Choosing a style...

There are a wide variety of window treatments available to suit almost every taste. When choosing a style it is important that the treatment is functional and aesthetically pleasing. With tab curtains you can create a look that ranges anywhere from country to colonial. Grommet panels in rich textured fabrics lend themselves to a contemporary feel. Panels made from luxurious fabrics, layered with sheers and embellished top treatments offer a traditional look. The possibilities are as limitless as one’s imagination.

Choosing a color...

Don’t be afraid to experiment with color. Use as much or as little as you like. Let your colorful personality show through as you decide on colors for your windows. Before making a color choice, try to visualize what you want your completed window to look like. What atmosphere do you want to set? Yellow portrays warmth, and harmony. It lifts your spirit. Yellows of all shades can brighten up the smallest space and make it look larger. Red is energetic and invigorating. At times it may be too intense to use in large amounts. Use it sparingly for just a touch of energy. Blues and green are warm and inviting. These colors can be used in any room. White exudes innocence and tranquility. It creates a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Combining various textures of white enhances the soothing affects of the color. When choosing colors for window treatments be sure you choose colors you can live with. No one wants to invest their time, energy and money in purchasing and installing window treatments only to find that they hate the color!

Layering serves multi purposes...

A simple valance used alone at a window is sometimes all that is needed. At other times, you may want to add multiple treatments on a window. Layering is a good way to bring flair and elegance to a room; it can also increase energy efficiency. Combining lined panels with sheers and topping off with swags or valances can create a dramatic room transformation. However the benefits of layering extends far past aesthetics. Layering offers a defense against unwanted noise from traffic and neighboring activities. Fabric treatments are a better sound barriers than those constructed of hard materials. Layered treatments help keep you cooler in hot weather and insulate against heat loss in the winter.

Don’t forget the curb appeal...

When considering window treatments we most often visualize how a room looks from the inside. Increase curb appeal by lining window treatments that face the street with either white or natural for a finished look. When using unlined panels you can still maintain a uniformed facade by using sheers that are white or natural underneath your panels.

Should I use natural or white?

This is really a matter of personal preference, but here are a few things to consider. White is brighter, because it reflects more light, and will provide a sharper contrast with the rest of the colors in your room. It draws more attention to the window. Natural offers a warmer, softer look, and tends to more easily blend with or complement the other colors in your room.

Control light through fabric selection...

Sheers and laces filter light without blocking it, and doesn't disturb your view. Natural or white cottons or blends, are translucent, and soften the light. Woven fabrics, lined curtains and insulated curtains more nearly block out the light. Achieve the lighting effect you want by selecting an appropriate fabric.

Benefits of lined curtains...

Although lined curtains tend to cost a bit more than unlined, there are added benefits to selecting lined. Lined curtains block out the effects of bright sunlight and harmful UV rays that could lead to premature fading of upholstered furniture. Secondly, they offer a bit more insulating value. Because curtains a usually lined in white or natural they present a uniformed view from the street while allowing you to vary the color and pattern from room to room.

The art of camouflage...

Make a narrow window appear wider by placing panels and corresponding hardware beyond the actual perimeter of the window. Make wide windows appear narrower by using floor length curtains or drapes, and placing them to just cover the window, using as little wall space as possible. Add height to your window by placing curtains or drapery panels close to the ceiling rather than right at the window’s edge.

Selecting colors for your window...

Use as much or as little color as you feel comfortable with. Solid colors or prints are refreshing and draw attention to the window. Soft, neutral colors can complement the colors in your carpeting, furniture, or wallpaper. If the window is interesting architecturally, you may want to emphasize that feature through color selection. Don't hesitate to experiment with mixing naturals and whites, or prints, stripes and solids. Warm shades of reds and yellows will add life to a room. Cool colors ... blues or whites ... or earth tones like greens and browns ... are restful. Work toward harmony and complementarity in color selection.

We are here to help...

Even the most elegant room falls short if the window treatments are not right. Like wall color and flooring, window treatments help to pull the room together. Whether your quest is to hide a flaw, frame or conceal an outside view, we can help. Give us a call or e-mail with your design questions and dilemmas. We can help you decide what will work for you.

