Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt April/May 20112

3• Editor’s Note

Are you looking for an updated and new look for your room? Have you changed yourcurtains lately?  If so or no, then it has probably been a while since you have changed yourwindow treatments. Using the right window treatments can have an impact on how yourroom feels or looks. Perhaps, you aren’t too sure where to start. Though choosing theright window treatments for your home can be challenging, this issue of @Home magazine provides you with a definitive resource to help you plan and executeyour window treatments choices, whatever the colour, shape or size.

Things to Keep In Mind About

WindowTreatments

TRY THISHalcy’s Greek SaladPG 7

NOW YOU CAN BEGIN:

• Find yourself in each room. • Grab a pen, paper and measuring

tape. Turn to page 11

• Put some thought into the room inwhich you wish to update. Readpages PGs 4,6,9 and 13

• Find out how much you need tospend. Plan and budget your needs.

• Create your design theme. Read pages 8 and 12

• Maintain. Page 5 tells you what to do.

There are a vast number of styles,colors, textures, and types of windowfashions available on today’s market.Remember, windows treatments arejust as important as choosingfurniture for your home. Choosewisely.

CHOOSEChoosing the Right Window to Fityour space PG 4

Shop Yufe’sPG 6

Fit & Forget WindowsPG 9

Window Films and TintsPG 13

DESIGNA Window Treatment to Suit yourlifestylePG 8

Matching Colour with DécorPG 12

CREATECreate a backyard fantasyPG 10

Calculating your yardagePG 11

MAINTAINPG 5

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWPG 15• KEY TERMS IN WINDOW

TREATMENTS• HOME HISTORY LACE

I N S I D E

SPU Producer: Tracey AlonzoHead of Design: Marketing/SPU Denise BaptisteAssociate Editor: Lisa JessamyDesign/Layout: Aadel Chin-Albert • Sean SimonWriters: Christine Dalkan, Charmaine Daisley, Nyerere Haynes,

Akiela Hope, Kaelanne Jordan, Nadaleen SinghSpecial Publications enquiries: spu1 @guardian.co.tt

SalesSales Manager: Sonja RomanyAccount Executive: Bryan Saunders

bryan.saunders@guardian.co.tt

Special Publications Unit

• Bright Ideas4

Kaelanne Jordan

Windows play a largepart in creating theambiance of any interi-or décor, providing nat-ural light, beautifulviews and fresh air.

Today, however, find-ing the perfect windowfor your home can be adaunting task when youare not familiar with thedifferent types of win-dows available.

Because there are somany diverse types ofwindows available tochoose from, it’s impor-tant to make sure youknow what you want.

A source from ABELBuilding Solutions saysthat there is a style ofwindow to every house,aspect, location andlifestyle and walks@Home through theprocess of choosing theappropriate windows foryour space.

“The right windowscan make the world ofdifference to the look ofyour home.

“Windows must beaesthetically attractive,let in plenty of light,functional and durable.

“Lighting, amongother factors, is a majoraspect that ought to beconsidered before mak-ing your decision. Bewary of the height andsize of window.

“Hence, choosing theright windows for yourhome is a detailedprocess with manyoptions.

“First of all, I haveobserved that themajority of customersthat walk through ABELwant burglar proofingwindows. However, theymight think it’s a sashwindow, a type of win-dow that slides up, andslides across, or evengliders, windows thatslide open horizontally.

“It is imperative tonote that the only win-dow that carries burglarproofing is steel. Steelwindows do not push upor across, they onlypush outwards. We rec-ommend a plain windowwith no frenching on theglass. The next step isto put in a burglar proof-ing where you wouldstill get the frenchinglook through the win-dow.”

CHOOSING THE RIGHTWINDOW TO FIT YOUR SPACE

ANARCHITECTURAL

FOCALPOINT

• Maintain 5

When cleaning your home, we often overlookcleaning our drapes or curtains. WindowTreatments are not only important for aestheticlooks and privacy, but they also help to protectyour furniture and furnishings from the sun.

Draperies and curtains usually prohibit a lot ofdust and pollutants from entering your home.However, they retain a lot of dust and dirt overtime even though they look visually clean.

