Window Covering Answers

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 other decorativ

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

Heat Saver Shades For those of you who are interested in a more sophisticated product .  Heat saver shades offer increased R value, claiming over R-8 on double glazed windows.  http://heatsavershades.com/ This blind which looks like a conventional Roman blind, actually runs in a track which effectively increases the dead air space at the window.