Category: mini blinds or wood shutters

Introduction To Mini Blinds

The mechanisms that are used to open and close blinds
range from simple cords and easy to use chains to
remote controlled electronic devices. Mini blinds
will block out sunlight, prevent people from
looking into your house, and also add style to
your home. Mini blinds come in various styles
and you can even make them yourself at home.

Mini blinds are available in a wide range of
sizes and colors, along with custom sizes and
styles. This allows you to control the direction
and amount of natural light while still
providing a sense of insulation. There are some
blinds styles that even adjust to allow breezes
to flow from the window into the room by raising
or tilting the slats.

With one style, slats are sandwiched between
two sheer fabric layers that diffuse light when
the slats are open. With another style, the
slats are laminated vertically to a single
fabric layer for a curtain effect.

Mini blinds can come in wood, faux wood, vinyl,
and even aluminum. Wood type blinds offer
rich, subtle colors along with unique textures.
The classic types of blinds look elegantly
simple and can help to enhance a contemporary
look or even add a classic flair to your home.

A less expensive alternative to wooden mini
blinds is faux wood, or a synthetic wood
made of PVC or a composite material. Aluminum
is a good choice as well, as it provides a
low cost and durable solution to your window
problems. Aluminum mini blinds are also
easy to clean and easy to maintain. The
least expensive variety is vinyl blinds,
that come in standard sizes only.

()

PPPPP

Saying Goodbye To Wood Shutters

The traditional wooden shutter is normally made
from wood, needs quite a bit of maintenance, and
looks as if it was right out of an episode of
an old comedy. These shutters have been around
since the Colonial Times, and are quite a bit
old. Most people never close them, yet the
hinges still need to be shined and oiled.

These days, it may be the 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 Bahama,
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 Bahama 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.

()

PPPPP

All About The Window Blind

Window blinds are coverings for windows, normally
attached to the interior side. Window blinds refer
to some device to hide from sight or to help
reduce sunlight. There are several kinds of blinds,
which are covered below.

Venetian blinds
Venetian is a large category in blinds. The original
types were made with wide curved metal slats,
similar to a mini slat. The shapes can be curved,
flat, or even elliptical.

Faux or PVC
These types of mini blinds are made from a solid
or foamed poly vinyl chloride plastic. PVC is one
of the newer materials being used for blind slats.
The slat’s surface can be smooth or embossed with
a wood grain. Although color selection is limited
mostly to whites, there are a few wod tone colors
available as well.

PVC or faux are very durable, UV resistant,
waterproof, and simple to clean. The main drawback
with faux blinds is the weight of the slats. PVC
slats are heavier than both wood and composite
slats and when used with large windows, they can
make raising the window a difficult task.

Composite blinds
Composite type blinds are made from a combination
of wood products and polymers. Composite is a
newer material that’s being used for the window
covering. The slat surface with composite is a
smooth poly coating or even a solid composite
material.

Similiar to PVC, the color selection is normally
limited mostly to whites although there are a
few wood tone and stain colors available. The
composite blinds are priced in the low to mid
range. They have qualities similar to PVC and
faux, and are some of the best available.

Wood blinds
Both value and premium wood blinds are made
from real wood. The value wood blind slats are
made from assorted Oriental hardwood, and the
premium slats are made from American hardwood,
which is normally Basswood.

If you plan to match a cabinet or trim stain,
wood blinds will be your best choice. Wood blinds
are among the best, although they are also among
the most expensive. All wooden slats can warp
and may fade in color over time. They are also
the lightest material available and work really
good with large windows.

Since they were first introduced to the home,
window blinds have proven to add style and peace
of mind. They offer you a lot for your windows,
and they don’t cost a lot of money. You have
several different types to choose from, all you
have to do is select the best types for your
home and your needs.

()

PPPPP

Wooden Shutters

The best wood for building interior wooden shutters
is basswood. The tree can be found from Quebec
south to Delaware and the Atlantic coast west to
Eastern Kentucky with an average height of 65
feet. Basswood is a renewable resource and careful
forest management ensures that the harvesting is
done responsibly by balancing the wood growth
with wood removal.

Basswood interior shutters are very straight and
they also have a fine uniform texture with a very
indistinct grain. The wood machines well and is
easy to work, screws well, glues well, and it can
be stained to a smooth finish.

