WIDTH
Using a metal tape measure or a wooden yardstick, measure the width of your window from bracket to bracket. For proper fullness, order curtain pair widths that are approximately double the width of your window. For wider windows, order wider width pairs, available in many styles, or order an extra pair of regular width curtains.

LENGTH
Curtain length is measured from the top edge to the bottom edge of the curtain. When the heading (the part above the rod pocket) is not included in the length, we specify in the description of the curtain how many inches to add to the length to account for the heading.

Tab curtain lengths include the tabs unless specified.

The length of the fringe or edging sewn to a curtain or a dust ruffle by our home stitchers must be added to the curtain length or dust ruffle drop length. The fringe length is specified in the description of the curtain.

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Most security and insurance experts agree that burglaries tend to increase during July and August when it stays for daylight longer, when most people go on vacation. Burglars know the signs that let them know a family isn’t at home: a porch light left on all day, newspapers piling up in the driveway or a mailbox that is stuffed full, said Chris McGoey, a longtime security consultant, trainer and speaker. Those are some of the more obvious signs. But there are things burglars look for that may not be so obvious. Leaving the blinds closed so nobody can see in while you’re away is a double-edged sword, said McGoey, who also runs a security-education Web site called Crime Doctors. While a potential burglar can’t see your valuables, closed blinds and curtains are also a sign that tells him no one is home.

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Natural or natural-feeling materials used in the home can create a reassuring, calming, secure sense of rightness. To feel at one with nature in the home, use natural grains, natural colors, blended tones and a punch or two of color and print. Texture, soothing tones, and high-quality products stand the test of time. We’re seeing more recycled and quickly regenerating hardwoods being used for flooring, furniture, kitchen cabinets, woven bamboo shades and drapery hardware. Many fabrics free of carcinogenic and allergenic dyes are available now for draperies and re-upholstery projects. In addition to being friendly to the skin, they add “R-value” to the windows. The “R” represents resistance to energy loss. R-value measures a product’s ability to keep heat in and cold out and vice-versa.

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Draperies and curtains: Window curtains and draperies that are tightly woven, light-colored and made of opaque fabrics are effective sunlight reflectors. Keep the curtain as tight against the wall around the window as possible. Also, two layers of draperies improve the effectiveness of insulation when it is either hot or cold outside.

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Window treatments can be as diversified as your imagination. All you need to know are some basic designs, then you can add personal touches as your creative energy starts feeding you ideas. Let’s begin by learning the fundamentals. Two-way traverse: This is a classic drapery treatment that pulls from both sides toward the center. This is the most popular treatment and also the base for additional layers of creative top treatments. One-way draw traverse: Allowing you to stack all the drapery on one side, this treatment is ideal for a sliding glass door that opens only one way or a window that dead-ends into a corner. When closed, the draperies look the same as the two-way traverse. The rods are available to pull right or left.

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Safety is just as important as the colors, appliances, lighting and accessories you choose when you’re remodeling or redecorating your home. Here are 10 safety tips from Lisa Bonneville, author of The Safe Home (American Society of Interior Designers). Times staff writer • Smaller floor tiles provide better traction on wet floors.
• Use antimicrobial grout to prevent formation of mold and mildew.
• Add “path lighting” to light the way from bedroom to bathroom in the dark. • Low-pile, tight-loop rugs are safer underfoot than loosely woven or shag carpeting.
• Carpet hardwood stair treads for contrast — it’s easier to see where the steps are — and to provide a nonslip surface.
• Line draperies to make the fabric hang better, provide privacy and improve acoustics.

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While taking a shower or bath, dirty or moldy shower curtains will give you a drab feeling. They also cause your entire bathroom to look messy or dirty. Because shower curtains line the bathtub, which is always creating moisture, they tend to mildew easily and get soap scum build-up. Unfortunately, cleaning shower curtains is never a welcomed task. It seems like too much work to remove the curtain and liner from all the rings for a good washing. Perhaps you often take the easy way out and just spray them with shower cleaner and let the water run over them!

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If you don’t know much about curtain designs and decor you may be thinking that your only option is the traditional grandma curtain. Heavy and dark. Don’t fret - you don’t have to buy these types of curtains. Below are some design style ideas: If you have soft plush couches and lush carpeting, the small curtain wont give you the desired effect you’re looking for. Pleated curtains however, can add just the right touch to a room seeking more style. The advantages pleated curtains offer are endless. The pleated curtain fabric will come in an assortment of different colors, fabrics and textures allowing you to completely customize a look all your own. If you’re interested in curtains you saw on a home decorating program, chances are you can recreate that look for your own home.

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In this article, we will tell you on how to go about choosing curtains for bedroom. Well, when it comes to decorating the bedroom, bedroom curtains truly deserve a special mention. They can be used to your advantage, not just to keep away the sunlight that finds its way into your room via windows and doors, but also to secure your privacy. Bedroom curtains serve as great decorations to accentuate the charm of your room.

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Curtains are supported using either curtain rods or track depending on what sort of fitting the window or door lends itself to. Rods, or curtain poles, are the more attractive form of curtain support and can add to the decor. Track is the cheaper option but looks unsightly and should be covered if possible. If there is not enough space above the window for a curtain rod, then track has to be used instead.

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Our top 10 curtain-making tips can make all the difference to your finished result. Get the best advise here….
1. If you think a window doesn’t need a window treatment, you are probably wrong. Dressing any window with curtains and pelmets, or blinds adds a greater dimension to your window frame, and makes the glass panes and plain panels come to life. It can either frame your view, or disguise your view, whatever effect you want to achieve. A window dressing is as essential to a room as the furniture and pictures you put into it.

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Before, they were used to simply serve their purpose — hang curtains. Today, curtain rods are more than just a tool. They have evolved into a more functional, more sophisticated devices that do not just hang curtains but also compliment and enhance the overall effect of the drapes. Showing more skin, curtain rods are no longer the typical metal or wooden sticks used to hang curtains. They have evolved into remarkable works of skill or talent, showing every design as an intricate sketch of masterpiece.

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Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that bring out the best in your windows as they bring in the sunshine, is a challenge to anyone with a yen to decorate. There are tons of non-traditional options and tips to make the most of what you have, and give your windows that million dollar look on a mostly discount budget. How about recycling old items? If you inherited lace tablecloths that are no longer fresh and white, you can still get a lot of mileage and an interesting antique window treatment, by using a sewing machine to turn the tablecloths into window curtain panels. You might even have some old lace curtains on hand, that need to be brightened, but the bleaches have failed you.

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Check this out to get some practical window treatment ideas for your own home. Guides to the do ’s and dont ’s . They should give you some food for thought before you leap in and get started. (the other option……………..brick your window up and have done with it. What do you think?)
Answers to a Tall and Narrow window?
My window treatment ideas for this kind of window. Set the curtains wider than you would normally. This gives the illusion of a wider window. Make the rod or track around 30cm wider each side of your window. Rather than the usual 20cm. Then when you open your curtains don’t push them back as far as you would normally.

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Here are 10 ways to dress up inexpensive drapes for a luxury, custom look. I especially like the scarf over the panels and the ribbons glued on as embellishments. Also, I have been stumped as to what to do for my son’s sports-themed bedroom, complete with Chicago Bears bedspreads. When I saw the stencilled panel idea, I thought I could do that on a straight valance with the Bears front and center.

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