Window Covering Answers

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://earthship.com/blogs/author/biotecture/

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/123727150/drapery-window-curtains-lined-50x84?ref=sr_

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. Small but increasingly MIG

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 option for this kind of window treatment - what

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 other decorativ