Keeping Curtain Poles In Top Condition

Curtain poles, whilst serving a practical purpose, are so much more than simply a piece of wood or metal used to hold up fabric. Whilst this is without doubt its primary purpose, a curtain pole can also be used as an effective element of interior design in a room too. If enough thought and consideration goes into their purchase, they can really help add a new dimension and some character to a room. Obviously, taking the time and effort to invest in quality hardware means that the effort should also be made to make sure they are maintained properly. Here are a few simple tips to making sure your curtain poles stay at the peak of their condition.

Child Play

We all know that the home is one big play area to children, and unfortunately they may choose from time to time to play with curtains. Also, whilst their intentions may be good when they go to open the curtains, unless they are aware of the proper technique required, they may pull them a little too hard or drag them, which will cause wear and tear on the poles and, in extremely circumstances, may cause them to bend and break.

Opening

The same applies for yourself, as it’s important to ensure you have the curtain opening technique down to a tee. Try and grab hold of the curtain as close to the top as you can, as holding it as close to the pole as possible will allow the smoothest movement possible. This will ensure that the pole isn’t pulled or dragged in the process.

Mounting

This is an obvious one, but make sure that the equipment and methods used to fit the curtain poles to the wall are of top quality. It should go without saying, but poorly mounted curtain poles are more likely to rip out of the wall and, therefore, get damaged. It’s 
best if you use a wall stud to help mount the screws, or at least an 
anchor to hold the screws in place.

Exposure to Sunlight

This shouldn’t be a problem if the curtains are hung above the window, however if they are mounted in front of the glass then the sunlight could cause damage to the pole. This is a more aesthetical issue than a physical one, but still worth bearing in mind. Like most materials, the sunlight will cause the wood to lose its colour and, in extreme circumstances, it’s strength to an extent.

Dust and Dirt

Just like any other surface in the home, curtain poles can gather dust and dirt frequently. If this isn’t kept on top of, then it can quickly turn into grime which is a whole new (and much harder to clean) problem. A once-over with a damp cloth on a regular basis should be enough to make sure that they stay clean and presentable.

Picking The Perfect Canopy: Things To Consider

The fitting of a door canopy is a great way to stamp a bit of character and distinction on any home. Not only does it add visual value to a home, but it also serves a purpose too. There are few things worse than getting home on a rainy day and digging around your pockets looking for your keys whilst you get soaked through. A canopy creates a dry area for you to stand in as you await entry into the home.

There are many things that need to be taken into consideration before fitting a canopy on your home. Firstly, budget is of course an extremely important factor to bear in mind. Also, the wide variety of shapes and sizes that canopies can be bought in means that after much deliberation, you should be able to find the perfect canopy to suit any home.

Tudor Canopies

A particularly inviting style, Tudor homes are extremely commonplace in Britain and are very easily recognisable. This is in no small part thanks to their large use of wooden beams and distinctive white plaster. As you would expect, Tudor canopies follow this style almost to a tee and also feature wooden trimmings with lots of white plaster. This is usually displayed on the front of the canopy and can be coloured to match the existing exterior of the home. The canopy is finished off with a triangular roof with a particularly sharp point.

Windsor Canopies

A more minimal style, these fixtures are better suited to houses with a Victorian-style and many smaller detached houses. This wedge-shaped door canopy is particularly streamlined and extremely handy for those people not wanting to take too much focus off their door. The shingled roof extends over the door just enough to provide adequate cover, but not too much that it takes emphasis off the exterior design elements that you have put so much effort into.

Cottage Canopies

These are particularly convenient due to the beams that are built-in to allow for the easiest assembly possible. As the name suggests, these are a perfect fit for cottages as their natural appearance (due to a lack of fill under the roof) complements cottage doors nicely.

Countess Canopies

These are the perfect option for homes with a larger-than-average doorway as they simply have the capacity to cover larger areas than many other canopies. What’s more, with the extended space afforded by countess canopies, homeowners can be more creative and cover not only a door, but nearby windows too. Alternatively, this is a great opportunity to create a nice sheltered patio area outside the home.

