2
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt April/May 2011
• Editor’s Note
3
Things to Keep In Mind About
I N S I D E
Window
TRY THIS
Halcy’s Greek Salad PG 7 NOW YOU CAN BEGIN: • Find yourself in each room. • Grab a pen, paper and measuring tape. Turn to page 11
Treatments
• Put some thought into the room in which you wish to update. Read pages PGs 4,6,9 and 13 • Find out how much you need to spend. Plan and budget your needs. • Create your design theme. Read pages 8 and 12 • Maintain. Page 5 tells you what to do.
Are you looking for an updated and new look for your room? Have you changed your curtains lately? If so or no, then it has probably been a while since you have changed your window treatments. Using the right window treatments can have an impact on how your room feels or looks. Perhaps, you aren’t too sure where to start. Though choosing the right window treatments for your home can be challenging, this issue of @Home magazine provides you with a definitive resource to help you plan and execute your window treatments choices, whatever the colour, shape or size.
There are a vast number of styles, colors, textures, and types of window fashions available on today’s market. Remember, windows treatments are just as important as choosing furniture for your home. Choose wisely.
CHOOSE
Choosing the Right Window to Fit your space PG 4 Shop Yufe’s PG 6 Fit & Forget Windows PG 9 Window Films and Tints PG 13
DESIGN
A Window Treatment to Suit your lifestyle PG 8 Matching Colour with Décor PG 12
CREATE
Create a backyard fantasy PG 10 Calculating your yardage PG 11
MAINTAIN PG 5 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW PG 15 • KEY TERMS IN WINDOW TREATMENTS • HOME HISTORY LACE
Special Publications Unit SPU Producer: Tracey Alonzo Head of Design: Marketing/SPU Denise Baptiste Associate Editor: Lisa Jessamy Design/Layout: Aadel Chin-Albert • Sean Simon Writers: Christine Dalkan, Charmaine Daisley, Nyerere Haynes, Akiela Hope, Kaelanne Jordan, Nadaleen Singh Special Publications enquiries: spu1 @guardian.co.tt
Sales
Sales Manager: Account Executive:
Sonja Romany Bryan Saunders bryan.saunders@guardian.co.tt
4
• Bright Ideas
CHOOSING THE RIGHT AN WINDOW TO FIT YOUR SPACE ARCHITECTURAL FOCAL POINT Kaelanne Jordan
Windows play a large part in creating the ambiance of any interior décor, providing natural light, beautiful views and fresh air. Today, however, finding the perfect window for your home can be a daunting task when you are not familiar with the different types of windows available. Because there are so many diverse types of windows available to choose from, it’s important to make sure you know what you want. A source from ABEL Building Solutions says that there is a style of window to every house, aspect, location and lifestyle and walks @Home through the process of choosing the appropriate windows for your space. “The right windows can make the world of difference to the look of your home. “Windows must be aesthetically attractive, let in plenty of light, functional and durable. “Lighting, among other factors, is a major aspect that ought to be considered before making your decision. Be wary of the height and size of window. “Hence, choosing the right windows for your home is a detailed process with many options. “First of all, I have observed that the majority of customers that walk through ABEL want burglar proofing windows. However, they might think it’s a sash window, a type of window that slides up, and slides across, or even gliders, windows that slide open horizontally. “It is imperative to note that the only window that carries burglar proofing is steel. Steel windows do not push up or across, they only push outwards. We recommend a plain window with no frenching on the glass. The next step is to put in a burglar proofing where you would still get the frenching look through the window.”
