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It is no surprise that a lot of people prefer Roman window shades over other types. The style and design of these shades in whatever fabric type and color simply communicates attractive comfort and class. Roman shades are also very simple in structure and can therefore be made at home. You might consider making your own Roman shades rather than buying expensive brand models.

Should you make your own?

Before you jump into making your own shades, you have to find out first if you have what it takes. Of course, many online guides will tell you that homemade Roman shades are very easy to make. To some extent, they are right. Every homemade project though requires a personal set of skills and traits. You would for example have to be naturally good with your hands, have a knack for tinkering and not be put off with making calculations and measurements. If you have had some success at home projects, then making your own blinds may be easy for you.

Keep in mind that you also need to find expert instructions. There are so many guides online and not all of them are even real home project experts. Each guide may also have slightly different instructions depending on the type of Roman shades they are instructing you to make.

Getting an expert guide is important not just to ensure great looking blinds. A good guide will also make sure that you have instructions for shades that are safe to use. Take note that even commercially made shades and blinds can sometimes be recalled for posing strangulation risks. Make sure your homemade blinds do not put anyone, especially kids in danger.

What other options are there?

You might realize that you are not capable or inclined to making your own Roman window shades. Do not despair. There are still so many options for you to consider to get the exact shades that you want for your windows.

The first step is to look for a blinds and shades company that offers custom options. Large, well-known companies that specialize in making and selling shades have nearly endless options for the pickiest buyers. Depending on the company that you choose, some custom options include:

- full remote control with lithium or regular batteries – flat shades or pleated shades – variety of fabric materials from sheer to solids with more options for energy conserving synthetic materials – color combination that will allow you to mix and match different fabric colors in one product – custom size options – different fabric texture and patterns – custom prices depending on features – additional lining

These are only some of the custom options for Roman window shades. Many established companies offer many more options. This is a good reason to consider buying expert made shades instead of struggling to make your own. Of course, the real challenge here is making sure that you do find a good company to buy custom shades from. Take the time to research on the reputation of a company and level of expertise before buying your Roman shades.

Trisha Banks Home Accessories, Home, home improvement, roman window shades

Bamboo Roman shades are one of the most attractive treatments for old, boring windows. Bamboos have a natural, relaxing look that easily complements the gentle and elegant style of Roman pleats. Roman bamboo shades are perfect not just for nature or tropical room themes but for nearly any other room design. That is simply because bamboo shades can come in different colors and appearance.

Keep in mind that not all Roman bamboo shades are well recommended though. If you want to get the best of this type of shade you need to know what to look for.

Energy Efficiency

Being energy efficient is one of the best advantages of modern synthetic shades. These modern shades can help reduce the need for energy because they can insulate a room and diffuse light for maximum daylight use. That means you can cut your extensive use of lights and air conditioning. Some bamboo shades are not as efficient as synthetic shades and blinds. There are however a couple of companies that will give you the option to pair bamboo shades with energy conserving screens.

Privacy Features

Bamboo shades do not always block the view. This can be a problem if you need some privacy. There is always a chance that some of your things and actions can be partially viewed from outside. Again, there are some shade manufacturers who offer the option to have privacy screens installed. Depending on the shade model you buy, these privacy screens can completely block the view or allow a hazy appearance of objects outside and inside.

Safety

Usually, these home accessory products are designed and made with functionality, aesthetics and safety in mind. Sometimes though there are just some critical features that escape the notice of manufacturers. They only learn after some time that some shade features may not be safe. The main concern about shades and blinds is that some of them may pose strangulation risks. Make sure that before you buy bamboo shades, you take the time to check safety specifications. Confident manufacturers will not think twice about endorsing the safety features of their products.

Durability

Wood and bamboo materials are not as strong and durable as vinyl. This is especially true if you use them in humid places. If you want to be able to use your bamboo shades for a longer period of time, you have to check just how durable it is. Some manufacturers may treat bamboo and wood with special coats to make sure that they do not easily get damaged.

Custom Options

Even with the many shade and blind options available, some people are not just contented with what is available. This is why it is a plus factor if a dealer or manufacturer can provide custom options for blinds and shades. Depending on the dealer, some custom options include size adjustment, color specifications and remote control mechanisms. There is nothing like bamboo shades that fit your preferences completely.

