Light control
The most difficult factor to control is light, with most window coverings falling into one of five categories:
1. Transparent – Clear, without obstruction
2. Translucent – Diffused light, which prevents the perception of distinct images
3. Filtered – Muted light in bright conditions
4. Semi-Opaque – Surfaces imprenetrable by light, yet it also allows some light through the gaps
5. Opaque – This is where all light is blocked

Privacy
Privacy can be best achieved with almost any type of window covering. The window treatment simply needs to be translucent or better to diffuse images. Frosted glass or glass block can even help to give adequate levels of privacy.

Durability
A window opening by nature is a harsh environment that is subject to direct sunlight, humidity, and even temperatures. Add these factors to frequent use and its simple to understand why windows need to be constructed well. The life expectancy is normally less for fabric window treatment that can fade with time. Solid coverings, such as shutters, have a long life span.

Cleaning
Each and every window covering will collect dust and dirt. Fabric coverings are the most difficult to clean, and are subject to stains. The furniture quality window coverings will normally wipe clean with a light solution.

Versatility
Some coverings will work well in formal settings, while others will work best in casual living settings. Alternate styles are versatile and blend in well with almost any style of room.

Safety
Small children in the home will usually come in contact with windows and their coverings. Some coverings will have cords to raise or lower for better visibility. Although they are handy to have, they can be dangerous if they come within reach of a child.

Price
While there is a discrepancy in the costs of window coverings, it’s very important to weigh the overall value involved. The term “value” is often overused, although when purchasing long term household items it is necessary to consider the return on the investment.

Window coverings on the low end of the price spectrum will normally have a short life expectancy and low durability. The higher priced coverings, such as shutters, are designed to last the life of the home – all while retaining the original character.

Shutters offer a hard window covering that is semi opaque when closed, although they provide great visibility when opened. The furniture quality wooden shutters can be either painted or stained in order to meet the needs of most decors. All shutters are extremely durable and offer a long life span.

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When using decorative casing such as shutters and 2 inch plantation size wooden blinds, you should always make sure that you have at least 2 1/2″. When you have a double or triple window encased within one window opening, you may want to use a vertical trim strips between each window. Make sure that you include this when measuring the depth. Even though it is less common decorating sliding doors, make sure that you include the handle when you measure, as the usual depth for this is 4 inches.

There are several different styles of window treatments, such as circular, arced, eyebrow arched, or even angles. All of them are beautiful and appealing, although very restricted when it comes to choices, especially when you are working with eyebrow and 1/4 arches.

When you are dealing with French doors there are a few things to keep in mind. The doors will normally swing open into the home, which could cause problems with the valance you use. Consider using a valance mounted to the door or allowing the doors to swing outward. When you are considering shades, blinds, or shuters, don’t forget to consider the handles and locks.

Make sure that when you are considering window treatments that you remember window placement as well. There are many restrictions when you have chair rails or base boards going around the opening of the window. There could also be a problem with the placement of the drapery as well.

The drapery may not stack back sufficiently or the outside edge may not extend to the outside of the window. Things can go much easier if you have the same amount of space on each side of the window, so you should try to center the window whenever you can.

When you place the window, make sure that you leave enough space between the top of the window and the ceiling. There should be at least 2 inches for bracket placement. When installing a wood header, make sure that it extends to the ceiling and that the heavier treatments are mounted in the wood. If you aren’t using wood headers but instead mounting into sheetrock you should use molly or toggle bolts for the best possible protection.

There are other things you need to consider when it comes to windows. First, you’ll need to make sure that all windows are accessible even those in an unfinished attic. This will help make things easier for future decorating or expansion of the room. Also, make sure that the windows in the room are the same style.

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Insulation
Wood shutters will offer you many insulation values such as energy efficiency, and they maintain interior temperature from exterior temperature extremes as well as help with outside noise. According to experts, it takes nearly 6 inches of brick, 14 inches of concrete, and well over 1,700 inches of aluminum to equal the insulating value offered by only 1 inch of wood.

