Home & Entertainment

Blinds have become a staple in many homes as a chic alternative to curtains. As a homeowner the massive range and styles of blind available however can be confusing. The following article hopes to set out some of the more common types of blinds available on the market.

Roller blinds are widely considered to be one of the more simple types of blind available on the market today. However, although they are simple, style is rarely sacrificed. One of the most endearing aspects of rollers is that they come in a variety of different styles. For example the bottom of the blind can be anything from plain horizontal to curvy and even with castanets. In regards to controlling the blind rollers are typically available with a cord that allows the blind to be raised and lowered, although sprung versions are equally widely available.

Vertical blinds are another variety most frequently used in the commercial sphere although increasingly being used in domestic situations. Most of the time these are manufactured using fabric that can be treated to either provide blackout, flame retardant or light reflective properties. The most prominent benefit of verticals is the fact that they are perfect for large and floor to ceiling windows.

Venetian blinds are probably one of the most popular types of blind. They are manufactured using a range of materials from wood, to aluminium and PVC. Wooden venetians are ideal for enhancing rustic, classic looks whereas the use of aluminum or PVC can create a modernist, elegant style. Put simply venetian blinds are laid out horizontally with slats that can be adjusted to manage the amount of light let into a room and of course the level of privacy within. Typically they are controlled with either a cord or a rod although increasingly electronic motors and remote controls are being used in high end products.

Roman blinds are one of the more stylish options available. Constructed from loops of fabric they provide an elegant look that is difficult to find with other blind varieties. In contrast to rollers they are raised in folds that loop the fabric and when lowered hang like panels. Materials can be used that offer blackout properties and a startling range of colours is available.

Finally pleated blinds are used often in conservatories and windows of irregular shades. As such pleated blinds are frequently treated to be sun resistant and less prone to fading than other varieties.

This article has hoped to set out the different varieties of blinds and how they can be used within the home. With such a massive array of options out there the information provided above hopes to give the reader a decent starting point from which to buy blinds for their home.

Candle lanterns are wonderful accessories that are often overlooked. Creating a beautiful focal point using candle holders is not only a unique idea but if done properly will WOW! onlookers.

I will show you how to create a candle lanterns focal point in your home that will breathe life into your room and become an instant conversation piece amongst your friends and family.

This is a step by step guide that you can apply to not just candle lanterns but any collection of items. Just follow these simple steps and before long you would have created a room that is not only pretty to look at but beautiful to enjoy.

Many online stores will list candle holders as candleholders and vice versa. The difference between candle candleholders and candleholders is that typically candle lanterns can be used both indoors and outdoors, while candleholders are used primarily indoors or under protective covering if placed outside. For our purposes, we will use the term candle candleholders.

Before shopping for those perfect candle holders, you must first decide where in your space you want to create a focal point.

This is not as difficult as you may think. Just stand in the doorway of the room you want to place your candle holders display. Now consider the placement of the furniture and non-movable items in the room and choose a location you want to draw attention to. Keep in mind that there are all kinds of ways to display candle holders.

a) Create a candle holder scene on top of your fireplace mantle.

b) Clear off a coffee table or accent table and use it to display your candle lanterns.

c) Add a decorative wall shelf to a wall and create your display upon it.

You get the idea. Because it is going to be a focal point, your eye should be naturally drawn to the area you choose to place your candle holders display. Do not choose an area that is hidden. For example, a spot behind the door or in an out of sight location would not be the ideal place for your candle lanterns display. Sounds funny but it is been known to happen.

Should I use a curio cabinet, table, shelf, or storage unit?

What you choose to display your collection of candle holders on is entirely up to you. But, be sure that your display will not over-power the room. What I mean is the item you choose to display your candle holders collection on is just as important as the candle holders themselves.

For Example:

a) If the table or cabinet is too large, then your display will be overlooked and the table or cabinet will become the focal point.

b) If the shelf or storage unit is too small, then the eye will not be drawn to that area of the room. Your focal point will be over-looked or dismissed as an unimportant element in the room.

Now that you have chosen the location for your candle holders, it is time to take into consideration the physical object you will be placing your candle holders display on. Ask yourself a few key questions such as:

1) Do I need to place a decorative tablecloth over the table in order to create a more festive backdrop for my candle holders display?

a. Oftentimes the right tablecloth or covering can make the difference between having a nice candle lanterns display and having that WOW factor.

b. I always recommend some form of festive covering on your candle lanterns display table or shelf if it is showing signs of aging or the color does not complement your design ideas.

c. However, if you have a beautiful new table or shelf area and want to show it off, forgo using any covering.

d. Think outside the box when it comes to types of coverings:

1. use a yard of decorative fabric (cut to size).

2. use a decorative tablecloth (cut to size).

3. use an old blouse, sweater or scarf (cut to size).

4. use a silk decorative sheet (cut to size).

5. use a curtain that has a beautiful design (cut to size).

6. The possibilities are endless. Just do not limit yourself to traditional table covering.

2) Based on the size of my table, shelf, curio, etc., approximately how many accessories will it take to fill the space?

a. This is good to know prior to shopping. Everything depends on your budget. If your funds are limited you could purchase two large candle holders and use accessories that complement them (we will talk about accessorizing a little later). Or, you may want to purchase a collection of candle lanterns for that instant WOW factor. Whatever method you choose will work just fine. Remember you can always add to your candle lanterns collection over time.

