Home Improvement » Curtains

Curtain fabric

Handy Maxx — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:06 +0000

Curtain fabrics can be a delight and a joy to source and construct into those swishing, wishful masses of airy-fairy affairs that windows dream of. These are by far the preferred choice for homeowners when it comes to seeking window treatments that offer an insight into their personality and taste.

The importance of curtain fabric in draping:

One can go for a light fabric or the heavier drape as there is a wide variety of different types of fabrics in the market today but selection usually depends on the color of the room, privacy required, how hot or cold you want it to be and the amount of light you prefer entering your room. Those wanting to make full use of the light entering your room may prefer a light fabric with light color and soft patterns on it rather than a heavy drape. If your window gets a lot of sunlight, avoid using dark colored materials, as they will fade quickly, unless the curtain fabric is supportive by protective lining fabric too.

Parameters to keep in mind while choosing fabric for curtains:

The size of the room is of utmost importance as is the amount of illumination the room gets, or requires. Apart from this primary concern, the shape of the window and the color and upholstery of the furniture kept in the room should also be taken into consideration when selecting curtain fabric. If buying curtains for a formal room, the use of fabrics such as brocade, damask, faille, silk, velvet or velveteen is advisable but if the room is an informal setting, then selection can be based on fabrics like boucl, chintz, cotton sateen, linen and sheeting. Casual rooms call for friendly options like the welcoming prints and texture afforded by broadcloth, burlap, canvas, corduroy, denim, muslin, poplin, suede cloth or tweed.

Another thing one would do well to remember is the thickness of the curtain pole on which the curtains will hang as this can be affected by the weight of the fabric. The width of the curtain should be a little more than the width of the window to give it an elegant look and can be further added if gathers are required

Air Curtains

Handy Maxx — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:15:08 +0000

An Air Curtain is a ventilating device used primarily for separating two temperature zones. Though it does have other benefits as well. The device is mounted over an entrance of a space that needs to have a door-less entrance. The air curtains can blow heated air during winter and cooled air during summer to prevent cool or hot air from seeping in from the outside. The device consists of heating elements, that can be electric or hot water, and a fan that is powerful enough to set up a high velocity airflow reaching the floor. Ambient, i.e. non-heated air curtains are often used in conjunction with cold storages and refrigerated rooms or air-conditioned places where energy is lost and temperatures disrupted by constantly opening and closing the door of the space that is air-conditioned.

How it works:
The sir flow through a door depends on wind forces, temperature and pressure differences. The Air curtain maintains a constant air pressure and temperature at the entrance and thus prevents outside air from coming in and inside air from going out. Air Curtains also helps to keep fumes generated from the shop floor from coming inside the adjacent areas.

Additional benefits:
The air curtain eliminates the need for expensive plastic stripping, flapper doors, or canvas curtains. It forms a silent, invisible barrier preventing flying insects from entering the space at the same time allowing pedestrian traffic to come and leave without having to constantly open and close a door which will allow the temperature inside the space to be disrupted. Air curtains facilitate buildings, shop floors, reception areas to have door-less entrances and are also referred to as air doors, fly fans or air screens. They prevent the possibility of accidents with unobstructed view of passage ways.

The air curtain is easily mounted over entrance ways of warehouse doors up to 16 feet high, the air curtains direct an invisible stream of stratified heated air downward. In addition to adding to employee and customer comfort during cold weather they provide crucial energy saving for the company.

Many air curtain designers refrain from placing air curtains over entrances to reception areas, offices and other work places that are frequented by executives and business class people because it disturbs the hair. But then, there are more benefits to having an air curtain than worrying about having to settle your hair.

Cubicle curtain

Handy Maxx — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:30:02 +0000

As the name suggests, cubicle curtains are meant for use between cubicles and smaller spaces to provide a divisional channel that it not permanent in nature and at the same time gives a sense of light and privacy to those on either sides. Cubicle curtains can be used in medical, industrial and commercial applications and come in a variety of materials and designs, depending on the usage they are intended for.

Kinds of cubicle curtains

The use of cubicle curtains and the purpose they are utilized for are the determining factors for the various kinds of cubicle curtains. It can be simple to provide shade and privacy between partitioned areas or even to enhance the interiors and therefore be more fanciful and shapely. There are contract manufacturers of cubicle curtains for medical purposes who state that curtains for operation theatres differ from those used in pediatric and general wards, the former being solid in color, allowing hardly any light to filter through while providing privacy and the latter being brighter, possibly to substitute as a touch of personal care and comfort. The general use cubicle curtains are plain lengths of fabric or vinyl that is strong in texture and heat sealants are used to make the pleats and hems stay in place. Grommets can be installed for those cubicle curtains that require this option and manufacturers specializing in this variety can do all kinds of sewing, binding and surging to meet the most exacting of needs. The shape of cubicle curtains is usually rectangular or square as they need to look and stay as neat and orderly as possible for official use and minimum frills ensures that care needed to be expended on their maintenance is reduced. Bigger may not always be better here and sometimes businesses prefer smaller, more subtle cubicle curtains that do not get in the way and thereby dominate the room instead.

