How to Measure Blinds

Before you can purchase either standard or custom blinds, you must measure your windows to ensure a proper fit. Yet, even before you measure you have to ask yourself whether you would like an inside mount or an outside mount for your blinds. Generally speaking, home and business owners prefer that blinds are hung inside the window recess, an inside mount. However, if you want your windows to appear larger or you want to hide an unattractive window or window frame, then an outside mount may be preferable. Remember, if you choose an inside mount, your window opening must provide an adequate unobstructed depth for mounting; but if you prefer an outside mount, you'll need to make sure to allow for the height of the mounting brackets.

Here are some tips that will help you get the best measurement possible:

With a steel measuring tape, measure to the nearest eighth of an inch (or millimetre) and don't round your measurements. Keep clear notes that indicate which measurements are for width and height as it is very easy to transpose these figures. Width measurements are always listed first for standard or custom blinds. Also measure the actual window opening size so that you are certain that the blinds will fit into the window recess if you prefer an inside mount. For an outside mount, add at least three inches to each side of the window opening to improve light gap coverage and privacy.

Measuring for an Inside Mount

Many people make the mistake of only taking one measurement of width and height; unfortunately, there can actually be a discrepancy between the top/bottom and sides of your window. As such, you want to start by measuring the top, centre, and bottom of your window opening and record the smallest width. Next, measure the height of the window opening at the left, centre and right and record the tallest height. Also, measure the depth of your window opening to ensure you have enough space for mounting equipment. Now you're ready to buy standard blinds or place an order for custom blinds.

Measuring for an Outside Mount

Start by measuring the opening width, and if you have space add 3 inches to each side of the window opening to ensure maximum light blockage and privacy. Next, measure the opening height; again, you'll want to add a couple of inches to the height to allow space for mounting brackets and so that your blinds overlap the window opening. If you're concerned about how much height to add, ask your custom blind manufacturer or standard blind provider for the dimensions of mounting equipment.

Measuring blinds is not a difficult task, but you should always be sure to double check your measurements, especially if you're ordering custom blinds. Once you have purchased your blinds, you may not be able to return them if they don't fit.

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Holiday Parties for Grownups

Whether you're throwing a party for your college friends or just inviting all your fellow parents out for a gloriously child-free evening of fun and festivity, you're in for a treat. While most normal adults cringe at the thought of parties that revolve around children (unless they actually like waiting for the kids to pin the tail on the donkey or break open the piñata to reveal a pile of unappetizing, cheap candy), we can all use a little debauchery when the holidays roll around. Sure, the whole "sexy Halloween costume" thing is a little played-out, but there is so much more to hosting a party for adults. There's the table linen, the cocktails, the gifts, and, of course, the delightfully non-nugget, non-candy food. Here are just some ideas on how to throw a fun party for grownups, complete with suggestions for linens and appetizers.

The Political Party (with matching linens and event-appropriate dining)

Whether you're throwing a bash for the Fourth, watching the latest round of political debates, hosting a fundraiser, or waiting for the election results, political parties are a great way to feel triumphant (or disappointed) in good company. Look for table and chair covers in your Party's color, whether it's blue, red, or green. Unless it's a dinner fundraiser and you have a budget for a catering team and luxurious table linen, you'll probably want to limit the food to grill-friendly fare or finger foods. Finally, if you're hosting a drinking game for the debates (and who could blame you?), be practical in your choice of beverages. Stick with beer, sangria, and other drinks with a low-alcohol content to ensure your guests can drive home safely and legally.

The Halloween Party (with blood red table runners and lighting to match)

Lighting will make or break the mood for your Halloween party. You can have all the spider web table runners, black tulle linens and gory décor you want; if you host the whole thing under standard fluorescent lights, your guests won't be impressed. Fortunately, you can find colorful light bulbs at most hardware stores; if it's in season, you may be able to find them at drugstores as well. Choose red, orange, or purple. Check online for fun cupcake decorating tips (go with red velvet for bloody decadence), and be sure to serve some protein along with the sugary treats.

