The most wonderful thing about custom drapery is that you can select virtually any fabric, any pattern, any look you want. The possibilities are endless. Of course this means that the hardest thing about custom drapery is the endless possibilities! How do you decide? Nothing’s going to have more impact on the quality, appearance, and durability of your curtains or drapes than the type of fiber they are made from and the density of their weave.

Fabrics fall into two basic camps: synthetic and natural fibers. The synthetics most often used in curtains are polyester and acetate. Natural fibers are a better choice when you have concerns about chemical sensitivities or just want the satisfaction of buying a renewable resource. Cotton, silk, linen, hemp and other plant fibers are typical natural fibers used for curtains and drapery. Linen and hemp linens are a particularly fine choice for lightweight draperies because they drape so beautifully and are naturally resistant to ultraviolet (UV) damage from sunlight. They can be lined for a heavier, more sumptuous look. Cotton curtains should usually be lined for greater durability, and silk must be lined, because unprotected silk hanging in a sunny window might not last six months! As a rule, the tighter the weave, the higher the thread count of a fabric, and the stronger it is—and, usually, the more beautifully it drapes, the longer it lasts, and the more it costs.

Keep in mind, though, there are times you might want a looser weave. A lightweight open weave can work well for a curtain where you want to let in light but need more privacy than an uncovered window affords. The lighter the weight and looser the weave of the fabric you choose, the more you will have to be tolerant of slight variations in length. A looser weave will tend to sag slightly, especially with humidity.

Pick your fabric with care, based on utilitarian factors such as how much light your curtains will have to filter, and how easy they will be to clean. And then…have some fun with atmosphere! Really look at your room, think about the way it’s used, what kind of personality the other furnishings convey. Layer cotton or silk sheers for romance. Favor linens for the crisp, tailored look. Get lavish with cotton chintzes and sateens for cozy comfort. Hang hemp or ramie for a clean contemporary feel. Truly the possibilities are endless!

Having trouble paying your nightly visit to the land of nod, now that the sunny season has arrived? Don’t worry; you’re not on your own! The summer sun comes at a price for many of us, when morning time begins to arrive before its welcome, and the moon starts to feel like a long lost friend.

Help is indeed at hand however, in the form of blackout curtains and blinds. The blackout lining option that you can choose with most made-to-measure curtain and blind companies can be a godsend for rooms that are east-facing, for example, because they completely block out the sunlight to give you the good nights sleep you deserve.

As an added bonus, all types of blackout lining have thermal retention properties, meaning that they keep the heat in during winter. Blackout lining will typically cost a little bit more than standard cotton lining would, but the added benefits – both short term with regards to the light, and long term when you inevitably start saving money on your energy bills – are going to be well worth the investment.

Blackout lining is made using a poly/cotton mix (blackout lining made from 100% natural materials doesn’t yet exist). The fabric is then coated in an acrylic layer to increase its light-blocking properties. Manufacturers of blackout lining normally offer a range of colours, but curtain makers, like the Natural Curtain Company, mostly offer white and off-white colours.

At the turn of the century, Upton Sinclair helped our raise national awareness about the toxic nature of unregulated industry with his novel The Jungle. Today, people have recognized another toxic by-product of civilizations. The healing process, known as the green movement, has begun.

However, the green movement requires more than just governmental regulations and industrial change. It also requires changes in every home in the world, and truly, in every person’s attitude toward environmental protection. If you want to add a little “green” to your home, read these forty tips toward creating a green home.

1. Weather proof your doors and windows
Every air leak in your home represents an increase energy usage. For example, when cool air leaks out during the summer or when warm air leaks out during the winter, your air conditioner or heating system runs harder and longer. The end result is a greater use of electrical or natural gas energy. While many industries are showing more concern for the environment, most electrical producers must still use coal-fired plants and most natural gas producers must drill and destroy ecosystems. The less energy you consume, the more green your home becomes.

2. Using energy-efficient lighting
Energy efficient lighting in the form of compact fluorescent bulbs can save your home some money and also make it much greener. Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. (Incandescent bulbs are the round bulbs with a filament inside that have been used widely.) When you use less energy on your lighting, you reduce the amount that is required of electrical energy producers.

