Archive for ‘Door & Window’

May 14th, 2012

How wooden blinds can make your home more eco friendly?

Why should you make your house eco-friendly, well not only will you help to combat global warming but you will also to save costs as fuel becomes increasingly expensive. There are lots of things you can do to help green your home, from the obvious steps such improving your insulation to more obscure ones such as fitting wooden blinds. At first glance this may seem somewhat weird but with both of these steps the same principle applies. By blocking and directing natural heat and light you can use less energy heating, cooling and lighting your house.

By blocking windows blinds plug huge these gaps in your insulation and they do so in a way that gives you much greater control over how much light and heat gets in than the alternatives. For example say it’s a hot summer day and you are working in your study which is equipped with venetian blinds. By opening the slats you can let light in without suffering the glare that drawing the blind would cause. Later in the day when the heat and sunlight get a little less intense you can draw the blind to let more in, before closing it fully in the evening to prevent heat escaping and stopping anyone from looking in. This means that there is far less of a demand put upon more expensive and less eco-friendly measures to control your houses temperature such as air con and central heating.

Wooden blinds are probably the most eco-friendly option, because wood sourced from sustainable sources, such as those approved by Forest Stewardship Council, (FSC) tends to have far less of an impact than equivalent amounts of plastic or metal. Not only is it far less destructive to extract, but it also takes far less energy to manufacture wooden products. The process of making wooden goods also produces far less toxic by-products than either aluminium or plastic. In addition the process of growing trees captures carbon dioxide which is then locked into the products produced from these trees.

Wood is also a renewable resource. Whilst metallic ores and oil are reduced by our use, well managed forests replace the wood that is taken from them. They also provide huge ecological benefits by providing bio diverse habitats as well as oxygen, clean water and even new medicines. Of course this means that it is important to only use products from manufacturers who can guarantee their wood comes from FSC approved sources. Unmanaged and illegal logging is incredibly destructive both to the environment and indigenous populations.

The best wooden products come from local forests and manufactures which reduces the carbon footprint caused by transporting the goods. Make your interior stand out with unique fittings by installing shutters and blinds – click here for more info

May 2nd, 2012

How to Hang Curtain Rods?

Hanging curtains is a rite of passage for the new homeowner or leaseholder. Before the knickknacks can be placed or the good china unpacked, the windows must be covered, and they must be covered in such a way that the local busybodies are impressed with the quality of the new neighbours.  Many people, having witnessed the grim results of botched curtain hanging, are afraid to take on the task themselves. Hanging window coverings is not difficult, however, and with the right tools and a few pointers, you can hang your own curtain poles as handily as an experienced carpenter.

The key to hanging curtains is careful measurement. Although a curtain rod should, ideally, be level, many homes are not geometrically perfect. The eye will compare the lines of the drapes and the pole to the lines of the window as well as those of the surrounding wall, ceiling and floor. As a result, perfectly level poles may actually appear to be crooked. It is often better to use the lines of the window as a guide. The exception is the window that is not parallel to the lines surrounding it. In that case, it is best to use oversized, opaque drapes that will match the surrounding lines and trick the eye by covering most of the window.

You will need a screwdriver that matches the screws that came with the hardware for your curtain poles. The hardware should be set at an equal distance from the upper corners of the window. You may also need an additional piece of hardware above the centre point of the window. First, measure six centimetres above each corner of the window and mark the spot. Next, align a straight edge such as a metre stick with the two marks. Draw a light pencil line across the top of the window, extending out about a hand’s-breadth past the corner of the window. Now mark a point on the line at the centre of the window, if necessary, and at three centimetres outside each corner of the window along the line.

Align the bottom screw hole in the hardware with the mark on the line and screw the bottom screw through the hardware and into the wall. Do not screw it all the way in. Now, using a washer tied to the end of a string as a plumb bob, straighten the hardware and mark where the other screws will go. Insert the screws one at a time. Do not over tighten them. Finally, tighten the first screw. Repeat this procedure with the other pieces of hardware.

Once the hardware is in place, erase any visible pencil lines. Feed the pole through the rod pocket or loops of the curtain, taking care that the finished side faces toward the room. Hang the curtains by attaching the pole to the hardware. If the pole is very long or the cloth is very heavy, you may require help with this part of the task.

February 1st, 2012

How to measure for hanging curtains?