Cleaning your drapes and curtains are neces-sary 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. Pleatsb. Embellishmentsc. Trims that are not colourfastd. Large and bulky (can damage your washingmachine)

If your drapes and curtains are wash-able, you should:

1. Wash by hand or in a machine on gentle cycle. Use milddetergent 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 curtainsDip a chamois cloth in hot water, wring out

thoroughly and then brush along the curtain light-ly.

Tip 2: Wooden BlindsStep 1: Vacuum or dust them thoroughly.

Adjust the blinds so the slats are angled down,toward the floor. In a bucket, prepare a solu-tion of a few capfuls of dishwashing liquid andwater.

Step 2: Working one slat at a time, washeach with a damp rag. Use a dry towel to soakup excess water as you go. Flip the blind andrepeat on the other side.

Step 3: To clean the cord, pull the shade allthe way up so the cord is fully extended. Runthe damp rag up and down it once, then followwith the dry.

With information from: www.madesimple.com

CLEANING YOURDRAPES AND CURTAINS

6 • Bright Ideas

Yufe’s is a family owned busi-ness the first store was opened in1938 at the corner of Frederick andQueen Streets, Port of Spain.Today Yufe’s has fourteen (14)stores across Trinidad. Their cus-tomers include Designers,Decorators’, Upholsterers,Hospitals, Hotels, Restaurants andFurniture Manufacturers.

The stores, strategically situatedacross Trinidad, makes decoratingyour “dream home” easier with awide selection of Fabrics andReadymade Curtain Panels and thehelpful staff will also guide you inyour selections.

Yufe’s has the biggest selection ofHome Décor fabrics for the discern-ing home owner who wants custom

made drapes. Their specialty storesacross Trinidad stock fabrics forevery décor from beautiful DupioniSilks in over forty five (45) coloursto the Faux Silk fabric which is prac-tical and well priced for every homeowner. For the “green” eco-con-scious person, Yufe’s has linens andcottons in various weights, texturesand colors.

Yufe’s stocks the biggest selectionof Readymade Curtain Panelsdesigned for the busy home ownerwho can decorate any window intheir home in a few minutes!

Home owners are more adventur-ous now and want bright, punchycolors for their windows. In thisdesign there are over twenty (25) colors available.

Yufe’s has CurtainPanels and fabrics forevery décor. You mayview your home as yourcastle and want beauti-ful Dupioni Silk drapesor our Faux Silk“Opulence” Collection.The panels are lined toprovide additional pro-tection for your furni-ture and additionalinsulating properties tokeep cold air in theroom, as well as con-trol/lighting.

FOR THE PERFECT WINDOW TREATMENTS

SHOP YUFE’S

NEW ARRIVALSYUFE’S HAS FASHIONED A SPECTACULAR ASSORTMENT OF FABRICS

AND READYMADE CURTAIN PANELS FOR YOUR HOME.

Come in to treat your homewith the perfect balance of style, texture and color!

* 23 Stanmore Ave & * 47 Saddle Road, Maraval * Ground Floor, Trincity Mall * 36 Cipero Street, San Fernando * Tumpuna Road Arima

AND ALL OTHER BRANCHES IN ARIMA, CHAGUANAS, ST. JAMES, SAN JUAN AND SANGRE GRANDE

VISIT OUR DECORATORS’ STORES AT

AT04

1703

7

Consider thesimple elegance oftiered windowtreatments gracedwith frills, perfectfor kitchen orbathroom win-dows.

Yufe’s has acommitment toproviding thehighest level ofquality and serv-ice. We invite youto visit our web-site atwww.yufes.com orcontact us at675–5146.

• Entertaining 7

• 1 bunch romaine lettuce, washed and choppedinto 1/2 inch pieces

• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, deseeded andchopped into 1/2 inch pieces

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced• 1/2 a red onion, sliced into half moons and sepa-

rated• 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.

HALCY’S GREEK SALAD

• In a smaller bowl, place all the dressing ingredients andwhisk together or beat with a fork until just combined.

(Tip: Let stand for a while at room temperature so all theflavours can meld.)

• Serve individual portions and drizzle a tablespoon ofdressing over each.

• Begin with thecucumbers. First

top, tail andpeel them,

then cutthem in

half.

