November 2009


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Saving Money, Conserving Energy and Lowering Your Carbon Footprint Too

Posted on November 30, 2009 at 9:12 pm in
Home heating prices are lower than they were in 2007 but we cannot be sure how long that will continue. I had to investigate ways to use less home heating oil. I could not continue to put home heating oil on my credit cards. A few of my home heating oil bills in the winter of 2007 were over $900.00 each. In my research I found that saving money by conserving energy was much easier than I thought it would be. I used one less tank of oil last winter.

I credit these 5 items with saving the majority of that tank of oil. I did many other things too but I believe that these made the most difference.

Cover your hot water heater with a blanket. It helps to keep your water hotter. This really does help to keep the heat in the system. To save more energy lower the temperature on the hot water heater to 120 degrees before you cover it.

Wrap your hot water pipes. This also helps to keep the heat in your system and not escaping into the air. If you live where it gets consistently below freezing during the winter you should be wrapping your cold water pipes too.

Buy a programmable thermostat. I find myself not touching the thermostat anymore now that it’s programmable. It used to be too easy to turn up the heat before. So much so that I would hardly realize I was doing it. I would turn it up, get sidetracked and forget that I did it until I wondered why I was getting so warm. That was all wasted energy.

Lower your thermostat at night. The house does not have to be toasty warm when you are sleeping. As long as it’s comfortable when you’re falling asleep it doesn’t matter if the temperature drops a little while your sleeping. You can always throw on another blanket if you get cold during the night.

Now to address the fact that the windows are cold even if you have curtains. The cold windows do lower your room temperature. For those of you that have nice thick thermal curtains you are one step ahead of the game. I do not like to shrink wrap my windows even if it will help me to retain heat. I want to be able to open my windows on the nicer fall and winter days to let fresh air in. My answer to that was bubble wrap.

In the course of my research, I came across a few different sources that mentioned bubble wrap. I thought I would give it a try. You just cut it to the exact measurements of the glass. You lightly spritz the flat side of the wrap with water and place it on the glass. No caulk, no glue. no mess.

The heat in your room is not being canceled out by the cold air coming off of the windows.

These changes helped to make my home heating system more energy efficient because the heat was not escaping into thin air. It was helping to keep my hot water warmer and and to keep the heat available to my baseboard heating system. You don’t have to replace your old system to have your home be more energy efficient.

You don’t have to buy solar panels or a solar hot water system in order to make your home more energy efficient.  There are a lot of things you can do to make the home heating system you currently have more energy efficient.

It’s a win win situation. You are saving money by conserving energy and lowering your carbon footprint at the same time.  That’s good for you and good for the environment.

There are many things that you can do yourself. The most expensive part of this was the programmable thermostat. I bought all of my supplies a little bit at a time. Believe me, you’ll enjoy seeing those home heating costs going down with each and every delivery. I don’t cringe when I get those bills anymore.

By: Teresa Kaufman

About the Author:

Hi! My name is Teresa Kaufman but you can call me Trea. I’m a stay at home mom who through necessity had to learn to save more and cut back. Home energy savings is a place where a little bit of time, money and attention can make a big difference in your bottom line.

Saving Money by conserving energy can even be fun when you start to see the bills going down. Especially if you get the kids involved.

Bringing down my home energy consumption and lowering my carbon footprint has become a passion with me. One which my daughter has helped me to realize the importance of. She pointed out to me that I could do better (sometimes I threw cardboard in the garbage instead of recycling it.) Our children do sometimes help us to become better people.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you would like to read more you can visit my Lens at http://www.squidoo.com/saving-money-by-conserving-energy

I love the beach. I love to read, spend time with my kids, and I’m a Yankee fan. When I’m not doing those things you can usually find me at http://www.saving-money-by-conserving-energy.com looking for more ideas to make my home even more energy efficient and where I can get everything I need to do that.

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High Performance Men’s Jacket Only at Arc’teryx

Posted on November 30, 2009 at 4:49 pm in
Arc’teryx is a well-known climbing harnesses and mountain apparel provider since early 90s. The name Arc’teryx comes from the legendary dinosaur Archaeopteryx Lithographica, which is considered as the earliest bird. The evolutionary process that spawned the feather and the magnificence of flight is the same evolutionary genius that Arc’teryx strives to harness and apply to their mountain apparel.