3. Turn your thermostat down
If your home is equipped with a programmable thermostat, then you are in luck. Program your thermostat to be at a green temperature, normally in the low 70s. Not only will you be more comfortable in a stable temperature, but also your heating or air conditioning unit will not work nearly as hard. That will save you repair and energy costs, and help the environment by eliminating all the “green” costs of repair and energy overuse. Turning down your thermostat just one degree will save you around 4% of your heating costs.

4. Giving air conditioners a tune-up
Air conditioning units, especially newer units, can be much more efficient if given a tune up every two years. Have a technician ensure that your air conditioner is running in tip-top condition, and your pocketbook and sense of environmental ethical responsibility will thank you. This is a great tip for those without the funds to buy a newer, more efficient air conditioning unit. The tune up will allow owners of older models to make environmentally conscious decisions without breaking the bank.

5. Installing low flow taps and showerheads
Do you know what the gallons per minute (GPM) measure of your faucets, showerheads and toilets are? Older homes are often fitted with very high flow rate water fixtures. Not only will the increase amount of water wastage cost you more money, but it does a number on the environment as well. Because more processing is required to meet water demand, companies must build new water treatment facilities. When companies have to build to meet demand generated by waste, the environment suffers.

6. Insulating the water heater
Insulating jackets for water heaters and pipes are not only cheap, but also effective. The idea is simple - cover your water heater and adjoining pipes in insulation, and less heat is lost to the surrounding air. The end result is that the water heater does not work as hard, does not use as much electricity or natural gas, and saves you money. In turn, the environment will thank you as companies stop building more plants to meet wasted demand.

7. Regulating the water heater
Is the water coming out of your taps scalding hot if you turn the heat on all the way? Did you know that your water heater could be regulated to the point that full heat at the tap becomes a comfortable temperature? Regulating your water heater is a lot like programming your air conditioner thermostat. The water heater will only heat water to a specified temperature, and then stop. It requires much less energy to heat a water heater to 120 degrees than 180, and the former is much safer for children and adults alike.

8. Installing a tankless water heater
The tankless water heater is a modern green marvel. The way it works is that water is pumped through a heating device that gets very hot, very quickly. That way, a tank of water does not have to be kept at a constant hot temperature all day long, but rather water is heated on demand (a tap or showerhead is opened). Tankless water heaters are also great for the home - they are tiny compared to tank varieties and can be easier to install.

9. Planting greenery
This one is a no-brainer. When you plant decorative shrubs and trees, you are essentially installing oxygen generation machines in your yard. They are beautiful, decorative and by definition, environmentally friendly.

10. Buying ENERGY STAR products
To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, appliances must meet very stringent specifications for energy use and wastage. Basically, ENERGY STAR devices are the greenest ones around because they have been designed with the certification in mind (and therefore the green movement too). Sure, they cost more money from the get-go, but in the long term these devices will reduce your energy expenditure and resulting costs.

11. Getting a blower door test
Blower doors are cool tools used by energy use specialists to help homeowners determine the amount of leakage in their homes. The contraption is set up in a door of your home while all other doors and windows are closed. Then, a calibrated fan blows a specified amount of air into the home and a pressure sensitive device records the effect. If air is leaking, then the pressure device will not register the normal amount of pressure. After this test, a technician can tell you how large your total leak, or the sum of the areas of all leaks, is. Bigger leaks lead to greater energy use and more negative environmental externalities.

12. Using Low-VOC products
Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are molecules that are toxic to humans and/or the environment. Many paints and cleaners use formulas that contain VOCs. Common substances containing VOCs are mineral spirits, paint thinner, oil and waterborne paints, and solvent based cleaners. What is important to note is that VOC formulated products are intended to let VOCs drift into the air. To make a long story short, releasing toxic fumes is not only unhealthy, but also unethical. The green movement has prompted many companies to prepare green or low-to-no VOC formulations of their products. Ask store clerks for these products when buying paints and cleaners.

13. Using proper insulation
Any way you can keep heat and cold in your home makes your home more efficient. Insulation is your way of wrapping up your whole house to keep the desired temperature inside. Homes with poorly installed (or absent!) insulation require more work from air conditioning units, which in turn uses more energy. By insulating your home correctly, you can save some money and environmental harm. Get in contact with a contractor to discuss insulation.