Usage of cubicle curtains

Cubicle curtains can be used advantageously in medical, industrial, commercial & recreational applications and their design and fabric selection, from concept, to prototype and production are taken care of by manufacturers who consult with the customer through representatives for this purpose of providing complete satisfaction, complete with protective wraps, holding flaps, and services like silk screening and embroidery too

Door curtain

Handy Maxx — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:00:03 +0000

Door coverings are a vital part of interior design for a couple of reasons. First of all, doors are tending to be large areas of wall square footage; therefore what you put on them will have a large impact. Secondly, the door coverings impact things like light and drafts. Choosing door coverings, which are often more expensive, requires consideration of these elements as well as careful measuring of the windows.

Types of Door Coverings

Blinds are one class of door coverings. They have the slightest light blocking qualities of all the coverings. Under this falls plantation shutters, which are made of wood or plastic made to appear like wood. There are also Venetian blinds, accessible in vertical or horizontal styles. These can be prepared of plastic, fabric covered plastic, aluminum, wood, or vinyl. There are further ranges in colors. Curtains are another kind of door covering category. One can buy heavy, custom made curtains with linings that cover the whole of the door. These will endow privacy, light protection, and keep out cold and hot air. One can also purchase lighter weight fabric that will let in the sun but provide a little privacy. Or one can purchase fabric panels to drape around your windows but not cover them. All the configurations are infinite.

Measuring Your Door

First of all, one should decide as to where you want your window coverings. Blinds are generally contained within the window frame, not outside of it. Curtains may be inside the door, a little bit outside, or a lot outside. Will the curtain go to the floor, which gives the manifestation of a taller door, or cover half the door like a cafe curtain? You’ll require measuring the inside measurements of your door if that’s where you want you’re covering to be. With a friend helping you, write down all these dimensions. Also calculate the vertical height of your door. Many door coverings arrive in pre-measured dimensions. If your door is oddly sized, you will have to shell out the cash for custom coverings. Keep in mind this is an investment in your home, like any other, so spend intelligently. A little bit more spent now could save you the money of redoing it over if the cheaper resources only last a year.

Sewing curtain

Handy Maxx — Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:03 +0000

The pattern weave, fiber content and the weight of the curtain material will all have an impact on the finish, durability and the ability to control light penetration, so these factors must be kept in mind before embarking on a curtain sewing project. If lightweight weaves are used, then there will be no dearth of light in the room and the opposite holds true for the heavier fabric curtains.

Determinants for sewing curtains

The normal width materials – 54inches or extra wide at 110 inches/118 inches- are used for sewing curtains; the latter being for unlined sheer curtains as these are required to run sideways with the selvage at the top and bottom of the curtains, so they can be made without seams. Patterned fabrics need to be studied and sewn such that when upright, the selvage is at the top and bottom, but for narrower patterned fabric, this will mean that the selvage will be sideways. The weight for curtain materials has a wide variety and each fabric has to be judged according to the use it is to serve. One way of checking is to hold up one corner and see how it drapes on the bias; there being none is indicative of unworthiness as a curtain. Woven curtains should be held against the light at a window to check for warp distortions and if the fabric looks striped, then this can be given the ditch too. For printed/woven patterns that are repeated, vertically or horizontally, the exact length and width of each repeat design is important for cohesiveness when sewing curtain as vertical alignment is necessary on adjacent panels in a curtain and every curtain hem should start from the same place on every cut of the material. To ensure that distortion does not happen, do ensure before purchase that any patterned fabric matches well- check both selvages at the same point to make sure it matches economically across the full width.

Guidelines for sewing curtains

The lining/interlining of a curtain is color maintenance and are a must, unless they are sheers, as it ensures longer life, and that the wrong side of a print is not visible from the outside. Flannel, Cotton or poly blends with it, are durable, protecting from sun damage while insulating it. Making your own bias binding/piping and adding a touch of lace or fabric remnants from other furnishing in the room, can give the curtains emphasis and a personal touch.

Blackout curtain

Handy Maxx — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 23:30:02 +0000

A blackout curtain, as the name suggests, is a curtain that is used in a room to filter out excessive light or heat (possibly both) and provide a certain amount of privacy and coolness to the area wherein it is used, thereby causing a ‘blackout’ of the illumination that would have resulted, had it not been for this kind of curtain.