• With a teaspoon,scrape out the seeds.

• Then cut each half into quarters and then into bite sizedpieces.

• The tomatoes aresimple. Justremove the

stem endand cut

them intofour, then

each quarter intothree pieces. Voila!

• Next, slice 1/4 of an onion into very thin half moons.

• Peel a few leavesoff head of ice-

berg lettuce,wash them,roll them up

and storethem into

your waitingbowl.

• To replace the sweet pepper, use local pimentos (de-seeded and julienned). Add some fresh thyme and parsley.

• Cube Feta ortake the pointof your knife

and twistoff littleshards.

• Add olives. Justspoon about a 1/2 cupful

or more into a small bowl. Normally I’d have a mix of bothblack and green olives, but either colour can work here.

• Toss lightlywith a pair of

tongs ortwo spoons

till every-thing ismixed.

• Dressing time! Normally,the olive oil is poured on the completed salad and some

lemon juice is squeezed on before adding pepper and otherherbs. This here is my own method for the salad dressing,

which is simply two tablespoons of olive oil, one table-spoon of lemon juice (substituting lime juice), and a pinchor 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 islike a well-dressed woman without jewelry,says Ann Moore-Spencer, creator ofBeyond Drapery Ltd. When consideringwindow treatments, we tend to think on adecorative level, rather than a functionalone. While window treatments are indeed,style statements, they must also be reflec-tive of your lifestyle.

Here are some ideas, Moore-Spencer advises you to consider when choosing awindow treatment:

Privacy and SecurityHow close are your neighbours? Can indi-

viduals on the outside of your home seewhat you are doing or what part of thehouse you are at any given time? Do yourwindows face a busy street? What is thespace used for? You may feel comfortable ifyou can be seen in your kitchen but not inyour bedroom. Would someone be able topeer in and see your valuables? How safe doyou feel when you are alone at night withthe lights on?

If you are concerned about security andprivacy, you will want your window treat-ments to cover your entire window. Youshould also consider lining so that your win-dow coverings are not easy to see through.Draperies can also be used in conjunctionwith horizontal wood blinds or fabric shadesfor a private, but beautifully layered look.

For flexibility, we recommend treatmentsthat can be moved away from the openingwhen desired. Options such as drapery onrings on poles, traversing drapery, grommetpanels and roman shades are viable optionsthat can be compatible with all decoratingstyles.

Light ControlIf your windows or French doors overlook

a patio and/or a spectacular tropical view, asunny room filled with natural light is per-fect.

You may just want to soften the windowby framing it with drapery and possibly a toptreatment, leaving the opening bare. If cover-ing the opening, sheer fabric allows the natu-ral light to shine through while offeringsome measure of privacy. If the ‘light andairy 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 pic-ture windows, two story windows andFrench doors are being used increasingly innew and renovated homes. These windowstyles offer excellent opportunities for natu-ral light in the home. However, it has beenour experience that while the homeownerslike the architectural interest of these win-dows, they often seek ways to minimise theamount of sun entering the home.

The sun may not always be your friend.How are the UV rays affecting your furni-ture, your carpet, your artwork, upholsteryand fabric? Are you blinded by the rising sunas you eat your breakfast? Is there a glareon your computer or television screen?

We highly recommend that you look fordrapery panels or shades that are lined witha quality lining. Lining will also preserve yourdrapery, protecting the fabric from fading,moisture and sun rot. Again for flexibility,explore the option of drapery that can be

movedaway fromthe openingwhen desired.

Light controlis often valuedin bedrooms.Some form ofblackout liningwill make yourroom dark andcozy and insu-late your win-dows from theheat outside.

InsulationGlass is a

very poor insu-lator. Layers offabric, liningand shadingshelp keep thetropical heatout. A win-dow coveredby at leastthree layersof windowtreatmentis the mostefficientinsulator.Romanshades or hori-zontal blinds,sheers closest tothe window in the firstlayer. Lined full coverage overdrapery as the second layer, with a boardmounted top treatment as the third layer.

You may also want to consider panels thathave an added layer of interlining. Interliningis placed between your face fabric and lin-ings, adding a luxury feel to your drapery anda good bit of insulation from heat. Your win-dow treatment choices can significantlylower your air condition requirements.