They provide the best-quality outdoor jackets that are bound to give comfort and satisfaction. With a variety of men’s jackets to choose from, Arc’teryx provides waterproof jackets, snowsports jackets, casual, athletic and so much more. Their breathable waterproof jackets are made with most durable Gore-tex fabric that delivers superior durability.

Arc’teryx jackets are considered as the most useful piece of equipment in men’s wardrobe especially during cold or rainy season. It can actually be worn in almost different occasions. This jacket can be used in incredible number of occasions: for backpacking, for travelling, around town when it’s cold and it might rain, as part as a layering system. It is tough enough for most usage apart from continuous rock climbing.

The Gore-Tex PacLite material is very waterproof for its weight; it’s the lightest material Gore makes. How many jackets do you know of that will provide excellent shelter from the rain at such a light weight? We’re talking about weight versus functionality here. If you’re looking for the lightest possible jacket of the highest quality to keep you dry but not weigh you down, this is the jacket for you. Arc’Teryx is simply one perfect: a super water-proof, breathable, ultra-lightweight rain jacket that you can take anywhere!

The Softshell Jackets, however, combine insulation, wind resistance, and water repellency into a package. Therefore, it gives durability and versatility. This jacket was used by bicycle commuters requiring great aerobic effort and impressive wind and rain resistancy.

Arc’tyrex SV Jacket is a Waterproof breathable Gore-Tex Pro material helps the Arcteryx Mens Alpha SV Jacket block the burliest storms, as seen in a lot of movies shot in a cold and stormy weather. Whether you speak skier, ice climber, or snowboarder, the Arc’teryx SV Jacket speaks your language. Arc’teryx combined the comfort of a softshell with the weatherproofness of a hardshell to create a jacket that is unbeatable in all alpine climates. The laminated pit zips will keep you cool and ventilated when you are working hard on your bike, running or climbing a mountain.

The Arc’tyrex Fission AR Jacket remains the most popular insulated piece in the Arc’teryx arsenal, especially if you climb, camp, hike or paddle. This is a great and well constructed winter jacket. This jacket has a combination of warmth and water resistant protection.

When looking for an effective, high-quality and longer lasting sports apparel that is great for outdoors, ski, mountain hiking or climbing, winter season and more, you better choose the Arc’tyrex Men’s Jacket. Not only they provide comfort and satisfaction, but also a great value for your money and a quality product that will last a long, long time.

By: m paulino

About the Author:

ZBSports is an affordable online store for all things sports related. All of the leading brands in shoes and accessories like

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Choosing Draperies as Window Treatment for Your Tampa Home

Posted on November 30, 2009 at 8:20 am in
Draperies, like curtains, are among the most common choices for window treatment in the interior design of Tampa homes. While curtains are unlined and more informal, draperies are much dressier and preferred by Tampa decorators when creating a more elegant look. Furthermore, you can add thermal lining to your draperies to block out heat.

There are various styles of draperies.

Draw draperies are hung on a traverse rod and can be center drawn or one-way drawn. Center drawn draperies are closed from the sides to the center while one-way drawn draperies are pulled across from one side. These may be hand drawn or could use pull cords or a baton. They may come in single panels or may have over draperies in more intricate styles.

Pinch pleats have small pleats in intervals at the head of the panels. The name comes from the fact that the pleats look like they have been pinched and sewn on the fabric. The spacing determines the fullness of the drapery.

Pencil pleats are thin elongated pleats that are sewn very close together on stationary drapery panels.

Goblet pleats are like extra large pinch pleats, but they are gathered four inches from the top to form a goblet-like opening at the head of the drapery. To enhance the look, the top of each pleat is kept rounded by stuffing the space with tissue or batting.

Sometimes, the pleats are done horizontally at the head of drapery, using contrasting or complementary fabric.

Folded cuffs take advantage of the drapery lining. Contrasting or complementary material is used and displayed through cuffs folded out at the drapery head. Sometimes this is done over pencil pleats. Sometimes, the cuffs are folded out between hooks, creating scallop-like effects.