14. Composting
Such is the cycle of life: it is born, it grows, it dies, it is eaten, and it turns to dirt. Thankfully, humans have taken charge of this life process in the form of composting. The idea is simple - throw all your organic, non-toxic garbage into a big dirt pile and let a multitude of worms, insects and fungi feast on it. The leftover excrement and debris is nature’s most natural and potent fertilizer. It is literally packed with all the nutrients that the original banana peel left behind!

15. Use rainwater
While this idea may not sound pleasant, it can at least be practical. Put a big barrel underneath all the gutters attached to your home. When it rains, the gutters pour water into your barrels. Use this water to water your gardens or wash your outdoor furnishings. Do not use this water for drinking, however. It could contain unsafe levels of bacteria or roof debris.

16. Planting a garden

Do you know the plight of the commercially grown vegetable? It begins life as a seed, harvested through unnatural hybrid production. It is then planted in ground saturated with unnatural fertilizers, which will eventually run off into streams and rivers. As it grows, it is watered by aquifers which are unnaturally pumped dry. It is then harvested and transported with machines that generate waste carbon and pollution. I am guessing that being a vegan/vegetarian does not feel as soul-satisfying right now.

The natural alternative to the farming debauchery is to grow your own garden. Slap your own compost on your own dirt, and work it with the strength of your back. Albeit, if you grow beans you may be guilty of generating waste methane, but the amount will not be nearly as damaging as what is created by combines and trucks.

Worried about having “green” food for winter? Revive the old lost art of canning.

17. Buying energy efficient windows
The window is an intentional design flaw. It is a controllable hole in your home that will let all manner of heat and cold escape at the possibility that the air outside is comfortable enough to tolerate. If you must have windows in your home (proponents of fresh air and sunshine exist?), then install energy efficient windows. You will save money and use less energy.

18. Using recycled roof shingles
Have you ever lifted a bunch of shingles? If you have not, it is around eighty pounds. That will cover only a fraction of a small roof. Yes, you have hundreds of pounds of crap on your roof that is designed to protect you from all things falling. There are hundreds upon thousands of waste rubber tires floating in landfills that would make perfect trampolines to keep hail and the neighbor kid’s ball from damaging your rafters. Case in point, buy recycled.

19. Use your ceiling fan in the winter AND the summer
If you’re lucky enough to have a ceiling fan, did you know if you reverse it’s direction it will blow warmer air down into the room making your hose feel warmer.

20. Landscaping with drought-resistant plants
This is a tip to protect you from being counterintuitive. Planting a ton of environmentally friendly shrubs, trees and plants is a great leap forward in making your home green. Just make sure that your greenery does not create a bigger problem than you started with because it requires more water consumption. Using drought-resistant plants will be a surefire way to make sure your new green investment stays green.

21. Planting shade trees
Sure, newer air conditioners use less energy, and are more efficient, and blah, blah, blah! There is a much more low-tech solution to the problem. Plant a shade tree next to your home, and the resulting shade will naturally cool your house. Just make sure to plant it a safe distance - you do not want to have to replace your foundation when tree roots crack it or your roof when falling limbs destroy it.

22. Install recycled flooring
You walk all over your flooring. Why does your flooring have to be made of brand new materials? Consider using recycled flooring, that way when Fido uses the floor instead of the fire hydrant it will be an act of the green movement!

23. Using modern appliances
Newer is not always better, but when speaking green it is. Stone Age appliances use more electricity and resources because people back then did not have a clue that their actions were destroying the future Earth. Modern technology and philosophy have resulted in more efficient appliances that use less energy. Less energy usage is environmentally friendly.

24. Keeping air filters clean
For those who have never changed their air filter, the air filter in your air conditioner unit is just behind that grate that sucks in air. Its purpose is to remove particles from the air which will cause the unit to malfunction or cause your allergies to flare. Most filters get filled with dust and debris as months go by, and all filters require washing or replacement after a manufacturer specified time period. To reduce the environmental costs of air conditioner repair or allergy clinic visits, replace your air filter often with a quality filter!

