the blinds:

• Bathtub or another large area
• Dish soap
• Shoe polish
• Sponge
• Towel
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
• Water

So, this is how you can clean your blinds and keep them as good as new.

We spend so much time in our kitchen that it is known as the heart of the house. There were times when the kitchen was only used to prepare meals, but things have changed, as today it is used for eating and socializing. Since it is one of the main areas in your house, it makes sense to choose the best window treatment as per your needs. Here are some tips that will help you in picking kitchen blinds:

How Often Do You Cook?

If you cook every day, you don’t want to opt for a material that will hold to the smell of what you are cooking. For example, avoid opting for Roman blinds. They may look great but the fabric is not right for anyone who cooks in the kitchen. One good alternative is kitchen roller blinds because they are extremely easy to use.

Does Your Kitchen Have a Backdoor?

Most of the kitchens have a backdoor and a window, which means that you will have to opt for a design that does not clash. You can wither get the same kind of blinds, or can opt for different types in the same color scheme. If your backdoor opens in the patio, you can get a vertical blind for it and a matching roller blind for the kitchen window.

Is There a Window Behind the Sink?

If you have a window behind the sink, there are several options that you can choose from. Some of the options that you can consider include roller and vertical blinds. Whatever type you use, make sure that you opt for water-resistant material, so that you don’t have to worry about water marks and cooking stains again.

Is Your Kitchen Overlooked?

If your kitchen is visible from the street, you will be worried about your privacy. In order to make sure that you have the maximum privacy, we would recommend that you opt for slats. Wood blinds offer great privacy but the issue is that it they don’t do so well in hot and steamy conditions. Your best option is to opt for faux wood because it looks like wood blinds but has a waterproof film on it.

Factors to Keep In mind When Choosing Kitchen Blinds

Here are some of the things that you need to take into account when choosing kitchen blinds:

Practicality

If you cook frequently, your kitchen is bound to be humid, which is the reason why you need to pick your blinds accordingly. Avoid getting Roman blinds or pleated blinds as they tend to develop mold because of the moisture content. Some of the good options would be Aluminum Venetian or roller blinds.

Light Filtration

Another thing that you need to take into account is your ability to control the light. In an ideal kitchen you do need proper sunlight, and for that it is recommended that you opt for Venetian blinds because their slats can be easily adjusted as per your needs.

Today, there are a plethora of options when it comes to choosing window treatments for your home or office.

Blinds are popular because of their adjustable slats that can be controlled according to your needs in order to restrict the flow of direct light. Wood blinds are all the rage these days. They exude an aura of freshness and bring a more organic feel to the room. The warmth and welcoming appearance of wood blinds is unmatched. However, with the various options available in the market today, it gets difficult to choose the wood that is best for you. So, here is a guide that will enable you to make a wise decision.

Hardwood Blinds

These blinds are made up of real wood, such as maple and timber. Wood blinds are available in a large variety of different colours and stains. You can go for distressed wood blinds for a greater rustic charm. Wood blinds are good for living areas and dens. You should choose wood blinds that have a reflective finishing in order to minimize the summer heat gains. You can close them tightly for maximum levels of privacy or just tilt them slightly for better light control. You can stack them at one end unobstructed external vision. Vertical blinds are best for wide windows and the tractable blackout roller blinds are ideal for kitchen, bedrooms and home theatres. Choose small slats for small window opening. If you like the feel of wood grain textures, then real wood blinds should be a top choice.  Real wood blinds are also lighter and long-lasting because they can be raised easily.

Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds are treated, cheaper, and are more durable than wood blinds in clammy environments, such as the bathroom and the kitchen. In addition to being water-resistant, these blinds are resistant to warping and discolouration. They also have UV protection and also have antistatic properties. For large windows, wood Venetian blinds and vertical blinds are ideal. Patio doors and French doors are complemented best by faux wood vertical blinds. Roller blinds are a great option for small windows.

Woven Wood Shades

If you want a more natural looking window dressing, woven wood is the best choice. Regardless of the country or modern-day appearance, woven wood shades can be used in any type of setting. People often confuse the term woven wood shades with blinds. While blinds are either vaned or slatted, shades are constructed with soft materials. You cannot adjust for light control with shades, however. If you go for woven wood options, then there are several choices that you have. Bamboo is definitely a top priority because it’s sustainable. You can also incorporate a style that is composed of jute or reed. Woven wood accentuates the beauty of any room and creates a comfortable ambience.

Colour of Wood

The colour of the wood blinds is a personal preference. However, if you are someone who likes to re-paint the interiors often, it is best to select a wood colour that matches the trim. But, you can go for contrasting options, such as mahogany, cherry and walnut coloured blinds on light-coloured trims. Antique wood blinds have a hint of complexity, which will enable it to look great in dark or light surroundings. Golden yellowish wood blinds tend to contrast well against teal, purple and earthy toned walls. For a subdued effect of medium-brown coloured wood blind, make sure that the surrounding has the same strength of shade. Lastly, if red is the dominant colour in the wood blinds, then green backgrounds will accentuate the beauty of the wood.