Is noise an issue? Do you live on a busystreet with lots of loud traffic? Instead ofbouncing off glass or hard treatments suchas blinds, noise can be better absorbed bysome soft fabric.

Other ConsiderationsDo you have pets and small children? Then

elaborate puddling drapery may not be thebest choice for your space. You should bemindful of the strangling risk of cords inblinds and shades.

Check out Beyond Drapery at www.beyonddrapery.com

Ann Moore-Spencer

• Bright Ideas 9

The first time home owner canfind himself faced with a dauntingtask; How to choose the right win-dows for your home?

So many options, so many styles,but without having someone whoknows about the construction of yourhome, choose for you, what can youdo? Well GGI gives you the simplefacts on one of its simple, effectiveand elegant windows that gives youthe power to talk about a windowwith conviction, The Fit ‘n’ Forget win-dow.

The Fit & Forget window is madefrom a highly durable Aluminium Alloywith a beautiful and elegant WoodGrain finish, catering to the aestheticin you. These windows are also spe-cially designed for the tropical region,the extreme heat, rainfall and even incases of a natural disaster like a hurri-cane.

They are outward opening, can behung from any side of the frame andwith a variety of personalised finish-ing options to best suit your wantsand needs.

Additionally the Fit & Forget

Window has the following featuresdesigned for the ultimate in windowform and functionality:

• Specially designed AluminiumCorner cleat to give rigidity to cornerjoints, making it a stronger window.

• Multipoint locking system pre-vents rattling due to high wind speedand ensures superb air and watertightness, not to mention a greatsecurity feature in preventing yourwindow from being a point of entryfrom the unwanted.

• Specially designed Wedgeclamped reversible hinges to with-stand shutter load up to 80 KGS

• Wide Range of Handles to choosefrom, to suit your style and purpose.

• Excellent drainage system suitablefor our Tropical climate.

• Virtually maintenance free for thelifetime of your home.

All these qualities equate to adurable, long lasting window that youcan simply fit into your home and for-get about! GGI gives you with theknowledge and power to choose theright outlook on life with its Fit ‘n’Forget window.

10 • Backyard Basic

backyardsanctuary

If you are a home-owner who wants toenjoy your home, butdon’t see upgradingyour back yard as aninvestment, thinkconcrete! The devel-opments of decora-tive concrete haveinfluenced thegrowth of the out-door living. Thistrend has allowedhomeowners totransform their back-yards into functionalextensions of theirhome at a fraction ofthe cost where theycan entertain, relaxand cook.

Now anyone whohas got the spacecan create the lookof an authentic stoneor brick patio at amore economicalcost by installing

decorative concrete.When designing yourbackyard, it is impor-tant to blend yourexteriors with yourinterior living areas.By using stampspressed into freshconcrete you can tomatch most stonefacades with con-crete solutions thatresemble flagstone,brick and other pat-terns that are practi-cal, functional andattractive.

Whether you areenvironmentally con-scious or just wantto have beautiful andcomfortable back-yard, here are someways that you canincorporate theseelements and stillenjoy your outdoorspace.

Create a

that adds valueto your home

• 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 inthe sunshine.

• Consider installing a pergola instead of a solid roofand cover with vines.

• Plants usually release water through their leaveskeeping your area fresh and cool.

• Incorporate recycling in every aspect designing yourbackyard. Use materials that are recyclable to buildwalls, waterfalls and counters or in landscaping by

using shredded plants for planting your beds.

T I P S

11• House Buzz

CalculatingYardage

Today there is a wide variety of WindowTreatments both soft and hard that one canchoose from. For example, there are curtains,draperies, shades, blinds and shutters.However, let us look at the softer side ofthings – curtains and draperies. These twoare often used interchangeably, yet they arenot the same.

Draperies refer to heavier, formal, lined orpleated panels whilst curtains are light weight,unlined panels gathered onto a rod or attachedby tabs or clips making them less formal.