25. Using aerators on taps
Most taps come with an aerator these days, but if a recent plumbing fiasco resulted in a lost or destroyed aerator, invest in one. They are cheap devices that add air to the water running from taps. This increases the volume of the running water, so it becomes more effective in rinsing and washing. The result is less water wasted in doing the dishes.

26. Banish dripping taps
A tap dripping at just one drop per second will waste 10 gallons over the course of a week.

27. Buying recycled paper products
Printer paper, newspapers, toilet paper, paper towels - each product uses a precious resource, trees. There is big potential for saving the planet by using only recycled paper products. Less logging means less expended energy and fewer fallen trees. The result is cleaner, more abundant oxygen rich air.

28. Reduce the consumption of plastics
Plastics are a unique material due to their construction. They are made from petroleum and therefore require all the environmentally unfriendly techniques associated with petroleum exploration, collection and refinement. In addition, petroleum-based plastics release toxic compounds when burned. This is a common problem when rubbish must be burned.

29. Turning off your computer
Yes, having your computer fired up and ready to surf when you wake up each morning is glorious. However, you can save a lot of energy by turning it off at night. If shutting down is too inconvenient for you, use the hibernate feature in Windows.

30. Using soft furnishings and curtains to retain heat
Soft cloth curtains and drapes retain heat. Therefore, before winter hits, hang your soft curtains to keep heat in the room. This is especially important for homes with poorly efficient windows.

31. Consider solar panel electrical sources
This tip requires a big investment, but the savings are huge. Solar panels are expensive, a few thousand pounds for an average home. But when your electricity bills are a fraction of their previous amount, you will be relishing the investment. Not to mention that solar energy is environmentally friendly to the extreme.

32. Using roof coatings to retain heat
Companies sell special roof coatings that are applied to the underside of your roof which can retain heat in the winter and repel heat in the summer. Once coated, your roof will be just as efficient as your double paned windows and ENERGY STAR compliant dishwasher.

33. Install magnifying solar lights
Magnified solar lights are like tiny skylights, but magnified so the incoming light will illuminate an entire room. Rather than using artificial light to illuminate interior rooms, have these installed and use solar energy without the expense of buying panels.

34. Having “green inspection” tests
Like the blower door test, green inspector companies can send technicians to evaluate your home’s efficiency. They can provide customized tips to save energy in your home.

35. Conserving water
Remember the Earth Day campaigns from the 90s? Having been a kid at that time, I remember that I am supposed to turn off the water when brushing my teeth. There are many ways to conserve water that are common sense. Follow them and enjoy a greener home.

36. Conserving electricity
Once again, common sense dictates that when an appliance is not being used, it should be turned off. This includes computers, video games, televisions - anything that uses electricity. Saving energy can be as easy as being responsible with your electronics. Remember, the energy you use may not be the direct culprit of environmental harm. Rather, the waste energy you consume prompts companies to build more plants to meet future demand. More plants make more waste.

37. Adjusting the refrigerator
If you can freeze POP-ICE in the fridge portion of your refrigerator/freezer, you need to adjust the temperature. By putting the temperature at a level that will provide food protection and less energy use, you can take a proactive green step for your home. It is normally as easy as turning a dial - look at the top of the inside of your fridge.

38. Line drying clothing
Another no-brainer is using wind power to dry your clothing rather than an electricity-guzzling dryer. Just keep in mind that especially humid days will make line drying difficult. Don’t worry - people have been line drying in their homes for decades.

39. Closing the fireplace damper
If you are noticing an especially large amount of air leakage from your home, but don’t know where the leak is, check the fireplace damper. Close it when not in use!

40. Using the smallest pan while cooking
An often-overlooked tip, larger pans require more energy to heat. If you use the smallest possible pan, you will use less range top time and therefore less total energy. Basically, if you are cooking Ramen noodle soup for one, don’t use your largest stockpot.

With summer well and truly on its way, it’s time to start thinking about liberating your home from unnecessary clutter, dark colours and heavy fabrics. Enter voiles.

Voiles (or sheers, as we sometimes call them) are really thin, light fabrics that are used for window dressings. Often, you’re able to see right through them.

In the summer months, people start to think less about keeping their windows insulated with chunky, luxurious curtains and more about making a statement of simplicity with pale shades and flowing fabrics to welcome in the summer breeze.