A more formal variation is the sewn-in valance look. A valance is an over drapery hung over panels of draperies. This look can be simulated with the valance sewn into the panels. This is usually made of contrasting or complementary material but the style of the over drape is more complicated than a cuff.

Box pleats are pleats that are sewn in reverse, with the pinched parts of the fabric hidden at the back and displaying the seams in front. These are sometimes highlighted with buttons covered in the same fabric.

Most draperies are hung on special hooks but pegs or curtain rods may be used, as well.

Flat panels could also be hung or tied directly on pegs or hooks above a window. Although lined drapery material is used, the style is more informal and casual.

Also very informal and casual are tab top heads. These have vertical tabs at the head through which the rod is interested. It can be made dressier using rich fabric and decorated with elegant ribbons and buttons.

Rod pocket ruffles are commonly used for curtains but can also be used for draperies. This is the usual style where a pocket is sewn at the head of the panel through which the rod is inserted. The panel can be shirred on the rod itself.

For the bedroom, you might want to consider matching your bedding to your drapery. Get matching fabrics from your Tampa supplier and instantly dress up your inner sanctuary.

You don’t have to limit yourself to draperies and curtains for your Tampa interior design, though. Tampa homeowners have other options for window treatments, as well, such as shutters, blinds and shades, including solar shades. Just make sure you get the best quality from the most reliable brands, such as Hunter Douglas. Tampa window treatment specialists can help you make the right choice and you can use various treatments and styles for different rooms in your home.

By: Business Local Listings

About the Author:

Artistic Windows Inc.
Contact Name: Scott Sowder
Office Address: 4004 W Neptune St #102, Tampa, FL 33629
Phone: 813-835-8805
Email: awindows@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.artisticwindowsinc.com

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Hardware and Building Supplies

Posted on November 29, 2009 at 5:33 pm in
Hardware and building supplies are required to make a complete building. Building supplies includes cement, insulation, bricks, etc. Construction companies have all the building supplies they will need and you don’t have to provide them with anything. But when you are planning a home project you need such supplies for, there are many hardware and supplies stores that can help you out.

Let’s discuss some various hardware pieces you will need for a typical building project:

Furniture: Some hardware you will need for your furniture are the ones that are used for support and to enhance the look, design and durability of the piece. You might require furniture legs, furniture arms, frames, screws, etc. Bathroom Hardware: A bathroom requires many fixtures and fittings, which also need other hardware to support them and improve the whole look of the area. Bathroom hardware includes taps, tubs, shelves, mirrors, showers, holders, etc. Plumbing hardware: Plumbing material is very important, as there is a constant demand for water and also even if the usage is over, the water remains in these products. Thus it is imperative that the hardware used for plumbing is corrosion resistant and highly durable. Also, you need to make sure that the hardware can withstand extreme temperatures. Materials commonly used are aluminium, copper and steel. Doors: One of the first things someone notices about your house is the door. So, why not make sure that while they are standing on your doorstep they have something attractive to look at? Door hardware, like knockers, number plates, door handles, hinges, screws, fasteners and hooks, helps create that attractive effect. Cupboards and Cabinets: They sometimes are filled with very heavy things, so you need to make sure they are sturdy and also the hardware used for support is equally, if not more, sturdy and attractive as well. Hardware for cabinets is usually made from plastic, metal or even glass. Hinges, locks, handles, fasteners and brackets are all examples of cabinet hardware. Safety and Security: Safety and security are things everyone is interested in and the hardware makes this is an easier task. You will need window guards, burglar alarms, smoke detectors and locks, amongst others, to make your home safe. Window Hardware: A window is not only a piece of glass in the wall to look through. It needs many small components to make it a complete window, like fasteners, hinges, handles, locks, window extrusions, etc. Curtains: Curtain hardware is made generally from metal, plastic or other materials. Rings, rods, hooks and poles are usually made from aluminium or iron. You will also need curtain finials and curtain poles to hang and move the curtains. These products can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Building Supplies are used in the construction, so it would be advisable that you get professional advice and only then go ahead with the building. Some building supplies you might require:

Cement: Cement today is available in bags of 20kg for easy handling. Also, make sure you get the correct method and ingredients to mix it up well. Insulation: You can get acoustic and thermal insulation for your home with batts that are durable and also fire resistant. Pergolas: This is a contraption that is used as a permanent awning in your outside areas. There are different kinds of pergolas, so please check with the company.

