Finials: the Final Dressing on your Window Treatments

Finials are decorative end pieces most often placed on both ends of the curtain rod. You’ve probably seen them all your life, but not realized you had the option of many choices of design.

Here are some the basic types of finials to help you better understand:

Ball Tip Finials – from the word itself ball, this type of finial is round and it looks like a doorknob. You can also see ball tip finials on some flagpoles or bed frames.

Acorn Tip Finial – surprisingly… this finial is shaped like an acorn.

Steeple Tip Finials – these are triangular shaped finials that have pointed ends. If inverted they would resemble a church steeple.

Neo-gothic Finials – these are designed like steeple tip but with a medieval vibe though the design looks more complex compared to the other types of finials.

Contemporary Finials – comes in a number of more streamlined contemporary styles. Simple basic shapes and materials.

Swirled Finials –designed to look like a swirl and it creates an illusion of the rod extending through the swirls.

Stemmed Finials –may be mistaken for a swirled finials but stemmed finials looks like a tree branch and same as swirled finials, it creates an illusion that your window rods extends to the finials and you are not using one.

Square Finials –comes from the word square itself, square but of course, they have different structures but the main body looks like a box.

Bird Cage Finials –looks like a round cage that can be compared to a bird’s cage. It creates an architectural look of patterns shaped like a ball but hollow on the inside.

Crown Finials– from the name itself, crown. These types of finial looks like a crown in different designs and styles may it be a king, a queen, a prince or a princess these types of finials, give a Victorian vibe to your windows.

Trumpet Finials – compared to the steeple finials, the trumpet finials have the pointed end on the rod and the wider part faces outwards.

Finials are made from different materials, which provide an endless list of choices. It can be made from wood, different kinds of metal or even plastic. There is always a finial that will fit your design style and if you notice that your windows don’t have finials, maybe it’s time to consider upgrading and include finials. See how much décor and style it adds to your windows.

To learn more and see a variety of options for your Finials – just call 513-398-5798

Window Accents offers such a broad assortment of options and our expertise to choose the right finial. The best way to explore is to visit our showroom in Loveland or invite us to your home to discuss the options. We work hard to work within your budget, reflect your style and thoroughly embrace your goals. We’d love to work with you, just click the button below to initiate the scheduling process. We’ll bring all we need with us!

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/finials-the-final-dressing-on-your-window-treatments/

Planning for Window Treatments During Construction From Start to Finish

How to Plan for Window Treatments During Construction

Recently, several couples have come to me for window treatments. They were all building new homes and had chosen all the things builders want to know: siding, roofing, doors, windows, flooring, etc. When those decisions were out of the way, they began to think ahead. How will those windows look at night? What should they do about privacy in the bed and bath rooms?

I love it when my clients think ahead!

There are several advantages to thinking ahead about window treatments.

If you start early, you will have a sense of how far your budget will spread for the type of treatments you want. Perhaps you are unaware of some of the innovations being made in the window treatment industry, like motorized shades with remote and internet controls. You may want to set your priorities differently if you know ahead of time what your options are.

Another advantage that is easy to address is thinking about how window treatments will be mounted. If the drywall isn’t up yet, your builder can easily add wood blocking where the mounting brackets will go. Attaching brackets to solid wood is much more secure than trying to mount them on drywall. And if I can get into the home before the drywall goes up, I can see if there are any potential installation issues before they get covered up. During that visit, I can also see if there are any specialty windows that will require creative installations.

Perhaps the biggest advantage to thinking ahead is planning for motorization. While today’s motorized shades can be powered by batteries, you may not want to have to worry about replacing them every year. Electrically-powered window coverings can be plugged into an existing outlet or, for a more stream-lined look, can be directly wired to a DC converter installed in a utility area of your home. The best time to do this is when your electrician is installing the wiring in the home.

Even if you don’t plan to motorize your window coverings, it’s a good idea to think about window treatments during construction. Contacting me while you are under construction is the smart way to go.

The block of wood near the top of this window will allow window treatments to be securely fastened to the wall.

 

Here’s a case where blocking installed at the top sides of the window during construction makes this rod easy to fasten securely to the wall.

Pre-construction planning may mean you can recess the top header of a blind or shade to help conceal it. This homeowner also planned for electrically operated blinds that do not depend on batteries.

 

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If you want more information on custom draperies or blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/planning-for-window-treatments-during-construction-from-start-to-finish/

The Rustic Decor Trend

We talked a couple of weeks ago about the color trends for next year and their refection of our life style today – our feeling of being constantly connected and our desire to disconnect, unwind and relax. This theme shows through in the Rustic Décor trend for our homes as well.

This style is used in all types of custom window treatments in Cincinnati – though we recommend it specifically for custom curtains as well as with certain types of custom blinds. If you are interested in learning how match this design style with your home, please contact us to get started.