The Cocktail Party (with elegant table and chair covers)

You don't need to go full-blown snobby to host an elegant cocktail party. Sure, you'll probably want to rent table linen and make sure your home is well-organized and uncluttered. If you have a deck or a gazebo, you may want to host the party there. Serve antipasti, cheese, and other finger foods. Rent gorgeous table and chair covers to set the tone of formality. And, of course, make sure you have a decent selection of beverages and a great playlist.

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Inspiration for Christmas Home Decorating

Christmas is a hectic time of year to say the least; Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier each year as decorations, advertising on TV and shops seem to fill their stores before we even feel autumn pass. It's easy to feel under pressure in the festive season and whilst it's good to get in the festive spirit you don't want to create unnecessary pressure on yourself. If you're on a budget, as most of us tend to be, it's a great opportunity to expose your creative side and enjoy putting up the Christmas decorations that need not be a chore.

Firstly, you will need some preparation work to be carried out; this includes having a general tidy up around the house and clearing any unnecessary clutter. Usually Christmas decorations get left till the last minute and early preparation will help you stay on top of the rush. Think of it like an early spring clean, you will feel all the better and be able to see and appreciate the decorations in your home without the worry they are just covering up an already cluttered house. Making that extra effort will be worth it.

Whilst every area of the house may want to be decorated, try and focus on the areas and spaces that will be most lived in a visited by guests in your home. For example the kitchen and your living room. That way you can start with the centrally focused areas and work outwards; again not feeling the need to cover every square inch of your home. One of the most important features to your home is the Christmas tree; perhaps it is the most important. Try not to over decorate your tree, choose your colours, your theme and stick to it.

A popular idea is to tie ribbons in bows around the living room on door handles, around candles, curtain holders. Placing flowers, artificial or natural around the house will bring fresh and vibrancy into your home. Festive flowers such as mistletoe, Christmas flowers and ivy are suggestions for decorations. Hang stocking around the fireplace for a more traditional living room look. Glass bowls are great for filling with water for floating candle decorations, petals, or leaves. You could even fill your bowls with crisp pine cones, sprayed silver snow or gold for effect, as well as glass balls or marbles. The more innovative your ideas are you create the greater satisfaction it will bring when guests comment on how original and festively warm your home feels.

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Interiors for Care Homes

Moving into a care home will be a new and probably daunting experience and so people will want to be able to make some mark on their private space to make their surroundings familiar to them. Ensuring people can create a home from home, while also decorating the care home for essential needs is down to careful planning and consideration.

Neutral Decor:

One of the best ways to ensure the interiors of care homes are easy to work with is to add a neutral décor to the rooms. Neutral décor performs all the functions required and looks tidy, clean and attractive. However, when a person's own items are added it fades into the background and will allow them to add that personal touch that makes them feel more at home.

Interiors for care homes need to take their curtains, bedding and also furniture into account. These will all need to appeal to the intended user in terms of design, whilst being completely functional. Add the odd flourish of colour here or there to ensure the décor is not offensively bland.

Linen and Towels:

Linen and towels also need to be hard wearing and neutral. This ensures that they look their best after a quick clean or wash and that they are a practical choice for this sort of accommodation. Mattress protectors are also worth purchasing not just for hygiene reasons - they can also make a mattress a little more comfortable to lie on.

If the linen is supplied it should offer comfort, but also be an affordable choice for your organisation. Linen can become damaged for one reason or another and so it is necessary that it does not cost the world to replace. Also, remember that comfort is very important in a care home and a good night's sleep is a must - so relatively good quality linen is also required.

Most care homes are painted quite neutral colours, such as cream, beige or pastels. These colours work well with others and allow the resident to add their own items to the room without conflicting with the decor too much. This makes versatility very important.

Durability:

When there are a number of people using specific items in a home, they will need to be strong and durable.

Items in care homes need to be flame proof and also hard wearing. This is the case for everything from linen to the furniture. As many of us are well aware, anything can happen in a care home and it is always best be prepared.