Georgian Canopies

With a wide variety of styles and their rounder top, these canopies are a wonderful choice for a classic, Georgian-style country home. These provide the best of both worlds, as they maintain all the characteristics of classic British architecture, whilst providing all the functions of a modern canopy in that they offer protection from adverse weather conditions.

These quick tips should be a good reference point for anyone undecided on the type of canopy to fit on their home. Having said that, there are many more variations of canopies on the market, and there are many factors to consider before jumping into a decision.

Securing Your Outside Property to Avoid Home Insurance Claims

Most people don’t give too much thought to their outer property, i.e. their garden – front and back – any alleyway access and garden sheds, forgetting that in sheds for example there can be a lot of expensive possessions, such as power tools, golf clubs, pushbikes and even motorbikes. If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of burglary, then the safety net of house insurance is some comfort; that doesn’t mean you’ll particularly relish the thought of having to claim on it however, considering your premiums and phone bill will rise as a result. With this in mind, it’s worth taking some simple precautions to deter thefts, some of which are recommended by the police:

• An alarm that is designed specifically for sheds, which usually operate via a key fob or keypad on the unit itself.

• Any tools or equipment that belong in the shed such as lawnmowers, trimmers, garden shears etc., should always be put back after they’ve been used, especially after dark. Ladders in particular should be locked away, due to their propensity for use by burglars to reach upstairs windows in residential areas.

• Bigger items in the shed, such as again lawnmowers, push bikes or heavy power tools, should be joined together with a chain and padlocked to make them more difficult to escape with.

• After the shed has seen any use, double check it is locked before locking the outer doors of the house itself.

Sheds are susceptible to break-ins for many reasons, such as screws which are uncovered, rusty or non-security, old wood that is easily removed sometimes in entire sections, and hasps that also don’t have covered screws.

Where possible, incorporating high hedgerows and solid walls around the property will make it difficult for thieves to take items away from the garden, and using gravel on driveways acts as a natural alarm.

Shed windows should be covered so that potential thieves can’t see what’s inside, and the actual shed building should be placed in view of the back windows in the house, as a hidden shed is a much more tempting target.

Add a touch of Class to your Bathroom with a Digital Shower

Add a touch of Class to your Bathroom with a Digital Shower

Online shower superstars Gainsborough (made by Aqualisa, the luxury shower brand – but more affordable!) have just added two digital showers to their specialist showers website Gainsboroughshowers.co.uk. The showers are not only beautifully crafted as you would expect but your kids will love them too with their red flashing lights – and when they stop flashing, it means the shower is ready to go! These digital showers are really easy to operate with a simple push button control, clever digital technology and the precise temperature control means they’re safe too.

The Shower Nerve Centre – how does a Digital Shower work?

Unlike a conventional shower with a ‘mechanical’ valve, Digital Showers are controlled by a compact processor.  Smaller than a shoebox, this clever processor is the nerve centre of the shower and is installed away from the bathroom.  Typical places might be an airing cupboard, under the bath or in the loft. Positioned in a convenient location to hot and cold water supplies, the processor box thermostatically blends water to your pre-set temperature.  But best of all, because the processor is outside of your bathroom, it is likely that installation will be significantly easier and quicker with little disruption to your bathroom decoration. ;)   

Taking a Digital Shower

There are no bulky or awkward controls to get to grips with. Just a simple, push button start/stop.  Temperature is selected with an equally straightforward sliding ring.  And the most exciting part is that, thanks to the clever LED display, you’ll know exactly when to step into your shower. All you have to do is keep an eye on the LED display; when it’s flashing the water is still warming up.  When the display turns to steady, you’ll know it’s time to shower.  Nothing could be simpler or safer.  No tentative testing of your shower’s temperature with your hand or foot, no chilly surprises and no fluctuating between hot and cold, either. 

Is a Digital Shower suitable for my home?

The Gainsborough mixer Showers web pages give loads of useful information on Digital Showers so you can get a feel for what they offer, but generally speaking they are suitable for gravity-fed, combi and mains-fed plumbing systems.  For gravity-fed systems, it is recommended a pumped Digital Shower is chosen – this variant features a processor with an integral pump and has a ‘boost’ button on its control – essential for making the most of gravity-fed plumbing systems. 

What are my other choices?