This design trend is what all of us are looking for – a relaxing, comfy, cozy, casual place to call home. Materials are natural, colors are warm and earthy, and the outdoors is brought in. We are reconnecting with nature, reusing and recycling.

When we get on the internet and go to Pinterest, we see hundreds of DIY projects made from wood pallets, mason jars, burlap, and reclaimed wood. They are not only creative and cute, but they are very functional and practical and fit in with the other pieces of our home décor.

 

Several of our client’s homes that we have visited recently are very cozy and comfy and rustic. Here is the inside of a log cabin before the Thanksgiving meal:

Our trending rustic furniture is made from wood, perfect in it’s imperfection, familiar and casual.

Our rustic window treatments are of natural fibers, neutral colors, casual, and enhance the rest of the elements in the room. Here our clients were very creative and used old windows to enhance their new windows:

This creative client used an old shutter to creatively dress their window, thanks to Megan Holtz of Restored Treasures, while we added a natural woven wood shade to control the light:

We have a great selection of custom shades for your Ohio home to fit the Rustic Décor of your home as well as all natural decorator fabrics to add casual and cozy draperies.

For a free in-home consultation to see the woven wood samples and feel the natural fibers, call or email to set up your appointment

 

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/the-rustic-decor-trend/

Energy Saving Window Shades for Fall Season

We often are experiencing fabulous fall weather here in the Greater Cincinnati area.  I love being out visiting neighborhoods in Mason and Maineville and other areas throughout Cincinnati.  People have their windows open and enjoying the warm days and cool nights.  But this weather won’t last forever.  Cold is coming and this year more than ever we need to be conscious of our energy dollars going out the window – literally!  Now is the time to replace older blinds with the newer highly energy efficient shadings of today.  Hunter Douglas is even offering a mail in rebate to consumers who purchase many of their products.  Over the next few days, I will talk about the products that offer the highest in energy efficiency.  Stay tuned.

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/energy-saving-window-shades/

Energy Efficient Draperies

Energy Efficient Draperies can help you reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home. Typically created with a number of layers [see video], they help balance room temperatures and light exposure by insulating against summer heat and winter chill. The result is lower utility bills—by up to 25%, depending on your home and climate.

When considering Energy Efficient Draperies, most people focus on the savings in their utility bills. But consider these additional benefits:

Energy Efficient Draperies Protect your Furnishings

Protect your furniture, floors, and artwork from the ravages of the sun with Energy Efficient Draperies that block 85 to 99 per cent of the sun’s light and UV rays. Bright summer sunlight can fade the colors in your carpet and furnishings in just a few years. Wood furniture can bleach out and become dry with repeated exposure to sunlight. Energy Efficient Draperies will block out the damaging rays and preserve your budget by preserving your furnishings.

Energy Efficient Draperies are Sound Dampening

The multiple layers of Energy Efficient Draperies create a noise barrier that muffles outside sounds for a quieter, more relaxing room.

Energy Efficient Draperies help Kids Sleep Better

It can be hard to get babies and toddlers to take a rest during the day when the sun is streaming brightly through a bedroom window. Room-darkening Energy Efficient Draperies cut out the light, encouraging the best possible sleep at naptime. They can also give you some extra time in the morning because the kids no longer wake up with the sun.

Third Shift Workers Get a Sound Day’s Sleep

Working third shift and sleeping during the day can be hard, particularly on a bright sunny day or when there’s lots of noise outside. Cardboard taped over the windows can help, but it’s not very pretty and makes it hard to let the light in when you want it. Room darkening Energy Efficient Draperies make it easy to block out the outside world so you can get a good day’s rest.

Energy Efficient Draperies Darken the Night

Does your neighbor leave the porch light on all night? Does the street lamp shine directly on your bed? Do you wake up when the sun rises? Room darkening Energy Efficient Draperies will let you sleep in the dark, keep your room quieter, and insulate it from outside air temperatures. Ahh…there’s a lot to be said for a good night’s sleep!

Energy Efficient Draperies Provide Theater Blackout

Create the dark movie-house experience for your home theater by using room darkening Energy Efficient Draperies. They also block out outside noises so you can get the full effect of your sound system. Even if you just have a small TV with built-in speakers, room darkening Energy Efficient Draperies can cover too-bright windows behind the TV, eliminate glare and reflections on your screen, and let you turn the volume down.

Options with Energy Efficient Draperies – just call 513-398-5798

Window Accents offers such a broad assortment of options to resolve any of these concerns. The best way to explore is to visit our showroom in Loveland or invite us to your home to discuss the options. We work hard to work within your budget, reflect your style and thoroughly embrace your goals. We’d love to work with you, just click the button below to initiate the scheduling process. We’ll bring all we need with us!

