How to Measure Window Blinds: Orange County Blinds, Los Angeles Blinds, San Diego Blinds

Before you even pick up that steel tape measure, you need to decide what kind of window blind you want. Do you want the Window Blinds on the inside of the window casing or outside mounted blinds?

The choice is yours alone, and it makes a huge difference how you want the blinds to hang. Window blinds can change a room from a dull eyesore, to the final dressing in your room. They can muffle sounds traveling from room to room, and give you the privacy you want, not to mention the insulation they provide from the outside in winter and in summer.

Measuring windows will be the most important thing you do, and you must use a steel measuring tape. Cloth measuring tapes may be all right to measure your waist, but they are not accurate enough for any type of construction. Measuring anything that will remain on your window and walls require a precise measurement. No guess work here.

To have the desired covering for your windows you must measure within 1/8 of an inch. Don’t trust your memory write the measurement down on a piece of paper. Another hint, always write the width first, then the length. That is how contractors write their measurement always with the width followed by the length, like this 12x24. If you get those mixed up someone will be in trouble, and your window blinds will not fit properly.

You may need to learn how to read a tape measure. They are not always the same. You might have to count the lines to see how many are in one inch. If you are confused have someone instruct you on this. It is hard to explain in an article.

Now do you understand why it is important to choose how the window blinds will be installed, on the inside or outside of the window frame? Let me explain.

If you install the blind on the inside of the window frame, you will have a small gap between the blind and the window. If there is a wide frame on the window that won’t matter, because no light will be able to get in. Otherwise there might be a gap.

Blinds installed on the outside cover the window completely, and make the window look larger. They may also hide an unsightly window and will enhance your room. Remember though the choice is yours, but measure wisely.

GW Shutters specializes in Orange County blinds, Los Angeles blinds, San Diego blinds, Orange County shutters, Los Angeles shutters, and San Diego shutters.

Curtains or Blinds

You want your windows covered to make the room more complete, but which should you use curtains, drapes or blinds? Curtains are usually flimsy see through material and need to be washed frequently. Draperies on the other hand need to be dry cleaned. Heavy drapes need to be taken down and reinstalled after they are cleaned. Spiders with spider webs live in curtains and/or draperies. Possibly those are the main reasons that most people have switched to window blinds.

Window blinds are easier to clean especially with the modern dusters, and if dusted regularly dirt doesn’t build up on them. The blinds can be adjusted to close completely or open completely without obstructing your view inside or out. If privacy is desired, then the blinds can be adjusted so you can see out, but no one can see into your rooms.

Blinds are composed of vertical or horizontal sheets that are attached and function in unison. In the winter you may want your blinds open to allow the sun to warm your house or office. In the summer it would be better to close them to keep the hot sun out. Whether you desire the vertical or horizontal blinds you will receive the same results when adjusting the blinds. That is almost impossible to achieve with curtains or blinds. They are either open or closed with nothing in between.

Blinds deflect the heat more effectively than the other alternative. There are numerous styles and types of blinds, many with attractive colors or patterns to enhance your rooms. Another added benefit for those who have allergies or breathing problems like asthma, the blinds are cleaner and don’t attract dirt or dust. They also can insulate the room from outside noise or echoes in the room itself.

In today’s busy world window blinds seem to be the choice of many because of the modern look they add to a room. The option of either opening or closing them appeals to many. The most popular blinds are made of anodized aluminum, and are a great deal cheaper than curtains or drapes. However there are blinds made of other materials such as vinyl, wood, bamboo, and even curtain blinds. The choices are limitless, and you can purchase them ready-made or have them custom made to fit your needs, and they are easy to install.

When you consider the care and cost that curtains require compared to blinds that may help you make your final decision.

Golden West Custom Shutters specializes in Orange County blinds, Los Angeles blinds and San Diego blinds.

Orange County blinds, Los Angeles blinds, San Diego blinds, Orange County shutters, Los Angeles Shutters, San Diego shutters

Shutters: Wood And Vinyl

Traditionally speaking most homeowners elect to have blinds put into their home as opposed to shutters. This is primarily due to the difference in cost as shutters tend to be much more expensive than blinds. Many homeowners also tell you that blinds require far less care and are cheaper to replace should the need to do so arise. Despite blinds being more popular than shutters, in recent years there has been a shift in the paradigm due to the low costs of shutters that are made from materials other than wood.

