Monday, July 14, 2008

The Benefits of Blinds

By Maria Castronuevo

Blinds can offer many benefits to you and your home. With or without curtains, blinds can help keep light and heat from the sun out, keeping your home cooler in the summer and protecting your furniture and floor covers.

These window furnishings can also add color and flair to your home, blending in with the rest of the decorating scheme. Blinds can be made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminums, cellulose, cloth, and fabric. This gives them a versatility that can match almost any room and decorations. The colors available range from white and lighter colors, including pastels, to deep and vibrant colors which really stand out and make a statement about you and your unique personality.

In addition, blinds only require minimal care and maintenance. They can be cleaned quickly with a dry or damp cloth, dependent on what they are made of, and if they are really dirty most types can be soaked in warm dishwater then wiped down with a cloth and put back up.

Excess dust and debris can be removed simply by using a vacuum cleaner. Usually this can be accomplished while the blinds are still hanging but if it has been a long time since they have been maintained then you might want to consider taking them down.

Although cloth blinds are unique and look wonderful be careful if you choose this type because they are more difficult to keep clean. Ultimately, it is your decision if you want the convenience of care or if your only consideration is the style.

Most times you can clean cloth blinds without removing them from their brackets. Stains can be eliminated with a damp cloth while the brush on your vacuum cleaner will take away the dust and dirt on the slats. Always go in the same direction as the fabric with the vacuum brush so as not to damage the blinds.

One of the most popular window coverings in America today has become the blinds. They are usually the first choice because they are easy to install and it just takes mere minutes and a couple hand tools.

You will have your blinds for many years as long as you care for them properly. Also, the cost of the actual blind itself is fairly inexpensive. Having accurate window measurements is the primary key to your blinds fitting properly and looking wonderful.

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