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/energy-efficient-draperies/

Enhance Your Home With Energy Efficient Window Custom Draperies Cincinnati

Whether you are in the process of building your home or are working on a remodel, increasing the energy efficiency is always a good idea. Because windows are one of the greatest sources of trouble in regards to heating and cooling loss, you need to choose energy efficient window treatment to ensure that your home will be comfortable and affordable.

 

Take This Into Consideration When Searching For Custom Draperies Cincinnati

While you are searching for the best window draperies, you will want to take additional issues into consideration. While energy efficiency is certainly important, do not forget about privacy and security. The amount of shading and overall performance of the drapes and other window treatments should be considered. You may discover that combining products will work wonders at reducing the loss through your windows.

Draperies should reduce the heat you lose during the winter and help you to repel it during the summer. The type of fabric will influence the efficiency levels of your drapes. A tighter, closed weave will provide a better protection than loose open weave fabrics.

Creating Custom Draperies Cincinnati That Is Suited For Summertime

To maximize the reflective quality of your drapes during the summer months, choose ones that have a white backing. This will keep the heat of the sun from warming up your rooms. Although white blinds and a few other flat treatments will provide similar repulsion of the light waves, the drapery provides additional benefits that will keep you more comfortable.

The pleats and folds that are in your draperies will help to dispel the heat via convection. However, you will still need to use the drapes properly in order to get the most from your investment.

During the summertime, your window draperies should be closed when the sun is directly hitting any window. This means you will need to adjust them throughout the day in your home. However, if the drapes are left open even for a while when the sun is shining through it will cause a significant rise in room temperature. It will require additional energy to cool it down to a comfortable level that could have been achieved by leaving the blinds closed. You might want to check out our motorized options for ease of use.

Read more: Custom Curtains and Draperies

On the other hand, window draperies should also be closed during the night and all day if direct sunlight does not strike it. This will help to reduce the amount of heat you lose through the window.

When you are installing your draperies, you can increase the effectiveness by hanging them very close to the window. The bottom should touch the window sill or the floor to close off the air pocket. Additional efficiency steps include using side-by-side draperies in each window, installing a cornice and using hook-and-loop tape to attach them to the walls. This will maximize the seal around the pocket of air created by the drapery and window.

You might also add reflective films, awnings and other efficiency aids to keep your home comfortable year-round while keeping the heating and cooling costs at an affordable level no matter where you live.

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If you want more information on custom draperies or blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-268-5414 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/enhance-your-home-with-energy-efficient-window-custom-draperies-cincinnati/

Bathroom Window Treatments

We may not spend the largest amount of our time in the bathroom, (well except when we take that much needed relaxing soak in the tub!).

Window treatments for bathrooms room are important yet rarely contemplated.

Let’s consider bathroom window treatments today for a few minutes.

Bathroom Window Treatments to Control Light and Privacy

Controlling natural light and privacy are two of the things we need to consider when selecting window treatments for the bath. Another very important factor is the window treatments ability to stand up to the often high temperatures and humidity of the room. Some fabrics and some products are better suited for the bath than others.

Two types of fabrics come to mind that are not suited for the bath – silk and linen. Silk will water spot and linen tends to shrink in the humidity.

Some hard treatments, such as shades and blinds have options with some better choices as well. We suggest using a top-down, bottom-up type of a shading so that you can let natural light flow into the room from the top of the window while making sure the privacy you need is available for the bottom of the window. Here are some of our photos with top-down shadings paired with fabric valances:

Below we have pictured some Hunter Douglas products that are really great for use in the bathroom. The first is their Palm Beach Shutters and second, Everwood blinds.

Bathroom Window Treatment Options

Hunter Douglas Palm Beach Shutters are made of a UV resistant poly-satin material that is guaranteed to never warp, crack, fade, chip, peel, or discolor even under extreme heat and moisture. Shutters are a great way to let in the natural light at the top while providing privacy at the lower section of the window. They go well with many home styles from Cincinnati to Orange County.

Here are some of Kim’s bath photos featuring shutters as well –

Hunter Douglas Everwood products come in a classic neutral white finish that is ideal for high heat and moisture, made with polystyrene slats that are guaranteed against fading, yellowing, warping and bowing.

TruGrain Everwood products are a wood alternative with natural effect finishes in wood grain, grass weave, leather and linen:

Hunter Douglas has other options for the bath too. Here we have featured  Pirouettes, Duettes, Silhouettes, and Vignettes:

Some other products from Hunter Douglas that can work in the bath are Provenance Woven Woods, Cadence Soft Vertical Blinds, and Modern Roman Shades:

To add some softness and comfort to the room, making your relaxing soak even more enjoyable, fabric treatments are a great choice. A simple swag valance or draped panels will add the softness you desire. Below we have featured Hunter Douglas Vertical Solutions blinds with a draped swag, an arched cornice with tapered side panels and Hunter Douglas Reveal aluminum blinds with soft flowing knotted fabric panels:

Kim has a great selection of soft fabric bathroom window treatments and all the latest Hunter Douglas products as well as top-of-the-line custom window treatments for Cincinnati, OH homes. 

