From the Floors Up

Six Signs It Is Time Replace Your Window Treatments

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When was the last time that you really took a close look at your window coverings? You will find that after some years, blinds, shades, and other types of window treatments start to become worn. Many homeowners switch out their window treatment after 7-10 years. If you cannot even remember the last time that you have upgraded your window solutions, you should inspect them for wear and tear. When window treatment becomes damage, they do not perform their primary function. Here are some signs that it is time to replace your window treatments:

Difficult to Operate

Are you finding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to raise or close your blinds? Over time the lifting mechanisms on blinds become damaged when the blinds stretch out and get too wide for the mechanism to support. When it becomes nearly impossible to operate your blinds, you can expect them to fall off of the window eventually. It is best to replace them as soon as possible.

Bent Slats

Exposure to heat and humidity over a prolonged period of time can cause the slats to warp and bend. It may even cause the slats to take on a wavy form. When your slats start to take on such an appearance, you should replace them as soon as possible because it sticks out like a sore thumb and will decrease the aesthetic value of your home.

Broken Slats

If you live in a home with children and pets, you can also expect your blinds to get bent out of shape eventually or even broken. In high traffic areas, your curtains and shades may even experience rips or tears. If this is in the case, you want to consider more durable window solutions.

Discolored Slats

So the slats are not looking as pearly white as they once did. If you have noticed that your blinds have a yellowish tint that it is impossible to get all the way clean, then it is definitely time for some new ones.

Not Meeting Your Needs

If your window coverings are no longer blocking out the sunlight or giving you the privacy you need, that means it is time to upgrade to something more functional.

Kid-Friendly

Blinds with long cords are a safety hazard for small children. If your window treatments are not safe for the children in your home, then you will have to upgrade to updated coverings with safety features.

We hope you found these tips helpful! Be sure to subscribe for more design tips and tricks.

Is the Condensation on My Home Windows Bad?

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You may have noticed as the weather gets cooler, your windows may begin to form condensation on them. This condensation is water collecting on your cold windows when humid air comes in contact with it. Yet, is this to be a concern? This is everything you need to know about the condensation on your windows in your home:

Condensation on the Interior of Your Windows

Humidity is good for us. We breathe easier in humid environments, and it is better for our skins. So, when you put the heat on in the winter, you may not be looking for a dry, sauna heat feels. However, when it is frigid temperatures outside, the humid air comes in contact with our windows and creates condensation. This condensation is not bad for your windows, yet as the water collects, it can run onto the molding and frames around our windows. If your molding or frames are made out of wood, this can be very detrimental. Wood does not do well when exposed to water. This can cause the molding to expand and contract and eventually crack. Your best source of action is to get a dehumidifier in your home to bring down the humidity.

Condensation on the Exterior of Your Windows

When the dew point temperature reaches outside air temperatures, condensation will occur. The humid air can only hold so much moisture. Eventually, this moist air will form water droplets on your windows. More efficient windows will actually have this occur more frequently. This is because inside temperatures are not reaching the outside of the window pains. Your windows are functioning properly if this occurs.

What You Need to Do

If your home is collecting moisture from the humidity on the vinyl siding or other areas on the exterior of your home yet not on your windows, this is when there is a problem. Your windows are letting out too much heat and may need to be upgraded. While windows can be a substantial investment, they can save you money in the long run when heating your home.

In essence, condensation is natural and is not something to worry about having. It may limit visibility, but it does mean your windows are functioning properly. Make sure you note if your windows are not gathering condensation during the cooler months. This could be an indicator that it is time to upgrade your windows.

Different Window Options for Your Home

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Every window on our home serves a purpose. They let in the outside light while opening up your atmosphere. They can also be used to let in fresh air from outdoors. Additionally, quality windows can be necessary for keeping your home insulated. If you are looking to replace your outdated windows, you have many options to consider. There are several great window options available today, but here are four options you may want to consider for your own home:

Transom

Transom windows are usually used for trim. They allow light to enter the home but do not open. These are more ornamental for the exterior of the home than used to ventilate your property. However, they do allow light to enter and can be installed over doorways.