Environmental
Opposed to aluminum, plastic, and other types of composites, wood is only material for shutters that is manufactured from a 100% renewal source.

Authentic
Wood can be made from several sources, including poplar, oak, and basswood. There are several products that feature word wood in their name, although they actually contain little to no wood at all. They are all extremely limited in their custom features, and are only available in standard white colors, cannot be stained, and they have both the look and feel of plastic.

All around the United States, wood remains one of the most popular sources of shutters. Wood shutters offer you many features, and they are also easy to install, even if you have no experience with installing shutters.

You can find them in your local hardware store, or even order them online if you prefer. They may cost a bit more than vinyl or other types of shutters, although they will last for a long time and give your home the look you desire.

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Venetian blinds
Venetian is a large category in blinds. The original types were made with wide curved metal slats, similar to a mini slat. The shapes can be curved, flat, or even elliptical.

Faux or PVC
These types of mini blinds are made from a solid or foamed poly vinyl chloride plastic. PVC is one of the newer materials being used for blind slats. The slat’s surface can be smooth or embossed with a wood grain. Although color selection is limited mostly to whites, there are a few wod tone colors available as well.

PVC or faux are very durable, UV resistant, waterproof, and simple to clean. The main drawback with faux blinds is the weight of the slats. PVC slats are heavier than both wood and composite slats and when used with large windows, they can make raising the window a difficult task.

Composite blinds
Composite type blinds are made from a combination of wood products and polymers. Composite is a newer material that’s being used for the window covering. The slat surface with composite is a smooth poly coating or even a solid composite material.

Similiar to PVC, the color selection is normally limited mostly to whites although there are a few wood tone and stain colors available. The composite blinds are priced in the low to mid range. They have qualities similar to PVC and faux, and are some of the best available.

Wood blinds
Both value and premium wood blinds are made from real wood. The value wood blind slats are made from assorted Oriental hardwood, and the premium slats are made from American hardwood, which is normally Basswood.

If you plan to match a cabinet or trim stain, wood blinds will be your best choice. Wood blinds are among the best, although they are also among the most expensive. All wooden slats can warp and may fade in color over time. They are also the lightest material available and work really good with large windows.

Since they were first introduced to the home, window blinds have proven to add style and peace of mind. They offer you a lot for your windows, and they don’t cost a lot of money. You have several different types to choose from, all you have to do is select the best types for your home and your needs.

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All types of wooden shutters can withstand all of these types of conditions. Wooden shutters are constructed to withstand harsh climates from the intense heat and sun of the tropics to the intense cold of the North. Keep in mind, not all shutters are created equally, as the selection of wood, types of joints, and overall design will determine the quality of the ending product.

In the overall structure of a wooden shutter, the type of wood is very important. All wood is chosen based on durability, weight, straightness, length, and overall finishing qualities. Basswood is one of the best examples, as it builds an exceptional shutter. Basswood also ranks high in just above every characteristic you could possibly imagine.

The joints of the wood will need to be solid and strong in order to create a long lasting wood shutter. Finger joints are also important, as they connect two shorter lengths of wood. The finger joints show through the finish of a painted shutter and may look poor from the start for a stained wood shutter.

Having strong joints between stiles and rails will prevent the two components from separating or tearing apart. The joints should be glued and dowled for the strongest bond and the best overall performance.

By purchasing wooden shutters, you’ll get quality shutters at a great price. Before you buy, do your research on the company and make sure that they know what they are doing. If you buy from a reputable seller, you’ll get everything you need for excellent wooden shutters, and instructions on how to install them yourself if you wish.

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The richly textured embossed prints, elegant neutrals, and wood tones all help to a add a decorative dimension that isn’t found in horizontal blinds. Vinyl blinds are available in both solid colors and embossed finishes, and are also available in many different sizes as well.

