Window Covering Answers

blinds that inspire     http://www.creativelydifferentblinds.com/AroundBritainBath/PulteneyWeirBathEvening.aspx   I have been wondering why we don't have these in North America. These designs and blinds are exactly what I have been dreaming of for years, and years.    Blinds that look like ART! What a great idea!  http://www.creativelydifferentblinds.com/AroundBritainBath/PulteneyBridgeBathautumn.aspx How about these? These are a miniscule selection of great designs that can be placed on a blind from Creatively Different Designer Blinds.  You can reach them here. http://www.creativelydifferentblinds.com/ Well worth looking up! Not only are the blind designs great there are so many to choose from.... what great inspiration to put something at the window that looks like these! I am hoping they come to North America soon.

Solarize Inflector Window Systems.     It gets cold in Maine. Really cold. This product is a great testament to the reality that Yankee ingenuity still lives.  I don't know when I have been so thrilled with a product. This seems like a great answer to those of us who live in cold climates and who need greater savings on our energy costs.     http://www.shoreenergy.ca/inflector_blinds.html http://solarizewindowinsulators.com/    

Patio Doors and Foiling Heat Loss With the onslaught of cold weather I am always searching for ways that we can save heat and energy at the window. Patio doors although delightful are a minus in the winter time. The large window expanse is often cold and drafty. Now I know that not everyone will want to see the shiny aluminum as part of their décor. However, these shutters can save you money. I might add another set of curtains over the shiny shutters just to make the room a little less austere.  But the basic principles are exactly what is needed for patio doors. Saving energy at the window means we are lowering our carbon footprint too! http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/Astrofoil/AstrofoilShutters.htm

How to make your Own Thermal Curtains  I am always looking for new ways of creating value at the window when we are talking energy savings. Here is a delightful article and video that shows exactly how to improve your heat savings at the window. The basic principles are all here. http://www.appropedia.org/How_to_make_awesome_thermal_curtains                        

Insulated window shutters   And now for something completely different!   I have long been a fan of insulated shutters. Mostly shutters follow a plantation design, but in the north where winters are very cold... some windows are just a recipe for heat loss.   So tonight,  I am adding this small video which shows an early prototype of what is really needed in homes today. Cheap oil is gone, energy saving is in and this is one way to do it.   Other methods include this one from Mother Earth News:     http://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/thermal-panel-window-insulation.aspx#axzz2krViIpYr       And from Lifehacker:   http://lifehacker.com/5949581/diy-insulating-door-or-window-shutters     As I poke around the Net, I will be posting more versions of do it yourself shutters.... 

Cornices as a way to stop drafts One of the ways to eliminate heat from exiting through the window is to use a decorative cornice. Sitting at the top of a window it can be a solid barrier to heat that rises. Usually cornices are expensive or easily outdated. The following video shows a versatile and easy to make cornice that you can use and update many times. What a treat! This video link below shows how easy this product is to make. It seems very innovative to me.  Sometimes just having a simple kit to follow makes all the difference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyHpYbkMxOs http://www.youtube.com/watch? http://www.youtube.com/watch?

File this under CHEAP and EASY!         http://vertigodesignevolution.blogspot.ca/2008/10/great-idea-diy-vinyl-shade-decals.html     In my search on the Net to find easy and inexpensive (thrifty) ways to improve your window coverings I realized that one of the best ways to stop heat from leaving through the windows is to install an inexpensive roller blind. Not only do inexpensive vinyl roller shades block heat transfer at the window fairly effectively, they are a wonderful canvas for whatever you might want to create! Of course choosing to install this shade as an outside mount, instead of inside the trim or recessed, adds an additional advantage to overall draft blocking. To do this effectively you want to make your vinyl shade cloth portion exactly the same width as the outside measurement of the window trim. Or even wider. But let's not get caught up in these details. Just remember that an inside vinyl shade tends to curl at its...