Curtains are easy to make and can be doneby anybody who is willing to do it themselves.One must first take accurate measurementsusing a steel tape. First measure the windowwidth and add 5” to each side. Then multiplyby how full you want the gathers to be (2-3times). Divide by the number of panels (usually2 panels, a left and right side). However, youmay need to join widths of fabric to make onepanel. Also for the length of curtain, measurefrom the top of rod to where you want your

curtain to end. (If there is no rod add 4” abovewindow opening) then add 8” for a double4”bottom hem plus another 4” for a double 2”rod pocket. The bottom hem is turned andstitched first, then the side hems and finallythe rod pocket. Your curtain is now ready tobe gathered on a rod and hung.

Some types of fabrics that can be used forcurtains are sheers, linens, lace, chintz, cottons,toile, antique satin and shantung. These fabricscome in an array of colours and patterns tocompliment your interior space.

Curtains have a life span of about one year.Due to exposure from direct sunlight and con-stant laundering, they can lose their colour,fibres and texture. On the other hand,draperies, can give you tenure up to eight yearsbecause they are fully lined, protecting the dec-orative fabric from direct sunlight.

Research co-ordinated by Akiela HopeInformation sourced from Anna Dansicar-Thomas, Window

Treatment & Design Consultant, Interiors Final Touch,Member of Window Covering Association of America

Nadaleen Singh

There is absolutely no perfect way to protect yourhome from natural disaster nonetheless; all measuresshould be taken to ensure safety.

Damage from flying debris can be less destructive toother parts of the home but, when it comes to windows;flying debris can shatter windows if it is not strongenough to withstand the high winds.

What type of windows do you choose? The windowsmade 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 aprocess of heat to be strengthened. According to aspokesperson at American Window and Door Company Ltd,who did not want to be named, the tempered laminate glassis the best option to have your window made from becauseit is a combination of tempered and laminate.

Though homeowners are con-cerned about natural disasters,there is greater concern aboutcrime. Most homeowners are facedwith the predicament of wanting tosecure their homes but would liketo stay away from burglar proof sothey would opt for steel windows.Though in the first instance, steelwindows are cheaper, the cost tomaintain these types of windows inthe long run is expensive. For those who own homes on the

beach front, teak windows are recommended the pricetag varies depending on whether it opens as a casement,if there are awnings with hinges at the top, sash windowsor hung windows which slide up and down, sliding win-dows which slide to the left and right and the solid fixedwindow, which looks like a picture.

Like it or not the choices vary in design, price and thematerial it is made from

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

WINDOW SCENE

Creative Draperies Ltd. CUSTOM MADE DRAPERY & BLINDS

Uriah Butler Highway Charlieville

Tel: 665-3444 Tel/Fax: 671-2949Email: creativedraperies@gmail.com

0320025

• Fabrics & Furnishings12

Nadaleen Singh

Whether it is the kitchen, living room, din-ing room or even the bedroom, choosing theright colour, or the right type of fabric for theroom is important. Depending on whetheryou launder your drapes or your tableclothsor bed spreads or whether you want to setthe mood.

What happens if you have children who haveallergies? According to Cyntra Ramoutar,House of Marketing (Drapery Land) Ltd youwould have to choose a fabric that has asheen on it, as opposed to a open weave fabricwhich attracts dust that settle between theyarns.

Ramoutar also said the choice of fabric canbe dependent on how much you launder.

For most chefs, in order to have the com-plete meal you must have the completeambiance. This means that curtains shouldmatch the tablecloth as close as possible. Forexample, if the kitchen curtain has flowers onit, one shouls opt for having placemats withflowers on it.

In the bedroom, matching the colour withthe décor is always advised. While most peo-ple prefer thick drapes for the bedroom thistends to block the light from coming in. If onthe other hand, you want the light to comeinto the bedroom, use unlined drapes.

Others prefer their bedroom to be decoratedaccording to their personality, yellow, orange orred is used to signify warmth, if green or blueis used to signify cool and calm. Waking up topleasing colours in your bedroom or a pleasingdécor is recommended, therefore choice offabric must be done carefully.

Special rules apply for teens though, sincethey can be fussy. They tend to like a lot ofcolour. To add difference to their décor, butter-flies are suggested. Whatever the design, ateen’s room should inspire them to be creativeand ambitious in their studies and futureendeavours.

