Predominately, this style of curtain was dignified looking, with pleated material, sometimes with lace around the edges. Curtains in most country homes which favor a period flavor and distinctive look of a by-gone era, carefully preserve that heritage even in today’s changing times.

Style and material of country curtains:

The most popular style of country curtains is the ruffled variety. It is the hallmark of cottage living of the past. These are reminiscent of earlier times and civilization where life was leisurely and curtain making, a hand crafted art, as distinctive as the preserves made in the country kitchens and as bright as the cafes surrounding the town square. Gingham checks, stripes and floral prints are favored for this category of window linen and adding ruffles to the edges gives them a unique homegrown quality.

The antique look:

Country style curtains are in fashion for their simplicity of style and the instant up-lift they give to a room while granting it an antique look without emptying out your pocket and adding value to the home. These can be made full length or mid length, depending on the window area and the look of the room. Cottons, muslins and lightweight fabrics are recommended with bright, lively prints and plains matched and coordinated with either lace or ribbon to add to their charm.

The more fanciful ones have about 22 yards of material in them and a ruffle-ratio of 4 to 1 ensures that the gathers at the edges are kept close and fall well. Some even have double ruffles, which give them a unique look and the luxurious addition of Tiebacks and Bows, if included, give it an elegant and inviting look. Tailored valances completely lined, (or unlined) and corded can further enhance the country styling of curtains.

If your home is a Country style and could benefit with the addition of this style of curtain, you will find many examples to chose from in stores ranging from Top Window Treatment store to WalMart and even many places on-line are available to meet your needs.

The exterior window shutters for your home are available in many different shapes and materials. Vinyl or wood shutters are easily available at most home improvement stores, and they can also be a cost effective option. You can also make wooden shutters operable with functional hardware.

Exterior shutters can also be made out of several types of wood. The best wood to use is cedar, as it offers outstanding durablity and resistance to decay. Cedar also provides long service with minimal maintenance in applications involving mud, silt, window sahes, fencing, poles, and even exterior shutters.

The tannin oil in ceder is what really makes it an ideal wood for exterior shutters. It will prevent moisture penetration – and bugs hate it. Keep in mind, exterior shutters shouldn’t be left unprotected. It is however, best to finish the shutters before you install them, so that all surfaces can be fully covered.

The ideal base for exterior shutters is a primer coat of oil base primer that is tinted as close to the final color as possible. The oil will penetrate into the wood, giving better protection. For the best results in painting, you should always consult a professional painting company.

You can mount exterior shutters to your home with a 1/2″ spacer between the back of the panels and the building to allow ventilation. If you aren’t using functional hardware, you should use rust proof screws that sink flush to the wood. Once you have finished the installation, simply paint over the heads of the screws.

By using an opaque finish painted on the wood, it will prevent light rays from penetrating the finish and breaking down wooden fibers of your exterior shutters. If you choose, you can also stain exterior shutters.

Anytime you are staining shutters, you should use finishing products that are designed specifically for exterior use, and be prepared to do proper maintence on your shutters to keep them looking good all the time.

Exterior shutters will add color and style to the outside of your home, making them a purchase you can’t go wrong with. Wooden exterior shutters are the most popular and best to use – making them something you truly must have for your home.

Selecting your shutter style:

There are two basic styles of shutters available. The traditional style uses a narrow shutter panel with 1-1/4″ louvers. Traditional shutter louvers are normally wedge shaped, being thicker in the front and narrower in the rear. Plantation type shutters are generally 1-18″ thick with larger louvers.

Selecting the shutter finish:

Shutters can be stained, painted, or both. Almost all companies offer a number of paints with stain colors, while some don’t. Paint colors will generally include a variety of whites and lights. The stains will help enhance wood grains in a number of tints and tones, starting from light natural tones to an almost black pitch. Keep in mind, both synthetic and wood composite shutters can’t be stained.