• Maintain
CLEANING YOUR DRAPES AND CURTAINS
When cleaning your home, we often overlook cleaning our drapes or curtains. Window Treatments are not only important for aesthetic looks and privacy, but they also help to protect your furniture and furnishings from the sun. Draperies and curtains usually prohibit a lot of dust and pollutants from entering your home. However, they retain a lot of dust and dirt over time even though they look visually clean. Cleaning your drapes and curtains are necessary part of your housecleaning. Here are some easy ways to clean quickly. 1. Vacuum your drapes at least once a month. 2. Use a soft brush or handheld vacuum for weekly cleans. 3. Only wash your drapes and curtains if they are labeled washable. 4. Hire a professional cleaner to dry-clean your drapes that are not washable. 5. Don’t wash drapes and curtains that have the following: a. Pleats b. Embellishments c. Trims that are not colourfast d. Large and bulky (can damage your washing machine)
If your drapes and curtains are washable, you should: 1. Wash by hand or in a machine on gentle cycle. Use mild detergent and cool water. 2. Gently rinse and line-dry. 3. Touch up with a steamer or iron on the reverse side.
Tip1: To dry clean your curtains Dip a chamois cloth in hot water, wring out thoroughly and then brush along the curtain lightly.
Tip 2: Wooden Blinds
Step 1: Vacuum or dust them thoroughly. Adjust the blinds so the slats are angled down, toward the floor. In a bucket, prepare a solution of a few capfuls of dishwashing liquid and water. Step 2: Working one slat at a time, wash each with a damp rag. Use a dry towel to soak up excess water as you go. Flip the blind and repeat on the other side. Step 3: To clean the cord, pull the shade all the way up so the cord is fully extended. Run the damp rag up and down it once, then follow with the dry. With information from: www.madesimple.com
5
• Bright Ideas
6
FOR THE PERFECT WINDOW TREATMENTS
SHOP YUFE’S
Yufe’s is a family owned business the first store was opened in 1938 at the corner of Frederick and Queen Streets, Port of Spain. Today Yufe’s has fourteen (14) stores across Trinidad. Their customers include Designers, Decorators’, Upholsterers, Hospitals, Hotels, Restaurants and Furniture Manufacturers. The stores, strategically situated across Trinidad, makes decorating your “dream home” easier with a wide selection of Fabrics and Readymade Curtain Panels and the helpful staff will also guide you in your selections. Yufe’s has the biggest selection of Home Décor fabrics for the discerning home owner who wants custom
Yufe’s has Curtain Panels and fabrics for every décor. You may view your home as your castle and want beautiful Dupioni Silk drapes or our Faux Silk “Opulence” Collection. The panels are lined to provide additional protection for your furniture and additional insulating properties to keep cold air in the room, as well as control/lighting.
made drapes. Their specialty stores across Trinidad stock fabrics for every décor from beautiful Dupioni Silks in over forty five (45) colours to the Faux Silk fabric which is practical and well priced for every home owner. For the “green” eco-conscious person, Yufe’s has linens and cottons in various weights, textures and colors. Yufe’s stocks the biggest selection of Readymade Curtain Panels designed for the busy home owner who can decorate any window in their home in a few minutes! Home owners are more adventurous now and want bright, punchy colors for their windows. In this design there are over twenty (25) colors available.
NEW ARRIVALS
AT
YUFE’S
HAS FASHIONED A SPECTACULAR ASSORTMENT OF FABRICS AND READYMADE CURTAIN PANELS FOR YOUR HOME .
Come in to treat your home with the perfect balance of style, texture and color!
* Tumpuna Road Arima AND ALL OTHER BRANCHES IN ARIMA, CHAGUANAS, ST. JAMES, SAN JUAN AND SANGRE GRANDE
0417037
* 23 Stanmore Ave &
VISIT OUR * 47 Saddle Road, Maraval DECORATORS’* Ground Floor, Trincity Mall STORES AT * 36 Cipero Street, San Fernando
Consider the simple elegance of tiered window treatments graced with frills, perfect for kitchen or bathroom windows. Yufe’s has a commitment to providing the highest level of quality and service. We invite you to visit our website at www.yufes.com or contact us at 675–5146.