Basswood shutters do not warp, they are lightweight
yet very strong, offer uniform grain for a superb
stain finish, and they offer superior gluing and
finishing properties.

Oak shutters
Oak is a very heavy wood which makes for very
heavy window shutters. Oak interior shutters will
add a lot of weight to window jambs, with screws
requiring pre-drilling. They aren’t suitable
for painting and the louvers tend to warp over
time.

Maple shutters
Maple is heavy like oak and produces interior
shutters that are very heavy. Maple also requires
that the window jambs be pre-drilled. The wood
louvers with maple are hard to tension uniformly.

Poplar shutters
Poplar shutters mill and paint very well. The
mineral streaks and green color help make popular
wood unsuitable for staining. For shutters, poplar
wood is moderately heavy. The wood is widely
available and less costly, although it also
produces a lesser quality of wood shutter.

Cedar shutters
Cedar wood mills and finishes nicely, although
the color varies greatly for staining. Cedar
is pretty soft and can dent or scratch very
easily.

For exterior shutters, cedar works very well. The
amazing durability and resistance to decay of
incense cedar makes it perfect for exterior use
wherever moisture is presented. Requiring
long service with very little maintenance,
it’s also hated by bugs!

Alder shutters
Alder is an excellent choice for interior shutters,
as the tree is very small. Tall window shutters
using alder wood will require finger joints.

Pine shutters
Pine is a soft wood, with many different species
and grades available.

Always remember that there are also poorly
constructed wood shutters that will rank very
low on the scale of quality. You should always
look for a smooth, well sanded surface, thick
durable paing, glued and doweled joints, and a
straight light hardwood. Before you commit
to any shutter company, always request a sample
so that you know what to expect.

()

PPPPP

Buying Budget Shutters

Even though there is a lot of value in installing
high quality interior wood window shutters,
they can sometimes still be too expensive for
certain applications. There are some alternatives
that include poly, pvc, or even vinyl shutters
that are less expensive although much less
attractive and look cheaper in comparison.

For quality at an affordable cost, you should
look for a company that sells individual
wholesale discount wood shutter panels that can
be installed in any type of configuration.
These types of shutters are also referred to
as DIY, or Do It Yourself shutters.

When you shop for individual shutter panels at
a discount price, there are a few things you
should keep in mind. The most important factor
is the material that is used to make the
interior shutter panels.

Basswood is the best wood for shutters, as
it has the best characteristics and it’s a
straight hard wood with very little distortion.
Basswood also offers a fine, uniform texture
with an indistinct grain, which makes it
ideal for staining or painting.

Before you actually order the discount panels,
it’s always best to determine how you will
mount your shutters. Sometimes, it is
necessary to use hanging strips to attach
shutters to the outside of the window opening.
Reputable companies will provide information
about installation methods so you can decide
which way is best to install your specific
type of window shutter.

Anytime you buy budget shutters, you should
always do your research first. There are some
brands that are better than others, which is
why you should research the types of shutters
you are interested in. With a little bit of
your time and effort, you could quite possibly
end up with shutters at a perfect price which
will add more color and style to your home
than you ever thought possible.

()

PPPPP

Wood Or Vinyl Mini Blinds

The market for mini blinds has expanded well past
those traditional aluminum blinds that break,
bend, and warp. A lot of homeowners are now
electing to install a 2 inch blind made from
either wood or vinyl to add a nicer touch to a
room.

Proving to be cheaper than wooden shutters and
able to allow more light in, these blinds will
combine function and design which helps produce
a look that everyone will like. Years ago, the
purchase of these two inch blinds would break
the bank, although now there are many options
available for those on any type of budget.

Keep in mind that there are both pros and cons
to choosing either wood or vinyl. The biggest
difference in the material of the two is the
price and the color. Normally, wooden two
inch blinds are a lot more expensive than vinyl
blinds, although they are available in more colors.

If you have strained wooden trim and molding
around your windows, you should consider adding
that specific color to your window treatments.
A dark wooden blind or a honey hue wooden window
blind can make a big difference when it comes
to the look and style of your home. For a
price, you can create an inspiring look that
makes the difference between and alright room
and an amazing room.

