Window Covering Answers

Power up your windows     Okay. This is not for everyone. And maybe it is not for anyone who has small children around. But it is great!   As the demographic changes from middle aged to elderly the need for such devices is going to become greater. Wow! I am so impressed with the ease of this.   From HACKAWEEK TV, the 5 Minute Power Blind. I also found this..... So delightful when you see someone young making the future. I loved this. No it is not perfect, but it is very inexpensive. Motorization has been around about 30 years but it has only taken off with the advent of Smart Homes. Somfy Systems is just one of several manufacturers that is bringing the future into our homes. Of course motorization comes with roller shades, panel tracks, vertical blinds and roman shades as well. Check out the youtube videos for this manufacturer, there is a wide variety of styles and methods available.

3-D Printing, Solar Power and Window Coverings http://www.3dprinterworld.com/article/solar-power-organic-photovoltaics-and-3d-printing So, okay we are not here yet. But we are definitely closer than we once were. Imagine it... a world in which 3-D printing could quite possibly revolutionize not just what we wear but also what we put at the window. Organic photovoltaics created at the NLP in Britain seem to make the promise that even on cloudy days, solar energy can be manufactured. Here is the link to the article that outlines just how this might proceed. http://www.3dprinterworld.com/article/solar-power-organic-photovoltaics-and-3d-printing Several years ago when I began this blog I used to muse about how cool it would be for windows to create solar power. In subsequent years new technologies began to appear that began to revolutionize what we do at the window. Now several companies seem to be heading in that direction. 3-D Printing will revolutionize how we manufact

H ow to make a Laminated Roller Shade 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. Here is the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH50yzgeDyA   One of the reasons for having roller shades at the window is energy saving. When you add a layer of vinyl at the window you are breaking the otherwise automatic heat transfer that goes from inside to outside. The vinyl creates an air pocket next to the window that slows the transfer of heat because it creates dead air space. Dead air space slows the convection that often occurs at the window as heated air rises and cold air falls. Hence the dreaded draft at the windows.

    Transparent Solar Cells      http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/188667-a-fully-transparent-solar-cell-that-could-make-every-window-and-screen-a-power-source The link above which takes you to an article from Extremetech.com Recent advances from the University of Michigan promise a new direction for window technologies. Driving the need to replace fossil with solar energy has become a direction for some researchers, and this looks very promising. Although making windows that will create solar power is not happening this year... it appears we are all getting a bit closer. From UCLA a couple of years before this, Professor Yang Yang and his group invented a different transparent solar cell. Here is the link to this article. http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/sci/transparent-solar-cells-turn-windows-power-sources.html

Window Film and Nanotechnology mean Energy Saving. Thin Film Solar Cell Technology - Professor Chris Binns - University of Leicester   At this point this new energy delivery system is still in the early stages of development. But. It may provide a revolutionary new way to save energy at the window by creating a solar energy production system.  One more step closer to heating our homes with non renewable energy systems. Imagine.... windows that produce solar power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_NS0eyB46I New Energy Technologies    Here is another commercial developer of Solar Windows. Nanotechnology and sprayed on solar window coatings combine to create solar energy. Such technology has the potential to  save us all from global warming, lowering our reliance on fossil fuels.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BohznWrTrO8 Cathedral, Solar panels and stained glass windows. Amazing. Combining solar panels and stained glass in Saskatoon,  Saskatchewan

Art at the Window     Okay, so I am helpless when I see art at the window. Unique, self made, beautiful, innovative, crafty, artistic, or innovative and I can't help myself.  I think it needs a wider audience.     One of the best places to see these virtuoso pieces is PINTEREST. I have some of my own favourites there, along with other boards of course. Just a warning. Pinterest is terribly addictive, you can lose entire days just ogling beautiful and visionary pieces. Mostly Pinterest is inspiring to me, and it makes me make things.     One of the delights is finding something like Natalia Ivancevich Hayes great paper cut blinds. Magnificent. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/elegant-hand-cut-paper-window-treatments-170322?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+apartmenttherapy/main+(AT+Channel:+Main ) Or. Something that reveals an ancient past, some ritual from ages ago, that reveals the poetry and art that hides within a simple l

Miracle Windows This seems nothing short of truly amazing. The future is now. What a marvellous innovation. Daylight on demand. Messing with reality, and making us feel as though we control everything. But what a cool idea.