These "faux shutters" are made from a number of different materials. Some are made from fiber board with acrylic coating while others are made from solid resin and vinyl. Even better, individuals who want the low cost of a faux shutter but are afraid that they won't look like wood or will look less than spectacular needn't worry. Shutters made from materials other than wood are for the most part indistinguishable from their wood counterparts. Additionally the majority of faux shutters fit better in windows then do traditional wood shutters.

Perhaps the greatest contributing factor in the rise of faux shutters is the fact that they're far more durable and reliable than traditional wood shutters. While it's true that some very expensive top-of-the-line wood shutters are coated with UV inhibitors the majority aren't and as such they are often damaged over time after prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, and indirect sunlight. This is especially true of middle and lower grade traditional wood shutters as they have no protection and can begin to rot, crack, peel, and chip after only a short amount of time in the home.

In direct contrast to their wood counterparts, faux wood shutters and those made of polyurethane are extremely resilient and resistant to things like moisture, heat, and sunlight. Polyurethane shutters for example are an excellent choice when a homeowner is looking to put an attractive looking shutter next to a sink, bathtub, or shower. The excessive moisture will not harm these types of shutters. Faux wood shutters made of fiber board and covered with acrylic coating are extremely resistant to prolonged sun exposure. While these are an excellent choice for owners who want an extremely durable long lasting shutter they are rather heavy so it's not recommended they be used for tall and wide window spaces.

Regardless of the type of shutter you choose, and there are many, you should seriously consider selecting a material other than wood for your next set of shutters. Doing so will not only save you time, money, and maintenance but it will also ensure that you don't have to buy new shutters again for extremely long period of time. Best of all, these new technologies and materials allow even those on a small budget to select shutters over blinds.

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Decorating New Windows: Choose Carefully

Individuals who might be planning on redecorating their home and those individuals moving into a new residence generally have interior design on their minds. Where to place furniture, what to move, and what to eliminate from an area of their residence are things that are essential to creating a home that feels like their home.

One of the aspects of redecorating that needs careful attention are the windows in a residence. More often than not individuals involved in redecoration generally don't consider windows an important part of the process though they couldn't be more incorrect. With new paint, new furniture, and perhaps new flooring, a redecorated room will require different amounts and types of light. Some lights will flatter the room while others will make it look far less attractive.

Individuals should carefully select window coverings/decorations for their newly redecorated rooms and in their new residences. There will be some scenarios in which an attractive atmosphere can be created with very little light and then there will be other instances where a great deal of light is needed to not only see within a room but to bring it to life as well. Individuals will have window blinds, shutters, draperies, among other things which they can use to not only decorate their windows but craft atmospheres and moods in specific rooms.

Should you have any questions about what type of window covering work best for any specific room in your home please contact us so that we may be of assistance!

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Fixing Broken Window Blinds

Window blinds, especially those of the less expensive variety, are prone to breaking but homeowners with window blinds needn't always rush out and purchase replacements. Much like shutters and even draperies, the majority of damages to window blinds can be easily repaired.

One of the most common damages window blinds incur as a result normal wear and tear is a broken cord. When the cord becomes damaged broken blinds can no longer be turned and sometimes are left stuck either up or down. This can be especially inconvenient if the affected blind is used frequently to either block out light or to allow it in.

Such damages to window blinds are inexpensive and easy to fix and can save homeowners a lot of money. An individual should first inspect a cord's guides and a look for excessive wear. If it is completely worn it will need to be replaced or if it is worn to a great degree even a simple fix won't keep it from breaking again. There are a few moving parts inside of window blinds that can be moved around and replaced at a very low cost which will extend the life of any window blind.

Learn How To Fix Your Blinds

Should you have any questions about window blinds please do not hesitate to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Damaged Shutters And Shutter Repair

While most window coverings are solidly manufactured it's inevitable that some of them will experience problems. This is true of even the most expensive shutters, blinds, drapes, etc. While it's true that the more expensive window coverings like shutters are the less problems they have, many homes are full of not only careless children but careless adults as well.