Doing the Measurements for curtains is not as simple as it sounds. Using a poor type of tape measure and not making sure you have extra curtain material for functioning and pleasing hanging can give an inaccurate measurement and make the curtains look too tight, too long or too short. You can have curtains that hang beautifully in your room if you follow these easy steps.

Measuring Tools
Some people choose to use a tape measure designed for seamstress work which uses soft fabric, when measuring curtains you should use a retractable metal tape measurer of at least 25 feet. Fabric tape measurers are too flexible, allowing for error in measuring; the fabric tape measurer can also be too short, meaning the person measuring must stop at a point and move the measurer, again providing for error.

Measuring Width
To measure the width of the curtains, you need to determine which type of rod you have. A standard rod has no fancy ends, but merely curves around to attach to the wall. Custom rods have decorative ends to them. If you are measuring a standard rod, the width would be from one end of the front face to the other, not measuring the part that curves back to the wall. If you are measuring a custom rod, the width is considered from the last clip on the left to the last clip on the right.

NOTE: If you are shopping for pre-made curtains, multiply the width by 1.5 or 2 in order to allow enough material for an attractive hanging look. If you are ordering custom-made curtains, follow the manufacturer’s ordering specifications. Some manufacturers ask for exact measurements and add extra material depending on the style of curtains being ordered.

Measuring Length
Decide where you want your curtains to end before measuring. Do you want them to end just below the window or do you want them to hang to the floor? Do you want them to start at or just below the curtain rod, an inch or two above the rod, or at the ceiling?

Measuring down for length of the curtains should be started at the top centre of the rod. For curtains that fall just below the window, measure from the rod to no less than four inches below the bottom of the window casing. If you want curtains that fall to the floor, measure from the rod to no less than an inch above the floor or carpet.

Most people do not think about how far above the curtain rod they want the curtain to sit. If your curtains hang from the rod down, then it is not necessary to add extra length for above the rod. For measurements above the rod, some people want about one to two inches above, but others want the curtains to reach the ceiling. For a ceiling measurement, though, the edge of the curtain should stop no closer than one inch from the ceiling. Set the beginning of the tape measurer to the bottom of the curtain rod and measure upward.

Following these simple steps will make measuring for curtains easier and less of a hassle. This article was written by Michael Turner, who is currently doing online research and development for Roman Blinds Direct.

November 9th, 2011

Four Ways to Freshen Up an Old Frame

Before you discard frames in a box destined for the thrift store, look at them in a new way. Maybe you don’t like the shiny brass finish, or the plain molding looks too- plain. Whether the frame is made of wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic, it can be repainted to look like an entirely different creature. Consider these ideas to revive old frames so they’ll find a home in your current motif.

1. A Pop of Color

What better way to pull in your accent col or than from a frame or two in a room. This is a great choice for plastic frames, especially with Krylon’s new line of Fusion paints for plastic (in spray form to make it super-easy). Kids and teens might like a collection of brightly colored frames for artwork, posters, and fave photos.

2. Metallic

Whether your home has splashes of rubbed bronze, brushed silver or burnished gold in light fixtures and faucets, you can carry on the theme in your frames from a can of spray paint. The techniques may differ, depending on the type of finish you’d like or if you want to achieve a faux patina. As with most paint finishes suggested in this article, you’ll want to start with a primer base:  Brown for bronze, gray for silver, and white for gold.

3. Unify a Grouping

A collection of a single color of frames can look stunning together, even if their sizes and moldings differ. Use them to frame black and white photos, floral prints, mirrors, or remove the glass and let their ornate beauty shine.

4. Make New Look

While some like making the old look new, others prefer the old no matter what. Distressing and antiquing are two paint techniques that can be used to instill a bit of the vintage on recently-made frames

October 2nd, 2011

How to personalise your nursery

You’ve spent weeks pouring through baby names and have finally come to a decision. You’ve got your hospital bags ready to go at a moment’s notice. You’ve read any and everything you can find on baby care. You’ve interviewed paediatricians and dentists. You’ve even started planning for school and have opened a savings account.

With your little one on the way, you only have one thing left to prepare: the nursery. Flipping through magazines, catalogues, browsing websites and blogs, you see the same ideas again and again. You want to personalise your child’s nursery. Make the room hers and hers alone. You don’t want to copy the same old patterns. You want new, fresh and unique.