How the blackout curtain originated

Curtains and screens, which were to be used for blackout, were first developed to shade sensitive crops and to manage the photoperiod of others. These were used to supply insulation and help keep heat near the plants, thus preventing the loss of heat radiation to the cold of the night or late evenings. When these blackout curtains were used with the support of thermal screens, they aided in the maintenance of better heat distribution to crops under the screen too.

Usage of blackout curtain in the present day

Blackout curtain can be used as an alternative to regular curtains or as a supplementary to already existing fabric curtains, vertical and roller blinds, cubicle blinds and screens. They can be functional and complementary to the usage of the room, be it in a home, a hotel, hospital or office building. Apart from shading and protective purposes, the blackout curtain is also used for thermal insulation and also the prevention of condensation of plants in greenhouses, the initial use of such covers.

Beneficial features of blackout curtain

Most of the blackout curtains available in the market today are fire retardant fabrics that can be prepared for printing or dyeing (as per manufacturer’s need) and the ones made out of polyester are arguably the best as they are naturally easy to wash and iron by higher heat. When these are used as thermal insulation or as a protective screen while viewing movies to enhance the viewing pleasure by bringing out the best color tones in the video onscreen and reducing the reflective element of light in the room, the blackout curtains give the user the distinct advantage of substantial savings in the form of energy conservation.

Lace curtain

Handy Maxx — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 19:15:06 +0000

The rage of the use of the lace curtains is on!!!! The use of the lace curtains describes the class and the skills .The lace curtains are in vogue. The aura of flashing these lace curtains is quite a rage!!!!These are generally paired with the main longer ones for support. These could be of various materials generally nylon, polyester.etc.These could be the sheer curtains. The Lace curtains show the presence of the radiance in ones’ tastes and the piece of art. The Lace curtains generally originated from the China. There the Lace curtains are under the daily use. Whereas the Lace curtains sell as Hot cakes in the World Markets.

Varieties

The different types of the curtains are: Rachel lace curtain: Lace curtain first originated in China, Double toned lace curtain: this also derived from China. The price terms are FOB, CIF, Lace caf curtain: This is also from China, Lace kitchen curtain, Lace curtain. The Caryl Lace Panel with attached Tassle Valance-it ranges around US$ 9.99 to US$11.99.The Vienna Lace curtains is around US$ 6.99 to US$ 9.99.Lucrene Lace curtains so around US$ 11.99 to US$21.99.Provence Gacard Lace Curtains is around US$7.99 to US$9.99.The snowy lace curtains. The Macram Tab curtains is around US$19.99 to US$ 34.99.The Vanessa Lace is around US$9,99 to US$17.99.The Tamara is around US$9.99 to 24.99. The Queen Anne’s lace Curtains: this the most renowned place to purchase that stack of pretty looking Lace curtains. These are located at Madras now popularly known as Chennai.These are generally ecru, pale white, gold or the coffe coloured. These lace curtains are also soaked in Th e starch to give it that effect to. These are sometimes dipped overnight in the Natural dyes to give the m the scarce colorations.

Classifications.

The Lace curtains are based on the appearance of the following characters, namely; Lace panel, Medallion design, the attached of whether the Scalloped or the Tassled valance, the colors -white, ecru or gold. The type of the material is polyester, cotton .etc, the type of the care and maintenance required in the curtains,
The length of the panel is also one of the important aspects as it is the reason of the support system. The different types of the arrangements on the surfaces.

Safety at the Internet

The various sites available on the Internet giving details over the purchase are accredited for the safety and surety. Hacker’s safe, Trusted Commerce, and Internet retailer provide the security. Pay pal. The mode of payment is also very simple. These can be received through the Master card, Visa card, personal cheques.

Outdoor curtains

Handy Maxx — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:45:04 +0000

The idea to transit the external appearance of your homes one needs to install these outdoor curtains for sure. Just the class of the curtains in the air is he proof of their supremacy in the curtain markets. The price tags related are too less to enlist the multifaceted qualities of these curtains. These act as the barriers to the sunlight in your outdoors and are protective in nature without the weather intrusion.

Inclusive of

These normally comprises the canopies, tents, sheers, silk curtains, the sunbrellas, antisundamage drapes sunshades, awnings. There is a range of the four (04), five 905) feet and eight (08) m feet sized sun awnings that are available in the market. These are easily attached to the bricks, wood and the metallic appendages.