For the ten-year-old who wants to makedecisions, the right fabric for the right windowtreatment is recommended since certainstyles of window treatment may not agreewith certain fabrics.

MA

TC

HIN

G

COLOUR

WIT

HDECOR

13• Surfaces

Nyerere Haynes

Usually when home improve-ment ideas are put togetherconcerning windows you natu-rally think of new curtains,blinds or changing the windowstyle all together. There is a moreeconomical alternative to trans-forming your windows by using decora-tive window films.

Decorative film is an inexpensive way tospruce up home décor while maintainingyour privacy.

“Tinting can prevent glass from break-age,” says Colin Eligon, General Manger ofAce Marketing. Eligon explains that windowfilms can come in varying shades.Percentages can range form 35 percent-light; 20 per cent –medium and 5 per centwhich is considered dark.

There are types of decorative windowfilms that resemble etched glass or frostedglass. Stained glass windows can be veryexpensive, but the window films give nor-mal glass a similar look for a lower price.Etched glass films create a border along theedges of the window that looks like it hasbeen carved. Frosted films offer varioustypes of opaque looks that also improveprivacy.

While window tints can provide shadeand protect from UV light, it also decoratesbeautifully. “Window films protect the

direct sunlight fromdamaging your furniture and furnishings inyour home,” say Eligon. He notes that somepeople use both options for privacy,because tint works with lighting. During theday, the inside is normally darker and atnight time the opposite occurs.

Depending on the room’s theme and yourown mood select a tint of the most suitablecolour and texture. If your theme changesyearly or seasonally it would be wise to usenon-adhesive tint, if not, permanent adhe-sive tint is also available. Window film canalso reduce your electrical bill as it preventsUV rays from entering your room making itcooler.

Most residential decorative window filmsare sold in easy to install kits that make theapplication process very simple. Beforeinstallation, homeowners should thoroughlyclean and dry the windows. Any dirt left onthe window can cause problems whenbonding the film and may ruin the film overtime. Homeowners should also wait untilthe sun is off the window and the windowhas cooled before applying films.

WINDOWFILMS

TINTS

Painted-bamboo

Tinted glass

• Fabrics & Furnishings

VERTICAL BLINDS- For yourroom to be well lit, vertical blinds arethe perfect choice. These blinds gowell in the living room, or diningroom. Look for blinds that canbe easily pulled to the sideof the window, to allowfull sunlight in; and easi-ly closed tight at nightfor the utmost inprivacy.

BAMBOO SHADES- Bambooshades are great for privacy. These blindsare usually made or wood and the finestbamboo. However, they still allow light toflow through the room, yet are wovenclosely enough to provide privacy. Bambooshades are excellent window treatments for

bedrooms.

ROMAN SHADES- For thebaby’s rooms, roman shades are agood choice. They are usually folded inaccordion designs and come in variouscolours and designs.

As you can see, there are differentstyles of blinds that you can choosefrom, in a variety of different materials.Last but not least, it is important thatwhen choosing blinds for your roomyou should match your furniture.

HORIZONTALBLINDS-

Horizontal blinds areknown to be beautiful

window treatmentsthat are designed to look

exactly like Venetianblinds. These blinds go well

in rooms, such as in thekitchen and bathroom. Whenchoosing horizontal blinds foryour kitchen or bathroom, it isimportant that you choose blindsthat have been specially treated towithstand high levels of moisture.

Blinds can add and interesting outlook to your windows. Itis just as important as any piece of furniture in your homeand requires the same time and effort when you are incor-porating them in your room design.

If you are considering redecorating your rooms, blinds canadd extra touch that completes your décor. Blinds come inmany shapes, styles and materials so you wouldn’t run out ofoptions to suit your taste and style.

Here’s how you choose the right style of blind for your room:

A ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE

TIPUse windowtreatmentswith patternedfabric if youwant to spruceup your wallspainted in solidcolours.

14

CHOOSING BLINDS:

15• Glossary

AAutomatic Cord Lock: The gearedmechanism used when raising andlowering horizontal window treat-ments.