Sites that offer energy saving tips for window coverings. In an effort to reduce energy costs at the window you might find that insulated curtains do a better job than most blinds.  Except for cellular blinds which offer an R-value of between 2.5 to 5, curtains offer greater savings.  Part of this is due to the tight weave, the vinyl backing, and also because curtains tend to have air pockets within the folds of fabric. http://www.dantehill.com/drapery-panels/images/prepared-drapery-panels.jpg Adding a sheer or voile at the window increases dead air between the window and the curtain, plus the cold then travels down the sheer to the floor instead of directly from the cold pane of glass into the room. Yes. I know sheers are not as popular as they once were in the fashion world, but there are beautiful and modern designs that will give you both privacy during the day and added insulation during the dark nights.   http://www.woodyattcurtains.com...

Garbage Warrior Continued Not that long ago I posted a short link about The Garbage Warrior and radical architect, Mike Reynolds.  His innovative approach to building energy efficient homes is worth studying and perhaps emulating. We are all on this particular earthship and so many of us, need better housing. Housing that doesn't use up so many resources, housing that creates its own energy. Housing that leads to better solutions for the future, when there are so many more of us. Here is the full length documentary courtesy of youtube.  Enjoy and share:

INSULATING APARTMENT WINDOWS              In my searches to find new ways to improve window treatments that will save energy I found these new videos. It looks like the bubble pack with large bubbles works well and is being used all over the country. Perhaps some manufacturer will find a way to make a blind out of this? Anyway. I keep searching and the world keeps innovating.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sycJwM-w27I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqD5fdEj8t8 http://www.builditsolar.com/index.htm http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-ways-to-insul-37643 And for those of you who are needing another cup of coffee about now... here is another way to save money. A solar design that makes coffee. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-8vBJISgZY

Democracy has many faces and these days the most interesting face that democracy shows is in the way it is moving towards lower costs for power and towards more sustainable electricity. The video link below shows how citizens in Boulder, Colorado intend to shape the future. All of this will hasten change and move us in a better direction. Locally owned power systems have always saved a community money and taxes. Cutting out the middle man pays a huge dividend for everyone involved. With lower costs and greener electricity more companies will be able to expand their bottom line. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh1qCf-ohOQ

Garbage Warrior       This post is not primarily about window coverings, it is more about shelter and how to create it in new and innovative ways.   Every once in awhile a single individual seems to move the rest of us forward... Michael Reynolds is one of those innovators that can demonstrate how to build  better homes. His plans and designs are truly innovative and self sustaining. Entirely self sufficient for energy, water, heating and cooling. Think it can't be done? Well he seems to have done it.  Most of us are still living on the grid entirely nested within some great hive of activity, steadily eroding the future, instead of securing it for the next generations or for ourselves. He presents an entirely new way of making buildings. And why not?  It is about time.  The easiest way for me to show you what the future of housing might be is for you to examine the following links. Here they are....enjoy. http://e...

ETSY curtains, drapes and fabric at the window One of the more fun ways to shop for draperies is to check out ETSY. Looking for something authentic from the past? Or something someone has just invented ? Something that you might never have considered or imagined is to be found here. It is the amazing plethora of different styles, colours and designs that surpass what is commonly manufactured. In the handmade section I am just transfixed by what I see. So here are some of the sites that caught my eye this morning. http://www.etsy.com/shop/DentDesignerTextiles     http://www.etsy.com/shop/HatchedinFrance?ref=l2-shopheader-name         http://www.etsy.com/listing/51752652/pojagi-window-covering?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=curtains&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_my_etsy=true&ga_search_type=handmade       http://www.etsy.com/listing/1237...

Passive House Scrolling through the internet I find that Passivhaus projects are blossoming around the world. Born in Germany, and initiated by Dr. Wolfgang Feist, the ideas contained on this site might interest those who are also interested in energy saving for their homes and offices. Originally in German there is a small translation flag in the upper right corner of this site. So far only English and German. Here is a recent update on Passivhaus techniques applied to an office building. Press release: 16 July 2013 World's first Passive House office tower certified International Passive House experts visit project in Vienna Vienna. High levels of energy efficiency are all the more important when it comes to high-rise buildings. For the first time ever, an office tower in Vienna has achieved the Passive House Standard. The certificate was presented by Susanne Theumer of the Passive House Institute on the 20th floor of the building with a prime view of the old city....