7
• Entertaining
HALCY’S GREEK SALAD • 1 bunch romaine lettuce, washed and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, deseeded and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces • 2 medium tomatoes, diced • 1/2 a red onion, sliced into half moons and separated • 1 stalk chive, sliced finely • 1/2 a red or green sweet pepper, julienned
• 1/2 to 1/3 cup of green olives, left whole • 1/4 cup black olives, • 3/4 cup of feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
Dressing • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • Pinch of fresh thyme • Pinch of dried parsley
• Pinch of oregano • Pinch of red pepper flakes • Tiny pinch of salt (optional as the feta is already salty)
Method • In a large bowl, place all the ingredients in the order they are listed, as in lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. Toss gently together. • In a smaller bowl, place all the dressing ingredients and whisk together or beat with a fork until just combined. (Tip: Let stand for a while at room temperature so all the flavours can meld.) • Serve individual portions and drizzle a tablespoon of dressing over each. • Begin with the cucumbers. First top, tail and peel them, then cut them in half. • With a teaspoon, scrape out the seeds. • Then cut each half into quarters and then into bite sized pieces. • The tomatoes are simple. Just remove the stem end and cut them into four, then each quarter into three pieces. Voila! • Next, slice 1/4 of an onion into very thin half moons. • Peel a few leaves off head of iceberg lettuce, wash them, roll them up and store them into your waiting bowl. • To replace the sweet pepper, use local pimentos (deseeded and julienned). Add some fresh thyme and parsley. • Cube Feta or take the point of your knife and twist off little shards. • Add olives. Just spoon about a 1/2 cupful or more into a small bowl. Normally I’d have a mix of both black and green olives, but either colour can work here. • Toss lightly with a pair of tongs or two spoons till everything is mixed. • Dressing time! Normally, the olive oil is poured on the completed salad and some lemon juice is squeezed on before adding pepper and other herbs. This here is my own method for the salad dressing, which is simply two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of lemon juice (substituting lime juice), and a pinch or two (each) of parsley flakes, red pepper flakes, oregano and fresh thyme. Then, stir with a fork until blended.
8
• Design & Decor
A room without window treatments is like a well-dressed woman without jewelry, says Ann Moore-Spencer, creator of Beyond Drapery Ltd. When considering window treatments, we tend to think on a decorative level, rather than a functional one. While window treatments are indeed, style statements, they must also be reflective of your lifestyle. Here are some ideas, Moore-Spencer advises you to consider when choosing a window treatment: Privacy and Security How close are your neighbours? Can individuals on the outside of your home see what you are doing or what part of the house you are at any given time? Do your windows face a busy street? What is the space used for? You may feel comfortable if you can be seen in your kitchen but not in your bedroom. Would someone be able to peer in and see your valuables? How safe do you feel when you are alone at night with the lights on? If you are concerned about security and privacy, you will want your window treatments to cover your entire window. You should also consider lining so that your window coverings are not easy to see through. Draperies can also be used in conjunction with horizontal wood blinds or fabric shades for a private, but beautifully layered look. For flexibility, we recommend treatments that can be moved away from the opening when desired. Options such as drapery on rings on poles, traversing drapery, grommet panels and roman shades are viable options that can be compatible with all decorating styles. Light Control If your windows or French doors overlook a patio and/or a spectacular tropical view, a sunny room filled with natural light is perfect. You may just want to soften the window by framing it with drapery and possibly a top treatment, leaving the opening bare. If covering the opening, sheer fabric allows the natural light to shine through while offering some measure of privacy. If the ‘light and airy feel’ is valued, consider lighter colours, light fabric and styles with simple lines. In Trinidad and Tobago, arched windows, sunbursts, bay and bow windows, huge picture windows, two story windows and French doors are being used increasingly in new and renovated homes. These window styles offer excellent opportunities for natural light in the home. However, it has been our experience that while the homeowners like the architectural interest of these windows, they often seek ways to minimise the amount of sun entering the home. The sun may not always be your friend. How are the UV rays affecting your furniture, your carpet, your artwork, upholstery and fabric? Are you blinded by the rising sun as you eat your breakfast? Is there a glare on your computer or television screen? We highly recommend that you look for drapery panels or shades that are lined with a quality lining. Lining will also preserve your drapery, protecting the fabric from fading, moisture and sun rot. Again for flexibility, explore the option of drapery that can be