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/bathroom-window-treatments/

2 Story Window Treatment Ideas – Hunter Douglas Country Woods 2″ blinds

Before

We have been designing a lot of 2 Story Window treatments lately.  They make such a statement in a room just because of their size.  Adding fabric to the wall in a grand scale helps to “humanize” the windows, visually bringing the top windows into the room and giving it a cohesiveness it may lack otherwise.  Over the next several weeks, I will share several photos of window treatment designs we have used in the greater Cincinnati area.

The photos today show the before and after of a challenging job.  I think you can see how the fabric treatments take away the empty feeling the room had.  These windows face west and the homeowners had a terrible sun issue in the afternoon.  Hunter Douglas Country Woods 2″ blinds were selected for all the 2 story window treatments, with the top windows using the battery powered motorized PowerTilt with Platinum Technology remote control tilt system.  The top windows are arched, so we used standard rectangular blinds and covered the top with an arched cornice – a great little trick to know.

A new paint color in the room, selected specifically to match the fabrics, ties it all together.  The clients love their new look and the light control they now have.

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/2-story-window-treatment-ideas/

Oh, the Possibilities of Blinds for Your Home

2″ Wood or faux blinds are still a mainstay in many homes in the Cincinnati area.  They come in a beautiful section of paint or stain colors.  You can also dress them up by adding decorative tapes to the blinds.  The tapes come in solid colors or prints.  Alternative lift systems make the blinds truly custom for you.  Whatever your needs are, there is a lift system to meet them.  From cordless lift to motorization, just ask us the possibilities.

Learn more about all the types of window covering products and custom blinds in Cincinnati.

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/blinds-for-your-home/

Mason, OH Shop-At-Home for Window Coverings

You can buy blinds for your windows anywhere – a big box store, internet, or from a shop-at-home sales person. 

Each of these venues offer very different shopping experiences. Window Accents by Kim Lyon is a shop at home service that will exceed your expectations.

We discuss with you over the phone what your needs might be. Then we come to your home with sample products for to choose from.  We can take accurate measurements, price your products, and offer you unparalleled guarantees.  Once your product has arrived we return to your home for expert installation.  We are so sure of the high standards of our service, that we offer a complete guarantee of our products for 10 years!

For custom blinds in Mason, OH schedule a shop at home service. Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/mason-oh-shop-at-home/

Motorized Window Blinds

I received a certification course in Somfy Motorized window blinds. What does that mean?

Simply put, adding “power ” to your custom window blinds adds a new dimension of convenience, child safety, and energy efficiency.  Custom Shades, blinds, or draperies can be motorized by either a battery powered or plug in motor.  If you are in the construction phase of a new house, hard wiring for window treatments is easily accomplished by an electrician.

This will eliminate the need for power cords or changing batteries.

Retrofitting motors into existing window treatments is also possible.

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/motorized-window-blinds/

Child Safe Window Treatments

We all know that convenience is a major player in the decision to choose a motorized window treatment, however, child safety is also a deciding factor.

Matthew Kandl has this to say about child safe window treatments:

“When it comes to choosing window treatments, most consumers consider color, style, and even privacy. If young children are around the home, then cord control should be another important factor in selecting your window treatments.

Although today’s window fashions come with built-in cord-safety features, the Window Covering Safety Council believes cordless window coverings are the best choice for use in children’s bedrooms and any area of the home where children spend time playing.

In fact, cordless designs are rapidly gaining favor with consumers and decorators because of their “clean” look and streamlined design. Most traditionally corded window fashions are available in “cordless” styles through the use of spring-loaded mechanisms, battery- or motor-operated lift controls, or simple wand pulls. When combined with the scores of new fashion looks in today’s window coverings, consumers can pick from a wide choice of high-style cordless designs.”

If you have small children in your home, you may want to consider motorization for their safety as well as your convenience.

Child safe window treatments are a priority for us at Window Accents by Kim Lyon.

Matthew Kandl was the Training and Education Manager for Hunter Douglas and in 2009 started Motorized Window Treatments

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/child-safety/

Window Safety Blinds : October is Child Safety Month

Children are naturally curious and constantly exploring and learning all about the world around them both inside and outside. They seem especially fascinated with windows and doors. Are your window treatments safe for them?

The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are urging parents, grandparents and caregivers to check all window treatments in the home for potential strangulation hazards, specifically exposed cords and dangling cords.

Window Safety Blinds

Here are proactive tasks for Child Safety:

• Position cribs, beds, playpens and other furniture away from windows.
• Check all windows and doors for exposed or dangling cords.
• Keep all cords beyond the reach of any child.
• Eliminate cords whenever possible.
• Permanently anchor continuous cord loop window treatment cords to the wall or the floor.
• Replace current window treatments with cordless ones.