Determine the price:

Because of their material options, shutters will come in a wide range of prices, with many suppliers calculating the price on the square foot. Prices are calculated based on the exact window size, shutter, style, finish, and number of panels involved.

Deciding on the unit:

Shutter units can use a number of different panel configurations within a window. The number of panels across the shutter is determined by the shutter style, traditional or plantation, and the width of the window. The traditional style panels are normally narrower than the plantation style and would use more panels across the window.

Company Support:

Each specific company offers guidelines for the number of panels to be used with a window. If the window is tall enough, you may want to consider a double tier, or two tier shutter unit that uses one set of shutters at the top and one set at the bottom.

Each set of shutters will then open independently on the other. You can also use a divider rail, which is is a horizontal bar that creates a top and bottom louver section within a single style of panel.

Measure and order:

Carefully follow the measuring instructions, then determine the window type and installation provided by the company you have selected. The directions should be detailed, yet very easy for you to follow.

The company should also offer phone assistance should you have any questions.

The first thing to do, is to determine the position of the mini blinds, deciding if they will be inside or outside of the interior window. Inside mounting will look more customized, although outside mounting will provide better control of lighting.

For inside frame mounting, measure the width between the points where the brackets will be placed; top,middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest of the measurements you receive. Now, measure the length from the top inside casing of the windowsill. At least 1 inch of flat surface will be needed on the inside casing in order to attach the brackets.

For outside frame mounting, you’ll need to measure the overall width of the area to be covered. Hang your mini blinds outside of the frame if there is less than 1″ of flat surface on the inside casing. The measurement should overlap the window by at least 1 1/2″ on each side.

Installation:

1. Determine if you want inside or outside mounting, and measure your window accordingly.
2. After you have purchased the correct size of mini blinds, remove the window stop from the top of the window on the window casing.
3. Screw the brackets that came with your blinds to the side window casing at the top, using either two or three screws per bracket.
4. With the wand on the left and the lift cord on the right, slide the mini blinds into the brackets you just installed. 5. Once you have the mini blinds in place, secure the caps over the brackets.
6. If the blinds are too long, remove the slats from the bottom of them, as this should help to get them to the appropriate height.

Many companies that install shutters will tell customers that the shutters need to be installed by a certified installer. This isn’t the case. If you have minimal understanding of home maintenance and hand tools you can install your shutters like a pro with no experience at all.

Measuring your shutters:

To properly install shutters to a window opening, you’ll need to measure the window to make sure you have the right size shutters. First, you’ll need to determine if the shutters will be mounted to the inside or the outside of the window opening. Interior shutters are usually functional and can be closed and opened easily. Exterior shutters are usually made for decoration only and are fastened to the siding of the house and don’t open or close.

Inside mount installation:

The preferred means of installation is to mount shutters directly to the window jamb inside of the window opening. This method is generally cleaner than mounting to the outside of the window and it doesn’t require additional hang strips or frame strips. Keep in mind, the window must be somewhat square and have a solid jamb for you to attach the screws to.

To determine the window depth, measure from the front plane of the window back to the nearest obstruction that will prevent the louvers from rotating. If you prefer, the company you are ordering from can also tell you the window depth for the style of shutters you order.

On occasion, a supplier of shutters will offer a second inside mounting method that uses rear hanging strips concealed behind the shutter panels that will allow adjustment up, down, left, and right for easier alignment. This method is ideal if the window is out of square or if it has a drywall opening without a solid wood jamb.

Outside mount installation:

Outside mount installations use frames that attach to the wall or existing trim just to the outside of the opening of the window. Normally, the frame will surround the shutter panels on three or four sides, depending on if a lower sill exists.

If you go with a cafe type shutter style, the hang strips are used on either side of the shutter panels. The frame or hang strips will screw directly to the wall or trim, and the shutter hinge to the frame or the hanging strips.

Always play it safe and measure with a steel tape measure, which will give you the most accurate measurements. Don’t attempt to measure with a fabric tape or yard stick – as this will lead you to a poor installation. Remember measure twice, cut once. Have fun.