BBasswood: Hardwood grown in NorthAmerica, China, and other parts of theworld. Used in making real woodblinds

Bottom Rail: The bar across the bot-tom of horizontal blinds or windowshades. Used to tie in the cords ofhorizontal blinds and also add weightto window shades.

Blackout Shade: A Window coveringthat eliminates virtually all light fromenter a window.

Bracket: Mounting hardware toattach window treatments to windowframes, walls, or doors.

CCeiling Mount: Window blinds orshades hung from the top of the win-dow frame rather than the sides or ona wall.

Center Tilt: Small window blinds donot have room in the headrail for allthe tilt and lift mechanisms. Theseblinds have a tilt only located in themiddle of the headrail or blind.

Continuous Cord Loop: Clutch systemwith a cord or chain that is used toraise larger window blinds or shades.

Controls: Mechanism that raise andlower window blinds or windowshades as well as tilt the slats or lou-vers on horizontal and vertical blinds.

DDecorative Cloth Tapes: Verticalstrips of colored fabric, typically about1 inch thick, used in place of the tiltladders to tilt horizontal blinds. Useda decorative accent on wood blinds,faux wood blinds, and more.

Duofold: Shades that can either belowered or raised.

FFlush Mount: When a window blind iscompletely inside the window frame.The window frame is deep enough sothat the blind does not extend outpast the edge of the wall.

HHeadrail: Located across the top ofwindow blinds and typically made ofmetal or plastic. Contains the mecha-nism that control a blind or shade.

Hold Down Brackets: Used to securethe bottom of window blinds. Used ondoor blinds to keep them from swing-ing away from the door when it isopen and closed.

IInside Mount: Window blinds orshades hung within the windowframe.

LLift Cord: Used to raise and lowerwindow blinds or window shades.

Light Filtering Shade: A window cov-ering that provides privacy but stillallows some light to penetratethrough and enter the room.

Louvers or Louvres: The vanes orslats for vertical blinds. Vertical blindslouvers are typically made from pvcvinyl or fabric.

OOutside Mount: Window blinds orshades hung

Opaque: Also know as blackout. Awindow shade that blocks all light.

PPrivacy: Window coverings that blockenough light from entering the roomso that they cannot be seen through.

RRamin Wood: A hardwood that is lessexpensive than basswood. Raminwood is used to make value woodblinds.

Routeless: Slats on horizontal blindshave routed holes for the lift cords topass through. Routless blinds do nothave these holes but instead the liftcords are on the front and back ofeach blind slat.

SSemi-Opaque: Window treatmentsthat allow partial light to enter theroom while still offering privacy.

Sheer: Window treatments that filterlight but are still able to be seenthrough.

Split Controls: When the tilt and liftcontrols are located on opposite sidesof the window blinds.

Stack: The material when windowblinds are gathered or opened.

Slats: The individual narrow stripsmaterial or louvers that make up ahorizontal blind. Most blind slats aremade of real basswood, ramen wood,metal such as aluminum or pvc vinylfaux wood.

TTilt Cord/Wand: Mechanism used totwist or open the individual blind slatson horizontal blinds.

Top Down/Bottom Up: Shades thatcan either be lowered or raised.

VValance: Decorative moulding ormaterial used to cover the headrail onwindow blinds or window shades.

Valance Returns: The side pieces ofthe valance on outside mount blindsthat cover the headrail.

Source: www.blindchalet.com

USED IN WINDOW TREATMENTSKEY TERMS

LACE CURTAINSThe first use of lace curtains is unknown,but it is unlikely that anyone but the verywealthy could have afforded to have puthandmade lace in their windows wherethey could be ravaged by sun or rotted byrain. It is more likely that they were usedfirst in the mid-nineteenth century whenmachinemade laces made such curtainsaffordable. Furthermore, as heavy curtainsare coupled with lighter curtains to shieldthe privacy of the Victorian house, lacecurtains were the logical choice for these

filmy barriers. Today, the lace curtain isonly made on large lace-making machinesthat produce thousands of yards eachyear. While lace curtains of other cen-turies would have been extraordinarilyexpensive, the price of mass-producedcurtains is very reasonable, and curtainsmay be purchased of synthetics such aspolyester which require little care and areavailable in a variety of colors.

Source: www.madehow.com

Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt April/May 201116