Ann Moore-Spencer
moved away from the opening when desired. Light control is often valued in bedrooms. Some form of blackout lining will make your room dark and cozy and insulate your windows from the heat outside. Insulation Glass is a very poor insulator. Layers of fabric, lining and shadings help keep the tropical heat out. A window covered by at least three layers of window treatment is the most efficient insulator. Roman shades or horizontal blinds, sheers closest to the window in the first layer. Lined full coverage over drapery as the second layer, with a board mounted top treatment as the third layer. You may also want to consider panels that have an added layer of interlining. Interlining is placed between your face fabric and linings, adding a luxury feel to your drapery and a good bit of insulation from heat. Your window treatment choices can significantly lower your air condition requirements. Is noise an issue? Do you live on a busy street with lots of loud traffic? Instead of bouncing off glass or hard treatments such as blinds, noise can be better absorbed by some soft fabric. Other Considerations Do you have pets and small children? Then elaborate puddling drapery may not be the best choice for your space. You should be mindful of the strangling risk of cords in blinds and shades. Check out Beyond Drapery at www.beyonddrapery.com
• Bright Ideas
The first time home owner can find himself faced with a daunting task; How to choose the right windows for your home? So many options, so many styles, but without having someone who knows about the construction of your home, choose for you, what can you do? Well GGI gives you the simple facts on one of its simple, effective and elegant windows that gives you the power to talk about a window with conviction, The Fit ‘n’ Forget window. The Fit & Forget window is made from a highly durable Aluminium Alloy with a beautiful and elegant Wood Grain finish, catering to the aesthetic in you. These windows are also specially designed for the tropical region, the extreme heat, rainfall and even in cases of a natural disaster like a hurricane. They are outward opening, can be hung from any side of the frame and with a variety of personalised finishing options to best suit your wants and needs. Additionally the Fit & Forget
Window has the following features designed for the ultimate in window form and functionality: • Specially designed Aluminium Corner cleat to give rigidity to corner joints, making it a stronger window. • Multipoint locking system prevents rattling due to high wind speed and ensures superb air and water tightness, not to mention a great security feature in preventing your window from being a point of entry from the unwanted. • Specially designed Wedge clamped reversible hinges to withstand shutter load up to 80 KGS • Wide Range of Handles to choose from, to suit your style and purpose. • Excellent drainage system suitable for our Tropical climate. • Virtually maintenance free for the lifetime of your home. All these qualities equate to a durable, long lasting window that you can simply fit into your home and forget about! GGI gives you with the knowledge and power to choose the right outlook on life with its Fit ‘n’ Forget window.
9
10
• Backyard Basic
Create a
backyard sanctuary that adds value to your home If you are a homeowner who wants to enjoy your home, but don’t see upgrading your back yard as an investment, think concrete! The developments of decorative concrete have influenced the growth of the outdoor living. This trend has allowed homeowners to transform their backyards into functional extensions of their home at a fraction of the cost where they can entertain, relax and cook. Now anyone who has got the space can create the look of an authentic stone or brick patio at a more economical cost by installing
decorative concrete. When designing your backyard, it is important to blend your exteriors with your interior living areas. By using stamps pressed into fresh concrete you can to match most stone facades with concrete solutions that resemble flagstone, brick and other patterns that are practical, functional and attractive. Whether you are environmentally conscious or just want to have beautiful and comfortable backyard, here are some ways that you can incorporate these elements and still enjoy your outdoor space.
T I P S
• Choose the right places for plants. • Concrete planters will add a touch of elegance and formality to any garden or space. • Select trees that provide some shade but still let in the sunshine. • Consider installing a pergola instead of a solid roof and cover with vines. • Plants usually release water through their leaves keeping your area fresh and cool. • Incorporate recycling in every aspect designing your backyard. Use materials that are recyclable to build walls, waterfalls and counters or in landscaping by using shredded plants for planting your beds.