How to Measure

Measuring Tips

1. Mount hardware before taking any measurements. The most accurate measurements are obtained when hardware is in place.
2. To obtain accurate measurements, always use a metal or wooden tape measure. Never use a flexible cloth tape, as they tend to stretch.
3. Enlist the help of a friend to hold one end of the tape measure in position when taking measurements. An additional set of hands helps speed the process along.
4. Use a stepladder to reach the top of the window.
5. Measure each window in the same room; windows that appear to be the same size frequently are not. Use a pencil and paper to record measurements and identify each window.
6. Double-check all measurements before ordering. Keep your written notes on hand as a reference.

Measuring Basics

Standard Lengths

1. Valance Length – 10” – 20” in length when used as top treatment. Can be used alone or layered on panels.
2. Sill Length – The finished length should be a ¼” above the sill or at the   bottom of the molding below the sill.
3. Apron Length – Usually falls 4” below the sill. Mostly used in casual settings.
4. Café Length – Popular for use in kitchens. Usually covers ½ the length of the window.
5. Floor Length – Panels should fall about ½” above the floor.
6. Puddle Length – An additional 6” – 10” of length is added, which is gracefully arranged on the floor.

Installation Made Easy

1. Purchase quality hardware. This is an area where you don’t want to skimp, and try to save money. Discount, bargain brands very often than not, are not sturdy enough to support heavy or layered treatments. Nothing is more disappointing than having a rod bend.
2. Be sure that all hardware is securely attached to the mounting surface. If you cannot find a stud then you must use wall anchors for added support. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for installation.
3. Wallboard or plaster: Use a secure fastener designed for hollow wall applications.
4. Metal: Pre-drill holes, and use included screws.
5. Concrete, stone, brick or tile: Use a masonry drill bit and appropriate plugs, anchors, or screws.
6. To avert disaster, make sure the fasteners you are using will support the weight of the treatment you are installing.
7. Mount brackets 2”- 4” above the top edge of window frame and 2”- 4” out from each side of the window frame. You should try to avoid placing brackets on the frame, as the frame may split.

How to Guide

Most window treatments can be installed in three easy steps:

Layered Treatments

Require a double or triple mounted rod, depending on the number of treatments being installed. If installing panels with a top treatment and sheers, a triple rod will be required. Start by adding the sheers to the innermost rod. Once this is done shirr evenly and hang rod in bracket. Next add your panels to the center rod, shirr evenly after hanging. Valances or top treatments are added to the outer rod and inserted into the brackets.

Window Scarves

Have the hardware securely mounted into position. Scarves can be hung using a variety of hardware. Scarf holders, sconces, and decorative poles are options when hanging scarves. What you choose is entirely up to you. When working with scarves it is a good idea to have a partner to help fold and hang the scarf. To hang your scarf start by laying the scarf on a flat surface, carefully fan-fold the fabric into soft pleats along the entire length. Once this is done use your fingers to loosely comb the folds. This will make adjusting the pleats easier. Drape scarf over scarf holder or decorative rod. Once installed adjust and style to personal taste.

Balloon Shades

Due to wrinkling that occurs in packaging, most shades will require a few minutes in a warm dryer or a light steam press before being hung. Once wrinkles have been minimized place the shade on a decorative or standard rod. Insert the rod onto the brackets. Starting at the bottom of the shade, softly fold or roll the fabric to the desired length. Secure the ties under the fabric with simple ties or loose bows.

Rods and Hardware:

1. A standard rod fits in a 1 ½” rod pocket. Standard rods are available in multiple lengths and in varying depths (returns). They are packaged as single, double, or triple sets. They are ideal for layered treatments.
2. A continental rod is a variation on standard rods. They are flat and wider than standard rods. They are designed to fit in a 3” rod pocket.
3. Wooden and metal pole rods also work well in 3” rod pockets. Pole rods are available in various diameters and lengths.
4. Tension Rods mount inside the window frame. They are used widely for hanging café style curtains and door panels.
5. Decorative brass or wrought iron rods, many with stylish end caps (finials) work well with tab, sheer, and lace curtains.
6. Poles and finials are available in a wide array of materials. The two most popular are wood and metal, although many finials may also be made of glass. Window treatments may be fastened to poles in many ways, clip-on rings, rod pockets, tabs and loops.

What is a rod pocket?

A rod pocket is the opening across the top of a curtain or window treatment into which you insert the curtain rod. Rod pockets vary in size from 1 ½" to 3" or more. Smaller rod pockets are designed for standard rods. Larger size rod pockets are designed for continental or decorative rods.

What is a header?

The header is the portion of the curtain or window treatment that is above the rod pocket. The header may or may not be included in the stated length.

Do all panels come with tiebacks?