If a digital mixer shower isn’t suitable for your home, you might want to look into electric showers which are possibly the most economical and also eco-friendly shower available in the UK as they heat only the water that is needed for your shower. They always come in different colours, different styles and different power ratings so you have plenty of choice, based on your specific requirements!

Happy Showering!!! :)

Deciding on Door Handles

Whilst some people will concentrate on furniture and accessories to decorate a home, others will pay particular attention to the smaller details. Subtle changes around the home can have a significant impact on the overall design. For instance, matching and co-ordinated fittings, such as light switches, plug sockets and door handles, will all contribute to the overall look and feel of a room within the home.

These fittings are commonly thought of as dull, boring and practical features that have no place in interior design. However, there is such a huge variety of styles, materials and colours out there that any look can be obtained.

As they are used frequently by anyone passing through the home, it is important to consider how often they will need cleaning when deciding on a material. For instance, chrome door handles are great for homes and apartments that are opting for a modern looking interior however they can become damaged and scratched through excessive cleaning and wiping. Leather handles, on the other hand, offer an enduring quality whilst the odd wear and tear will actually benefit its appearance and add to its character.

Door handles that will appear on the outside of a house needs to be made from a material that will survive weathering and frequent use. Stainless steel is the best option in this circumstance. Whilst others may look more appealing, they will fail to stand the test of time and the need to replace them after only a short amount of time will, more than likely, be an issue.

To give a home a more classic feel, porcelain door handles can be implemented into every room. Porcelain will look classy and will offer a timeless element to the design of the interior. Matching these to other fittings that are implemented into the home is vital for the quality of its appearance. As mentioned before, plug socket coverings and light switches can all be bought in a variety of materials and designs that, if carefully selected, will complement the handles and add to the personality of a room.

Although the majority of home owners and decorators will ignore the need for quality and matching fittings, the finishing touch is what can really transform a room into the spectacle it should be.

Buying Curtains Online

Before you look into buying curtains online, you first need to know how to measure for new curtains. You will need to measure the width and length of the window which you want the curtain to hang from. You also need to know how long you want your curtains to be. Will they be a bit longer than the window or do you want the curtains to reach the floor of the room for a more dramatic effect?  If the curtains are supposed to reach the floor, how far will they go? They can end just where the floor starts, or, as is becoming ever more popular in design, bunch up on the floor in a cascading effect.

The size of the valance or rod makes a vast difference in choosing the particular type of product you want, as with a larger valance you need a curtain with slots specially designed for valances of that size. If you have a rod you need to make sure that it will slide into your new curtains, and ensure that the curtains are of the right size for the rod. This can be worked out based on measurement of the curtain, rod size, and material of the curtain.

If you want curtains that wrap around the sides of the window, the width of the curtain has to be lengthened so you have plenty of material to reach across the whole window. To add to this, you also need to make sure the slot for the valance or rod is long enough to fit the drape that wraps around both sides.

After measuring, you must leave some extra room around the edges of the drapes for hems at the top, on either side, and at the bottom. Extra material is also required for a nice, clean hem on all sides of the curtain.  

The golden rule is, of course, to measure twice and cut once, and since you personally won’t be doing the cutting when you buy online, it might be best to measure thrice, as the online provider will do exactly what you ask them to, which could well be cutting a too short or too long curtain.

When buying curtains online make sure that you go to a site of a trusted or familiar brand. Make sure that the site has pictures of the products, that are up to date and that can be examined more carefully by enlarging the picture. Information on material, texture, and colour options should be readily available. The quality of colour and texture should be exactly what you see on the website, so always check the item when it arrives before unpacking it completely. Also make sure that the colour you choose is one you really like. You will only be disappointed if you buy a curtain in a colour you get bored with within the first ten minutes.

Before you get your heart too set on the perfect curtains, check the company’s terms and conditions. You need to know if they have a return policy, (which most ‘safe’ websites do) and what this policy includes. If you need to return the curtains, is the postage paid by the company or you? This is not a sign for a deal breaker, but simply something you need to know. The same goes for delivery. Some companies include the delivery cost in the price, while others state how much will be added for delivery in their terms and conditions. This, again, is no sign of foul play, it’s just important for you to know what the extra cost is. If you’re uncertain about a firm, but have found no clear signs to convince you either way, have a look at their customer reviews, and research them online to find other articles and statements about them. This should provide you with the information you need.