Some homeowners rush out and purchase new shutters as soon as they experience even small problems with the shutters that are in their home. This isn't always a wise move however as in the majority of cases shutters can be repaired. The most common issues with shutters that can be easily fixed are:

• Broken connections
• Broken/missing slats
• Broken/missing tilt rod

Having shutters repaired, especially those that cost homeowners quite a bit of money, is a sensible and economical thing to do. Should you have shutters that need repairing or should you be looking at new shutters for your home please do not hesitate to contact us so that we may be of assistance!

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Windows: The Decorative Perspective

We often talk about the advantages one type of window decoration/coverings have over another on this blog. What we have rarely talk about however is window blinds, shades, and of course shutters from a purely decorative standpoint. While it remains true many people add things like shutters and blinds to their windows to add appeal to their home or up its value, many people add these things simply for no other reason than to decorate the interior of their home.

As is the case with adding window coverings for the purposes of keeping light in or out and adding value to a home, there are many different choices and things to consider when you want to add something to your windows for the purposes of decoration or livening up an area. Some homes may look better with window blinds as opposed to shutters and some homes are better suited for shutters than they are for draperies. Homeowners also need to take into heavy consideration, their own personal preferences and tastes as well as the existing decor in the room in which they plan to have something added to their windows.

Should you be an individual who wants to decorate their windows with blinds, shutters, draperies, or anything else please be sure to contact us when you need assistance!

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Draperies: An Alternative Solution For Your Windows

Utilizing draperies throughout a home allows individuals to not only cover windows and create moods within specific rooms or a whole home but allows them to do it in style. The many different types of draperies afford homeowners nearly unlimited options when it comes to color, style, length, texture, and fabric. Although other types of window coverings are customizable these days, draperies can be used by a homeowner to really accentuate a room and/or show off their personal tastes.

Many homeowners are still under the false assumption that the purchase of a drapery of any kind would put them into debt. The truth of the matter however is that many fine draperies are available at very affordable prices. Of course very elaborate and decorative draperies are still available at higher costs but homeowners with a much smaller budget now have access to plenty of variety when it comes to draperies. This accessibility allows homeowners with modest budgets to purchase enough draperies for their entire home. Homeowners who want something different across or covering their windows should seriously consider purchasing draperies.

Should you have any questions about draperies please don't hesitate to contact us as we will be more than happy to help!

Golden West Shutters specializes in:

Drapery Los Angeles - Orange County blinds - Lake Forest shutters - San Diego blinds - San Diego window coverings - Window treatments Orange County - San Diego plantation shutters

Windows Shades Offer Affordability & Ease

Of the many different types of popular window coverings Orange County shades are one of the most popular. Window shades enjoy popularity among homeowners who want to keep out sunlight at specific times of the day without having to spend an arm or leg to do so. Shades can be pulled down to darken any room from morning until the sun sets and can also be used to create a specific mood within room.

Orange County window shades come in a variety of different designs, brands, colors, and prices. The majority of shades are very affordable and are a great alternative to things like blinds and even shutters which tend to cost a lot more. The financial accessibility and the different designs that shades offer homeowners makes them very attractive to a lot of people. Moreover window shades are very easy to install and care for and require little more than occasional dusting. If cared for properly and barring accidents a decent set of window shades should last several years at least.

Should you have any questions about window shades please be sure to contact us so that we may be of assistance.

Cleaning Window Blinds: Tips For Success

As Orange County window blinds are the most popular type of window dressing and covering, there are many people who have them in their homes and as such there are nearly as many people who will be cleaning them on a regular basis. Cleaning window blinds is fairly straightforward thought some blinds might require different techniques.

Unless you have some really elaborate window blinds however cleaning yours shouldn't be too difficult. In sharp contrast to several other window coverings and decorations, Orange County window blinds don't really require the attention of a professional cleaner and most homeowners can clean their own blinds using the following tips.

• Using a feather duster once a week, apply some light dusting to all of your blinds to keep dust and dander from gathering.
  
• Open louvers in one direction to dust them and then in the opposite direction to give some attention to their backside.
  
• Stains can easily be removed from window blinds with a damp cloth and some firm wiping.
  
• Vacuuming your blinds on a weekly basis along with all of the aforementioned tips will help keep them in tip top shape and help them last for years.

Should you have any questions about cleaning your window blinds please be sure to contact us and that we may be of assistance!