At Window Accents, we have lots of window treatment ideas specifically designed with Child Safety in mind. New blinds and shades are designed with easy manual operation using spring-like lift systems, wands instead of cords, retractable pull-cords, and cord tensioners. Almost all of the newer treatments are available with motorized action via remote from a device or an app on your smart phone.

Be smart yourself this month and take a moment to check all of your blinds, shades, and traverse window treatments to keep the children in your home safe.

For a FREE professional in-home audit of your window treatments and to see samples of the latest child safe treatments contact Kim at either 513-398-5798

 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/october-child-safety-month/

Battery Powered Wood Blinds

Battery Powered Wood Blinds are wonderful.  The can be purchased with “tilt only” capability or “tilt and lift”.  I had a call yesterday from a man who said his blind no longer worked.  I asked him if he had changed the batteries, and he hadn’t thought of that.  Depending on usage, every 1 – 2 years, the batteries will need to be changed.  Be sure and ask your installer how to change them so you will be ready!

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/motorized-wood-blinds/

Child Safety Is Every Month!

We focus on it in October.

This October window-cord awareness campaign, known as National Window Covering Safety Month, is sponsored by the WCSC (Window Covering Safety Council) and the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

The CPSC conducted a 10-year study to determine the dangers posted by certain types of window treatments. This resulted in a recall of over 5 million window treatments in the past couple of years. The WCMA (Window Covering Manufacturers Association) beefed up standards last year with specific cording methods, tension devices, stop beads, and also required manufacturer’s identification labels and warning labels on all the products –

Newer and stricter regulations are coming out as this is written, to continue the efforts of child safety.

When we look at the statistics we can see why:

On average 1 child dies from cord strangulation each month and 1 child suffers cord related injuries each month.

You can help change those statistics!

The best practice is to make sure your home and other environments your child will be, have cordless window treatments. This is easy to say, however, we all know that financially, replacing the window treatments may not be an option.

So what are your options if purchasing new cordless models is out of the question?

*First, inspect all window treatments and be aware that older non-cordless models post hazards. Look on the backs as well for any exposed cords.

*Move all furniture, especially cribs and beds, away from windows.

*Check with the manufacturer for all recalls and free retrofit kits.

*Go to the WCSC website and order free kits for your window treatments.

*With your retrofit kits you can:

Eliminate looped pull cords – cut the looped pull cord above the tassel, remove the equalizer buckle and insert the cord through the tassels and tie the ends securely.

Install cord stops – lower the bind to the proper level and lock into position at head rail. For each cord, pinch together a portion of the cord to create a loop near the head rail and then slide the cord stop over the loop end. Slip the free end of the pull cord through the loop to loosely knot the cord stop onto the pull cord. Tighten the knot to secure the cord stop one to two inches below the head rail to limit movement of inner lift cords.

Install tie-down devices – insert cord or chain into tie-down device, attach the tie-down device to the floor or wall so that the cord is fully extended and securely fastened.

For more information, help with retrofitting or a free in home consultation about new cordless window treatments for your home, call or email Kim at 513-398-5798 or kim@EWbyKimLyon.com. You may also want to look at our Hunter Douglas Season of Style blog for the latest special with $100 rebates of cordless window treatments by clicking here.

    Pictured is the Hunter Douglas Everwood blind with LiteRise.

Getting on board with the consumer awareness campaign is the HGTV Design Star, Kim Myles. The host of “Home Made Simple” on the OWN network is now partnering with WCSC, determined to boost consumer cord safety awareness and help stop injuries and fatalities.

You can too by spreading the word to family and friends!!

Photos and sketch thanks to WCSC and Hunter Douglas 

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/child-safety-every-month/

Guide to Blinds and Shades

Your Complete Guide to Blinds and Shades

Taking on any home project can be daunting regardless of what that project is – from foundations and flooring to electrical work and ceiling finishes, there is a lot that can go into even a minor home alteration.

What many may not know is that there are tons of fantastic window blind choices that can accent your room and make it truly unique. If you’re looking for blinds in the Cincinnati area, our 2018 Guide to Blinds and Shades has everything you need.

Read on to learn about some of the top styles of window blinds that will help make your space stand out.

Venetian Blinds

By far the most popular blind style in the Cincinnati, OH area, Venetian blinds are extremely versatile and efficient.

These horizontal blinds feature small strips of either wood or metal attached to each other with strings for easy control. You usually have the option to rotate them to open and close for desired privacy, and when you raise the blinds, each of the slats stack neatly onto one another – for custom metal or wood blinds in and around the Cincinnati area, these are a great choice.

Overall, Venetian blinds are efficient, easy to use, and beautiful!

Roller Shades

Roller shades are another popular shade choice for any home, and for good reason. The easy to use style and wide range of customization make these a must-have for any home.