Buying curtains online is the same as buying any other home ware product online. The measurements need to be right, and you need to be aware of the terms and conditions. Other than that you need to enjoy your shopping.

Roller Blinds to Measure

Whilst some people dive head first into buying new furniture, accessories and features for their newly decorated room, others will take time planning and deciding which colour scheme is right for them and what specifically will suit their home. The type of window treatment that is used can affect the entire appearance of a room and has the potential to transform what was once a dull and plain area into an interior designer’s dream.

The use of patterned roller blinds is becoming increasingly popular as they can help to brighten up an area within the house and work well with plain and neutral colour schemes. Whichever blind is chosen, it is important to remember that the extra cost involved when purchasing custom made blinds is definitely worth the investment. Made to measure roller blinds are both visually pleasing and energy efficient.

Whilst standard blinds may seem to fit any size window frame, they do not take into account the height or the length of the window. Because of this, blinds tend to become uneven and wrinkled at the bottom, resulting in a need to replace them. However, made to measure blinds will last much longer than general ones and will effectively block out any unwanted light and distractions getting through into the home.

Due to the correct measurements, this type of blind will not only look professional and sleek, but will also help to trap cold air that filters through the window pane and prevent the hot air inside the room from escaping outdoors, keeping homes warm and comfortable. During the summer months, the opposite will happen, keeping a house cool.

Made to measure roller blinds do tend to be more expensive than standard ones, although this is largely over exaggerated. Nowadays, a blind can be ready for collection within as little as 2 days. Couple that with the fact that measured blinds are available in huge range of colours and patterns and there is little reason not to invest.

To measure for a blind simply use a tape measure to calculate the width and length of a window. Once these are jotted down, most hard ware and furniture shops will provide you with the information you need. Made to measure roller blinds are unbeatable for their visual appeal and ability to transform a room into a sleek and professional home space.

10 Tips for choosing window treatments

The first thing you need to do is to establish what you want your window treatments to do: you may want to stop people being able to watch you eat for example? Or you might worried about the midday sun giving too much heat to your living room. For the first problem, roller blinds or curtains will most likely be most effective. For the second, venetian blinds offer far more control over the amount of shading. 

How much moisture in there in the room: Bathrooms and kitchens often have a lot of steam, so curtains are not the best option for these rooms as they can get damp.  Wooden blinds can warp from the steam too so they too may not be the best option. Instead try using metal or plastic blinds or maybe frosted glass. 

Make sure they complement your personal style: It’s important to take into consideration how you have decorated the room, is it modern and open, maybe you would favour lighter shades for the blinds, or is sophistication what you want, drapes are ideal for a timeless classy look.

Patterns: There are a greater range of options for patterned window treatments with roller blinds, roman blinds or curtains. They offer far more designs than Venetian blinds or micro blinds generally.

Consider the view from outside: you may to match your treatments to your décor; you should bear in mind what effect they will have on your view. For example a countryside landscape would most likely suit curtains or wooden blinds to keep a natural feel, whereas metal blinds can give your city flat a more modern futuristic feel.

Temperature: Your home may get cold easily. Thick drapes or honey comb blinds can offer great insulation for your home. If it gets too hot however then blinds or light curtains will offer protection from the light but let in a cooling breeze too. 

Shape of the Windows: Some window shapes are easier to find treatments for than others. Basic square or rectangular windows are very simple to cater for; other shapes however are more suited to curtains. You can now find blinds to fit almost all windows which helps a great deal. 

Safety: Window treatments are not the most dangerous of objects, but they can unfortunately, pose a couple of risks. Any window treatment with long control cords like a lot of blinds have the risk of catching and even strangling young children and pets. While long drapes that are situated near heat sources are flammable and may catch fire. Thinking about the positions of heat sources as well as using short cords or cord tidies when using blinds is essential. 

Cost: The final but just as important point is to consider how much you are willing to spend. Venetian or roller blinds generally are the cheapest options, with curtains and roman blinds being significantly more expensive. But this depends a lot on what shops you can find online as well as in the shops. 