Bamboo Roman shades will truly look great in any room be it an office of a living room. Do be sure though to shop carefully for the right kind of bamboos shades.

Trisha Banks Interior Design Accessories, bamboo roman shades, home improvement, interior design

Roll up blinds are appealing in their simplicity. This is why a lot of homeowners opt for this type of blind. They are also popular for their versatile nature. Depending on the material of your roller blinds, they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Since they can be rolled, they can even be taken to trips away from home.

Keep in mind though that not any roller blinds will do and that there are considerations for picking the right one for your home. Make sure you have all these important points in mind when shopping for this blind type.

Identify What Your Home Needs – There are now so many kinds of materials used for roller blinds. Just sifting through your many options can take some time. This is why it is important to know ahead of time what it is exactly that you want. Base your decision on your personal taste, room theme and blind qualities that you are looking for. Some examples of materials for roller blinds include bamboo, synthetic material, fabric and grass.

Learn About Its Safety – Just recently, some roller blinds were recalled. This was because they were found to have posed strangulation risks. Before you buy your blinds, examine loop and cord construction and placement. You can also ask a product seller for the safety features included in the blinds.

Look Into Lighting Considerations – Some roller blinds may not completely shut out sunlight. Unlike blinds with slats, roller blinds cannot be tweaked to control how much sunlight should come in. They may not also provide total privacy. Roller blinds however that are made of synthetic materials have varying levels of opacity. You can easily choose blinds or shades that fit your screening requirements.

Consider Energy Efficiency – Not all bamboo or grass roll up blinds are energy efficient. Many blinds however that are made from synthetic materials have energy conserving properties. They help regulate heat in a room and diffuse light. This means you get to save on heating or cooling bills as well as on electricity bills. Moreover, modern roller blinds protect human skin and furniture from harmful ultraviolet light.

Considering Convenience – Roller blinds are fairly easy to manually lift or pull down. There are however some modern innovations that can make users lives even more convenient. Roller blinds can now be custom fit for remote control use. Your only major concern is making sure that you have long lasting batteries on your controller.

Considering Durability – Wood and bamboo are not as resistant to weathering as synthetic materials. Hence, this should be a top concern for you when you pick your blinds. You do not want to quickly end up with warped and damaged rollers. Some bamboo types however come with special coatings to make them especially strong and resistant to regular wear and tear.

Blinds Cleaning and Maintenance – They say that cleaning roller blinds is no big deal. That is if you do not mind cleaning blinds with a hose and water. If you prefer cleaning blinds with a feather duster or a damp cloth, you might do better with blinds with slats.

Never underestimate simple home accessories. Roll up blinds are a great addition to any home or office. You just have to make sure before you buy them that their qualities are perfect for your unique needs.

Trisha Banks Interior Design Accessories, home improvement, interior design, roll up blinds

If you are looking for classy, affordable blinds, you can try vinyl mini blinds. Of all the blind materials available, vinyl is one of the most affordable. Despite their lower price though, they can look elegant and beautiful when they match a room theme. Mini vinyl blinds in particular can look even more sophisticated because of their appearance.

The main difference between regular vinyl blinds and the mini type is the slats. Mini blinds have smaller spaces in between the slats. This is what gives them a more distinct and refined look. The small slats however are really intended for better sunlight control. The slats allow a finer stream of light through. Like regular vinyl blinds, they can also effectively block sunlight completely.

Mini vinyl blinds can fit nearly any kind of window. They can come in a variety of colors that you can choose from to match any room theme. Mini blinds however almost always look best in small windows and spaces. The small slat spaces seem to complement smaller areas. Larger slat spaces would only serve to highlight the smallness of small windows.

The durability of vinyl blinds is also another advantages. They are general very durable. Modern vinyl products have been specially made to resist even sun damage. This blind material is also very easy to clean. You may have to just wipe or hose down vinyl blinds. Wood and fabric blinds may need more meticulous and more special care.