Looking for that perfect hardware store? Then don’t look anymore. Timber King is the answer to all your hardware and supplies queries. For more information about the company, check out their website at http://www.timberking.com.au.

By: Andy Tannebaum

About the Author:

Andy Tannebaum has been working in the timber industry for a long time now and has worked with some of the leaders in the field. His articles on his field of work are both interesting and informative.

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Energy Efficient Fabric Shades

Posted on November 29, 2009 at 4:14 pm in
With the rocky economy, and rising cost all around, we all need to find ways to cut back. One of the easiest ways to save extra cash is too cut back on our energy expenditures.   Fabric shades are a relatively inexpensive option to cut down energy cost. Insulated fabric shades can reduce the heat in the summer and block out the chilly drafts in the winter. Let’s take a look at a few fabric shades that are decorative and energy efficient.

 Roman Shades Roman shades are a very simply ideal solution to consider. They are uncomplicated and extremely versatile. The structured flat roman shade has several rear facing pleats in the back of the shade which allows the shade to fold beautifully when raised up and down. When constructed with a stiffer fabric such as linen, jacquards, and cottons, the shade will have a tailored look. When using softer fabrics such as silk, sheers, or light weight polyesters, the shade will take on a more relaxed look. This shade should be lined with a sateen lining, semi blackout lining, or a blackout lining for maximum energy efficiency.  

Austrian Shades The Austrian shades are a very elaborate fabric shade.   When this shade is lowered, they look very similar to a typical curtain. When they are raised, they fabric draws upward in deep scallops. Austrian shades are typically made with sheers, or other light weight fabrics such as light weight silks. Look for a suede lining in this shade to cut back on the drafts in the winter. This shade can be used alone, or paired with a beautiful set of panels.  

Balloon Shades The balloon shade is more formal than the roman shade. It has box pleats approximately 15” apart at the top and a waterfall of balloon shaped poufs at the bottom. Soft pliable fabrics work best with this shade, although heavier fabrics can be used as well. Because of the amount of fabric it takes to construct this shade, the balloon shades are pretty heavy. When optioning for this shade, be sure that the shade is lined preferably with a semi-blackout lining. This will cut back on the energy cost.

By: Andrea Julien

About the Author:

Andrea R. Julien is the owner of Dreá Custom Designs. To view more design tips visit us at Drea’ Custom Designs.

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Plastic Wall Panels Offer Numerous Advantages

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 6:33 am in
Wall panels were traditionally wood and people are still enamored of this age-old material. However, wood has many problems as wall paneling. It accumulates dirt that is difficult to remove, is prone to insect attack and rot, and needs comparatively expensive painting at regular intervals to maintain it in reasonable condition.

Plastic wall panels made of such materials as rigid PVC eliminate most of the problems. The smooth surfaces provided by plastics do not accumulate ingrained dirt; any superficial dust can be easily cleaned through, say, pressure washing. Plastic does not attract insects and does not rot. It is also impermeable to water and is not affected by damp the way wood is.

Plastic panels are also less expensive than good quality wood panels and do not require regular maintenance actions like painting.

Other Advantages of Plastic Wall Panels

Plastic can be given many different kinds of finish. They can accommodate decorative patterns like marble, abstract, wood, flowers and so on. Plain plastic can come in different colors like white, blue, green, cream and gray. For further decorative effects, plastic wall panels can be produced to accept decorations like silver and gold strips.

Plastic panels can be made to provide flush fitting joints. They are light yet durable. They can be combined with other materials like aluminum to produce composites that have good structural properties.

Plastic walls can also be made translucent, allowing natural daylight in, with thermal and solar controls, such as UV Light filtering properties. In addition to energy savings, this solution can create a great ambience inside. While light is allowed in, noise and dust are insulated against.

With automated lighting systems, lighting units can be turned on when natural light proves insufficient, leading to excellent lighting at all times, yet achieving great energy savings. And thermal controls can prevent heat loss during winter and heat gain during summer, adding to energy savings for heating.