PVC blinds are great as well, as they are a very durable and fashionable solution as a treatment for your windows. They will also remain durable and easy to maintain regardless of the humidity or other weather factors.

Lightweight vinyl blinds are the least expensive type of vinyl blinds available, although the thin slats can sag a bit, the cords can shred, and the mechanisms used with the blinds can break or malfunction.

On sale, you can find vinyl blinds as low as $5.99. The darkening mini blinds on the other hands, are better quality with less space between the slats, and run as high as $10.99.

There are some vinyl mini blinds that are imported that will contain lead, which is a serious hazard for your health. Lead poisoning is acute for pregnant women or tiny children because of their fast growing vulnerable tissue. The vinyl blinds that are made in the United States however, are lead free.

Vinyl blinds are also the easiest types of mini blinds to maintain. You can clean them by hanging them on a clothesline pole then spraying them down with a garden hose.

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The first thing you’ll need to make sure of, is that the blinds are hung properly, as this will ensure that your window covering is successful. If your blinds are hung crooked, then the strings won’t properly act as pulleys. No matter how pretty they may be, they won’t be any good if they don’t work properly.

The only time you should use the old fashioned plastic Venetian blinds is if you are going for more of a retro look. If you are going for the retro look, it may be better to consider using the anodized aluminum or painted silver blinds. These types of blinds tend to collect less dirt and dust and will help complete the look better with your retro room.

Most manufacturers are now creating Venetian blinds in different colors and textures. They do this by painting, coating, or even anodizing the slats. They have neon colors, metallic bronze, silver, and even gold to choose from now.

The boring blinds of the 90s can be found as institutional window treatments. In the past, when decorating an office, people would have chosen white or black blinds to go with the wood decor. Now, you can choose from shades of olive, burgundy, or even brown. If your office has more of a sleeker look, you can even choose a Venetian blind in cherry red or celadon color.

If you feel that your room is outdated or you just need to re-decorate and your on a budget, then a new window treatment may be the answer. Even though Venetian blinds can be considered outdated, they can easily be jazzed up with drapes or sheers. If you are re-decorating a room that it may be hard to find blinds for, such as a boxed shape window or a small window, you may be able to choose the older style mini blinds in various vibrant colors.

If you are just trying to make a truly unique fashion statement, then you should consider hand painting your Venetian blinds. You can choose to show off your individuality and your craftier side by painting the blind to show an image once it is closed.

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You also have different styles of draperies and valances to choose from. With draperies, you have the options of rods with tap tops, tie tops with different pleats, grommet rod pockets, flouncy tops or plain rings. With valances you can choose to have them gathered, pleated, shirred, swaged, bundled, formal, casual, scalloped, lace, or even flat.

You also have a different variety of shades and blinds to choose from. You can choose between fabric shades or cellular shades. If you don’t want to go with shades, you can choose from metal mini blinds, natural blinds, or even wood blinds.

With fabric shades you can choose between the Roman, balloon, Austrian, bottom arched, pleated, or even flat panel. If you prefer cellular shades, keep in mind that they will give you a cleaner look and are also available in sheer or non-sheer materials.

If you decide to choose blinds, make sure that they meet your homes requirements. Metal mini blinds offer choices in weight and size, special finishes, privacy options, header choices, cloth tapes, and hundreds of different colors.

Wooden mini blinds also offer a variety of sizes, tape colors, and finishes. Natural blinds are also known as bamboo blinds, and are available in matchstick, sewn slats, and have several choices of natural fabric like appearance.

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These days, indoor shutters are more popular than ever before. Therefore, it’s really no wonder why many new manufacturers are trying to get into the shutter industry. The most notable addition is the vinyl compound shutters.

Wooden shutters
There are many reasons as to why you should avoid using vinyl shutters. Many prefer to have real wood, just as they prefer clothing that is made from cotton or wool as opposed to synthetics. For a warm, authentic, traditional look, wooden shutters are a great choice.