These fabric blinds are typically heavier fabrics and often feature a blackout lining for increased privacy. Roller blinds can very easily be lowered and raised as well, making these shades great for any occasion.

Rather than stacking on top of itself like a Venetian blind, the roller mechanism tightly rolls the fabric so it is out of the way above the window. The roller mechanism itself is also very easy to use and adds another layer of customization to your space.

Roman Blinds

Similar to roller blinds, Roman blinds are fabric window blinds that easily lower and raise, however, rather than rolling inside of the rolling mechanism, the fabric stacks on top of itself much like a Venetian blind.

This creates a timeless, classic look; however, it can block some of the window space if not installed properly. For proper installation and the best custom shade options in Cincinnati, let us provide all of your window blind needs.

Cellular Blinds

If you’re looking for window shades that are just as functional as they are aesthetically pleasing, definitely check out cellular shades. Not only are these versatile enough to match any décor, they serve as great insulation.

These shades are made with two separate layers that form an open honeycomb shape in the middle that traps air – this makes for great insulation to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also can provide excellent sound insulation!

In addition to being functional, their unique shape can liven up any space, and the shades themselves are very easily customizable in a wide array of colors.

Plantation Shutters

Known for their timeless elegance and sophisticated style, plantation shutters turn any house into a home.

These interior shutters are available in real and faux wood to suit any interior décor. Not only are they effective and stunning, they can add value to your home. With easy to use shutter control and effective insulation, plantation shutters are more than worth the investment.

Sheer Shades

Sheer shades provide a touch of elegance and are very effective for lighting control in any space. Typically, these shades have two sheer pieces of fabric that surround horizontal or vertical vanes that can be tilted for privacy and light control, much like you would see with a Venetian shade.

These sheer window shades are versatile enough to work for a living room window to a large sliding glass door. This allows you to have great control over your lighting and privacy while adding style to your home, and if you don’t want to focus on the vanes on the window shade, the sheer fabrics help draw your attention away from them while diffusing the sunlight.

Softer Fabric Shades

A more generalized style than those mentioned previously on this list, softer fabric shdes are known for versatility and customization.

While many people use softer fabric shades in a Roman style window shade, it allows for more than just one option. A popular way to use these kinds of blinds is a tie-up shade. By bunching up the fabric and tying it at the top, it adds a sense of personalization and fun – there isn’t a wrong way to tie up the fabric, so along with the fabric style and color choices you get to add your own personality to the window shade.

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds are traditionally used for larger windows such as sliding glass doors or floor to ceiling windows, but they can absolutely be used for smaller windows throughout the house.

These blinds most commonly come with 3 to 4 inch vanes that can be easily rotated for lighting and privacy. You also have the choice of fabric or vinyl as the vane material, so you’ve got a lot of options to make these vertical blinds suit your home’s exact style.

Vertical blinds provide maximum privacy for large windows and still lets in tons of light when you need it.

Now that I know all about blinds, what’s next?

Are Window Blinds a Good Decor Choice?

Whether you’re looking to do one room or the whole house, you can see that there are quite a few styles you can choose from, and there are many more out there! The choices can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. Window blinds are a subtle yet very important part of your home’s style.

Window Accents of Cincinnati Can Help!

Let us help you with all of your window blind needs – if you’re looking to add new window treatments to you home in the Cincinnati area, we’ve got just what you need!

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If you want more information on custom draperies, blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/guide-to-blinds-and-shades-for-2018/

Shutters for Doors

Thinking About Wood Shutters for Your Doors?

Customers who are thinking about interior shutters for a room in their home are often worried about what to do about an exterior door in that same room. I tell them it’s no problem—we can put shutters on the door, too.

One thing to consider when looking at shutters for doors is where and what type the door handle is. Is there enough room between the handle and the edge of the glass to install the shutter? Or, as is often the case with lever handles, will the shutter need to be modified to clear the handle?

How Will the Shutters and Door Interact?

Consider also how you want the door and shutter to interact. Do you want to be able to open the door without adjusting the shutters? If so, you will want to mount the shutter on the door.

If you want the shutter to cover the entire door instead of just the glass, you may be able to install bypass shutter panels that can be pulled across when the door is closed. These work best when you have a sliding door. Then you simply slide the shutter out of the way when you want to open the outside door. Hinged and bi-fold shutters are also an option.

Hunter Douglas shutters come in unlimited stain and paint colors to match your room’s décor. If you have an unusually shaped window, we can usually handle that, too. Hunter Douglas can create blinds for oval, half round, slanted, arched, and triangular windows. I love their new motorized tilt option, especially for hard-to-reach windows.

Hunter Douglas shutters were customized to clear the handles and lock on this double door.

The top panel on this bypass shutter slides out of the way when the door needs to be opened.

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If you want more information on the Hunter Douglas line of wood shutters for doors or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/shutters-for-doors/

Blinds for Sliding Doors

How do you dress a naked window? 