Yet another advantage is that plastic wall panels can be produced to meet special needs such as different shapes, desired thickness, insulation properties, blast resistance and so on. There are explosion venting wall panels, for example, that are released from their mountings when internal pressure exceeds a certain level but still remain attached to the structure to prevent flying debris.

Conclusion

Wall panels were traditionally wood that suffers from various problems such as accumulation of dirt, high maintenance requirements and rot. Plastic wall panels offer a smooth surface that does not allow ingrained dirt accumulation. Plastic wall panels require little maintenance and do not get damp. Any superficial dust can be easily cleaned through washing and surface water can be quickly wiped away or dried out.

Probably the greatest advantage of plastic wall panels is that they can be customized to meet special requirements. Translucent panels can let in daylight; insulation properties can be built in to prevent heat loss/gain; shapes, sizes and thickness can be tailored to special requirements.

Plastic is less costly than wood and can produce recurring cost savings in maintenance and energy costs.

By: Alan Matchett

About the Author:

Alan Matchett B.Eng, Director IPSL, advisor to plastics industry and article writer for Plastic-Wall-Panel

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Put Solar Power To Work For You

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 8:53 pm in
We live on a solar powered planet.  Virtually all of the energy we use comes — ultimately — from the sun.

Fossil fuels, including petroleum, coal, and natural gas, originated from ancient biomass which relied on photosynthesis powered by the sun.

Most of our renewable energy likewise starts with the sun.  Wind power is driven primarily by convection currents created by the sun’s rays heating the sea and land.  Biofuels, including bioethanol and biodiesel, begin with plants using the sun to power photosynthesis.  Hydroelectric power — whether dams or in-stream turbines — relies on the downstream flow of water that fell as rain or snow but which originally evaporated from lakes and oceans due to heat from the sun.

More obvious are the applications of solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power.

Solar Thermal

The sun is a giant nuclear fusion reactor with a surface temperature of more than 5,000 degrees Celsius (9,000 degrees Fahrenheit).  Of course, only a minute fraction of its energy reaches the Earth, and only part of that energy is heat.  But we can take advantage of that heat simply by opening our curtains on a winter day to let the sun warm our home.  Or we may put a coil of black tubing on the roof of our house with water running through it to provide hot water.

Using the sun’s heat to produce electricity is only a little more complicated.  Focus the sun’s rays on a container of water to turn the water into steam under pressure.  Use the steam to drive a turbine, which then drives a generator producing electricity.

On a large scale, solar thermal systems often consist of hundreds or even thousands of flat mirrors focusing the sun’s rays on central towers, or long troughs of concave mirrors focused on tubes.  Such arrays can produce power in the range of 100 megawatts or more, much less than coal fire and nuclear plants, but with none of the environmental risks.

Solar Photovoltaic

A more direct method of producing electricity from the sun is solar photovoltaic.  This technology relies on the properties of certain materials to act as photodiodes.  When photons of light strike the material, they energize electrons, producing a direct current.  Although each interaction produces very little energy, the flow can be combined so that cells and arrays of cells can deliver substantial power.  Like solar thermal systems, large solar photovoltaic arrays may cover thousands of square meters and cost millions of dollars.

Putting Solar To Use

Advances in photovoltaic technology have brought solar-based electricity to the general public.  Homeowners and businesses can have their own rooftop arrays, producing their own power independent of the public utility grid.  Rooftop solar panel kits that include an inverter to convert the panel’s direct current into household alternating current are available from building supply companies and online retailers for a few hundred dollars.

To help them reach commitments made in international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many governments encourage public involvement in renewable energy projects by providing tax incentives, grants, rebates, and interest-free loans to individuals setting up their own solar and wind projects.

Smart meters may allow homeowners or businesses to produce a portion of the power they use, and even to sell excess power back to the utility grid.

Setting up your own solar power system isn’t difficult, but you should be aware of local laws governing the size and type of installation allowed.  There may also be insurance concerns if you plan on mounting panels on your roof.  Also, tracking down and obtaining government incentives can be a complex process.  Thus, it may be wise to seek the advice of a qualified consultant specializing in small-scale renewable energy systems.

The sun is an incomparable gift that shines for everyone.  All we need to do is to put it to use.