How the blackout curtain originated:
Curtains and screens, which were to be used for blackout, were first used to shade sensitive crops and to manage the photoperiod of others. These were used to supply insulation and help keep heat near the plants, thus preventing the loss of heat radiation to the cold of the night or late evenings. When these blackout curtains were used with the support of thermal screens, they aided in the maintenance of better heat distribution to crops under the screen too.

Usage of blackout curtain in the present day:
Blackout curtain can be used as an alternative to regular curtains or as a supplementary to already existing fabric curtains, vertical and roller blinds, cubicle blinds and screens. They can be functional and complementary to the usage of the room, be it in a home, a hotel, hospital or office building. Apart from shading and protective purposes, the blackout curtain is also used for thermal insulation and also the prevention of condensation of plants in greenhouses, the initial use of such covers.

Beneficial features of blackout curtain:
Most of the blackout curtains available in the market today are fire retardant fabrics that can be prepared for printing or dyeing (as per customers need) and the ones made out of polyester are arguably the best as they are naturally easy to wash and iron using a higher heat range.

When these are used as a protective screen while viewing movies, they help to enhance the viewing pleasure by bringing out the best color tones onscreen and reducing the reflective element of light in the room. The blackout curtains give the user the advantage of substantial savings in the form of energy conservation both for cooling effect as well as light control.

One last use for a blackout curtain is for a “Day Sleeper”. Those who work at night or must for some other reason, sleep during the day sometimes need the light control to fall asleep. If they can’t ware a mask a blackout curtain would be beneficial for them to try.

Mini blinds are inexpensive and can easily fulfill all of the considerations above. They are also easy to use as well as efficient. You can also use mini blinds in conjunction with other types of window coverings and window treatments, and they come available in an amazing array of color choices.

If you are installing new windows, another consideration would be to have the mini-blind installed inside of the window thermo-pain. Doors as well as windows can have this feature added to them for light control and privacy. You will be installing windows with thermo-pain glass so why not take advantage of the space between the two pieces of glass and install the mini-blind? I have them installed in one of the doors in the family room. It’s a full glass door and I don’t have to worry about the mini-blinds blowing around, or getting in the way when the door is opened. It’s very practical.

If you are new to the world of mini blinds and their installation, you’ll find them to be very easy to install. Something to keep in mind, which is a common mistake of the window treating novice is measuring incorrectly – you should always list the width first in writing the measurement. Then, when you order any blinds, be sure to give the width first and not the height.

Also referred to as aluminum blinds and Venetian blinds, mini blinds offer a curved slat for extra strength. The most standard and practical choice of mini blinds is the 1″ aluminum blind.

You should look for a finish that is built to spring back, durable, and resistant to both dust and static. Another stylish option to mini blinds is the 1 3/8″ aluminum blind. This type of blind delivers a bold statement, yet it has the same practical features that make mini blinds appealing.

For a look and style you really can’t go wrong with, mini blinds are the way to go. They are very affordable, offer you an array of features, and they will improve the look of your home.

Now that you are armed with the virtues of mini-blinds, you can go forward and buy with confidence. Mini-blinds are the best way to give you privacy, control the light and change the look of your window. Couple that with the ease of installation and the low cost, you can’t go wrong.

These days, it may be time to get rid of the traditional wood shutters on your home and go with a more modern choice such as aluminum window shutters, as they resist the elements and never close. This will help cut down on your replacement and maintenance costs for keeping the exterior of your home looking the way it should.

Below, you’ll find several different types of shutters offered today.

Vinyl window shutters
Vinyl shutters are easy to clean, very affordable, and last around forty years. They will give your home a traditional look without the need for replacing them on a regular basis. They weigh a little of nothing and are available in traditional, louvered, board, and even batten panel styles. To make things better, they will arrive primed and ready to paint any color you wish.