The types

The intent instant tent is for US$79.99, sun shade tripod is for US$ 110.00, outdoor window shades is for US$59.99, awning for four (04) feet is for US$155.00, horizontal awning, awning designer 4 feet is for US$ 170.00, awning classic 6 foot is for US$ 170.00, awning 6 feet designer is for US$ 189.00. The awning 8-foot classicis US$1990, awning 8-foot designer is for US$220.00, retractable awning -motorized (10 feet is for US$1349.00, 11feet is for US$ 1449.00, 12feet is for US$1549.00, 13feet is for US$1599.00, 14feet is for US$1649.00, 15 feet1699 is for US$.) The sunshade 6X6 is for US$149.00. The shade 8″X6″ is for US$ 175.00. The Side weather panel is for US$199.00. The retractable awning -motorized for 16feet is around US$1749.00. The retractable awning -motorized for 17 feet is for 1799.00. The retractable awning for 18 feet is for US$1799.

The Revia 9 canvas umbrella: his is made up of high quality polyester, green colour, water resistant, nine (09) diameter 9 foot (in thickness) the other accessories are the sundials, clocks and therms, fountains, furniture, gazing balls, hose items, green houses, rain gauges, wind chimes. The post boxes, the benches and the storages, the stand for the birds,

Colors

Burgundy, blue, forest green, sand, and beige, yellow, green.

Mode of payment

These varieties are available on the Internet and are payable with the help of the following names: Visa card, MasterCard, American Express, Discover.

Shower curtain rods

Handy Maxx — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 06:45:03 +0000

The well thought out and coordinated look of fixtures, furniture and furnishings can make a bath look regal, classic, elegant, modernist, fun and trendy or simply functional; in the same way, as curtains look great when they suit the mood of the shower, if the base they rely on is as well in tune with the theme and as attractive, it can be a signature in style- and here is where shower curtain rods play a very important role in adding to the glamour quotient of a bathroom.

Types of shower curtain rods

Life comes full circle and its no different for a splash with curved shower rods; there is the saving grace of high quality and exclusive curved rods that are very popular and available in a variety of materials and colors, with or without delicate or bold ornamentation at the corners to catch every envious eye. These fit built in tub openings as well as various shower units as they are very versatile in use. The next equally favored kind is the L-shaped corner shower rod, sharing popular footage with corner tubular shower rods which are usually made of 1 inch diameter tubing and can be cut to fit your application- considerably lower in cost too. Depending on your budget and the gilt you feel your bath needs, you can purchase these shower curtain rods in chrome, brushed nickel or polished brass finishes. The straight and tubular brass shower curtain rods with die-cast wall flanges and mounting hardware also come in the same metal finish and the oval shower curtain rings are a well-rounded dream and can be mounted to a shower riser pipe, wall or the ceiling. Rectangular shower curtain rings can fit ceilings and mount showers too, fit claw foot or whirlpool tubs. Finally, the U-shaped shower curtain rods have ceiling supports for easier and durable mounting while the option of using shower rod braces is utilized by many as well.

Innovation in shower curtain rods

Aluminum covered shower curtain tracks, rods and accessories featuring L-shaped, neo-angle and carousel rods apart from the regular straight ones are coming with add-ons ornamental carvings, bejeweled finishes, oil-rubbed bronze finished shower curtain rods are the all the rage today. But, while flipping over the vast variety is inevitable, one would do well to keep in mind that the best shower curtain rod is that which requires low cost plumbing with good looks and durability.

Curtain valances

Handy Maxx — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:45:04 +0000

Window treatment and hardware can be used to improve a beautiful view or disguise an unpleasant one. Embellished window panels and valances are styled on decorative curtain rods add sophistication to a room. Lace tiers with fruit motifs are ideal for a kitchen nook. Window art decals and appliqus are a rapid way to add an etched or stained glass appearance. Decorative rod and finial hardware are not only operative but accent the room decor as well. A fabric valance truly adds the crowning stroke to any window treatment. They’re so versatile, as well, working in ideal harmony with curtains or as a soft over treatment to any of our shade styles. With 4 styles and 23 fabric choices accessible, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your taste and decor.

Popular way to install curtain valances

A better way to install window treatments in your home or office is to find an affordable and reliable design that is assured to stay on your windows for years to come. Once you have established a powerful and upstanding set of blinds on your windows, for example, you can work on improving them to better fit your environment. For example, an innovative way to improve your window treatments is with an exciting curtain rod style that is decorative and new. Another fresh idea is to place ribbons or interwoven cords athwart the top of the curtain valances, tab curtains or other style. Take benefit of their rustic look with a lively stencil sketch of beaches, palm trees, the mountains or another scenic depiction.

