The Finishing Touch

Tricky Design Problem: How to Prevent Blinds from Blowing in the Wind

Esther,

We have recently purchased and installed nine Exterior Sheerweave Solar Shades with cassette valence systems. They are inside mount shades with removable porch screens on the outside. They have inserted metal rods in the bottom hem which is providing some weight; however, they blow into the room even with light breezes. We would like to have some sort of a clip to fasten the rod to the sill to hold them down or possibly a clip mounted on the window casing which would hold the ends of the metal rod when the shade is rolled down. Any suggestions or hardware available?

Bob P.

7 Things You Need to Know NOW About Cutting Energy Costs with Window Treatments

In spite of the “greenwashing” going on these days, it is critical that we call attention to the things we can do here and now to cut energy costs and generally use less. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to save some money, would it? Let’s face it, green terminology can be very confusing. R-value, u-factor, detrimental energy loss… it’s often difficult to decipher what all of this means. For starters, visit EcoHome Magazine . It is a wonderful resource, filled with easy-to-understand information and tips you can use to make your home more energy efficient. In regards to window treatments specifically, here are some things you absolutely have to know to make good, environmentally conscious decisions when outfitting your abode: 

Draperies, Rods and Finials: Getting Started with Drapery Hardware

You’ve picked out the perfect chairs, paired them with the beautiful rug from Flokati you’ve been eyeing, and painted your walls the most delectable shade crème brulee. You even splurged for those gorgeous end tables by Anthony Marschak of Modern Bamboo. And now it’s time to finish off that room!

Decorating Commandment #9: I will always adorn my windows with draperies, rods, and finials.

If draperies do for windows what a great haircut does for your face, then the perfect rods and finials are like earrings for your room; they can be understated and still make a statement. Draperies and drapery accessories are a major source of confusion for even the most skilled designer, so fear not, ambitious home decorator. Ever seen your neighbor’s “interesting” shower curtain-looking draperies hanging from what might be PVC pipe? Yeah. Don’t let that be you.

Hyper-caffeinated Cleaning Binge: How to Keep your Blinds Clean

I have discovered the danger of ordering a Venti at Starbucks.  It gave me the energy to do all those things I always put off, and for some reason in my caffeine high I got a jump on pre-holiday cleaning.  The downside, I can now make an eco-friendly sweaters from the dustbunnies I found under my bed.   In my cleaning frenzy I came up with a quandry.  How should I properly clean my Blinds.com blinds? 

Here's the answer:

Aluminum Venetian Blinds

There’s a couple of options with Blinds.com Aluminum Venetian blinds, firstly you can use a blind cleaner, a special type of duster designed to get in between the slats. This makes the cleaning extremely quick and easy but it is only really suitable for dusting. For a more thorough clean, the blinds can be closed and wiped down or an even easier method is to take the blind down and use either the bath or shower to spray the blind down. Try to avoid using any soap products as unless you have the time to spend making sure that every last bit of soap is washed off. Soapy products can turn even the most expensive aluminum blind, a slightly yellow color!

Wooden Venetian Blinds

Generally wood venetian blinds are coated with a finish and can be dusted just like aluminum blinds.  However, if you are a closet Martha Stewart or feel like the wood is getting lackluster than it’s worth giving them a good polish with a wax based polish. This helps to protect the timber and the richness of color. The wax in the polish builds up a protective layer which will repel any splashes or marks.