Composite window shutters
These types of shutters resemble a thick particle board that is made from a collaboration of weather and rot resistant material. They are made from molds that offer many different styles that include the louvered, board, batten, and even raised panel styles. You can also find these shutter types in a cupboard style which is hinged at the top so you can open and close them like the old fashioned wood shutters of the past.

Fiberglass shutters
Fiberglass is the most expensive type of shutter although they will last around 20 years or so. They are molded as well and offered in a variety of designs that include Bahaman, louvered, board and battened, and even raised panel styles.

Fiberglass shutters are also stronger and more secure than other types and can also be used to protect your windows during storms and hurricanes.

Aluminum shutters
Aluminum style shutters are offered in a variety of styles that include the faux colonial louvered style and Bahaman style. These shutters are strong and offer great protection for your windows, and come in thousands of different colors and textures. The only bad thing about aluminum shutters, is the fact that most companies will only offer a warranty of around three years.

Light control:
The most difficult factor to control is light, with most window coverings falling into one of five categories:

1. Transparent – Clear, without obstruction
2. Translucent – Diffused light, which prevents the perception of distinct images
3. Filtered – Muted light in bright conditions
4. Semi-Opaque – Surfaces impenetrable by light, yet it also allows some light through the gaps
5. Opaque – This is where all light is blocked

Privacy:
Privacy can be achieved with almost any type of window covering. The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse images. Frosted glass or glass block can even help to give adequate levels of privacy.

Durability:
A window opening, by nature is a harsh environment that is subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Add these factors to frequent opening and closing and its simple to understand why windows need to be constructed well. The life expectancy is normally less for fabric window treatment because it can fade with time. Solid coverings, such as shutters, have a long life span.

Cleaning:
Each and every window covering will collect dust and dirt. Fabric coverings are the most difficult to clean, and are subject to stains. The furniture quality window coverings will normally wipe clean with a light solution if they have been treated with anti-stain solution.

Versatility:
Some coverings will work well in formal settings, while others will work best in casual living settings. Alternate styles are versatile and blend in well with almost any style of room.

Safety:
If you have small children in the home, they will usually come in contact with windows and their coverings. Some coverings will have cords to raise or lower for better visibility. Although they are handy to have, they can be dangerous if they are within a child’s reach.

Price:
Window coverings come in all price ranges, from $10.00 to many $1000.00, so it’s very important to weigh the overall value involved. The term “value” is often miss used, although when purchasing long term household items it is necessary to consider the return on the investment.

Window coverings on the low end of the price spectrum will normally have a short life expectancy and low durability. The higher priced coverings, such as shutters, are designed to last the life of the home – all while retaining the original character.

Shutters offer a hard window covering that is semi opaque when closed, although they provide great visibility when opened. The furniture quality wooden shutters can be either painted or stained in order to meet the needs of most decors. All shutters are extremely durable and offer a long life span.

You also have different styles of draperies and valances to choose from. With draperies, you have the options of rods with tap tops, tie tops with different pleats, grommet rod pockets, flouncy tops or plain rings. With valances you can choose to have them gathered, pleated, shirred, swaged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace, or even flat.

You also have a different variety of shades and blinds to choose from. You can choose between fabric shades or cellular shades. If you don’t want to go with shades, you can choose from metal mini blinds, natural blinds, or even wood blinds.

With fabric shades you can choose between the Roman, balloon, Austrian, bottom arched, pleated, or even flat panel. If you prefer cellular shades, keep in mind that they will give you a cleaner look and are also available in sheer or non-sheer materials.

If you decide to choose blinds, make sure that they meet your homes requirements. Metal mini blinds offer choices in weight and size, special finishes, privacy options, header choices, cloth tapes, and hundreds of different colors.

Wooden mini blinds also offer a variety of sizes, tape colors, and finishes. Natural blinds are also known as bamboo blinds, and are available in matchstick, sewn slats, and have several choices of natural fabric like appearance.