Conclusion

A valance is another favorite among window treatments and generally used for purely decorative purposes. You require a piece of fabric approximately twice as wide as your window and about sixteen inches long. Start by hemming the sides and bottom to generate smooth edges. Next, fold the top edge over about four inches, toward the backside of the fabric. Sew a straight line at the two-inch mark, to generate a ruffle, and then sew just above the four-inch mark, to attach the bottom edge. This will generate a rod pocket. Slide the valance onto the curtain rod, and scrunch and fluff as required. Even if you don’t have a lot of decorating or sewing experience, you can create your own window treatments. They are easy and fun to make, and when your guests compliment the look, you have the added bonus of saying you made the treatments yourself.

Curtain track

Handy Maxx — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:45:05 +0000

Are the old curtain tracks of yours lowering the tone of your room? Have you considered altering your existing curtain track for a new curtain track in a style to complement the rest of your room? There is such a wide choice of curtain tracks accessible, it can be a frustrating task trying to get just the right track in a retail shop. Complementing the style, mood and atmosphere of a room is easy with the right curtain track. Curtains can be draped in several ways or fabric can be simply arranged around your track to create a stylish effect. Poles Direct aim to proffer the widest selection of curtain track coupled with the best service and as part of a family business established over 30 years ago, we have a track record you can trust.

Types of curtain tracks

PVC is inexpensive, flexible and appropriate for light and medium weight curtains. A corded option is not accessible with this type of track. Aluminums is more expensive but stronger and more comfortable, as well as being bendable. It is also appropriate for light and medium weight fabric and gives you smoother drawing curtains. Corded and Uncorded options are accessible with this type of track. Steel is appropriate for heavy weight curtains. This kind of track is not bendable and is always corded. Heavy duty aluminums can be prepared to exact lengths and can be ordered ready bent. A bendable valance track is accessible for use with our PVC and Aluminums tracks and a track or valance combination in steel, which is not bendable, is also accessible.

Uncorded and Corded curtain tracks

Uncorded curtain tracks have texture of nylon gliders which slot into the bottom of the track. You can yourself pull the curtains to open and close them. Corded tracks are threaded with nylon cord at the back which links to a system of gliders and pulleys. You open and close the curtains by using a pull-cord, without having to handle the curtain, caring more delicate fabrics from damage. Corded tracks are also helpful for heavy curtains and for tall windows, making drawing your curtains easier. Corded tracks are over 3m in length that will have cords at both ends rather than just one.

Curtain ring

Handy Maxx — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:30:04 +0000

The curtain rings hold the curtain in the rod and also help to slide the curtains smoothly. There are curtains rings for the shower curtains and also for every room. The curtain rings are available in variety of materials ranging from wrought iron, steel, bamboo, wood, and brass rings. In short non-rusty rings are available. In the bedroom you need these rings for the curtains and in the bathroom you would need them for the shower curtains. The rings for the shower curtains come in different shapes and sizes with respect to the size and material of the rod used. There are times when you are in hurry and the shower curtains don’t roll on the rods smoothly, give a strong tug and the curtain is torn. This at times makes you grumpy and irritated you feel the quality of life is diminishing. But today you have shower rings that are water resistant as they are chrome-plated which glide smoothly across the rod. These rings can be used for draperies too.

Curtain rings – style

Curtains help to update the bathrooms as well as the other rooms in the house. Huge choice is available depending on ones personal tastes and budget. You have many popular curtain rings that go well with different styles of the curtains. Depending on your choice of the bathroom dcor you can choose the curtains in metal and plastic materials, or the ones that suit the curtain pattern. For instance, if the cabin has a rustic look then you can go for wooden rings. The rings come in variety of colors and styles and paying attention to such small detail can make big difference to the overall setting of the bathroom. When choosing the curtains rings keep in mind the image you would want project and what colour would suit best or blend with the curtains. For ideas and designs and price range of the curtain rings all you need is to browse the Internet. You could get a wide range of options and tips in the Internet. Online shopping allows you the luxury of browsing wide range of product lines from the comfort of your homes.

Curtain hooks

Simple and inexpensive curtain hooks helps to attach the curtains to the rails. They come in variety of finishes, including plastic, metal, wood, bamboo and different colours to suit the theme of your room. They can be used for shower curtains also. Shower curtain hooks are available wide range of funky designs like fish curtain hooks to match the aquatic theme.

Living room curtain

Handy Maxx — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:03 +0000

Live -in the living room curtain:

The living room is the one of field to manifest your decorative skills. With this area you can experiment with the ample amount of the raw talent in your veins for the making of that perfect dcor in your very own style.