Considering the ease and comfort that they offer, blinds are slowly and gradually becoming an integral part of the society today. Blinds had the uphill task of not only making a mark for themselves, but also of replacing the historic, overly used curtains.

According to experts, blinds rank above curtains today based on the feasibility and the ease that they provide.

Reasons why blinds beat curtains, according to experts

It is imperative that blinds are gradually taking over curtains as the preferred home accessory. The reasons quoted by experts, for the decisive lead in favour of the blinds, are:

• Blinds are more economical: A huge priority in the consumers’ mind today is to save up on the cost. Blinds are considered to be way more economical than curtains, as they cost less. While designing the interior of your home, it is imperative that you take all minute details into account and plan accordingly. Keeping the finances intact is an important factor, and blinds assist you more than curtains can in this regard.
• Subtle for various styles: Blinds are available in various styles, to complement the overall décor of your home. You can have any one of kitchen blinds, roller blinds, vertical blinds, venetian blinds to name a few. With curtains, you can just play with the colors and the theme, while blinds allow you the added luxury of choosing the perfect type that fits your design.
• Way easier to clean and maintain: Cleaning and maintaining curtains is an exhausting task that is bound to take a whole day. Blinds save you from the hassle of wasting your whole day, by offering an easily cleanable alternative. There are various tips for cleaning blinds available on the internet, which will make your blinds as shiny as new within a short period of time.

Having mentioned why experts think blinds are better than curtains, it is also feasible to mention the various uses they offer. Blinds can be used in a lot of ways. A few of the unique uses suggested by experts are:

As door covers

Many of us might have faced the occurrence of moving into a new house, which does not have a door for one of the store rooms or bathrooms. Blinds offer perfect alternative to doors in this regard, and act as door covers. The alternative is cheaper than doors, and does the work in a befitting way. You can also use the options present within a blind to completely open them when you’re all alone, and closing them down, when you are hosting visitors.

As Room dividers

You never know when you might an encounter a situation in life where you’re required to use room dividers. Regardless of the situation, blinds offer the perfect alternative to expensive room dividers by fulfilling the purpose without the added hassle.

As storage screens

Many of us need storage screens for the mess that we have created in our open shelves or cupboards. Blinds come in handy as storage screens, because they do not only add to the aesthetics, but also hide what you want to hide by using them.

Considering the high perception of blinds held by experts, it is indeed the best option to go get your hands on one as soon as possible.

Wilsons Blinds is one of the most trusted names, when it comes to blinds and window coverings. Their extensive and diverse range of blinds is not only comprised of the highest quality options, but they have some truly innovative and unique designs as well, making it a collection that is not to be missed. What’s more, their blinds come in vibrant and lush colors, thereby making them an exciting addition to any room. Not surprisingly, their range of blackout blinds is similarly of high quality, and has various designs for you to choose from.

Blackout blinds are preferable over other types of blinds where the occupants of the room require very little to no external light to come into the room. The material that the blinds are made from is very tightly woven and usually, it is treated with a number of chemicals, and goes through a few processes to make it as opaque as possible. This prevents light from flowing in through the tiny spaces in between the weave, as the fabric absorbs a lot of the incoming light, thus rendering the room dark on the inside.

Wilsons Blackout Blinds Range

Following are the options in the blackout blinds range from Wilsons.

Vitra Range

The Vitra range from Wilsons consists of affordable and competitively priced yet extremely high quality blackout blinds. The fabric, which is available in a number of colors, has a coordinated and excellent blackout backing, enabling it to effectively block out a lot of the incoming light. There are a total of 15 fabrics, which you can choose from in the range, and all of them are made from the highest quality materials. There is an aluminum tube around which the blinds wrap; which is available in a width of up to 243cm.

Additionally, there is a white chain to the side, as a sidewinder, to either provide a perfect match with the color of the fabric, or a stark contrast, thereby enhancing the look.  

Memphis Range

The Memphis range from Wilsons comprises of some of the highest quality fabrics made from equally high quality materials. There are a total of 22 color shades to choose from and you can also get a width of up to 300cm. This allows for a blind to be made for a window of just about any size, as could be required for your home or office. The chain sidewinder is quite robust and does not break under pressure as many blinds chains do.

The blackout backing is coordinated vinyl and comes with a straight edge finish, which ramps up the opacity rating automatically. This range offers a great looking and high quality window blind at a very affordable and attractive price that is certainly worth it!

Roxy Blackout Range

The Roxy Blackout range is made of a heavier fabric as compared to the aforementioned Vitra and Memphis ranges, and offers 3 different bottom edge designs. There is a very robust sidewinder chain attached to the side, allowing for very easy operation and minimal to no breakage.