There are however some limitations of vinyl type shutters. They are normally made only in white and off white colors. Therefore, you can not precisely color match, making staining impossible. Most interior vinyl shutters are cheaply made with cheap components and poor quality, and should be avoided for that reason – despite the low cost.

Vinyl shutters
Vinyl shutters of quality are definitely worth a consideration. The best types of interior vinyl shutters cost less than custom window shutters. The most important features are those that are practical in nature. Vinyl shutters won’t crack, peel, fade, or deteriorate like wood will.

Vinyl shutters are also perfect for humid areas such as showers and sinks. Since they are moisture resistant, they are also a great choice near the swimming pool.

They are also flame retardant and insulate much better than interior wood shutters. They are easier to clean and won’t show any dents or scratches, which makes them ideal for children’s rooms. The time it takes to manufacture them is also half the time of a true custom wood shutter.

Making that final choice between vinyl and wood all comes down to the type of home you have and your personal preference. Each type certainly offers good and bad points, although wood is the most popular style. Vinyl is quickly gaining in popularity, as they are much easier to clean than wood.

Before you make your decision, always compare and shop around. The prices will be different, although you shouldn’t base everything on price. Check the quality of the manufacturer and compare with the types of windows you have. Once you carefully put some research into it, you’ll have the windows you need in no time at all.

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Many companies that install shutters will tell customers that the shutters need to be installed by a certified installer. This isn’t the case, as you can install your shutters like a pro with no experience at all.

Measuring your shutters
To properly install shutters to a window opening, you’ll need to measure. First, you’ll need to determine if the shutters will be mounted to the inside or the outside of the window opening.

Inside mount installation
The preferred means of installation is to mount shutters directly to the window jamb inside of the window opening. This method is generally cleaner than mounting to the outside of the window and it doesn’t require additional hang strips or frame strips. Keep in mind, the window must be somewhat square and have a solid jamb for you to attach the screws to.

To determine the window depth, measure from the front plane of the window back to the nearest obstruction that’ll prevent the louvers from rotating. If you prefer, the company you are ordering from can also tell you the window depth for the style of shutters you order.

On occasion, a supplier of shutters will offer a second inside mounting method that uses rear hanging strips concealed behind the shutter panels that will allow adjustment up, down, left, and right for easier alignment. This method is ideal if the window is out of square or if it has a drywall opening without a solid wood jamb.

Outside mount installation
Outside mount installations use frames that attach to the wall or existing trim just to the outside of the opening of the window. Normally, the frame will surround the shutter panels on three or four sides, depending on if a lower still exists.

If you go with a cafe type shutter style, the hang strips are used on either side of the shutter panels. The frame or hang strips will screw directly to the wall or trim, and the shutter hinge to the frame or the hanging strips.

Always play it safe and measure with a steel tape measure, which will give you the most accurate measurements. Don’t attempt to measure with a fabric tape or yard stick – as this will lead you to a poor installation.

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Proving to be cheaper than wooden shutters and able to allow more light in, these blinds will combine function and design which helps produce a look that everyone will like. Years ago, the purchase of these two inch blinds would break the bank, although now there are many options available for those on any type of budget.

Keep in mind that there are both pros and cons to choosing either wood or vinyl. The biggest difference in the material of the two is the price and the color. Normally, wooden two inch blinds are a lot more expensive than vinyl blinds, although they are available in more colors.

If you have strained wooden trim and molding around your windows, you should consider adding that specific color to your window treatments. A dark wooden blind or a honey hue wooden window blind can make a big difference when it comes to the look and style of your home. For a price, you can create an inspiring look that makes the difference between and alright room and an amazing room.

Always remember that wooden blinds can tend to a bit lighter than vinyl, so they could be an ideal choice for double or triple windows to prevent bowing in the middle of the blind. Just like vinyl, wooden blinds can be custom cut to fit the exact requirements of your window.