Types with their arrangement:

The most famous arrangement is with the Cafe curtain. These curtains are very affordable .the windows are covered to only one fourth of their original size. The various types of rings can be tied with the help of the colourful and matching rings. The gives the very feel of the comfortable French Caf. The No -Sew curtains are next on the list. The no-sew curtains derive its name from the very traditional ways of making it. It has to be sewn to complete its making. It is hemmed at its ends. There is the skill of double hemming. The next would surely be the hourglass curtains: these are very peculiarly sewn to support the sheer or the lace curtains. The width of these curtains is generally wide. These curtains are by and large the best apposite for the French Classical window styles. The Lining curtains: The lining curtains are meticulously designed to prevent the entrance of the sunlight. The linings are also termed to be thermally protective. There are the beaded curtains that also look very classy. There are the curtains, which are made up of the shells and the corals depositions.

The arrangement styles

The arrangement could also in the garden style sometimes. The appearance is normally very natural and represents the casualness like one is taking a stroll in his or her garden. The lounge arrangement: this is as per the arrangement one would witness in a well served bar or the lounge. This arrangement would involve the very use of the classical lounge curtains. The lounge curtains are generally larger than the size of the windows and are prominently well inserted to look longer than the windows too. The other types of the arrangements are: Allure living room, Asian red silk living room, Black accents living, burgundy living room, Chinoiserie living, Denim covered lining, exotica den living room, French Empire room, Magnolia living room, Modern living room, sage living room.

The living room curtains need to be chosen very carefully. The reason being so is that the curtains represent the bearing of th4e name of the house and the manufacturer’s also. The mixing of the lush colours, the lengths employed, the curtain sizes.

Vinyl Shower Curtain

Handy Maxx — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 23:30:03 +0000

The intelligent use of Vinyl can change the look of a bathroom, making it regal, classic and elegant or plain fun and less clinical. One option for prettier than usual vinyl shower curtains would be to use printed vinyl.

Use of Vinyl Shower Curtains:

Shower curtains, in times of the past, were used solely to keep the shower water from wetting the parts of the bathroom from getting wet with the shower water dripping all over the floor. Today shower curtains are the main point of a bathroom dcor. With the curtains getting wet and the bathroom being a damp place the curtains were prone to attract fungal growth. So people experimented with plastics of various forms and colors to brighten up the bathroom and keep the fungus and bacteria away at the same time reduce the maintenance of the curtains.

Advantages of Vinyl Curtains:

Vinyl rose as an ideal choice for the house lady. Being 100 percent waterproof and mildew resistant vinyl does not require a lining like regular fabric thus it became the choice of many. Vinyl is easy to maintain and come in a variety of color and prints. There is no dearth of the types of vinyl shower curtains to choose from. They are available in a wide range of designs and styles; shopping for seasonal styles is not a hard task thus making it easy to match with the various bathroom decors available. Vinyl shower curtains are affordable allowing for regular seasonal purchase. Vinyl adds the finishing touch to a bathroom creating your own designer shower curtains.

Children love to play in the shower in the hot summer season. Vinyl is the ideal shower curtain to brighten up the children’s bathroom with the many different colors and prints that are available in the market. These prints range from sceneries to cartoon characters in a wide range of colors that are a favorite with the children. The curtains are not such an expensive proposition as well; with the easy maintenance and the durable fabric that it is it is an ideal investment in ones bathroom.

Silk curtain

Handy Maxx — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:15:04 +0000

For all those wishing to dress up their windows in a style that makes a statement on their taste, personality and also add elegance to the home, there are many options for curtain designing, but the fabric used is equally important for getting the right effect. The grace of silk curtains in unparallel by any other material when the question is of elegance, style and dignity. Old windows can get new life and a charming look with a touch of these swirling fabric bands and grab the attention in any part of the house, be it a romantic look desired for the bedroom, or privacy and softness in a dressing are or for maximum glamour to the living room.

Silk curtains can enhance the home

Silk curtains can be used in a varied ways, depending on the look one may want to achieve for the room in question and the right style can bring out the vibrancy and depth of color and tone in both material and walls. They can add a soft touch to the window architecture and keep out draught but when it comes to monitoring the filtration of sunlight, they need the added insulation of lining fabrics. Silk curtains are also limited in their ability for adding any element of sound proofing as they are by nature light in weave and texture so cannot be a noise barrier as effectively as their heavier fabric counterparts like velvet and cotton casements. But, when it comes to elegance and richness, they are unmatched in both departments as they enhance the appearance of the room, if styled in elaborate drapes and patterns. Silk curtains can be simple tab tops, pleated ones for a more modern look, contrasted with borders of another color and rings in gold or silver metal finish for an elaborate look, be pinch-pleated for added fullness or gathered in swags and tails and tiers for added sophistication.