Of course, there are a couple of points to remember before shopping for your vinyl mini blinds. It was not too long ago in the 1990s when mini vinyl blinds became quite controversial. This was because it was discovered that mini blinds made of vinyl that had come from overseas had varying amounts of lead in them. This put blind users and children at risk of lead poisoning.

It seems that these imported blinds used lead as a stabilizing agent. Lead could have come off from these blinds as a result of sun wearing off the blind material. Children could have ingested lead by touching the blinds and putting their hands into their mouths. Depending on the amount of lead ingested, it could cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems.

The good thing is that U.S. made vinyl blinds do not contain lead. Consumers can rest assured that their kids will never be at risk with American made blinds. You can never be too sure though what blinds contain and where they come from. Before buying your mini blinds, you should first take a good look at quality and manufacturing standards.

Researching about vinyl blind brands has never been easier. Product manufacturers typically have product pages for their mini blinds. Find out where a company manufactures its blinds. Research too about product durability and added modern features such as energy efficient qualities. It would be to your advantage if you picked mini blinds with guarantees and warranties.

Vinyl mini blinds give a unique twist to any home. Your main concern as a home owner though is making sure that you are about to make a safe purchase.

Trisha Banks Interior Design Accessories, Home, interior design, vinyl mini blinds

There are other brands of shades available in the market aside from Hunter Douglas shades. However, Hunter Douglas provides a couple of reasons why you should go for their blinds. This is not a direct promotion of the brand. This is simply a glimpse at what the company itself says it can offer customers.

Name and Reputation – One glaring reason to choose Hunter Douglas is because of its name and reputation. The company has been in the business of making blinds and shades since the 1940s. The fact that they are still around means that have had many satisfied customers through the years. The experience and expertise that they have acquired has made them a leading and trusted name in the industry.

Located Online – Hunter Douglas has evolved with the times. Now, you don’t even need to go to a shop to explore your options. You can easily find an accredited dealer online. Many dealers also provide help and advice online. When shopping for a Hunter Douglas product, all you need to do is to sit in front of your computer.

Assistance – Dealers of Hunter Douglas products don’t just sell. They also give relevant and expert guidance to buyers. You can get great shades or blinds even if you don’t know a thing about them. Accredited dealers can help you pick the right product based on size, design, material and price considerations.

Energy Efficient – Hunter Douglas shades are all energy efficient. Their shades limit the flow of heat, control heat depending on the season and diffuse daylight to ensure maximum daylight use. In other words, their products reduce the need for more energy for light and temperature control. This therefore also translates to more cash saved.

Customization – The company’s shades and blinds have customization options. Products with custom lifting systems provide users with utmost convenience.

Wide Range of Choices – Hunter Douglass offers a wide selection of product types and brands to choose from. This means you are never stuck with just a handful of options to pick from. There is always one product for every kind of customer. Some of the great options to choose from include silhouette shades, honeycomb shades, Roman shades, window panels and wood shades.

U.S. Made – You may be feeling patriotic. In this case, Hunter Douglass products are a must buy for you. Their blinds and shades are made in the U.S. which is a big deal for many customers.

Warranty – The company offers a lifetime guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty. As long as your blinds or shades are not intentionally damaged or are worn out by prolonged use, you can have them repaired at no cost. Custom motor systems have warranties for five years. You never have to worry about getting shades or blinds that don’t work properly.

With all these great reasons to get Hunter Douglas shades, getting them should be a no-brainer. Do make sure though that you have an accredited dealer. You can quickly find one by searching through the company website for a dealer near you.

Trisha Banks Interior Design Accessories, home improvement, Hunter Douglas shades, interior design

There are other brands of shades available in the market aside from Hunter Douglas shades. However, Hunter Douglas provides a couple of reasons why you should go for their blinds. This is not a direct promotion of the brand. This is simply a glimpse at what the company itself says it can offer customers.

Name and Reputation – One glaring reason to choose Hunter Douglas is because of its name and reputation. The company has been in the business of making blinds and shades since the 1940s. The fact that they are still around means that have had many satisfied customers through the years. The experience and expertise that they have acquired has made them a leading and trusted name in the industry.

Online Shops – Hunter Douglas has evolved with the times. Now, you don’t even need to go to a shop to explore your options. You can easily find an accredited dealer online. Many dealers also provide help and advice online. When shopping for a Hunter Douglas product, all you need to do is to sit in front of your computer.