Trapezoid or Triangular Window Coverings A wall of windows is always a challenge to cover. Unusually shaped windows that are trapezoids or triangles is a triple challenge.  Of course Motorization is the obvious answer. With motorization of a cellular style blind, dramatic windows turn into a theatrical event par none.  The touch of a button reveals the outdoors, or delivers much needed  privacy. The leader in the industry of these singularly shaped blind coverings, offers a unique product, that can be adapted to almost any angled window. In the past windows like this  were nearly impossible to cover beautifully.  Out of Colorado, they are, as is typical of innovators, a small but agile company. These products are unmatchable in the window covering industry . In my experience writing about innovations and their innovators, the best innovations often come out of the smaller centres and smaller companies.  Remember the name Blind Corners and Curves...

Triangular Window Coverings  Finding a way to cover triangular window coverings can be a real challenge.  One company in the UK offers a really unique way to cover them. Usually the problem is how to make the blind moveable.  Many shades or blinds made for this type of window are static in nature and that frankly spoils the whole reason for having such a window.   Conservatory blinds UK offers a delightful way to truly enjoy these remarkable windows. Windows treatments are always a compromise between light and dark, openness and  privacy. These motorized solutions offer the best of both worlds.     The following links will take you to more information about these remarkable blinds.    http://youtu.be/x_I4vRpWi5o http://www.conservatoryblinds.co.uk/conservatory-blinds-brochure.asp And here is yet another solution to the same dilemma: Absolutely magnificent! http://youtu.be/BydJAl5bWog Another great opti...

Krumper's Solar Blinds Wondering when things are going to improve in the window covering business? Here is a small company with a big impact. Not too often do we see real change in the industry. Windows are where we sacrifice our heating and cooling dollars. For too long most blinds have been largely decorative and I have been hoping for a blind that addresses energy loss effectively. This small  Canadian company seems to have some of the answers to the ongoing energy problems. Here is the website: and a short video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dPTzsHLD-U8

What to do with those arched windows? Palladian Windows and their nineteenth century cousins, eyebrow arches are beautiful, letting in lots of light and warmth. Sometimes those beautifully curved arches let in too much light, heating up the house, or making the most intimate areas of the home just a little too visible to others. We all need a certain amount of privacy. They are great looking windows but they can be problematic and difficult to cover without a great deal of expense. Most of these window covering ideas are gleaned from various sources. They will take a bit of time and energy to re-create. Happily, each project lets you choose exactly the colours, prints, or degree of coverage you need. Imagine creating your own  custom blind by and for your own unique circumstances. Here are a few links to resources for making those window coverings. http://www.ehow.com/how_6471115_arched-drapery-do-yourself-instructions.html Japanese Lace Paper or o...

How to make a roman blind without sewing. Two professional handymen show us how to make a roman blind without a sewing machine...all the details and equipment needed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWU1w0v6q9Y

How to make a top down bottom up Blind for next to nothing! Sometimes I am really amazed at the creativity of the human race.  Here is a very creative way to change your view out of your window.  You will need an inexpensive vinyl blind, a temporary shade, a saw and some time.  The video is not the best or the easiest, but for those of us who need privacy and light at the same time... here is a way to have both at a minimal cost. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auAsuWqIwxc

This is a fine video about how to make your own roller shade. The company here offers all the tools that you need to complete this project. It strikes me that many ready to go roller shades could be utilized in this way, saving money and time.  I haven't tried this yet but I will.... it would be ideal for my own window in my front door. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH50yzgeDyA

One of the bigger problems with big windows is the amount of heat they can generate in the summer. In this youtube video... one creative person and his wife solved the problem for his conservatory roof. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrq17R6lwPE There are many variations on this particular way of providing protection from the sun. Some are called stationary blinds and are put up with velcro attachments. It all works to have a cooler home in the summertime.

Cold Places need warmer windows Just a short note about two companies that have insulated window treatments: Take a look at the link below to see how window quilts can make a difference. http://cozycurtains.com/ Out in Montana, USA  - winter can get really fierce. No matter how great new windows are, they still leak heat through convection and conduction. These insulated shades with magnetic side trim make a real difference in heat retention. Also from Alaska where it gets even colder Check out Wiggy's for insulated fabric to make your own window treatments. http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=187 For those of you with a sewing machine, Wiggy's makes an ultralight fabric that seems to be ideal for really cold weather. Made in Alaska, where it gets really, really cold, this fabric seems ideal for window quilts.  http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=187