Rich look and sophistication of silk curtains

Elegant drapes, reaching full to the floor and lying in puddles can be the ultimate look of luxury and style that can add new dimensions to the window and grant the living room a formal, indulgent and dignified look. If these are the more expensive variety than the local departmental store offer (mixed with synthetic elements) then it is advisable to line them as silk tends to attract dust, sunlight and dirt easily and thus get discolored faster than most other fabrics.

Curtains

Handy Maxx — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:41:26 +0000

The curtains and its uses:

A curtain is also known as the drape or drapery. The curtain is a piece of the cloth intended to block or obscure light. Curtains are normally hung on the inside of a building’s window to block the light to come inside the room. Most commonly it is used in night to aid the sleeping. The curtains are a good source of ventilation, when you want the air to come but not the light. The curtains are also used for the privacy reasons. The curtains are easily available in the market and it is also available in a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, colors and patterns. The main purpose of the curtains remains the decoration. Most of the department store have there own section that is completely dedicated to the selling of the curtains. The curtains are also used for the visual separation from the audience in any art performance at the stage. There is a lot of religious significance of the curtains. The curtains are used in almost every place of worship.

Types of curtains:

There are many types of curtains available in the market according to your needs. The curtains are available in the fabulous colors and designs. The curtains are also available in many sizes as to fit according to your needs. The curtains’ size depends upon the purpose for which it is used. The curtains are also available in every type of cloth such as silk and cotton. The price of the curtains also varies much. With the increase in the single family home the curtain industry have also recorded a significant growth. The curtains look fabulous on the doors and windows and it increases the beauty of the house to many times.

Care and cleaning of the curtains:

The curtain needs a lot of care especially when the curtains are made of silk or any other delicate substance. The regular cleaning is also necessary. The dust particles can very easily make the curtains dirty. However the cleaning of the curtains is not very difficult. The curtains can be washed at home with hands or by the washing machine. The sunlight can also arm the delicate curtains.

Curtain panels

Handy Maxx — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 14:18:59 +0000

In most of the homes, the traditional way of just adorning the windows with just curtains have given way to adding more window dressing which gives an interesting decorum to the windows. Curtain panels are nothing but the frames around the windows that give added attraction to the room. You get to buy ready to hang panels is a good alternate to curtains and draperies, if you are short of time and your guests are due shortly and the windows in spare bedroom are without curtains. Ready-made curtain panels are available in outlets, which sell linen, bedding shops and stores that sell home furnishing goods. Apart from the standard window panels, attractive door panel is also available to match the window headings.

Attractive styles
Panel styles range from casual to frilly ones. Laces, fringes, ribbons are sometimes incorporated with panels to make it attractive. Length ranges from long panels to short ones. Curtain panels can be rippled, slightly gathered or tightly gathered when mounted. Some of the fabric choices that you will encounter are gauze, scrim, lace, velvet, denim, canvas and sailcloth. Panels were available in limited range of colors and prints in the past but today it’s a different story all together. The ready-made panels come in awesome array of colors, plaids, floral and geometric prints. You even get soft shades of white, which was not so common in the past. One thing you need to remember is that ready made panels are unlined and should be dry-cleaned to be prevented from shrinking and to preserve their look and finish. The panels made of bed sheets are also inexpensive. These panels are made the same size as the window and attached to the window with loops that match the hooks of the window frame. Panels cover the entire window or half the window as per the requirements.

Some tips

1. Ascertain the dimensions of the window you want to cover. The total panel width depends on the type of panel you choose. If the panel is flat panel you need little more than the actual measurement. If the panel is of gathered type, then you need twice the measured width. You need to take into consideration the length of the panel too.

2. Ready-made panels are available individually or impairs. You can get panels in a single width and several lengths. If you have doubts regarding the measurement of the panels consult the supplier.

3. Buy panels from reputable firms. Many firms will accept returns if you don’t like the way the panel look when you install them. The colours shown in the catalog need not be reproduced, so to be on the safe side request swatches before ordering.

Bathroom shower curtain

Handy Maxx — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:56:42 +0000

Those long lengths of fabric that can give warmth, character, color and privacy or a peek into one’s personality and taste are not simply meant for bedrooms or kitchens or warding off the elements of nature. With the changing times and fashion ideas for home and people undergoing a sea change, designers and decorators have been kept on their toes by many a demand for the bathroom being furnished as well.

Fabric curtains:
The clever use of fabric can make a bathroom look feminine or masculine, functional or regal, classic and elegant or plain fun and less clinical as the home owner has gone beyond looking for a private spot that offers the utility items needed for daily ablutions. One option for prettier than usual shower curtains would be in the use of printed cotton, loose-lined with thin plastic. This can be done at home too, if one is a dab hand with the needle and thread at a fraction of the cost of store-bought ones. For those that dread sewing and the time it takes, there is the easier and quicker option of a retail market catering solely to such needs for the bath.