Assistance – Dealers of Hunter Douglas products don’t just sell. They also give relevant and expert guidance to buyers. You can get great shades or blinds even if you don’t know a thing about them. Accredited dealers can help you pick the right product based on size, design, material and price considerations.

Conserves Energy – Hunter Douglas shades are all energy efficient. Their shades limit the flow of heat, control heat depending on the season and diffuse daylight to ensure maximum daylight use. In other words, their products reduce the need for more energy for light and temperature control. This therefore also translates to more cash saved.

Customization – The company’s shades and blinds have customization options. Products with custom lifting systems provide users with utmost convenience.

Wide Range of Choices – Hunter Douglass offers a wide selection of product types and brands to choose from. This means you are never stuck with just a handful of options to pick from. There is always one product for every kind of customer. Some of the great options to choose from include silhouette shades, honeycomb shades, Roman shades, window panels and wood shades.

Quality Manufacturer – You may be feeling patriotic. In this case, Hunter Douglass products are a must buy for you. Their blinds and shades are made in the U.S. which is a big deal for many customers.

Lifetime Guarantee – The company offers a lifetime guarantee and a lifetime limited warranty. As long as your blinds or shades are not intentionally damaged or are worn out by prolonged use, you can have them repaired at no cost. Custom motor systems have warranties for five years. You never have to worry about getting shades or blinds that don’t work properly.

With all these great reasons to get Hunter Douglas shades, getting them should be a no-brainer. Do make sure though that you have an accredited dealer. You can quickly find one by searching through the company website for a dealer near you.

Trisha Banks Home Accessories, Home, home improvement, Hunter Douglas shades

Vertical window blinds is one of the most popular alternative for window shades today. Some homeowners even prefer them over the horizontal types. Like every other product though, not everyone will need vertical blinds. If you like to explore the idea of getting some, you should find out first if they will fit your needs.

The first major thing to consider is the window that you are putting blinds on. Horizontal blinds and shades are still best for small windows or non full length wall windows. Vertical blinds on the other hand are the best options when the windows encompass a large part of a wall. Sliding windows leading to patios and decks for example always look best with vertical blinds.

Vertical blinds give the effect of larger and longer windows. Vertical vanes give the impression of generous space that is relaxing. From the standpoint of an interior designer, vertical blinds complement the decorative and functional purposes of large windows.

Another good thing about the vertical ones is that they also come in different styles, colors and appearances. This can be a bit confusing for anyone who needs to choose the appropriate blinds. Sometimes, the wrong choice can be a disaster because horrible vertical blinds can be glaring monstrosities in a room. Here are some ideas you should think about when picking your vertical blinds:

The Material – The material of the blinds is a big factor. Your choice of material should not just match your room theme but your intention as well. Corporate offices for example may need vertical window blinds that are light toned but non-pastel. Blinds in shades of gray or light blue and made of vinyl are perfect options for an office. These easily communicate a sense of professionalism.

Blinds for Homes – Blinds for homes and living rooms are best made of fabric or wood. These naturally give off a sense of homeyness and welcoming warmth. Because your home, or at least your living room, is not part of your stressful work day, wood or fabric are perfect options to help you relax.

Blinds Opacity – Vertical blinds can completely shut out the sunlight. If this is what you want, you should settle for blinds made of vinyl, wood or faux wood. If you want to be able to enjoy the view and diffuse lighting, you might want to get sheer fabric. Fabric blinds come in varying degrees of opacity so you can choose the right one for you depending on your privacy preferences.

Energy Efficient – Modern blinds can help conserve energy. This is a feature that you should always consider looking for in vertical blinds. Modern technology can help create blinds that can reduce heat transfer, diffuse daylight and block UV light without completely blocking light itself. These modern features can help homeowners conserve energy needed for artificial lighting and air conditioning.

These are only some ideas for choosing vertical window blinds. They are however the most important ideas to consider. Have these four basic points in mind when you visit a home improvement store and you will surely find perfect vertical blinds for your specific needs.

Trisha Banks Home Accessories, Home, home improvement, interior design, vertical window blinds