As you can see from the picture below, sheers simply help to highlight your windows, rather than cover them. They create a calming, serene atmosphere in rooms such as the lounge whereas for the bedroom, they can add a touch of romance to your surroundings.

Luckily for you, The Natural Curtain Company are offering the opportunity to get your hands on some semi-sheer and striped sheer fabric, curtains and panels at a discount price – for the rest of this summer. Check the main website for details by clicking here.

Of course, if you’re going for a summer theme for your windows, you’re going to want the rest of the house to match. Here are a few crunch-busting tips to re-vamp your home for less:

De-clutter!
Why limit your spring clean to only once a year? Get rid of as much as possible, sell it at a car-boot sale (they’re much easier to get up for when the mornings get lighter!), and you’re already making a little extra cash to invest in the summer touch-ups for your home.

Give it a lick of paint
A few coats of a neutral colour can work wonders for a previously dark and dingy room. Try pastels and creams to help reflect the light and don’t be afraid to use a slightly darker accent colour on one wall, if you simply crave vibrant colours. Remember, you can always paint over it.

Lighten up the accessories
If you’ve got lots of dark paintings, shelves or ornaments around your home, try replacing them with lighter ones. Trade in pictures and paintings for mirrors, cover shelves with sheer fabrics and replace dark ornaments with candles and natural-looking room accessories.

Clean your windows
The secret to achieving a room fit for summer is lots and lots of light. Give your windows a thorough clean to allow the maximum amount of light through. Give any mirrors, glass shelves and coffee tables etc. a good scrubbing too to help reflect that sunshine we love so dearly.

Cover dark furniture
When the purse strings are a little tight, buying big, expensive items of furniture aren’t usually top-priority. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to cover your sofa with a throw, and your dining table with a sheer tablecloth. Natural fabrics tend to look superior to cheap synthetic ones, and help to achieve the neutral look.

Switch your lampshades
By simply switching your lampshades to something neutral, bright or floral, you can completely change the dynamic of a room. Because you’re going for simplicity – the cost shouldn’t be too high either.

Brighten any room with a touch of nature
If you’ve got a fireplace, clear it out for the summer and fill it with dried flowers, candles or green plants. You call also save a bit of money by growing a herb garden on your windowsill. Bring fresh flowers into as many rooms as possible, whether it’s a giant bunch from a secret admirer, or a single stem from your garden – flowers always make a great summer statement.

Bring in the breeze
Fans can do a world of good when it comes to keeping you cool in summer. Ceiling fans however, can be a bit pricey. As for oscillating fans, (the ones that stand up on their own and turn around), if you’ve ever owned one and had it on full power – you’ll know how irritating the noise can be. The solution? Get two smaller fans, set them to half power and place them at either end of the room. Now you’ll have a cool room with the illusion of a natural breeze.

For all those out there who don’t know their eyelets from their pelmets, here’s a simple glossary to help you on your way to window-furnishing- guru status.

Architrave the wooden frame of a window or door

Batten the wooden stick that fixes to the wall or window frame to support a blind

Bay window a window that sticks out from the wall to create an alcove

Blackout lining a thin, synthetic lining which blocks out all light and helps to retain heat in the room, generally comes in white and cream colours

Boss (or hold back) a metal, wooden or plastic bracket that you fix to the wall to hold curtains back

Cleat a hook (usually made from metal) that you fix into your wall to wind the cord of your blind around to hold it in place

Curtain ring a circular ring used to fix a curtain to the curtain pole; they come in various sizes and materials

Dowel a thin cylindrical piece of wood, inserted horizontally into fabric pockets in Roman blinds to hold their shape

Eye a tiny hook at the bottom of a curtain ring or track, where the curtain hook attaches to

Eyelet a type of curtain heading where a metal ring is attached to the fabric for a curtain pole to be fed through, comes in various colours and sometimes shapes

Finial the decorative fixture at each end of a curtain pole, these can be made from any material and come in an extensive number of designs

Fullness refers to the width of the fabric in relation to the curtain pole. E.g. if a curtain pole is 100cm and fabric with a 200cm width is used to make the curtain then the curtain would have 2X fullness

Heading refers to the method of sewing used to create a certain style where the curtain is attached to the track or pole