Vinyl blinds are also a bit less expensive and can easily be mistaken for the wooden variety. If you are choosing a bright white or a soft ivory for your shades, vinyl will be the perfect choice if you are on a budget. Vinyl blinds are also easier to clean, as water can warp wood or even cause the finish to crack or bubble.

If you are planning to purchase wood or vinyl blinds, you should consider paying a visit to your local supply warehouse. The selection at most stores can be dramatic, as they offer good prices and a variety of choices.

If your budget isn’t a problem at all, you should look towards a special window treatment shop in your area, where professionals will come to your home and take care of both the measuring and installation for you.

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Inside mount
To find the width, measure the exact distance between the inside surfaces of the window frame at the top, middle, and also the bottom then use the narrowest width you receive with your measurements.

To find the length, measure the exact distance from the inside surface at the top of the window to the bottom sill at the left, middle, and the right then use the longest length. If you prefer for the blinds not to touch the windowsill, you should deduct 1/4″. If there isn’t a sill, then you should measure the length to the point where the blinds are to reach.

Outside mount
To find the width, measure the exact distance between the outermost points where the blinds are to be placed. For the best of light control, the measurement should extend 3/4″ beyond the window opening on each side.

To find the length, measure the exact distance from where the top of the blinds are to be placed to the top of the windowsill. If there isn’t a sill on your window, then measure the length to the point where the blinds are to reach.

Measuring for your blinds is very important, as you’ll need the measurements to order the blinds. Most companies will deduct for the brackets at the factory, then all you’ll need to do once you receive your blinds is to install them -which is easy to do as well.

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For inside frame mounting, measure the width between the points where the brackets will be placed; top, middle, and bottom. Record the narrowest of the measurements you receive. Now, measure the length from the top inside casing of the windowsill. At least 1 inch of flat surface will be needed on the inside casing in order to attach the brackets.

For outside frame mounting, you’ll need to measure the overall width of the area to be covered. Hang your mini blinds outside of the frame if there is less than 1″ of flat surface on the inside casing. The measurement should overlap the window by at least 1 1/2″ on each side.

Installation

1. Determine if you want inside or outside mounting, and measure your window accordingly.
2. After you have purchased the correct size of mini blinds, remove the window stop from
the top of the window on the window casing.
3. Screw the brackets that came with your blinds to the side window casing at the top, using either two or three screws per bracket.
4. With the wand on the left and the lift cord on the right, slide the mini blinds into the brackets you just installed.
5. Once you have the mini blinds in place, secure the caps over the brackets.
6. If the blinds are too long, remove the slats from the bottom of them, as this should help to get them to the appropriate height.

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Interlocking blades found on the storm shutters are made from aluminum and make up a wall of protection in the shutter. If you have a large area to cover, it can half a center opening with half of the shutter moving to the right and the other half to the left.

Even though this shutter doesn’t fall into one of the most decorative styles of shutters, it does provide great protection against theft, flying debris, forced entry, and even the dreaded hurricane. Storm shutters will also give you more privacy and help to reduce noise.

A great example of a protective covering that will do a great job in protecting from the sun’s glare and heat is the aluminum awning. They are affordable in price and very functional, they fit doors, patios, porches, and windows as well. There are two types available – the standard awning and the winged awning, and both will easily close down to convert to storm shutters.

For those who live in bad storm areas, storm shutters are among the best ways to help protect your family and your house. They don’t cost a lot of money, they are easy to install, and they won’t make your home stand out in a crowd. If you want the best in protection from Mother Nature and the peace of minein knowing it – storm shutters are just what you need.

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These days, it may be the time to get rid of the traditional wood shutters on your home and go with a more modern choice such as aluminum window shutters, as they resist the elements and never close. This will help cut down on your replacement and maintenance costs for keeping the exterior of your home looking the way it should.

Below, you’ll find several different types of shutters offered today.