When the shower is being used, the fabric curtains fall outside the bath and the plastic lining goes inside to stop water from dripping on the floor. If you make the linings detachable, the fabric shower curtains can be washed separately. The beauty of shower curtains is that they can be used to accentuate a bathroom even if there is no shower in it and these look very decorative. One way of doing this differently is by hanging bathroom shower curtains at two ends of the bathing area and then looping them back with ribbon tiebacks. This idea fits very well if the bath fits along a short wall or into an alcove.

Enhancing bathroom shower curtains:
A simple way to make existing shower curtains more attractive is to hang them from ribbon bows instead of the regularly used hooks or rings. Bright and trendy bathroom shower curtains can be made from spinnaker nylon, the material usually used for making yacht sails and this has the advantage of a wide range of brilliant primary colors so one is spoiled for choice. Decorative rails and brackets add to the final touch needed to liven up any set of bathroom shower curtains.

Shower curtain hooks

Handy Maxx — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:14:22 +0000

It is a well-established fact that shower curtains and bath ensembles all go a long way in decorating a bath and enhancing the mood of this very personal room. But, what is less understood is that there are many ways to further beautify these very add-ons and showcase them in a more attractive light, than ordinarily used means: like the use of unique and exclusive shower curtain hooks, which are all the rage today.

Types of shower curtain hooks

While most shower curtains are machine made and in the manufacturing process, have grommets fitted into them so the homeowner can put it up with ease on expanded metal rods or wires, the average shower curtains come with oval, oblong or circular hooks on them, made of durable plastic in a variety of colors to match the prints of the shower curtain. These shower curtain hooks can also be purchased from local departmental stores separately, if a contrast is required or a special touch needed for ornamentation. There are Flex-on loops available too and these are a good option for all those that love to indulge in a bit of crafting and sew their own shower curtains, as these loops come with comprehensive instructions on how to attach them on to the shower curtain after stitching is done, mostly, by a simple snapping on action.

Shower curtain hooks can be a unique decorating solution

There are shower curtain hooks made of resin, which used to be imported from Asian countries earlier, but are now available easily in a variety of textures and materials, with unique designs and symbols on them, in glazed and glitter finishes too. The spirit of the wild, wild West can be captured in some shower hooks with symbols like the sheriff’s badge, star-shaped spurs and little cowboy hats made on the shower curtain hooks, in sturdy metal. Usually, manufacturers of these exclusive items, have specially crafted molds for these and one can order them online as well, provided it is for a certain minimum quantity. At times, there are options of having the shower curtain hooks in tune with the prints on the curtain, for example, the use of floral shaped hooks on a flowery print shower curtain definitely goes a long way to grab attention and make a unique style statement.

Curtain wall

Handy Maxx — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:07:05 +0000

Curtain wall is used to mention about the set of walls that surround and protect the interior of a medieval castle. These walls are frequently connected by a series of towers or mural towers to add strength and provide for better defense of the ground outside the castle, and are connected like a curtain draped between these posts. Additional provisions and buildings were frequently enclosed by such a construction, designed to help a garrison last longer during a siege by enemy forces. Curtain wall is a term used to mention about a building faade which does not carry any dead load from the building other than its own dead load. These loads are transferred to the main building structure through associations at floors or columns of the building.

More about the curtain wall

Curtain walls are typically designed with extruded aluminum members, although the first curtain walls were prepared of steel. The aluminum frame is typically in filled with glass, which endows an architecturally pleasing building, as well as benefits such as day lighting and environmental control. Other familiar infill includes stone veneer, metal panels, louvers, and operable windows or vents. Curtain walls differ from the storefront systems in that they are designed to span multiple floors, and take into consideration design requirements such as thermal expansion and contraction, building sway and movement, water diversion, and thermal efficiency for cost-effective heating, cooling, and lighting in the building.

Conclusion

Prior to the mid-20th Century, buildings were constructed with the exterior walls of the building sustaining the load of the entire structure. With the advent of the structural concept of shear walls and building cores, the exterior walls of buildings no longer had to sustain high dead loads and could be designed as much lighter and more open than the brick and steel facades of the past. This gave way to augmented use of glass as an exterior faade, and the modern day curtain wall was born. The first curtain walls were prepared with steel mullions, and the glass was attached to the mullions with tape and urethane sealant. An outer cap was installed to hold the glass in place and to defend the integrity of the seals. Today, the design complexity and shapes obtainable are nearly limitless. Custom shapes can be designed and contrived with relative ease. Similarly, sealing methods and kinds have evolved over the years, and as a result, today’s curtain walls are high performance systems which require little maintenance.