Start with a bare room. The best way to personalise a nursery is not to have any preconceived notions. Strip the walls and floor bare. A blank canvas will allow your imagination to soar. Now you have to find a place to begin, to kick start your creativity.

That’s where the crib comes in. Find the crib that will be the “anchor” of the space. A nursery should be built around the biggest centrepiece. Choose a crib that is aesthetically pleasing but safe. Read customer reviews and compare different models. Once you have the right crib, set it up in the nursery.

Now you can begin to envision all sorts of possibilities. The style of the crib will allow you to pick out the right dresser and changing table. With those colours in place, you can paint the room to complement or contrast those colours. Don’t worry about pink for girls, blue for boys, yellow and green for neutrality. Choose colours that stand out.

Next, move on to the floor. Carpet is nice for bare feet but not easy to clean. Messes can be multiplied many times over in carpet fibres. Hardwood and tile are easiest to clean. Wood is the most homely of flooring. Spread out an area rug and you’ve got one beautiful space.

On to the windows. Something that best compliments wood floors are kid’s Roman blinds. A nice set of matching kid’s Roman blinds will dress up the windows nicely. They’re easy to clean and not difficult to install. Moreover, they add a sense of sophistication to the room.

Embellishments are next on the list. Hanging wall letters, artwork, family keepsakes, photos, a piggy bank, decorative pillows and blankets will do nicely. You can spell out your baby’s name with hanging wall letters. Artwork can be a big plus to personalise your nursery. Perhaps a safari scene or maybe a boat on the ocean. Go tropical with an island painting. A bit of island living will go great with the kid’s Roman blinds and wood floors.

Last but certainly not least, add the necessities. A hamper, humidifier or dehumidifier, baby monitor, bottle warmer and lamps.Now you nursery is complete. It has all you’ll need for your baby. When family and friends come to visit, they’ll marvel at your creativity.

September 15th, 2011

How To Create The Perfect Conservatory

Screened-in porches and conservatories have a strong appeal, especially when the surrounding landscape is beautiful. They provide a place of solace for you to sit in the mornings, enjoying the pink hues of the rising sun. Eat lunch as if you’re outside, or read a book. Entertain an entire party in the relaxing comfort of a conservatory. Keep in mind, however, that a conservatory is a major addition to a home, so if you have high mortgage rates or another expense staring you down, it would be best to sit down and figure out a budget. If you are able to afford it though, a conservatory will add value, both financially and aesthetically, to your home.

However, a conservatory provides an extra level of serenity which a porch cannot. Because conservatories are solid structures, crafted from wood or steel frames and set with glass windows, you can enjoy them in the blazing heat or bitter cold. Air conditioning and heating further insulate against the elements. The weather is no problem since snow, rain, and wind are blocked. In the heat of summer, bugs are trapped outside, leaving you and your guests to enjoy the room in peace.

Making Some Small Adjustments

There are a thousand ways you could enjoy a conservatory, but many owners simply build them and leave it at that. However, some small adjustments can help you create the perfect conservatory. A ceiling fan will help to circulate the air, helping to regulate the temperature in the summer. While the room shouldn’t get too warm to begin with, sunlight can still feel hot against your skin.

Potted plants can increase your connection to nature. Conservatories are perfect for vegetation since they’re wide open and provide plenty of sunlight. Candles and light dimmers can create an atmosphere of intimacy, allowing you to enjoy a romantic evening with your significant other.

Whilst a more time consuming investment, conservatory blinds ensure that you can use the room at any time of the day and on any day of the year. You don’t need conservatory blinds to sit out there; they simply make the room more comfortable in a number of scenarios.

Consider a bright, sunny day without a cloud in the sky. With the sun hanging directly overhead, the glare is almost overwhelming as you try to read a book. A little shade would go a long way, and blinds on the ceiling windows would cut the worst of the sun’s rays out.

You might also try to relax and have an intimate dinner with your loved one out beneath the stars. Because it’s wide open, you lack a sense of privacy. Putting blinds up along the walls will afford you that needed privacy while allowing you to watch the stars in the sky above.

Depending on the size of the room, conservatory blinds can run from about £500 to £3,500. More complex designs typically increase the price. A convenient alternative to manual blinds (which you have to open and close by hand) is a set of remote control blinds, allowing you to open and close the blinds effortlessly.

August 8th, 2011

What automatic door for my garage?