Vinyl window shutters
Vinyl shutters are easy to clean, very affordable, and last around forty years. They will give your home a traditional look without the need for replacing them on a regular basis. They weigh a little of nothing and are available in traditional, louvered, board, and even batten panel styles. To make things better, they will arrive primed and ready to paint any color you wish.

Composite window shutters
These types of shutters resemble a thick particle board that is made from a collaboration of weather and rot resistant material. They are made from molds that offer many different styles that include the louvered, board, batten, and even raised panel styles. You can also find these shutter types in a cupboard style which is hinged at the top so you can open and close them like the old fashioned wood shutters of the past.

Fiberglass shutters
Fiberglass is the most expensive type of shutter although they will last around 20 years or so. They are molded as well and offered in a variety of designs that include Bahama, louvered, board and battened, and even raised panel styles.

Fiberglass shutters are also stronger and more secure than other types and can also be used to protect your windows during storms and hurricanes.

Aluminum shutters
Aluminum style shutters are offered in a variety of styles that include the faux colonial louvered style and Bahama style. These shutters are strong and offer great protection for your windows, and come in thousands of different colors and textures. The only bad thing about aluminum shutters, is the fact that most companies will only offer a warranty of around three years.

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The exterior window shutters for your home are available in many different shapes and materials. Vinyl or wood shutters are easily available at most home improvement stores, and they can also be a cost effective option. You can also make wooden shutters operable with functional hardware.

Exterior shutters can also be made out of several types of wood. The best wod to use is cedar, as it offers outstanding durablity and resistance to decay. Cedar also provides long service with minimal maintenance in applications involving mud, silk, window sahes, fencing, poles, and even exterior shutters.

The tannin oil in ceder is what really makes it an ideal wood for exterior shutters. It will prevent moisture penetration – and bugs hate it. Keep in mind, exterior shutters shouldn’t be left unprotected. It is however, best to finish the shutters before you install them, so that all surfaces can be fully covered.

The ideal base for exterior shutters is a primer coat of oil base primer that is tinted as close to the final color as possible. The oil will penetrate into the wood, giving better protection. For the best results in painting, you should always consult a professional painting company.

You can mount exterior shutters to your home with a 1/2″ spacer between the back of the panels and the building to allow ventilation. If you aren’t using functional hardware, you should use rust proof screws that sink flush to the wood. Once you have finished the installation, simply paint over the heads of the screws.

By having on opaque finish painted on the wood, it will prevent light rays from penetrating the finish and breaking down wooden fibers of your exterior shutters. If you choose, you can also stain exterior shutters.

Anytime you are staining shutters, you should use finishing products that are designed specifically for exterior use, and be prepared to do proper maintence on your shutters to keep them looking good all the time.

Exterior shutters will add color and style to the outside of your home, making them a purchase you can’t go wrong with. Wooden exterior shutters are the most popular and best to use – making them something you truly must have for your home.

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For quality at an affordable cost, you should look for a company that sells individual wholesale discount wood shutter panels that can be installed in any type of configuration. These types of shutters are also referred to as DIY, or Do It Yourself shutters.

When you shop for individual shutter panels at a discount price, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The most important factor is the material that is used to make the interior shutter panels.

Basswood is the best wood for shutters, as it has the best characteristics and it’s a straight hard wood with very little distortion. Basswood also offers a fine, uniform texture with an indistinct grain, which makes it ideal for staining or painting.

Before you actually order the discount panels, it’s always best to determine how you will mount your shutters. Sometimes, it is necessary to use hanging strips to attach shutters to the outside of the window opening. Reputable companies will provide information about installation methods so you can decide which way is best to install your specific type of window shutter.

Anytime you buy budget shutters, you should always do your research first. There are some brands that are better than others, which is why you should research the types of shutters you are interested in. With a little bit of your time and effort, you could quite possibly end up with shutters at a perfect price which will add more color and style to your home than you ever thought possible.