Heading height the amount of fabric required above the eye of the curtain ring, only necessary with pleated or gathered headings

Heading tape purpose-made tape, attached to the headings on curtains to gather the fabric when pulled, and creating various styles

Interlining a soft (usually cotton) fabric sewn between the curtain fabric and the lining to give weight to the curtain, help it hang better and slightly improve sound and heat insulation – also known as bump or domette

Leading edge the edge of the curtains that meet in the middle when they are drawn

Pattern repeat the measurement between a point in the design of a fabric and the next point where it begins again, this measurement is needed when working out how much fabric you need to make curtains or blinds

Pelmet a decorative framework to either add height to the top of a window or hide the curtain fixtures, usually made from fabric covered in wood

Piping cord cotton string used as a base for ‘piped’ edges, piped edging can be used for things such as tie-back or cushion edges

Template a shape made from paper, card or thin plastic which is used to help mark fabric, templates can be bought and modified, or made

Thermal lining a thin, synthetic lining which helps to retain heat in the room, also blocks out a little light – typically comes in white and cream colours

Track a type of fixture attached to the wall to hold curtains up, used as an alternative to a curtain pole and usually made from plastic

Valance a type of fabric pelmet that covers the tops of curtains

Voiles a light, plain-weave, sheer fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool used for making semi-transparent curtains

With the semi-bleak outlook of today’s economy, we are all becoming increasingly concerned with cutting costs and saving money. But, not only is it important to save cents…We are looking for ways to “save cents” that also “make sense.” What better way can we save money than by similarly cutting energy costs? If we can simply implement these easy energy and money saving strategies, we will all be expanding our wallets and resting our weary minds before we know it.

1- Good Quality Curtains

The strategy topping our energy-saving list is that of hanging good quality curtains. This may seem like a menial task; however, if it is done correctly, it will save energy and money by acting as an insulator, reducing heating and cooling costs.

For added energy-saving creds, get thermal or blackout lining sewn into your curtains or blinds and increase their insulating properties by up to 25%.

2- Thermostat

To further reduce expenditures, pay close attention to the setting on the thermostat–it should be set as low as is comfortable in both the winter and the summer. Dialling down just 1°C can save you £30 annually.

3- Switch off Switches and Appliances

Always switch of your plug sockets when you’re not using them. You can save tonnes of energy every year if you simply turn off your TV at the plug socket every night. Did you know that your DVD player consumes 85% of the power it uses, when it isn’t even in use? Not only this, but for things such as mobile phones and MP3 players, once they’ve finished charging you’re helping to preserve the life of the battery by unplugging it.

4-Stick Foil Behind Your Radiators

One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money and keep heat in is to stick some ordinary kitchen foil behind your radiators (shiny side facing the radiator). Sure, you can go out and buy expensive insulation to stuff behind there, but this is just as efffective at a fraction of the price.

5-Give your Tumble Dryer a Break

With summer looming, make use of the sunshine and dry your clothes outside. If you don’t have a garden or balcony, try installing a make-shift washing line in front of a window. Not only will you cut your energy bill, you’ll cut down on ironing time, which of course, is what really matters!

6- Set your Timer

With this summer expected to be one of the hottest to date (where have we heard that before?!), using your central heating should be done as rarely as possible. However, if you insist on using it, make sure to set your timer to switch off 30 minutes before you leave the house, and no more than 30 minutes before you’re due to get home. If your heating takes longer to kick in, you should seriously think about insulating your home better.

7- Plant Trees

Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home to keep it cool and shady in the summer and light-filled through the winter is probably one of the ‘greenest’ things you can do save energy.

8- Replace Lightbulbs

Consider replacing regular light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs or CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). They last about 10-15 times longer than regular bulbs and save you around £9 a year if you change all the lights in your house. On average, you save about £100 over the bulb’s lifetime.

9-Insulate Drafts

Find and seal cracks, gaps, and leaks and add insulation to protect the home against air loss. This practice alone could potentially save 20% on heating and cooling costs. To locate possible leaks, use a lit incense stick and hold it next to an area with a potential outside air pathway (doors, windows, electrical boxes…). If the smoke flows horizontally, this indicates a leak that needs attention.

