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Window Treatments
Today's window treatments represent
a smart new simplicity. Simple doesn't mean plain, but does
suggest a crisper, cleaner approach for your manufactured
home windows. Giving your windows a fresh look is easier than
ever thanks to an astonishing array of high-tech shutters,
shades, blinds, fabrics and decorative hardware in all sorts
of colors, styles and finishes.
Before choosing from the wide selection
of new design possibilities, determine the function of each
window and what you want the window treatment to do. Consider
privacy, light control, ventilation, the view and energy efficiency
when selecting a covering for any window in your home.
Keep in mind that a well designed window
treatment suits not only the window, but also blends with
the rest of the room and adds to the sense of unity. Here
are a few suggestions to help you update and beautify your
windows.
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Measuring
Windows
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Take all measurements using
a retractable steel tape measure. Unlike cloth
tape, it won't sag and will give you more accurate
results. Measure each window separately and record
the measurements on paper. Be sure to check all
measurements twice before you purchase a new window
treatment.
Before measuring, decide
whether you want to mount the window treatments inside
or outside the window opening. You can mount valances,
shades or blinds either outside or inside, while
cornices look best when mounted on the outside
of a window frame.
For window treatments mounted
inside the window, you need only measure the width
and length of the opening. Measure the width at
the top, middle and bottom of the frame and use
the narrowest measurement. Measure the height
of the window from the top of the opening to the
sill. Make the space between the window and the
frame deep enough to accommodate any hardware
you might be using.
Extend the measurement for
outside mounted shades or blinds at least two
inches beyond the window sash on each side. Measure
the window frame width plus the overlap needed
for mounting hardware on either side of the frame.
And measure from outside the top of the frame
to the sill and add the height of the mounting
brackets if they'll be mounted above.
To choose the right rod
length, measure from bracket to bracket. For a
decorative pole with finials, add 5 to 8 inches
on each side depending on the size of the finials.
Make sure there is enough room on either side
of the window before buying the pole and finials.
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Savvy Shutters
You can use interior window shutters
in any room in your manufactured home and seldom need a fabric
valance or drapery to dress them up. They are attractive,
help regulate light, insulate and fit into almost any décor
due to their simplicity and clean lines. Although available
in numerous colors and stains, shutters look best when painted
or finished the same as the rest of the window frame.
You can mount them inside or outside
the window frame. If you are doing the installation yourself,
use an outside mount to make installation easier. Leave room
to swing open or fold back the shutter panels.
Choose from many shutter styles:
- Traditional shutters with l-l/4 inch
movable louvers
- Plantation shutters with wider louvers
ranging from about 2-l/2 to 4-l/2 inches wide
- Café shutters make a good
choice if you want to cover just the lower half of a window.
Double-hung tiered sets can cover a window completely, giving
you more ways to regulate light and privacy.
- Wood shutters offer a greater selection
of louver widths, frame styles, stains or colors, but are
usually more expensive than vinyl.
- Quality vinyl shutters provide a
practical option. They are easier to clean, moisture resistant
and won't crack, peel, fade or deteriorate like wood, although
color selection is usually limited to white or ivory.
Trendy
Shades and Blinds
You can display today's beautiful shades
and blinds alone, pair with a valance or combine with drapery
panels of varying lengths and styles. High-tech styles and
materials leave no shortage of choices. Because they often
share materials, it's sometimes difficult to distinguish between
shades and blinds, so here's a brief description of some of
the most popular types.