By: Jules Smith

About the Author:

Jules Smith is a freelance writer with LightningStrike Studios (http://www.lightningstrikestudios.com/) and editor of Energy Insight. For news and information on renewable energy, visit http://www.energyinsight.info/

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Looking for a high-performance ceramic coating?

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 1:16 pm in
h-velocity Oxyfuel (HVOF) thermal spray process may be what you need.

HVOF spraying has been developed principally to produce high-quality ceramic coatings with superior properties to conventional flame spray processes. It is a dry process that can also produce a dense metallic coating whose desired physical properties are equal to or surpass those of hard chrome plating (HCP).

How does it work?

The HVOF process typically uses oxygen and hydrogen (although other fuels can also be used) as the fuel gases to produce coatings of the highest quality.

Mixing of the gases occurs inside the gun and the externally-ignited flame reaches a temperature of about 2700ºC.

The combustion process melts a metal-containing powder that is continually fed into the gun using a carrier gas (argon) and propels it at velocities approaching 550 metres/second towards the surface of the part to be coated.

Even so, this result in a lower average particle temperature compared to plasma spray.

Despite this lower average particle temperature, high coating densities are still achieved through the impact velocity which deforms particles that may not have been well melted. Some particle heating can occur on impact which further aids in producing a dense coating.

Because the high kinetic energy of particles striking the substrate surface does not require the particles to be fully molten in order to form a high quality ceramic coating which means it can be an advantage for the carbide cermet type coatings. This is where the process really excels.

HVOF coatings are very dense, strong and show low residual tensile stress or in some cases compressive stress, which enable very much thicker coatings to be applied than previously possible with other processes.

HVOF coatings are used in applications requiring the highest density and strength not found in most other thermal spray processes.

Metal powders are available in many compositions including WC/Co, WC/Co/Cr and Ni/Cr/Fe

Precise control of all spraying parameters, powder feed rates and the use of a robot to precisely position the gun, enables high quality metallic and ceramic coatings to be repeated on a large variety of different components.

The properties of HVOF coatings depend on a number of parameters. These include the part surface preparation, composition, morphology, size distribution and feed rated of the powder. Also to be taken into consideration is the precise control of gas flows, relative torch-to-part motion, stand-off angle of deposition and part temperature.

What are the benefits of this type of coating?

High bond strength (83 MPa – 12000 p.s.i.)

High density, low porosity

Low oxide content

High hardness (DPH 500 1000 – 1300 for WC/Co)

Fine as-sprayed texture, able to be ground or lapped to a fine finish (0.1-0.2 microns)

Excellent resistance to wear by abrasion, erosion or fretting

The only waste stream produced by HVOF is from the capture of the overspray. Current users either use a water-curtain filter system or a dry, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Although a line-of-sight process, it is possible to coat bores; the extent down the bore being generally equal to the diameter of the bore.

Added part cooling may be required where small or thin plate geometry is encountered

What are the main applications?

HVOF thermal spray main applications include:

· Wear and abrasion resistance

· Reclamation of worn components

· Rotary knife blades

· Gate valves

· Pistons

· Shafts

· Domestic & chef’s kitchen knives

By: Anoop Kumar

About the Author:

Article written by Edward Brown BA(Hons), DipQ, MCQI CQP, who is the Quality Manager at Plasma Coatings Ltd (www.plasma-group.co.uk)

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How Grommet Drapes Maintain Contemporary Look Without Losing Their Functionality

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 4:40 am in
Interior decorations are a constantly changing domain with lots of new styles and trends appearing every year for office and home design alike. Grommet drapes fit one of the most modern tendencies being especially created for casual rooms with a daily setting: they are contemporary without losing their functionality.

The effect created by grommet drapes comes from the use of un-pleated materials and large circular grommets: the beauty of such a window dressing comes from the natural folds that are created by the way the drape flows under the stationary rod. For a more artistic touch, one may have the finials custom-made, thus highlighting the beauty of the grommet drapes.

If you’d like to purchase grommet drapes online, it is a great idea to check that quality standards are met. For instance, if you choose silk grommet drapes, they should have a cotton lining as well, not to mention that the grommets size and material need to be the right ones for the room. Cleaning details are equally important for such cases, and you should know whether it is dry or wet cleaning that is allowed for the type of grommet drapes you want to buy.