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This will generally result in shutters that are a poor fit for the windows of your home. The shutters aren’t proportional to the window size and depending on how much of it was trimmed, the panels themselves may also be compromised.

Synthetic shutters on the other hand, normally use pre-made stiles, rails, and louvers, then cut them to size for quick production. This can also result in an improper fit and components that aren’t in proportion to the window.

Other companies out there sell custom made shutters, which are shutters specifically made from the start for each individual window. Even though this may sound very nice, the results are normally those you wouldn’t want to display on your home. With your home being very important, the last thing you want is shoddy shutters.

Custom made shutters are fabricated so that all stiles and rails can be uniformed throughout the house or office. Even though they claim the custom made shutters are perfectly made for your windows, it generally isn’t the case

When you go out and purchase shutters, you should always avoid companies that sell customized types of shutters. Instead, you should use the old fashioned method and measure what you need, then go out and buy.

This way, you’ll know exactly what you need to buy. You can select the shutters you like the best, even those that match the interior or exterior of your home. Before you know it, you’ll have the shutters you’ve always wanted -your way.

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Detail oriented
It will probably seem obvious, but you should close the slats prior to dusting. Weekly blind dusting is the best way to go, using a lamb’s wool duster, as lamb’s wool will naturally attract dust and can help prevent buildup as well.

If lamb’s wool isn’t available, a paintbrush may also do the trick. Make sure you place some towels underneath the blinds to catch any excess dust. If you want to be thorough, you can also take the blinds down and clean them in your bathtub.

To remove the grease from the blinds, an all purpose cleaner can be used. Spray the blinds good, then let the cleaner work on them for a few minutes. Then, wipe the cleaner off with a soft cloth, although rinsing the cloth will make it even more effective. To clean the other side of the blinds, flip it over and do the same thing as mentioned above.

Fast and simple
This one is simple – simply use an old pair of cotton gloves to clean your blinds. Slip the gloves on, dip your fingers into a solution of 1 teaspoon ammonia and 1 quart water, then run your fingers through the mini blinds.

If you prefer, you can also use the vaccuum cleaner hose attachments. You can even use the vaccuum cleaner without having to remove the blinds. Putting a dryer sheet on the blinds will remove any static so that dust will no longer be attracted to the blinds.

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Selecting your shutter style
There are two basic styles of shutters available. The traditional style uses a narrow shutter panel with 1-1/4″ louvers. Traditional shutter louvers are normally wedge shaped, being thicker in the front and narrower in the rear. Plantation type shutters are generally 1-18″ thick with larger louvers.

Selecting the shutter finish
Shutters can be stained, painted, or both. Almost all companies offer a number of paints with stain colors, while some don’t. Paint colors will generally include a variety of whites and lights. The stains will help enhance wood grains in a number of tints and tones, starting from light natural tones to an almost black pitch. Keep in mind, both synthetic and wood composite shutters can’t be stained.

Determine the price
Because of their material options, shutters will come in a wide range of prices, with many suppliers calculating the price on the square foot. Prices are calculated based on the exact window size, shutter, style, finish, and number of panels involved.

Deciding on the unit
Shutter units can use a number of different panel configurations within a window. The number of panels across the shutter is determined by the shutter style, traditional or plantation, and the width of the window. The traditional style panels are normally narrower than the plantation style and would use more panels across the window.

Each specific company offers guidelines for the number of panels to be used with a window. If the window is tall enough, you may want to consider a double tier, or two tier shutter unit that uses one set of shutters at the top and one set at the bottom.

Each set of shutters will then open independently on the other. You can also use a divider rail, which is is a horizontal bar that creates a top and bottom louver section within a single style of panel.

Measure and order
Carefully follow the measuring instructions, then determine the window type and installation provided by the company you have selected. The directions should be detailed, yet very easy for you to follow.

The company should also offer phone assistance should you have any questions.

Related posts:

1. Buying Budget Shutters
2. Installing Shutters
3. Saying Goodbye To Wood Shutters