ROMAN SHADES
- made of woven fabric that looks and
feels like drapery
- can be raised or lowered like a blind
- features loosely folded, horizontal
pleats usually 4 to 6 inches deep
- available in flat-fold or teardrop
styles
- ready-made in a variety of colors
and materials
PLEATED SHADES
- stack compactly above window for
maximum view
- pleats are usually one inch
- hide completely under curtains when
fully raise
- available in various colors, textures
and fabric styles, including faux marble, paper, antique
satin and lace
- for a clean look use a solid
color or tone-on-tone patterns
HONEYCOMB (CELLULAR) SHADES
- layers of fabric are pleated accordion-style
in honeycomb shapes
- available in single, double and triple
cell designs
- air-cushioned fabric layers provide
exceptional insulatio
- new honeycomb shades have no exposed
cords
- pleats range in size from 3/8 inch
to 2 inches
WOVEN-WOOD SHADES
- made from bamboo, matchsticks, hemp,
jute, woven reeds, grasses and other natural or natural-looking
materials
- require more stacking space than
pleated or honeycomb styles
VENETIAN (HORIZONTAL) BLINDS
- wide assortment of colors
- sizes from l-inch mini-blinds and
l/2-inch micro blinds to 2-inch aluminum macro blinds
- stack compactly above window
VERTICAL BLINDS
- made from fabric, vinyl and wood
- opened by simply rotating the vanes
- great for sliding patio doors, picture
windows or any other large window
- stack compactly to the sid
- vertical slats or vanes are
usually 3-l/2 inches wide
Terrific Toppers
Add versatility to your decorating and
use a top treatment to complement your window. Use toppers
alone on an uncovered window or combine with shades and blinds
to create a simple, uncluttered window fashion. Popular toppers
like valances, cornices, swags and scarves can add softness,
color or pattern to a room.
VALANCES
- simplest window treatment
- rectangular fabric that is flat,
pleated or gathered
- hung from a rod, pole or board
- ready-made valances are available
- styles include tabbed tops or bottoms
that are arched, scalloped, pointed or puffed
CORNICES
- usually shallow, rigid boxlike frames
- installed across the top of your
window and mounted outside the window frame
- built of wood, molded polystyrene
and other lightweight materials
- ready-made cornices are available
in several widths and heights
- customize a cornice by adding paint,
wallpaper, fabric or rubber-stamp impressions
SWAGS
- made from several pieces of unlined
or lined fabric that join together
- pieces of fabric usually do not exceed
40 inches in width and the drop usually ranges from 12 to
20 inches
- fabric wraps around or drapes over
a decorative rod
- can be tied back at the top corners
of the window with decorative brackets
- often paired with blinds, shades
or shutters
SCARVES
- single piece of lightweight fabric
that looks the same on the back and front sides
- generous length of fabric usually
wraps loosely around rod or pole
- draped fabric can also be held in
place with decorative brackets
Hanging a Scarf or Swag
You can drape scarves and swags through
rings, sconces, tiebacks, or wrap around a decorative rod
or pole. They look great in many different lengths - framing
a window, halfway down a window or all the way to the floor.
All you need is a generous length of fabric, the correct hardware
and the patience to pull and primp until you get the right
look:
- It's easier to arrange a scarf or
swag if you softly pleat the material lengthwise, accordion-style
and pin the pleats at the two points where you want the
fabric to drop down the sides of the window.
- Place the fabric over a pole or thread
it carefully through the brackets. Decorative brackets,
often referred to as scarf holders or sconces, secure the
fabric at the top corners of your window.
- Pull the lower pleats in the center
of the swag to create an even drape.
- Release the pins, stand back and
make any adjustments to the arrangement.
Decorative Hardware
Today's decorative hardware can easily
become a focal point for contemporary window fashions. You'll
find all kinds of appealing, useful and affordable decorative
items, such as rods, poles, finials, scarf holders, holdbacks,
rings, clips and pins.
Use decorative hardware to give the
finishing touch to your window and your room. For example,
you can pair wrought iron, brass or pewter rods with decorative
brackets and finials to compliment any décor. Enhance
top treatments such as swags and scarves with stunning swag
holders that pull the entire window treatment together.
For accessory ideas that will top off
your window treatments, explore stores, look at model homes,
check out catalogs and surf the Web. You'll find hundreds
of window accessories to choose from so you can take full
advantage of the windows in your manufactured home. Just make
sure you have enough wall room to display your hardware and
that your window frames and walls can support the weight of
metal or wooden poles and rods.
Window Fashion Resources
www.yourblinds.com
www.hunterdouglas.com
www.nobrainerblinds.com
www.bhg.com
www.blindsgalore.com
www.restorationhardware.com
www.homedepot.com
www.lowes.com
www.greatwindows.com
www.kirsch.com
www.levolor.com
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