Most people aren’t aware of the variety of drapery styles available. From rod pocket drapery to ring top drapery – with clips or rings – to French pleat drapery and grommet drapery, there are styles to complete the look of any interior design. The following five styles are among the most popular:

* Rod pocket drapery means the drapes or top fabric portion of the drape is wrapped over the drapery rod. There are no added accessories like clips or grommets. This style preserves the simplicity of the drape. Rods should be no more than 1 inches in diameter or they may not fit within the curtain pocket. Versions of rod pocket drapery can be found from US manufacturers or overseas manufacturers.

* Ring Top Drapery Panels with clip on rings come with a variety of choices of ring finishes to accent drapery rods and hardware. Each drapery ring accommodates drapery rods up to 1 inch in diameter. Some custom curtain panels are sewn in the USA with fullness. Liner is generally not included but is an optional upgrade.

* Ring Top Drapery comes with sewn in drapery rings. Rings are available in a variety of finishes to accent the drapery hardware and rod. Drapery rings are included with choice of either metal or wood rings. Metal rings generally accommodate a drapery rod up to 1 1/2 inch in diameter while wood rings usually accommodate a curtain rod up to 1 3/8 inch in diameter.

* French pleat drapery panels bring a European flair to any home. The tucked pleat in the front brings a quaint charm to any room. These blinds are attached with a clip on the back that hooks into a pin. The fabric appears to sit above the rod, concealing most of the rod except the ends. Decorative ends can be used to dress up the curtains.

* Grommet drapery panels involve inserting a metal grommet into the fabric at the top, which mounts onto the curtain rod. These are the most modern style of drapes on the market. Most grommets are bronze in color.

Some manufacturers only sell drapery curtains sewn in the USA.

While these tend to be a little bit more expensive than window treatments shipped in from overseas, they help keep the local economy going.

Curtain rods also come in a variety of styles and finishes. Rod ends can be purchased in standard wood or bronze, or to excite things, blown art glass and ceramic ends can finish off a room nicely. Drapery styles offer privacy, protection from glare, but most importantly, they bring style to a home.

Looking to find the best deal on custom drapery, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.

Window shades and blinds may curtail the frequency of migraines. According to Missouri State University’s Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences, “REM (rapid eye movement) sleep deprivation caused increased expression of the proteins which are known to play an important role in initiating and sustaining chronic pain,” reports The National Sleep Foundation.

Another significant discovery was that people need a solid night’s sleep in order for the body to function at peak performance. This means adults should be getting a minimum of eight hours of sleep, while teenagers and children that are still growing should have a minimum of ten hours of sleep. Window shades and blinds create a comfortable quiet space that lets the body know it is time to sleep. Some kids have trouble sleeping while its still light out in the summer time. Installing blackout shades and blinds or room darkening blinds may help kids get to sleep.

Honeycomb or cellular shades provide more insulation against heat, cold and noise than other window treatments. Blackout shades and blinds also help create an atmosphere that fools the body into thinking it is time to sleep no matter what time of day it is. Turning off or removing TVs from bedrooms also helps induce a better night’s sleep.

Sleepiness can cause more than headaches and physical symptoms. “Drowsiness or fatigue has been identified as a principle cause in at least 100,000 police-reported traffic crashes each year, killing more than 1,500 Americans and injuring another 71,000, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 1994). Young drivers age 25 or under are involved in more than one-half of fall-asleep crashes,” reports the National Sleep Foundation.

Sleepiness can cause more than headaches and car crashes. Those that suffer from sleep deprivation have shown lower performance levels in school and at work. Not only that, driving while exhausted or sleep deprived reduces motor skill coordination. Results are about the same as watching a person drive while intoxicated. A good night’s sleep increases functioning abilities and makes people happier. It’s true. Moods improve with a good night’s sleep.

The bedroom should be a sanctuary of sorts. It should invite rest and relaxation. If there is a streetlight that glares in and disrupts sleep, then window treatments and blinds can resolve that. If the neighbors like to play loud music then insulating blinds can reduce the noise. Having a nightly ritual will also notify the body that it is time to go to bed. This could include brushing teeth, washing face, taking a bath or writing down the things you are thankful for.

When the body doesn’t have enough sleep it acts out. The best way to make sure the body is working at its optimum level is to give it the sleep it needs.

If installing window shades and blinds can help create an atmosphere conducive to sleep in order to help prevent migraines, improve creativity, attention spans and just make you feel good, isn’t it worth it?

Learn more about window shades and blinds. Stop by Blinds Chalet to find out more about quality discount window blinds, shades, shutters and custom drapery.

In the past, wood blinds were the only alternative to fabric window treatments. These days there’s a new blind on the market: faux wood blinds. Faux wood are made from less expensive materials than real wood yet offer almost the same look and feel as wood blinds. While some prefer the different textures and design of real wood blinds, faux wood blinds are a viable alternative to those wanting to update or install window treatments for less cost than real wood blinds.

What is the difference between the two? Not a whole lot. Faux wood blinds have a vinyl blend that offers a real durability. Real wood on the other hand has unique lines and knots that aren’t found in faux wood blinds. Here’s a few points to help differentiate the two:

* Faux Wood blinds

o Synthetic materials aren’t as expensive as real wood blinds, so market price on faux wood blinds will be less than real wood

o While wood is considered to be a strong substance, faux wood blinds are actually more durable than traditional wood. They are built to last and prevent cracking

o The vinyl in them helps resist moisture so they won’t be prone to warping, thus making these a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms

o Only takes a few seconds once a week to keep them clean.

o Anti-static qualities keeps most dust off

* Real Wood Blinds

o Allows the grain and knots in the texture to stand out, creating a unique blind every time.

o Generally has more variety in colors and textures

o Weigh less than faux wood blinds, thus are easier to adjust

o In the past have been used more often by consumers for decorating homes.

The biggest benefit of faux wood blinds is the price point. They cost a lot less then real wood blinds since real wood needs to be harvested, cut, sanded and stained. In fact, faux wood blinds can be had for $20.00. Those who want to invest in new blinds or need to replace old blinds but don’t have a lot of money to spend will appreciate the quality and longevity of faux wood blinds.

Wood blinds come in a variety of materials, from pine to oak. There are varying types of wood blinds on the market, each with their own color, stains and patterns. Wood blinds and faux wood blinds bring added beauty to every home or office.

Going with wood doesn’t mean being stuck with traditional slatted wood or faux wood blinds. Using shutters can spice things up a little. Shutters offer a quaint feel to kitchens and bedrooms. With bright colors, they enhance the look of a home as well as offering insulating and light blocking qualities.

While there are differences between wood and faux wood blinds, both bring the feel of nature into the home. Both work well with wood furnishings, and create ambiance without taking away from the rest of the room’s decorations. The decision really boils down to price. How much do you want to spend on your home?

Looking to find the best deal on wood and faux wood blinds, then visit Blinds Chalet for the best advice on custom window treatments.