Window Treatment Ideas & How-Tos
Sunlight does more than just put a bouncy soundtrack in our heads — it can make a world of difference to our homes and well-being. It’s like Mother Nature’s little life hack, from improving mood to lowering utility bills. How many songs have you heard extolling the feel-good qualities of...
But now comes the sticky problem: what to do with the old blinds. Do you toss the old blinds in the trash? The thought may rankle you if you save every scrap for recycling. Aluminum and vinyl blinds are recyclable (with caveats), but what about wood? Faux wood? Fabric? You...
Roman shades are a gorgeous choice for your home. You can select from a wide range of patterns, choose complete blackout or slightly transparent fabrics, and select from various customizable sizes.
What’s not to like? The only possible challenge associated with these shades is cleaning them.
We live in a tyranny of vinyl vertical blinds. They’re ubiquitous and — let’s be real — about as stylish as cargo shorts. Who decided that these soulless slats were the pinnacle of window fashion? But hey, we’re not here to bury off-the-shelf vinyl vertical blinds. We’re here to praise...
Broken slats need replacement. If you’re lucky, you’ll have spares lying about, or a local supply store will carry slats in the exact dimensions you need. As for bent slats — they can often be straightened using household items. Gentle heat from a hair dryer and a pair of pliers...
Awnings were a prominent feature in the cities and towns of 19th-century America. There was no conditioning or tinted glass. “Insulation” was little more than wadded newspaper stuffed into the walls. Victorian-era Americans, especially women, wore a lot more clothing. One of the few ways to stay cool was to...
Choosing window treatments can feel like a dizzying maze of options. Blinds or shades? Curtains or drapes? Solid color or patterned? Motorized or manual? Even within the blinds family, there’s room for debate. Wide slats or narrow? What material? And then there’s the most significant point of contention — do...
Decisions, decisions. You have 50 choices of cereal at the grocery store and 30 choices of salad dressing. Now, you have to pick a finish for your new indoor shutters. It’s enough to make your head explode. Fortunately, it boils down to a simple commitment: stained or painted shutters. There...
Cords can be a hassle. Cutting the cord is a sign of independence. We cut the cord on our journey to adulthood. When pocket-sized cell phones took over the market — woohoo! — no cords! What freedom! We could answer calls almost anywhere, including the gym (much to the annoyance...
There’s nothing quite like dirty, water-stained windows ruining a beautiful view. Regular window cleaning is essential to achieving a crystal-clear picture of the outdoors from your home. In this beginner’s guide, we will walk you through the process of window cleaning, including the tools you will need and a step-by-step...
In the Mediterranean climate of Southern California, the sun is a blessing and a curse. We count our blessings from November to May, but in September, we may be cursing the misery of another protracted summer. Summer sun can be brutal in Los Angeles, with each year seemingly reaching new...
Sliding glass doors are a beautiful addition to any room. They allow natural light to flood in, connecting your indoor space with the outdoors. But you may not want that connection at 6 AM on the June solstice, or late at night as brilliant beams from the nearby street light...