More specifically, what are good blinds for sliding doors?

After 15 years in the window coverings industry, I can tell you without a doubt that sliding doors pose the biggest dilemma for homeowners.  The love affair with vertical blinds has come and gone, but many people have no idea what else to do to cover a large area.  Sliding glass doors present big challenges with energy loss and light control.  They are usually in high traffic areas of the house – so very functional, energy efficient, and, at the same time, beautiful treatments are needed.  That is a lot to ask from a window treatment! Your only option is no longer blinds for sliding doors!

Fortunately, vendors have responded to the need.  Today there are several innovative solutions to this age old problem.  Determining  your needs for light control, privacy, energy savings, and fashion will help you to select the best treatment for you.

Here are three of my favorites.

• THE most exciting trend in window  fashions is the  Natural Woven Shade Vertical Drapery.  These are the ultimate blend of function and fashion. The shade operates with a simple push on the guide rail, so there are no cords to tangle or break.  With so many natural woods, reeds, or grasses to choose from, ranging from sheer to opaque, there is a style for everyone!

• For a very sleek and contemporary look, Sliding Panels are one of the fastest growing new trends in window fashions.  Flat panels of fabric slide one in front of another as you open and close the shade using a wand.  Fabrics range from opaque shade cloth to natural woven wood materials, again offering much versatility.

• Vertical Cellular Shades offer great function and superior energy efficiency.  Available in many colors and fabrics, this shade coordinates with the other cellular shades in your home, but slides easily along a track with a push of the hand, providing a truly cordless option.

Vertical Cellular Shade

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If you want more information on custom draperies, blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/window-treatments-for-sliding-doors/

Child Safety Never Ends

Keep Your Kids Safe

Thinking about blinds and worried about child safety? We have solutions.

We’ve all heard the tragic stories about children getting strangled in cords from window blinds. I was greatly relieved when the industry responded with a variety of solutions to reduce or eliminate the risk of strangulation from cords.

Before I tell you about those solutions, let me remind you that cribs, beds—and even furniture—should not be placed next to windows if you have youngsters in the house. If you have older window coverings with cords, please consider replacing them with new window coverings designed with child safety in mind.

Here at Window Accents, we sell Hunter Douglas window coverings with a variety of safety options. The simplest are breakaway cord stops or rigid wand controls that can’t tangle. Other options include retractable cords or cordless systems where you just move the bottom rail to raise or lower the shade, and no cords are exposed. Another popular option is a motorized shade that is operated by a hand-held remote. No external cords needed!

Even if replacing your window treatments is not in your plans for the near future, you can take steps to increase the safety of your existing window coverings. Visit www.windowcoverings.org for information on how to make your blinds and shades safer, including how to get free retrofit kits.

These Hunter Douglas Duette honeycomb shades are raised and lowered through the PowerView motorized system instead of by external cords, making them safer for homes with young children.

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If you want more information on custom draperies or blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/child-safety-never-ends/

Window Treatments in Cincinnati: 4 Options For Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding doors are an excellent accessory/investment for every home. These doors not only offer style and convenience, but also provide other added benefits such as energy efficiency, natural light, security, and also add value to your home. Although useful, finding the right treatments for these windows/doors can be challenging at times. Finding the right window treatments to dress up the sliding glass door, without reducing its functionality or purpose, is a challenge for many people.

Outlined below are a few tips to help you choose the best option for your door(s) by using window treatments in Cincinnati.

1. Custom Shades and Blinds

Custom made blinds and window shades are perfect window treatments for sliding glass doors. You can have a custom window designer design these shades based on your preferences, style, and size of the sliding doors. Vertical blinds are the most common and most chosen window treatments for these doors, as they come with plastic or metal slats hanging from a top rail. The slats can be rotated partially or fully, depending on the amount of light you want to pass through the glass. But there are so many more choices today.

Sliding door shades are also a preferred option here, as they hang on track, where they overlap in segments blocking visibility or light, and also stack neatly together when the panels are drawn open. You, however, should look for a good and trustworthy supplier to get you some of these sliding shades.

2. Plantation Shutters

These popular window treatments are also a great option for sliding doors. Many people prefer plantation shutters as they provide a polished look on the windows, and are also available in hinged or slide-open varieties. Hinged plantation shutters swing to open or shut, while others slide to open on their track. There are plenty of options to go for when using plantation shutters. Plantation shutters, therefore, make these doors more practical and easier to use too.

3. Curtains Panels

Curtain panels provide one of the simplest ways to dress expansive sliding doors in homes. All one needs to do is find matching or patterned curtains to use as window treatments. While this can be handled easily with an in-home consultation with Kim Lyon, custom window designer to help you out. Nevertheless, you will need long, sturdy rods to hang these curtains on. You will also need easy-to-slide rings to allow drawing the curtains from the doors, or to control the amount of light passing through. Experts also recommend going for lined curtains, or sheers, to help filter out harsh sun rays.