Slider Windows

Slider windows are installed on a track. They can slide horizontally across a track and are often used in many Modern home designs. In most cases, they can be opened from both sides, allowing the window to be in the middle while air wraps around both sides, ventilating the home.

Awning

Awning windows have a hinge that allows them to open outwards. These will not take up space in your interior and can help direct wind into the home. This ventilation option is excellent, even on rainy days. Opening from the top makes an awning effect, which will also prevent rain or snow from coming into the house.

Double-Hung Windows

These window frames hold two windows: one on the top of the frame and one on the bottom. The frame allows these windows to travel vertically up on down along the rails. This is great because you can open your window from the top or from the bottom. This will also prevent the windows from protruding into the room like some windows do.

When looking for the right windows for your home, consider all the options. Some windows may be a better choice for your house needs. You may even consider different options for different areas of your home. Just be sure to do your research before committing to any one type of window.

Small Spaces Series – How To Decorate and Design a Tiny Bedroom – Part 2

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WINDOWS

Windows are one of the most reliable ways to work magic in a tiny room. First and foremost, try not to cover them up with anything. If you are going to use the floor space beneath them, choose items that are low profile and won’t obstruct any light. Harness the power of the natural light as much as possible because it has an airy quality not found in artificial lighting. Airy rooms seem bigger. Increase this effect by flanking the window with sheer drapes. The window will seem larger and the lightweight fabric will add visual volume to the room without weighing it down.

Opt for long, tall, sheer drapes and hang the rod high near the top of the wall. The long line will make the ceiling seem higher. Try putting two sheers on each side and bunching them together to increase the sense of size and volume around the window. It’s okay to make a small window seem much bigger in a tiny room. To add additional light, and a bit of whimsy at night, hang small, twinkly holiday light strands behind the sheer drapes.

COLOR

The use of color is an art unto itself. To keep it simple, though, let’s take look at a few basic concepts for visually maximizing a tiny space. Try selecting a palette that adds distinct color but is light and subtle. Crisp colors work well also. Avoid strong, dark colors as they will make the space seem much smaller than it is. Softer colors create a sense of flow, and they blur the hard lines at the edges and corners of the room so that it feels less restrictive. Furthermore, a low ceiling will seem higher and you can even paint the ceiling the same color if it’s not too intense. Lighter tints are also excellent for reflecting light. Options such as antique white, buttery yellow, and ballerina pink do wonders for opening up a room.  Especially in day light when pastel colors help reduce the harshness of direct sunlight.

GO BACK AND READ PART 1 – DECORATING TINY BEDROOMS – INTRO & CORNERS

Shutters Create Soft Mood

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Shutters

Window coverings can be one of the most challenging design choices in a home. Balancing light access, privacy, cost and design benefits can be complex. In the meantime, you may be living with sheets tacked to the walls with painter’s tape.

This space shows some of the advantages of shutters. The look is clean and inviting, and light is completely under your control. A simple adjustment of the louvers allows you to let in plenty of daylight without compromising privacy. And the light provided is soft and appealing.

This corner feels like a perfect place to settle on a summer Saturday morning. The white-on-white style is well suited to the filtered sunlight, and yellow-green accents keep the space feeling cool and clean. You can curl up and read a book – the light is just right – or talk with the person sitting in the matching chair on the other side of you.

Notice that there are just a couple of features in other colors. The dull silver of the labels is a good foil to the green, and the little turquoise-colored box on the top shelf pops gently in comparison to the other hues. Someone spent some time planning this corner, and the shutters provide just the right background for this design.

If you’re planning your window coverings, why not consider shutters? They can be custom-made to suit any size or shape of window, and provide a wealth of options in terms of color and materials. They make a great companion to almost any design, and can be a major contributor to the overall look and feel of a space, as this corner shows.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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