Motorized Elliptical Arched Blinds    Covering those delightful arched windows has been difficult for most homeowners for some time now. The popularity of Palladian style windows with their wonderful views and ability to increase the light in homes was not without its problems. Too much sunlight sometimes and lack of privacy combine to create a unique set of problems for which there aren't many great solutions. Enter Macadam Blinds. Their answer involves motorization and clever applications of newer technologies. But don't take my word for it... the video at the beginning of this article says more than I can with mere words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHm4Gp6EEq0#action=share https://www.facebook.com/pages/Macadam-Blinds-Inc/137176836305432?ref=ts http://macadamblinds.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jpdcfErpOM&feature=player_detailpage http://macadamblinds.com/about-moon-shade/ http://www.dpncanada.com/Video-Library/Interviews/Mac

More about Valances and Pelmets     In a previous post I introduced some very beautiful valances. Now the reason for doing so with regard to energy savings.     http://www.huntedinterior.com/2012/08/diy-stenciled-cornice-board.html       According to some reliable sources a valance or pelmet can help to reduce your energy losses at the window by as much as 15%. That is no small change, especially over the life of a window.   It is an old idea but it works. Cornices, pelmets, or valances all save you money.       So here is one of the many how to do build your own valance,cornice or pelmet sites.   http://www.instructables.com/file/FOZMJKTG9NHGJTR       http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-save-heat-money-and-energy-with-easy-pelm/         Before central heating many low tech ideas were implemented at the window to keep rooms warmer. Valances and Pelmets, also known as Cornices were one of those low tech ideas that were useful

Valances     Most of these valances photos have come from Pinterest where a cornucopia of window treatments can be found. Ginger Shafer  's  Pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/vasilveria/window-treatments/ about window treatments is a treasure to behold for it is filled with surprising elements like the valance below... made from antique rolling pins. What a great idea for a kitchen! Away from the conventional and towards the unexpected, as we begin to turn our homes into ART. Which is always as it should be.   http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33636328439141681/ Many of these valances speak for themselves. Their seeming simplicity add beauty in an understated but vibrant way. This  finishing touch makes the entire area look more like a painting or a frame for a landscape. Which makes it ART once again. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33636328439141681/   What makes this classic fabric in the picture below look modern and lively is the juxtaposition.  Here

  Windows that Create Power  Pythagoras Solar has been around for awhile steadily helping to build the buildings of the future.  Incorporating photovoltaics within the buildings' structure and utilizing the vast expanses of windows in modern construction... they have effectively envisioned the future in construction. Here are several links to this company's vision. http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/intelligent-energy/a-double-duty-solar-window/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/pvgu-benefits/net-zero-energy-buildings-why-bipv/ http://www.pythagoras-solar.com/technology-solutions/technology-overview-energy-efficient-windows/#prettyPhoto/1/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9pTVyY9OZw

Solar Socket       For those of you who have missed it.  This is one of the ways in which the world is becoming a better place for all of us.     Imagine plugging your charger into this little device at the window.       Built by Yanko Design, this product is still in its infancy.  A very small battery currently limits its usability... but look for this device to bring new opportunities for all of us within the near future.   Via Inhabitat. 