• House Buzz
Calculating
Yardage Today there is a wide variety of Window Treatments both soft and hard that one can choose from. For example, there are curtains, draperies, shades, blinds and shutters. However, let us look at the softer side of things – curtains and draperies. These two are often used interchangeably, yet they are not the same. Draperies refer to heavier, formal, lined or pleated panels whilst curtains are light weight, unlined panels gathered onto a rod or attached by tabs or clips making them less formal. Curtains are easy to make and can be done by anybody who is willing to do it themselves. One must first take accurate measurements using a steel tape. First measure the window width and add 5” to each side. Then multiply by how full you want the gathers to be (2-3 times). Divide by the number of panels (usually 2 panels, a left and right side). However, you may need to join widths of fabric to make one panel. Also for the length of curtain, measure from the top of rod to where you want your
curtain to end. (If there is no rod add 4” above window opening) then add 8” for a double 4”bottom hem plus another 4” for a double 2” rod pocket. The bottom hem is turned and stitched first, then the side hems and finally the rod pocket. Your curtain is now ready to be gathered on a rod and hung. Some types of fabrics that can be used for curtains are sheers, linens, lace, chintz, cottons, toile, antique satin and shantung. These fabrics come in an array of colours and patterns to compliment your interior space. Curtains have a life span of about one year. Due to exposure from direct sunlight and constant laundering, they can lose their colour, fibres and texture. On the other hand, draperies, can give you tenure up to eight years because they are fully lined, protecting the decorative fabric from direct sunlight. Research co-ordinated by Akiela Hope Information sourced from Anna Dansicar-Thomas, Window Treatment & Design Consultant, Interiors Final Touch, Member of Window Covering Association of America
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
WINDOW SCENE Nadaleen Singh
There is absolutely no perfect way to protect your home from natural disaster nonetheless; all measures should be taken to ensure safety. Damage from flying debris can be less destructive to other parts of the home but, when it comes to windows; flying debris can shatter windows if it is not strong enough to withstand the high winds. What type of windows do you choose? The windows made of regular glass and laminated with polyvinyl butyric (PVB) between two layers of glass would not shatter easily. The other option is tempered glass which passes through a process of heat to be strengthened. According to a spokesperson at American Window and Door Company Ltd, who did not want to be named, the tempered laminate glass is the best option to have your window made from because it is a combination of tempered and laminate.
Though homeowners are concerned about natural disasters, there is greater concern about crime. Most homeowners are faced with the predicament of wanting to secure their homes but would like to stay away from burglar proof so they would opt for steel windows. Though in the first instance, steel windows are cheaper, the cost to maintain these types of windows in the long run is expensive. For those who own homes on the beach front, teak windows are recommended the price tag varies depending on whether it opens as a casement, if there are awnings with hinges at the top, sash windows or hung windows which slide up and down, sliding windows which slide to the left and right and the solid fixed window, which looks like a picture. Like it or not the choices vary in design, price and the material it is made from
11
12
MATCHING
• Fabrics & Furnishings
COLOUR
CUSTOM MADE DRAPERY & BLINDS
WITH
DECOR
Creative Draperies Ltd.
Nadaleen Singh
Whether it is the kitchen, living room, dining room or even the bedroom, choosing the right colour, or the right type of fabric for the room is important. Depending on whether you launder your drapes or your tablecloths or bed spreads or whether you want to set the mood. What happens if you have children who have allergies? According to Cyntra Ramoutar, House of Marketing (Drapery Land) Ltd you would have to choose a fabric that has a sheen on it, as opposed to a open weave fabric which attracts dust that settle between the yarns. Ramoutar also said the choice of fabric can be dependent on how much you launder. For most chefs, in order to have the complete meal you must have the complete ambiance. This means that curtains should match the tablecloth as close as possible. For example, if the kitchen curtain has flowers on it, one shouls opt for having placemats with flowers on it.