The choice of a particular type of automatic garage door depends on several parameters: the space available inside and outside the garage, the size of your car and your budget. A short guide to help you choose.

The overhead garage door
The overhead garage door is made of one large panel (the deck) that switches to be placed parallel to the ceiling. The deck is made of wood (oak or exotic wood, usually), Ribbed steel with anti corrosion (sometimes including thermal insulation) or sometimes PVC reinforced with a metal structure. This type of door is usually sold without engine and single-walled. There are two kinds of garage doors.

A counterweight: overhead door with a counterweight system integrated into the chassis without the need for guide rails. This system requires the volume inside the garage. The other balance arm called “overwhelming” the panel switches with guide rails. It extends to the outside of the garage when opening or closing, making it a very suitable system along public roads.

This is a solid door and cheaper than others this is the biggest advantage of this door. While the disadvantage is they are available in a limited choice of sizes, designs and finishes.

The sectional garage door.

This door consists of several hinged panels. It works like a large roller shutter, sliding closer to the wall or ceiling. It is quite suitable for the installation of an external engine. It is made of wood or steel associated with fiberglass or PVC. It usually has a double steel wall filled with polyurethane foam. There are two types of sectional garage doors, One moves to the ceiling through vertical and horizontal rails. While in other, Lateral: the panels are suspended from a ceiling track and slide down a slide on the ground). The side doors need to release one of the walls of the garage.

Advantages: They are ideal for small spaces. They come in all sizes, even larger. They are resistant to forced entry and easy to be motorized. Can sometimes attach to its sectional garage door to his front door by choosing from the same manufacturer. Joints between deck panels help prevent heat loss and pinching. While the only disadvantages is that it is necessary to choose a good quality of materials and workmanship. They are more expensive than overhead doors.

The roll-up garage door
The roll-up garage door is made of aluminum strips stapled together. She rolled in a box at the top. It can easily be motorized.
Advantages: it is the system that offers the best space saving. It is quiet inside the garage. Cons: You can not integrate gate. Its price is high. They exist only in aluminum.

The security requirements of automatic garage doors.
Automatic garage doors must meet the essential safety requirements to avoid accidents such as pinching or crushing of a person. Automatic garage doors can not be sold unless they bear the CE mark. It establishes a presumption of conformity with the requirements of standard NF EN 13241-1 and an independent body has verified the manufacturer’s compliance.
In addition, when installed, automatic doors garage must meet the safety requirements set by the building code and housing, particularly in regard to the system shutdown and routine maintenance.

Additional Tip for garage renovation.
While Renovation, it is possible to fit a garage door manually powered by a solar energy. This energy is recovered by a photovoltaic cell located above the garage door, and is stored in batteries to operate. We can equip any garage door of a solar powered but is especially designed for garages that are not connected to the grid.

December 20th, 2010

Tips for making a perfect garage door

Garage door is surely one of the decorative item in house house, it plays an important role to enhance the beautification of your house. it marries the front of the house, comes in different materials and especially, lends itself to all the requirements for its type of operation. so here are some reviews about different types of garage doors your can choose from. What kind of operation you want? Lean the right thing.

Swing. Two sections of wood or PVC is the easiest option and the most traditional. The door opens outward and releases the garage and the interior. It therefore requires a certain clearance in front, implying that the garage does not directly onto the street. The operator is possible with a system similar to that used for portals.

Folding. Three wings, it opens inwards and therefore requires a certain clearance in front. Usually made of wood, it helps coordinate the garage door to the one of the house. One of the three sections (far right) serves as the pedestrian entrance, which can come and go freely, especially when the garage is home to something other than the car. It can not be motorized.

Sliding.The door is guided by rails (top and bottom) and is accommodated along the wall, which saves plenty of space, but requires leaving this wall entirely free not to interfere with its operation. It may include a gate, but is difficult motorisable.

Tilting. On one piece, it tilts up and slides under the ceiling. It can be overwhelming or not the outside. It can also be motorized and integrate a gate.

Sectional. It consists of several hinged panels that open vertically and slide under the cap. Advantage: This type of door does not overflow to the outside. It can be motorized, integrate a wicket and get a perfect insulation through its panels filled with polyurethane foam.

Roll. It incorporates the principle of the shutter. She will be housed in a box attached to the garage. The space saving is important, but it can not integrate wicket. Its ownership is essential.