  Blinds that create Power  Dreams are fast becoming a reality. Solar power modules on venetian blinds create a new way to transform our lives.  NANERGY Inc. manufactures several solar powered products including a photovoltaic blind that generates electricity. At last, blinds that create enough electricity to sell back to the power utility. These venetian blinds can gather solar power in open, closed or partially open positions. This is definitely another step in the right direction. Have a look at the company's website for more information. http://www.nanergyinc.com/pvblinds.html http://www.nanergyinc.com/index.html     http://www.nanergyinc.com/projectgallery.html         Deakin University Australia   Research by Phd student Ghayatri Devi Rajmohan is currently working on ultra thin and flexible films that one day might be used to power kitchen appliances or generate power for you devices in your backpack. Here is Ghayatri Devi Rajmohan tal

  When you need it to be DARK     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XhqfV6gqUE   This one seems obvious but isn't. This semi-permanent blind gives you the darkness you may crave.     Primarily used for nurseries, or for small children who  have the inevitable habit of rising with the sun...this blind is the answer. Whether travelling to grandma's or somewhere else in the world... here is an answer to a good night's sleep for everyone.     There are others who might enjoy such a device.  Anyone who must sleep during the day, or those who must travel for their jobs could also benefit from such a cool idea.     What a blessing for those of us who are sleep impaired.       

    Blinds that Produce Light     BLIGHT     This does look like an idea whose time has come.  Blinds that soak up the sun during the day and then produce light at night will have many applications. Imagine if these blinds were to be installed in offices where so much electricity is wasted. How about those institutions that operate on a 24 hour cycle, 7 days a week.   Imagine the power savings in any community. So many applications.  Venetian blinds have been around forever.  My dream has been blinds that produce solar power, this application is an obvious step towards that reality.  See the links below for further information.           http://inhabitat.com/blight-blinds-by-vincent-gerkens/     http://www.gizmag.com/blight-solar-blind/11233/     http://www.coolplanet2009.org/cool-innovations-for-more-ecology/189-blight-vincent-gerkens.html 

  Kitchen Curtains   What is it about kitchen curtains that we agonize about. If the kitchen is the "new" hearth then what goes at the window here can make a real statement.   First. It doesn't have to be practical, but it helps. Can you clean the blind you have chosen? Does it offer enough privacy? Enough light? Is the blind or curtain too close to the stove? Should you have flame retardant blinds? Some condos demand it.   Beyond that, kitchen curtains or blinds can offer a glimpse of the past, or of the future. Perhaps within the heart of family activities, where nurturance and food are prime, a kitchen curtain or blind becomes a reflection of the main nurturer. Whatever it is, or isn't - it should be beautiful to you. Whether it is nostalgic for the past or commandeering the future, whether it looks out on a magnificent landscape or a terrible view.... it needs to be something more than utilitarian.  More than other rooms what goes at the window need

Outdoor Blinds          "What?", you say, "Why would anyone need outdoor blinds."  Weather protection sometimes begins on the exterior of a building. With today's new construction which often uses far more glass than in the past... outdoor blinds become another layer of protection from the elements. More than that outdoor blinds offer sun control over thermal windows. Thermal windows work great in the winter but as the summer sun beats  down on thermal windows...up goes the temperature.  Then we have to use the air conditioning and up go our electricity costs. For some time now I have been thinking about this and wondering how in summer in North America at least, where we design our homes to retain heat we can remedy this situation. Here is one answer. Hella Group from Austria, have been building sun and weather protection systems since 1959. They offer a variety of systems which address this need for further climate control. Click on t

Photoblinds So this is one of the directions I see blinds going in.... photos and blinds together at last. So many people live in tiny apartments with poor views.... limited landscapes. What better way to improve one's outlook than with a blind that creates a totally different art form. Blinds as photographic art. How cool is that? And why don't we see this on this side of the pond? Anyone know who does this in North America. I see this as a coming trend....as we deeply personalize our homes and our lives. Unfortunately this video will not load into my blog so you will have to click on the link below in order to see the delights that await you. Worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD46O9Oeh4M&list=UU2Bc-DZH4e7R0MsDNLIzPbg 

Enormous Window Treatments with an Arch. This excellent decorator, Paul Kempler, has created something quite astounding. The window treatment speaks for itself in the following video.  It is a real challenge to make window treatments that add nuance and subtlety.  This huge window could dominate the room. In this short video the window is softened and integrated perfectly into the entire design. And that is the mark of a true professional.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjlICF3H-MI    