In the bedroom, matching the colour with the décor is always advised. While most people prefer thick drapes for the bedroom this tends to block the light from coming in. If on the other hand, you want the light to come into the bedroom, use unlined drapes. Others prefer their bedroom to be decorated according to their personality, yellow, orange or red is used to signify warmth, if green or blue is used to signify cool and calm. Waking up to pleasing colours in your bedroom or a pleasing décor is recommended, therefore choice of fabric must be done carefully. Special rules apply for teens though, since they can be fussy. They tend to like a lot of colour. To add difference to their décor, butterflies are suggested. Whatever the design, a teen’s room should inspire them to be creative and ambitious in their studies and future endeavours. For the ten-year-old who wants to make decisions, the right fabric for the right window treatment is recommended since certain styles of window treatment may not agree with certain fabrics.
Uriah Butler Highway Charlieville Tel: 665-3444 Tel/Fax: 671-2949 Email: creativedraperies@gmail.com
0320025
• Surfaces
13
Tinted glass
Painted-bamboo
WINDOW FILMS Nyerere Haynes Usually when home improvement ideas are put together concerning windows you naturally think of new curtains, blinds or changing the window style all together. There is a more economical alternative to transforming your windows by using decorative window films. Decorative film is an inexpensive way to spruce up home décor while maintaining your privacy. “Tinting can prevent glass from breakage,” says Colin Eligon, General Manger of Ace Marketing. Eligon explains that window films can come in varying shades. Percentages can range form 35 percentlight; 20 per cent –medium and 5 per cent which is considered dark. There are types of decorative window films that resemble etched glass or frosted glass. Stained glass windows can be very expensive, but the window films give normal glass a similar look for a lower price. Etched glass films create a border along the edges of the window that looks like it has been carved. Frosted films offer various types of opaque looks that also improve privacy. While window tints can provide shade and protect from UV light, it also decorates beautifully. “Window films protect the
TINTS direct sunlight from damaging your furniture and furnishings in your home,” say Eligon. He notes that some people use both options for privacy, because tint works with lighting. During the day, the inside is normally darker and at night time the opposite occurs. Depending on the room’s theme and your own mood select a tint of the most suitable colour and texture. If your theme changes yearly or seasonally it would be wise to use non-adhesive tint, if not, permanent adhesive tint is also available. Window film can also reduce your electrical bill as it prevents UV rays from entering your room making it cooler. Most residential decorative window films are sold in easy to install kits that make the application process very simple. Before installation, homeowners should thoroughly clean and dry the windows. Any dirt left on the window can cause problems when bonding the film and may ruin the film over time. Homeowners should also wait until the sun is off the window and the window has cooled before applying films.
14
• Fabrics & Furnishings
CHOOSING BLINDS:
A ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE
Blinds can add and interesting outlook to your windows. It is just as important as any piece of furniture in your home and requires the same time and effort when you are incorporating them in your room design. If you are considering redecorating your rooms, blinds can add extra touch that completes your décor. Blinds come in many shapes, styles and materials so you wouldn’t run out of options to suit your taste and style. Here’s how you choose the right style of blind for your room:
VERTICAL BLINDS- For your room to be well lit, vertical blinds are the perfect choice. These blinds go well in the living room, or dining room. Look for blinds that can be easily pulled to the side of the window, to allow full sunlight in; and easily closed tight at night for the utmost in privacy.
HORIZONTAL BLINDSHorizontal blinds are known to be beautiful window treatments that are designed to look exactly like Venetian blinds. These blinds go well in rooms, such as in the kitchen and bathroom. When choosing horizontal blinds for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important that you choose blinds that have been specially treated to withstand high levels of moisture.
BAMBOO SHADES- Bamboo shades are great for privacy. These blinds are usually made or wood and the finest bamboo. However, they still allow light to flow through the room, yet are woven closely enough to provide privacy. Bamboo shades are excellent window treatments for bedrooms. ROMAN SHADES- For the baby’s rooms, roman shades are a good choice. They are usually folded in accordion designs and come in various colours and designs. As you can see, there are different styles of blinds that you can choose from, in a variety of different materials. Last but not least, it is important that when choosing blinds for your room you should match your furniture.
TIP Use window treatments with patterned fabric if you want to spruce up your walls painted in solid colours.