10-Regular Servicing

Finally, as a general rule of thumb, have heating and cooling systems serviced once a year to ensure optimum performance efficiency.

By completing these 10 simple tips, you can save yourself time, energy, and money. In today’s society, we need all three, and everything always makes more sense when we’re saving cents.

If you are at all health-conscious and are concerned about germs spreading rapidly, as many are with the recent scare of the swine flu, there are many precautionary measures that you can take to ensure that the areas we frequent the most can be as close to 100% sterilization as possible. One of the newest innovations in self-sterilization methods is a product called Cliniweave, which is an anti-bacterial treatment product which inhibits the reproduction of harmful bacteria that can cause infectious and even lethal diseases.

The term “superbugs” has been coined as of late. This term basically refers to microbial agents that can cause viral infections and many other types of adverse health conditions. The issue of superbugs has been brought up in the health care industry, as many hospitals have had increasing difficulty in dealing with the problem of superbugs, and keeping hospital rooms free from any infectious threats.

With the introduction of Cliniweave, anything that is used in a hospital, such as hospital gowns, linens for hospital beds, etc. can all be treated with this revolutionary product and increase effectiveness in fighting infections.

Recent studies have shown that treating everyday items used everyday — paint on your walls, light switches, clothing, shoes, pet areas, etc. — with Cliniweave dramatically reduces the risk of any harmful and possibly lethal infections that can be caused by these unseen superbugs.

For the average consumer, Cliniweave can benefit you greatly in the comfort of your own home. As superbugs have a tendency to enter into your home near windows and other such openings, curtains which are treated with Cliniweave can prove highly effective in fighting off illnesses which could infect your family. Your curtains can act as a trap for these microbial bugs, and effectivelyneutralize any type of bacterial intrusion attempting to enter into your home. Once the superbugs come into contact with the curtains, they are utterly destroyed and a highly effective rate.

By using Cliniweave to treat your curtains, you’re not only arming yourself suitably to fight against the superbugs, but you are setting up your curtains to be an excellent line of defense against them, as they can infiltrate at the exact same points of entry that you do( sliding glass doors, windows, etc.). By treating everything inside your home, especially curtains, with Cliniweave, you can more than adequately reduce the risk of infectious diseases that may otherwise pose a threat to your comfortable home.

1. Test Cleaning Products

When using cleaning products designed for upholstery fabrics, check the packaging to make sure that it is appropriate for the particular type of fabric you want to clean. There are certain cleaners for certain fabrics and if you get the wrong type you could damage your furniture.
2. Read The Instructions!

Before using any cleaning product on textile fabrics, even when following directions on the packaging, test a small amount of it on a part of fabric that is not visible, such as the underside of a sofa’s skirt. Don’t test it on the back as you may want to move the furniture one day and could reveal any damage on the test spot.
3. Use Spray-On Products Where Possible

It is a good idea to use fabric protecting products on your textile furnishings, widely available in spray-on formulas. They will not stop your furniture from getting dirty or stained but do provide a useful added layer of protection.
4. Baking Powder

An easy and inexpensive way to freshen textile furnishings without risk of damage is to sprinkle the surfaces with baking powder. Let the powder sit for several minutes, then vacuum the furniture. The baking powder will absorb smells and leave your furniture refreshed.
5. Baby Wipes

For spot cleaning on leather and fabric upholstery, try using a baby wipe. They contain very gentle soap that can remove minor stains.
6. Clean White Cloths

When cleaning textile furnishings of any kind, only use clean white cloths. Even well-used rags are not always colorfast, and cleaning chemicals can bleed dye out of cloths and onto furniture.
7. Lint Brush

To prevent the need for big cleaning jobs, regularly clean your textile furnishings with a lint brush and vacuum cleaner. Rotate and flip cushions regularly so they all get even wear and fading. Covering furniture with a throw can extend cleanliness and the life of your furnishings.
8. Cold Water & White Vinegar

To freshen textile furnishings without harsh chemicals, mix cold water with a little white vinegar in a spray bottle, and spritz surfaces with it. The smell of the vinegar will quickly dissipate, leaving your furniture smelling clean and fresh.
9. Ventilation

During and after cleaning your textile furnishings, open all the windows in the room and turn on fans. This is healthier for you when you clean with chemicals as the room is well ventilated, and it helps the upholstery dry faster while blowing musty smells away.
10. Washing Instructions

When washing removable textile covers, always look for a label instructing you how they should be washed and follow those instructions. Also, if you wash one cover, wash them all so that all the fabric fades evenly.