Innovations from the ingenious What people come up with to solve window treatment problems always amazes me. How often have you been stuck with vertical blinds at a patio door because that is the only solution you have for ease of use? Or because what you really want is not in the budget? From Krystal who writes a blog called Sassy Sanctuary comes this treat... and why oh why have we never thought of this before? An ace idea for many homes... using the vertical track, add small grommets to the header on sheer draperies and voila... an instant improvement over an older window fashion.   http://www.sassysanctuary.com/2010/02/vertical-blinds-alternative.html          

Solar inserts seem to have their promoters and their detractors. However. Whether or not 'real' energy is created... people seems to "feel" warmer. What happens at the window is truly important. Windows are one of the keys to sustaining and lowering our power and energy costs. Small inventions like the solar inserts are just one way to improve your energy savings. The following link has the instructions to make such an insert. Take the time to read the comments after the main body... they too have interesting concepts to explore.  http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Window-Inserts/

PINTEREST     Pinterest has amazing photos of all sorts of window treatments: Here are a few of my favourites   Gee I hope this works!   http://www.pinterest.com/kundalini88/blinds-window-coverings/     By clicking on the link above you will find all the other window coverings that I find interesting or beautiful.  Enjoy~                   

The Future of Window Treatments     These two videos speak for themselves. This product seems to do it all. At least from a technoid point of view. Still, it is very exciting. Window film that is a DIY on any retro window, that can change as the light changes, as you want it to deliver more or less privacy in the same day, and that doubles as a screen or monitor. It does it all. Plus you control it from your smart phone. Who would have guessed... not me!    Sonte Film     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH_cRve6SX0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1df7nkcs5nE   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPecmAL3jug     The future is now. 

  Bay Windows     These are among the most difficult windows to cover. Usually you might have three windows to cover, some have one large window and two smaller windows, sometimes each window might have a different depth. Sometimes there is no depth to a bay window which makes having blinds a little more complicated.  There are plenty of choices. So from the do-it-yourself tribe who are the geniuses of the modern world here are several ways to complement your gorgeous bay windows.      http://www.domesticimperfection.com/2011/06/dining-room-curtain-project/ http://www.domesticimperfection.com/2012/02/how-to-make-custom-curtains/ http://www.pinterest.com/pin/529595237403277349/

Blinds that change the light New materials. Acrylic blinds change what blinds can actually do. These are far from humdrum and come in a range of opacities. They look brilliant and once again make blinds into exquisite works of form and function. http://www.scandinaviandesignerblinds.com/colored-blinds/     http://www.scandinaviandesignerblinds.com/colored-blinds/nggallery/page/1/        

Multifilm Blinds As with so many modern inventions, Multifilm Roller blinds come from Germany. On the links below you will find videos of how this material works. I have not found blinds similar to this in North America yet.   They are available in a variety of modern finishes. Basically designed for the modern office towers and buildings where there is plenty of glass and too much heat and glare. They are designed to be practically invisible, meaning that you can still see the view easily while the heat and light is modified. Take the time to look carefully at the video... it shows how these blinds are manufactured. I just wish the video was in English. http://www.multifilm.de/cms/index.php?id=40&L=1 http://www.multifilm.de/cms/en/projects.html             At the very bottom of the website another fine product line called MULTIDECOR Screen +. Another way in which to promote your products or services. Well worth a look if you are a budding entreprene

Wood at the Window     Real wood at the window has often been the choice for horizontal blinds. Vertical blinds usually are wood look, or in other words, vinyl. Here is an eco friendly window covering that departs from the usual oil based product.     Real Wood blinds seem to have an unusual appeal for men. Perhaps it is the more natural look that they enjoy. Not all men but a significant number of men seem to really prefer this kind of look.     Here is the link:   http://www.shutterclassic.com/wbwm_vertical_details.html