Faux Suede Fabrics Range

This is the luxury range of blinds from Wilsons, consisting of blinds which are made to enhance the look and aura of your room, making it more luxurious, just like the high quality fabric used. You can choose from 4 different bottom edge designs and a width of up to 300cm. The aluminum tube comes with a cord control feature, to change how fast or slow the cord retracts and releases.

Choose from these options and many more, all available on the website for Wilsons Blinds. You can also ask for a free sample of the blinds in order to check and see which one goes best with your room’s décor.

Summer is finally here and people can’t wait to get their summer attires out and hit the beach. However, with summers comes the responsibility of making sure that your house is ready for the hot season. If you are dreading preparing your house for the upcoming heat, you have come to the right place as this article will make getting your house ready for summer seem like a breeze (pun intended):

• Organise Your Things

Make sure that you go around the house and get rid of the things that you won’t need anymore. While you are at it make sure that you change the bedding and opt for a lighter material.

• Check the Smoke Detector Batteries

You are supposed to change the batteries at least once a year, and summers is the perfect time to do so.

• Clean the Walkway

Our driveway tends to get really dirty during the winters due to the snow and the dirt and grime that accumulate in the tires. This is the reason why it is important to pressure clean the walkway and to repair the damaged bricks and walkways.

• Work on the Front Door

You might notice signs of weather stripping on the front door, so make it a point to fix it with a screwdriver and to tighten the hinges that might have come loose because of the changes in temperature. If you have a patio, then get a blind for the patio door to keep the excess sunlight out of your house.

• Pay Attention to the Windows

Summer is the time to get rid of the heavy curtains and to get light colored or white blinds or the entire house. Before changing the blinds, make sure that the windows are opening and closing smoothly. If you see grime on the glass, clean it with a concoction of 1 gallon water, 1 cup vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia.

• Have a Look at the Sprinkler

Look for signs if water damage, and if there is any, then replace the cracked pipes and broken heads.

• Check the Air Conditioning Condenser

Make sure that you switch the power off from the electric panel and then clear the debris (leaves and branches) that may have made its way in the system. Clean the coils and if there is any other damage, call an expert for the repair work.  

• Clean the Gutter

You need to clean the gutter in your house, so that the next time it rains, your house is not flooded.

• Have A Look At The Roof

Go up on the roof and look for damaged or missing shingles. Other than this, if you see metal flashing on the chimney, get in touch with someone who can do the repair work.

• Clean the Deck

Get to the deck and clean it in order to remove debris, dirt, mould, grime as well as dew. If the finish is damp, wait for a few days and then seal it.

So, these are the ten ways in which you can make your house ready for the summer season.

If you are planning a renovation for your house, you have come to the right place, as we will discuss the blind trends for 2017, in this article. This year is all about sleek lines and going organic.

Here are some of the latest trends that will serve you as a guide:

You Need to have a Focal Point

Expensive window treatments won’t add much value, if you don’t have a focal point in the room. The first thing that you need to do is create a focal point, which can be your television or your fireplace, arrange the furniture accordingly, and then choose the blinds. This will help you in picking blinds that will look great with the rest of the décor.

Organic Blinds Are In

This year is all about organic blinds, so you will be seeing a lot of bamboo and other natural textures. One good thing about bamboo blinds is that they allow the light to diffuse in, but you can still have a look at what is happening outside, so you do have some privacy. In addition to this, Bamboo is sustainable so, you know that you are making an environmentally sound choice.

Go for Sleek Lines

Sleek lines will be in this year and will help in giving an edgy look to any room they will be placed in. If you want streamlined treatments, you can opt for panel track systems as they are made with wood panels and can serve as room dividers.

Or, You Can Go for Bold Prints

This year you will be seeing a lot of stripes and bold patterns. If you have an earthly tone in your house, you can spice it up with bright florals as well as geometric designs. Patterns will be extremely important this year, so make sure that you pair it up with the rest of the décor in just the right way.

Learn about the Colour Pattern

When it comes to colour, jewel tones like deep reds and emerald greens will be in and will add a regal touch to your rooms. Some of the colours that you can consider for your room includes turquoise, amethyst, platinum, and rose gold. If you want to opt for a subtle colour, then keep an eye out for gray and soft lavender.

Go for Luxury Fabrics

If you are looking for blinds for your bedroom or guest room, some of the luxury fabrics that you can consider this year includes silk and damasks. The design will be simple but, if you want to opt for something fancy, you can always add embellishments like beaded tassels and crystals.

High-Tech Touches

You can expect to see a lot of automated blinds that will be controlled with the help of a remote or even the internet. One good way to decorate such windows is to opt for a simple yet elegant design.

In conclusion, these are some of the blind trends that you will be seeing in 2017. Before you pick one for yourself, make sure that you take your room’s décor into account.