It's essentially about getting the mix between durability and neutral design right. This allows for the place to be homely and also ensures that items won't have to be regularly replaced.

Finding the perfect mix for care homes can be tough, however follow the aforementioned and you should get a good idea of how to do so.

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What Do You Think About Brown Fabric For Your Interior Design?

I am pretty fond of brown and like to add brown fabric to all my interior design elements. Generally, brown can give a lot of richness and warmth to your space. Brown fabric is really daring and exciting and can be matched with many design items for various room types. This article will reveal some of the suggested ideas for using this material into your home interior design.

For kitchens, we can find stainless steel appliances, marble counterparts, new floors, and other kitchen sets. No doubt, all these items have special natural beauty and can add a lot to any kitchen. What about curtains that enjoy the brown roman shade? It sounds pretty marvelous. Of course, it is. All you need is to make sure that you use the most appropriate pattern that goes along with your cabinets. The result will be truly awesome. Try it and you will discover how brown fabric can add texture and privacy into your space.

For living room, most of us have some brown color in the living room. My idea is to retouch the interior design by using some instances of brown fabric to make a great combination of quality and luxury. When you add a botanical taupe print on the window along with some chocolate accents, indeed, you add a type of neutrality in the room. Try it! Feel it! The botanical taupe print gives unmatched atmosphere to your living room decoration.

Some people have a myth about brown, they sometimes consider it a dull color, but it is a color of richness and warmth. In general, brown can covers any item with a feeling of luxury. It is the perfect color for daring people who would like to try new ideas and fall in love with the consistent change in their life. Let me give an example, when we use copper in retouching the interior design, we can go daring, on the other side, when we use another light color such as orange we will not feel free to add it here or there. No doubt, it needs a special care and a type of accuracy.

Copper is considered a natural color that allows even novices and beginners to go around different inspirations. The brown color family is a really helpful and paramount element when it comes to interior design. So, use fabric brown to enrich your home style. You can use it whether to add simple touches or to go further foe an entire brown theme.

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5 Things to Consider While Buying Your Bed Sheets

Sheets and quilt covers come in handy in the market. They are available in a wide range of colors, designs, sizes and styles. For this reason, you have a wide selection from which, to choose the most ideal accessories for your bed. The items you choose play a crucial role in determining the quality of your sleep. Additionally, choosing the right items help to enhance beauty and elegance in the room. When buying your bed sheets, there are a number of factors you should keep in mind.

• Thread count Every item has a thread count. You will realize that each packaged sheet tells you of the number of threads it has. It is highly recommended that you settle for sets with higher thread count. This is based on the fact that such products are less coarse. Consider products with single ply thread because they have a high thread count and are of the best quality. Such products are also soft and enhance the quality of your sleep.

• Fabric When buying Sheets and quilt covers, it is imperative to consider the type of material and fabric used. There are products made of cotton, supima, Egyptian cotton and bamboo. Cotton items are great, soft, durable and easy to clean. Avoid cotton blends because they tend to pill over time.

• Weave feature It is also essential to look at the weave feature of the items you wish to purchase. They include sateen weaves and percale weaves. Sateen are known to be softer and do not last for long. Percale weaves on the hand are breathable and durable. Jacquard and twill weaves are also great for drapes. Therefore, take time to check on weave feature of your items before making a purchase.

• Manufacturing technique Additionally, when purchasing your products, it is essential to consider the manufacturing technique. They include combed, jersey, flannel and compact. Ask an expert to get the best products. You can also touch the items to check whether they guarantee the comfort you want. Flannel items are cozy and warm. The other feels soft, silky, smooth and cool. Therefore, take time to choose the best to enhance the quality of your sleep.

• Quality It is also essential that you take time to find high quality products. There are many dealers in the market that offer a wide range of bedroom accessories. Find a reputed dealer for top brands and quality items. Ensure the type of cotton used and manufacturing techniques are of the finest quality.

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