This interesting video on how to make Roman Blinds gives an excellent insight into how roman blings are made.

To make a roman blind you will need to measure the inside width of your window frame, add 10 cm to this number and cut your fabric. Now measure the inside height of your window frame and add 10 cm, for top and bottom hems, to the length plus and additional 5 cm for each rod you wish to add. An average roman blind will have 4-6 rodded sections.

Now that you have your fabric cut to size you need to finish your side edges by folding, pinning, ironing 2.5 cm on each side. Repeat and top stitch for a beautiful finished edge, you may wish to use a fancy stitch on your machine.

Measure and mark each section of your blind, remember to add the 5 cm rod pocket space between each section. Fold, pin, iron and sew the rod pocket for each section. Measure your rods to be sure they are 3 cm shorter than your blind panel to allow room to hand stitch the rod pockets closed.

Fold, pin, iron and stitch the top and bottom edges of your blind. Stitch the fuzzy side of a strip of Velcro along the top and bottom edges. Glue the scratchy side of the Velcro strip to the top and bottom batten. Use the Velcro to attach the blind to the top and bottom battens.

Measure 12 cm in from each edge and hand stitch a plastic ring to the back of the rod pocket. You may wish to adjust this measurement depending on the width of your window or add a third row of rings. Measure 12 cm from each edge and add a screw eye to the top and bottom battens. Begin at the bottom with a large knot below the screw eye and thread a heavy cord up through all the plastic rings. End with a large knot above the top screw eye and leave extra cord hanging to act as your pull string. Add a coordinating pull bob to the bottom of your pull cord and use an L bracket to secure your blind to the wall.

To personalize your blinds you may wish to add fancy trim to your blind. These are easily stitched to the rod pockets when you create the pockets. Another nice touch is to use ornamental push pins across the top batten and smaller matching pins across each rod pocket.

View the complete range of custom Roman blinds available to order today.

To avoid mistakes, your curtain pole or track should be in place already. If you make calculations without a pole or track, you are more likely to get incorrect measurements. We advise you use a metal tape measure for accuracy. Measurements should be in cm to the nearest 1/2 cm. Please double-check your measurements.

1. Measure Width

If you have a pole, measure the distance between the finials (the decorative baubles at the end of a pole).

If you have a track, measure the total length of the track.

2. Measuring Curtain Drop

Before you start, you have to decide where you want your curtains to finish. For floor-length curtains, we suggest curtains 1.5cm longer than floor-length. If your floors are uneven, make sure you measure each side of the window and choose the longest measurement. For sill length curtains, we suggest either 15cm below the sill or 1-2cm above it.

Measuring Drop for Tab Top and Eyelet

For tab top or eyelet curtains, measure the drop from the top of your pole to where you want your curtain to finish. (Please note:tab top and eyelet headed curtains cannot be fitted to a track.)

Measuring Curtain Drop For Pleated Headings (all except Tab Top & Eyelet)

The total drop for pleated headings is measured in 2 parts – the eye drop and the heading height.

Part 1. Eye Drop

This is the distance from the eye (where the curtain hook attaches) to where you want your curtain to finish.

Part 2. Heading Height

The heading height is the distance from the eye to where you want the top of your curtain to be.

For tracks, we suggest a heading height just above the top of your track so that it is not visible above the top of the curtain.

For poles, we suggest a heading height from 2cm above the eye to just above your curtain pole according to your own taste. Curtains will hang best with a smaller heading height.

How to measure for blinds

1. Inside Recess

• 1. Measure width A-B at the narrowest point so your blind can hang freely
• 2. Measure Drop C-D
• 3. Note which side you would like the cord – right or left

2. Outside Recess

First check for obstructions that might stop your blind hanging freely and then decide on the amount of fabric to overlap the top and sides of the window recess. We recommend at least 5cm for both.

1. Measure the width you decide on, A-B
2. Measure the drop you decide on, C-D
3. Note which side you would like the cord – right or left