No, only when indicated are tiebacks included.

Why tie curtains back?

When you tie cutains back, you allow more natural light to enter a room. This also visually widens your window. Where and how you tie your curtains back is a matter of personal taste.

The package says 100” x 84”, what does this mean?

Sizes are stated width (left to right) by length (top to bottom). If the curtains are being sold as pairs then the combined width of the two panels will be 100” wide. Each panel will be 50” wide when laid flat. The 84” represents the length, which is generally measured from top of the rod pocket to bottom of the curtain.

Where should I position the rod?

Decide where the curtain rod will go. You’ll probably want it about 4 - 6 inches above the window frame, however remember to allow room for the header. If there is space, extend the rod on either side of the window, allowing the rod to extend beyond the edge of the window frame so that your curtains can be tied back away from the window. Then, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install your rod.

How do I measure my window to be sure I order the right size curtains?

To arrive at the proper width for your window treatments, measure from the outside of one window casing to the outside of the other casing. This is the width that will need to be covered. The fullness of your draperies should be 1 ½ - 2 times this measurement for proper shirring so that the curtains are not flat. To arrive at the proper length for your curtains, measure from the top of the rod, to the point where you want the bottom of your curtains to be. This gives you the proper length you will need to purchase.

Caring for Window Treatments, Bedding, and Decorative Pillows

You have invested a lot of time and effort in selecting the perfect window treatments and bedding for your home, so you will want to protect that investment by properly cleaning and caring for those items. With proper care and cleaning our bedding and window treatments will provide many years of enjoyable service. Here are some tips to ensure that your purchase last for many years.

Window Treatments

The life of window treatments can be prolonged by regular cleaning. Exposure to sunlight is the prime culprit in the deterioration of window treatments. The sun can fade colors, and if left uncleaned for extended periods, can cause the fabric to become weak and tear easily during cleaning. While quality linings provide some protection from the sun, other factors such as dust, dirt, and grime can also wreck havoc. To extend the life of window treatments we recommend regular cleanings.

As you go about cleaning your home, give your window treatments a gentle shake. This will help release dirt and dust that may have collected in the pleats and folds of fabrics. Every month or so we recommend that you vacuum on a low setting or brush clean to prevent dust and dirt from becoming embedded in the pleats and fold of your treatments. Always make sure that trims, embellishments and buttons are secure before vacuuming.

Bedding Care Guide

Comforters and bedding items should be dry cleaned regularly before becoming heavily soiled. This will preserve the fabric's beauty and prolong the fabric's life. Be sure to take your bedding to a reputable professional that has experience in cleaning bedding items. Please disclose any hidden spills or stains that may have occurred over time with your dry cleaner. These "invisible stains" if left untreated could become visible during the cleaning process. An experienced dry cleaner will know how to pre-treat or neutralize unseen stains such as perfumes, hair sprays, pet urine, alcohol, acidic drinks, etc, that may affect the outcome of the cleaning process. Invisible stains left untreated have been known to resurface as light spots in dry cleaned comforters. A good dry cleaner can avert this problem if he is made aware of an unseen stain. Don't set yourself up for disappointment by keeping quiet. We also recommend that you vacuum or brush clean between dry cleaning to remove surface dust. This will extend the time between dry cleaning. We are reluctant to recommend nonprofessional laundering of your comforter because:

• Most home washers are often too small to properly wash a comforter.
• Most household machines also have an agitator in the center that prevents large items such as a comforter from freely moving about.
• Most home machines cannot adequately remove all detergent during the rinse cycle therefore leaving detergent residue on the surface of the comforter

Decorative Pillows

Decorative pillows are an easy, low cost way to add style and definition to a room. To properly maintain your decorative pillows it is necessary to occasionally clean them. If your pillows are relatively clean but could use a little fluffing, toss them in the clothes dryer along with a fabric sheet. Turn on the dryer and run for a complete cycle on the no-heat setting. Remove pillows and reshape using the palm of your hand.

For day to day soiling, use a damp cloth or sponge to blot out dirt or stains. For more stubborn stains spot clean using a laundry stain pre-treater spray and a sponge. Simply spray on and gently blot until the stain is lifted. Spray the now cleaned area with water, blot dry. Use a hair dryer to finish drying the spot to prevent water stains.

Pillows made from upholstery, jacquard, silk, or moire fabrics, as well as pillows that contain embellishments such as tassels or elaborate trims, should be dry cleaned only.