4. Side-Mounted Panels

This entails using decorative window curtains mounted on sliders to help control light and visibility in the room. These sliders should be on a rod mounted on adjacent to the sliding glass door to provide a barrier-free zone when using the door. The best thing about side-mounted panels is that you can have a motorized one.

The four options outlined above should help you have an idea on how to make unique ones. Kim Lyon, with over 20 years experience, can come to your home and help you find the right choices for your style and budget. Call 513-398-5798.

The finest choice for window treatments in Cincinnati.

Schedule your Free In-Home Consultation

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/window-treatments-in-cincinnati-4-options-for-sliding-glass-doors/

Pleated Curtain Style

The Pleated Curtain Style

has enjoyed a surge in popularity the last few years.  There is no style that is as classic and timeless as a pleated curtain.  There are many different pleat styles available to make your custom curtain unique.  Today we will look at 3 styles, each having a distinctly different look, feel, and personality. Call Window Accents for the best window treatments in Cincinnati.

The Euro Pleated Curtain Style

is a very updated, current look.  This style looks great hanging from rings and works well as stationary side panels or traversing curtain.

 

 

 

 

The Goblet Pleated Curtain Style

is another variation that is very classic.  It gets it’s name from the resemblance to a wine goblet.  Goblet Pleated curtains will traverse easily, but may not stack as tightly onto the side as the Euro Pleat.

 

The Inverted Box Pleated Curtain Style

can be a statement all on it’s own.  As seen here, in this photo from Chicago’s Curtain Connection, decorative elements can be added to truly make your curtain a one of a kind.  This curtain is best suited for stationary side panels, as the pleats generally do not traverse well.

 

 

 

Schedule Your Free In-Home Consultation

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/pleated-curtain-style/

Installing Blinds Almost Like Magic | Adjust-A-View Take 2

Installing custom blinds: recently we installed an Adjust-A-View shade, gave you some information on the product, and shared some pictures. Today we have a video showing the ease of operation by one of our favorite clients, Carol. In her words “They installed the blinds almost like magic.”

The Adjust-A-View is very quick and easy to install even in a non-perfect window. Typically arched windows are constructed in a manner where the sill is built up into the window. The resulting radius is less than half the diameter and no longer “perfect”. The Adjust-A-View allows for plus or minus 2 inches of imperfection to easily fit any window.

The shade is custom made for your window using Hunter Douglas, Graber, Comfortex, Kirsh and Omega products. You can then match the shades on your other windows with your Adjust-A-View.

Click on the link below to open the video:

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If you want more information on custom draperies or blinds or any of the other ideas here, contact Kim for your free in-home consultation – 513-398-5798 or email klyon@windowaccentsinc.com

Schedule Appointment

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/installing-blinds/

Window Covering Child Safety Month

Child Safety

is taken very seriously at Window Accents when selling our window products.  Every product sold, whether drapery, shade, or blind has child safety features.  Most products can now be ordered cordless.  If not, other safety measures are taken to ensure the cords do not cause strangulation.

Every October, our industry supports national campaigns to bring awareness to this issue, but in reality,

every month is child safety month.

This issue has changed many of our products over the past few years, and industry standards are constantly being revised and updated.  Our vendors constantly work to create products that are fully compliant with these standards.

These guidelines are given by the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), an industry group dedicated to educating consumers about window cord safety, and long-time sponsor of the October window-cord awareness campaign. They recommend that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords be used in homes with young children.

The Council, which provides consumers with window-cord safety information, as well as free retrofit kits for older corded window coverings, urges all parents and caregivers to follow these basic window cord-safety precautions:

• Move all furniture, cribs, beds and climbable surfaces away from windows.
• Keep all window cords well out of the reach of children.
• Install only cordless window coverings in homes with young children.
• Make sure tasseled pull cords are as short as possible. Continuous-loop pull cords on draperies and vertical blinds should be pulled tight and anchored to the floor or wall.
• Be sure cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit inner-cord movement.

To learn more about window-cord safety, or to order free retrofit kits, go to the Window Covering Safety Council’s web site at:

www.windowcoverings.org

The Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) is a coalition of major U.S. manufacturers, importers and retailers of window coverings dedicated to educating consumers about window cord safety The Council also assists and supports its members in the industry’s ongoing efforts to encourage the use of cordless products in homes with young children, its redesign of corded products, and to support the national ANSI/WCMA standard for corded window coverings.  WCSC’s activities in no way constitute an assumption of any legal duty owed by its members or any other entity.

For more information, also visit www.pfwbs.org (Parents for Window Blind Safety).

If you have any questions about whether the window blinds in your home are safe, please call us for a free evaluation.

source https://windowaccentsinc.com/window-covering-safety-month/