Last but not least dimensions and price are equally important, and though there are standard sizes, it is good to measure your windows before ordering your grommet drapes on the Internet. Grommet drapes are also used for adding up a classic charm to a room; some of them combine the features of chenille curtains with that of exquisite tops, making exactly the right statement for one’s home.

Presently, many manufacturers also offer a remarkable combination of grommet drapes with Thermal Curtains features happily meeting in the same item; thus you can have both great home insulation and the modern look of advanced interior design. The prices vary from $20 to $50, but if you get a look over the many online catalogs, you could come across real bargains.

Many buyers often want to make sure that the grommet curtains they buy are unique items of decoration; for such cases, there are lots of companies who offer special services where the grommets are hand made and polished and the drape pattern and fabric is often left at the customer’s choice. However, if you’d like to make it unique, then, you should expect a lot higher prices than for regular grommet drapes.

By: Muna wa Wanjiru

About the Author:

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Drapes for Years. For More Information on Grommet Drapes, Visit His Site at GROMMET DRAPES

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Silk Window Treatments

Posted on November 25, 2009 at 11:35 am in
Silk window treatments are an easy way to add luxury and style to almost any room.  Silk has that natural sheen and texture that compliments almost any décor.  You may be surprised to know that any window treatments offer silk material; silk is not just reserved for curtains.

Of course, any article about silk window treatments needs to start with the most popular application: silk drapes, specifically dupioni silk.  What is dupioni silk?  Dupioni silk is a shimmering silk created by weaving silk threads of two different colors.  That’s what gives it that shimmering effect but also adds to a slightly uneven texture.  The silk itself is produced when two or more silkworms spin their cocoons close together.  These slightly tangled cocoons produce filament that is rough and uneven.  Dupioni silk is perfect for drapes because it resists wrinkles, has a dull sheen, holds a pleat and is totally reversible, meaning that either side of the drape can be visible.

Beyond drapes, you can find silk used in roman shades.  Roman shades, which are sometimes called fabric shades, are often compared with drapes because they offer the look of curtains with the ease of use of a window shade.  Roman shades come hobbled (folded) or flat but they all “fold-up” when opened.  Roman shades can be purchased with optional liners, including blackout liners, room darkening liners and even thermal liners to add insulation to your window.  If you want to add elegance, beautiful textures and rich natural colors, silk roman shades are an excellent choice.

When it comes to silk window treatments it is important to note that although silk is a very durable material and will last for a long time, it does not stand up well to direct sunlight.  Therefore it is highly recommended that you purchase a liner.  So if you are purchasing silk dupioni drapes, you should select a liner.  The choices are generally cotton, polyester and sometimes a thermal interliner for added insulation.  You can also choose interliners that add room darkening to blackout depending on your light control needs.

If you need to clean you silk window treatments it is generally recommended that you dry clean them.  That said, it is possible to hand wash dupioni silk drapes – let’s face it silk has been around a lot longer than dry cleaning.  If you need to clean silk roman shades, you will need to have them dry cleaned or use a spot cleaner using a dry cleaning spray or fluid.

 

“Dupioni silk can be hand washed if the seams have been serged [also called overlocking, overedging or merrowing] and you don’t mind the fabric losing some of its firmness or color. Although low-quality silk may become rough or dull after hand washing, better quality silk tends to looks better and last longer when hand washed. The natural coating on silk fibers reacts well to warm water, so hand washing also has the advantage of refreshing silk and giving it a better drape. Silk can be hand washed in cool or lukewarm water using a mild detergent such as Woolite, Ivory soap, or shampoo dissolved in the water. Because silk resists dirt and stains, only a small amount of soap should be used. Silk, like most natural fibers, doesn’t tolerate abrupt changes in temperature very well, so stay with one water temperature throughout the wash. Avoid soaking silk as this may fade the dye.” M. Langton, July 29, 2005.

So there you have it, a short primer on silk window treatments, which can be window curtains or roman shades.  It’s too bad that more window blinds and shades and don’t incorporate this beautiful fabric.

By: David Brooks

About the Author:

David Brooks is a San Diego-based freelance SEO consultant and geothermal energy advocate.

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