Always remember that wooden blinds can tend
to a bit lighter than vinyl, so they could be
an ideal choice for double or triple windows
to prevent bowing in the middle of the blind.
Just like vinyl, wooden blinds can be custom
cut to fit the exact requirements of your
window.

Vinyl blinds are also a bit less expensive and
can easily be mistaken for the wooden variety.
If you are choosing a bright white or a soft
ivory for your shades, vinyl will be the perfect
choice if you are on a budget. Vinyl blinds
are also easier to clean, as water can warp
wood or even cause the finish to crack or
bubble.

If you are planning to purchase wood or vinyl
blinds, you should consider paying a visit to
your local supply warehouse. The selection at
most stores can be dramatic, as they offer
good prices and a variety of choices.

If your budget isn’t a problem at all, you
should look towards a special window treatment
shop in your area, where professionals will
come to your home and take care of both the
measuring and installation for you.

()

PPPPP

Mini Blinds

If you enjoy the practical and enjoy efficiency, then
the mini blind is going to be your ideal choice of
window covering. When choosing a blind, you should
take several factors into account, such as the
appearance, privacy, cost, light control, ease of
use, and the ability to insulate.

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 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.

()

PPPPP

Benefits Of Interior Wood Shutters

Interior wooden shutters will create the defining
touch to flatter any decoration of your home. Wood
shutters are a great investment, and should be
thought of and treated as fine furniture. Also,
they are the only window coverings that are actually
appraised into the value of your home. The rich
natural appearance and matching quality features
they offer make them a perfect choice for your home.

Insulation
Wood shutters will offer you many insulation values
such as energy efficiency, and they maintain interior
temperature from exterior temperature extremes as
well as help with outside noise. According to
experts, it takes nearly 6 inches of brick, 14 inches
of concrete, and well over 1,700 inches of aluminum
to equal the insulating value offered by only 1 inch
of wood.

Environmental
Opposed to aluminum, plastic, and other types of
composites, wood is only material for shutters that
is manufactured from a 100% renewal source.

Authentic
Wood can be made from several sources, including
poplar, oak, and basswood. There are several products
that feature word wood in their name, although
they actually contain little to no wood at all.
They are all extremely limited in their custom
features, and are only available in standard white
colors, cannot be stained, and they have both the
look and feel of plastic.

All around the United States, wood remains one of
the most popular sources of shutters. Wood shutters
offer you many features, and they are also easy to
install, even if you have no experience with installing
shutters.

You can find them in your local hardware store, or
even order them online if you prefer. They may cost
a bit more than vinyl or other types of shutters,
although they will last for a long time and give
your home the look you desire.

()

PPPPP

Measuring For Mini Blinds

The first thing to do when measuring for your mini
blinds is to determine if you need inside mount or
outside mount. Inside mount will fit the blinds
within the window frame, while outside mount will
fit the overlap of the window opening.

Inside mount
To find the width, measure the exact distance between
the inside surfaces of the window frame at the top,
middle, and also the bottom then use the narrowest
width you receive with your measurements.

To find the length, measure the exact distance
from the inside surface at the top of the window
to the bottom sill at the left, middle, and the
right then use the longest length. If you prefer
for the blinds not to touch the windowsill, you
should deduct 1/4″. If there isn’t a sill, then
you should measure the length to the point where
the blinds are to reach.

Outside mount
To find the width, measure the exact distance
between the outermost points where the blinds are
to be placed. For the best of light control, the
measurement should extend 3/4″ beyond the window
opening on each side.

To find the length, measure the exact distance
from where the top of the blinds are to be placed
to the top of the windowsill. If there isn’t a
sill on your window, then measure the length to
the point where the blinds are to reach.

Measuring for your blinds is very important, as
you’ll need the measurements to order the blinds.
Most companies will deduct for the brackets at
the factory, then all you’ll need to do once
you receive your blinds is to install them –
which is easy to do as well.

()

PPPPP

Styles Of Blinds Shutters

The best parts of decorating your windows are the
different window treatments you can choose. This
is where you can make decisions on fabrics, colors,
and also styles. Each decision you make between
contrasting borders, cording or fringe will show off
your own individually. If you add repeating
fabrics and colors in other parts of the room you
could help to add a dash of flair to your home.

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.

()

PPPPP