Michael Turner is writing on behalf of Roman Blinds Direct an online supplier of roman blinds.

Windows in Your Home

Windows make homes look inviting from the outside and bring inside the outdoor light. According to the purpose of the room and the amount of privacy needed, windows are dressed or left bare. Some homes have windows with a uniform shape and size while others have a mix of dimensions and shapes. The architectural style and design along with personal preference often combine for the choice of window styles. Then, the interior designer or home owner selects the window treatments to match the interior decor.

Brightening the Home Space

One of the main jobs of windows is brightening the home living space. They also frame the outer environment so that those inside can peer out on the world around them. Homes are much more comfortable with glass openings that add the warmth of sunbeams. Then, rooms seem open and people's inner longing for nature is satisfied by looking at some bit of trees, grass or landscape out of windows. Interior spaces lose their enclosed feeling. The illumination goes beyond mere light because the very atmosphere seems warmer and more cheerful during the daytime hours if sunlight shines through the rooms.

Dressing up Windows

Some decor styles look best with bare windows such as industrial or some modern looks, but most homes appear more complete with some sort of dressing. Window treatments range from blinds and shades to light and airy curtains to black-out drapes. The purpose of the room and the amount of privacy needed help people decide what to put over the glass opening. Fancy or plain, putting something up that is seen from the outside gives the home the occupied look. Homes do not seem bare and lifeless when they have some pretty curtains or other attractive coverings hanging in the windows.

Celebrating Light and Decor Accents

While windows and their coverings assist in giving the home its character, windows are designed to celebrate light. Then, art and creativity can be expressed in decor accent window treatments. The coverings can block sun for those rooms where people sleep late or for those unoccupied rooms with furnishings that fade in the sunlight. The advanced technology in today's glass and double-panes provides an air-tight seal that keeps inclement weather from creeping indoors. In the meantime, the clear and quality glass lets sunbeams filter in through it unhindered. Lighted windows cheer the soul of the home and spread a joyful ambience.

Creating the perfect sleeping atmosphere in your bedroom

If you are suffering with sleeping problems, one of the most important things to consider is if there are factors in your bedroom that are hindering you from getting a good night's sleep. Sleep problems can be anything from not sleeping at all to interrupted sleep patterns.

What Can Cause Sleep Problems?

There are many factors that can cause sleep problems. If your room has not been kept neat and tidy, you may not be able to relax and go to sleep, as you notice any clothes and other items that have not been put away. If your bedroom needs vacuuming or dusting, this may cause any allergies you have to become worse and if you are sneezing or have a runny nose, you will not be sleeping soundly. The problem may be with your mattress. If you are using a mattress to sleep on with a partner, make sure that the mattress is suited to you. It is possible to buy a double mattress with different degrees of firmness on each side. Also, make sure that you rotate your mattress regularly to avoid any uneven wear on the mattress.

If your bedroom is in a noisy location, say next to the main street with passers-by and cars, this may affect your sleep patterns. Another cause of sleep problems could be the lighting in your bedroom; it could be too harsh, making you feel more awake rather than making you feel sleepy.

How Can You Fix Your Sleep Problems?

The issue of your room not being neat and tidy is easy to fix. Try making a rota so that every week, you tidy your room, put away clothes, vacuum and dust. If you cannot find time to do all of this at once, break it down further so that you put away clothes one day, dust the next and vacuum the next.

If your bedroom is in a noisy location, you could consider switching rooms to the rear of the property, away from noise. If this is not an option, invest in some heavy curtains that can reduce the noise coming into the bedroom. The other way to cut out noise is to wear earplugs when you are sleeping.

Lighting can easily be fixed by either installing a dimmer switch, to create a more relaxing lighting effect, or bedside lamps. These usually have a lower light output, or you could change any fluorescent lighting to a more relaxing energy efficient lighting. Some light bulbs come with a colour filter on them, which can be helpful in producing a better mood for sleeping.

Other Things That Can Be Done To Reduce Insomnia.

Once you have created the perfect relaxing atmosphere to sleep in, if you are still having trouble sleeping, you could try some of the following. Reducing the amount of caffeine you drink, especially in the evenings, taking more exercise during the day and having specific routines to reduce after work stress can all increase your chances of getting a good night's sleep.