• Glossary
15
KEY TERMS
USED IN WINDOW TREATMENTS A Automatic Cord Lock: The geared mechanism used when raising and lowering horizontal window treatments. B Basswood: Hardwood grown in North America, China, and other parts of the world. Used in making real wood blinds Bottom Rail: The bar across the bottom of horizontal blinds or window shades. Used to tie in the cords of horizontal blinds and also add weight to window shades.
L Lift Cord: Used to raise and lower window blinds or window shades. Light Filtering Shade: A window covering that provides privacy but still allows some light to penetrate through and enter the room. Louvers or Louvres: The vanes or slats for vertical blinds. Vertical blinds louvers are typically made from pvc vinyl or fabric. O Outside Mount: Window blinds or shades hung
Blackout Shade: A Window covering that eliminates virtually all light from enter a window.
Opaque: Also know as blackout. A window shade that blocks all light.
Bracket: Mounting hardware to attach window treatments to window frames, walls, or doors.
P Privacy: Window coverings that block enough light from entering the room so that they cannot be seen through.
C Ceiling Mount: Window blinds or shades hung from the top of the window frame rather than the sides or on a wall.
R Ramin Wood: A hardwood that is less expensive than basswood. Ramin wood is used to make value wood blinds.
Center Tilt: Small window blinds do not have room in the headrail for all the tilt and lift mechanisms. These blinds have a tilt only located in the middle of the headrail or blind.
Routeless: Slats on horizontal blinds have routed holes for the lift cords to pass through. Routless blinds do not have these holes but instead the lift cords are on the front and back of each blind slat.
Continuous Cord Loop: Clutch system with a cord or chain that is used to raise larger window blinds or shades. Controls: Mechanism that raise and lower window blinds or window shades as well as tilt the slats or louvers on horizontal and vertical blinds. D Decorative Cloth Tapes: Vertical strips of colored fabric, typically about 1 inch thick, used in place of the tilt ladders to tilt horizontal blinds. Used a decorative accent on wood blinds, faux wood blinds, and more. Duofold: Shades that can either be lowered or raised. F Flush Mount: When a window blind is completely inside the window frame. The window frame is deep enough so that the blind does not extend out past the edge of the wall. H Headrail: Located across the top of window blinds and typically made of metal or plastic. Contains the mechanism that control a blind or shade. Hold Down Brackets: Used to secure the bottom of window blinds. Used on door blinds to keep them from swinging away from the door when it is open and closed. I Inside Mount: Window blinds or shades hung within the window frame.
S Semi-Opaque: Window treatments that allow partial light to enter the room while still offering privacy. Sheer: Window treatments that filter light but are still able to be seen through. Split Controls: When the tilt and lift controls are located on opposite sides of the window blinds. Stack: The material when window blinds are gathered or opened. Slats: The individual narrow strips material or louvers that make up a horizontal blind. Most blind slats are made of real basswood, ramen wood, metal such as aluminum or pvc vinyl faux wood. T Tilt Cord/Wand: Mechanism used to twist or open the individual blind slats on horizontal blinds. Top Down/Bottom Up: Shades that can either be lowered or raised. V Valance: Decorative moulding or material used to cover the headrail on window blinds or window shades. Valance Returns: The side pieces of the valance on outside mount blinds that cover the headrail. Source: www.blindchalet.com
LACE CURTAINS The first use of lace curtains is unknown, but it is unlikely that anyone but the very wealthy could have afforded to have put handmade lace in their windows where they could be ravaged by sun or rotted by rain. It is more likely that they were used first in the mid-nineteenth century when machinemade laces made such curtains affordable. Furthermore, as heavy curtains are coupled with lighter curtains to shield the privacy of the Victorian house, lace curtains were the logical choice for these
filmy barriers. Today, the lace curtain is only made on large lace-making machines that produce thousands of yards each year. While lace curtains of other centuries would have been extraordinarily expensive, the price of mass-produced curtains is very reasonable, and curtains may be purchased of synthetics such as polyester which require little care and are available in a variety of colors. Source: www.madehow.com
16
Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt April/May 2011