3) Do I have enough space for tall items or wide items only? Can I use a combination of the two?

Try to ask and answer as many questions as possible about your candle lanterns display space as you can think of. The purpose of this is to eliminate the guest work prior to making your first purchase. The more you pre-think what you can and cannot do, the easier it will be for you to make the right candle lanterns purchase.

O.K., now that you have chosen the location of your candle lanterns focal point, it is time to shop for the perfect candle lanterns to take center stage and be the “star” of the show.

To keep your cost down, we will start out by purchasing just two candle lanterns and accessorize with other figurines or complementary items found around your home.

There are a flood of online stores where you can purchase candle lanterns. My only concern is that you purchase high quality candle lantern to be the “star” of your candle lanterns display. Prices can range from as little as $9.99 and up. Visit our Online Catalog for a nice selection of collectible and affordable candle lanterns.

Before making your candle lantern selection, ask yourself the following questions:

1) What is it about these candle lanterns that gives it “star” quality?

2) Are there enough intricate details in these candle lanterns that others would be drawn to?

3) How will these candle holders fit into the space I have set aside as my candle lanterns focal point area? Consider the height and width of the item.

4) How difficult will it be to find accent pieces to help highlight these candle holders?

All right, you have made your purchase of the perfect candle lanterns and there is no changing your mind. Good!

Now let us create that candle lanterns focal point!

You have already done the hard part (deciding on the perfect candle lanterns), now here is where the fun begins.

1) Cover your candle holders table or shelf with your festive cloth.

If you are utilizing your fireplace mantle, PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION as all coverings are highly flammable and can cause fire!

2) Place your candle holders in the desired position. Play around with different spots. Turn the candle holders a little to the left, now to the right, and then center it. You get the point. Find the best positioning that best display your candle holders.

3) A great way to add interest to your candle holder display is by placing them on multiple levels. Try placing some on various sizes of other items.

For Example: Let us say two of your candle lanterns are the same size, turn a small candy dish or flat bottom decorative vase (you are only limited by your imagination) upside down and place one of the candle holders on it. You have just created multiple levels of interest.

4) Now accessorize with other items from around the house that highlights and complements your new candle holder purchase.

Here are some suggestions:

a) Search around your home for existing treasures to add to your candle holder display.

b) Cover a lamp shade with translucent paper wrap (to prevent a fire hazard, cover the outside only), add it to your candle holders table to light up your candle holders display when the candles are not lit.

c) Go to an inexpensive novelty store and purchase little nick-knacks to dress up your candle holders display.

d) Add rope lighting to your candle holders display. This is a wonderful way to draw the eye in. This idea works best for weddings, baby showers, and special functions.

e) If you run short of creative ideas, flip through home decorating magazines the next time you are waiting in the grocery line and watch your imagination flow.

f) Do not be intimidated by this process. As you add items to your candle lanterns display, the creative juices will begin to flow and before long you will have out-done yourself.

Creating a candle holder focal Point in your room in not as difficult as you may think, it just takes a little know how. The good thing about it is, once you learn the basic principles you can apply them to any design theme.

Although the thoughts and ideas listed here uses candle holders as a focal point, you can substitute candle lanterns for any of your favorite collector items or accessories.

Reminder: You do not have to buy something new in order to create a focal point. Look around your home, find a favorite object or item and build your focal point around that.

Good Luck creating a dynamic candle lanterns focal point in your room and remember…Have Fun!

The living room is a very important part of the house. It is where you entertain your guests and also where you spend much time bonding with your family. Here are some great home decor touches to lend to your living room space:

Theme: Pick a theme you like. Traditional, Asian, cartoon, something you, at the very least, don’t mind looking at everyday. Themes like relaxation, desert, sea, and others make good themes for a living room.

Focal Point: The focal point should be the ‘first thing’ you see when entering a room. Build the focal point around a great lamp or an eye-catching piece of furniture.

Colour: The colours you choose will affect how guests feel in the space. Colours can energize or relax the space, depending on how intense they are and how warm or cool they are. For example, find a rug that really ties the room together and balance the colours in the room.

Furniture and Layout: Living rooms are gathering spaces, so use furniture arrangement to promote conversation and interaction. Keep in mind the scale and dimension of the room when choosing furniture, so that the pieces fit comfortably in the space. You need to also consider the layout, the size in terms of proportion to your living room and the number of people you want to fit in the area.

Windows: Drapery can make all the difference to a room, provide elegance and opulence. They also help provide a soft warm environment as well as creating colour, pattern and texture for your home decor. For understated elegance, you might consider going bare.

Finish the Walls and Ceilings: Traditionally, living room walls receive more elaborate or formal treatment than other rooms because the room is a public space. To make it a welcoming room that expresses your personality, choose wall-coverings or treatments that reflect your style.

Add Character with Architectural Trimwork: When doing renovation for your living room, keep in mind that trimwork serves practical purposes, covering the seams where floors and ceilings meet walls and supporting the structure around openings.These elements serve aesthetic purposes too. The style of trimwork helps give your home a distinctive look, whether classical, contemporary, old-world, or regional. Projecting lintels over the door and windows, a deep cornice, and a paneled and beamed vaulted ceiling combine to give this white-washed living room a sense of peace.

Choose the Right Flooring: In keeping with the function of the living room as a public space, choose a floor covering that provides comfort underfoot and makes a design statement as well. This vibrant wall-to-wall carpet lays the foundation for a refined mix of florals and stripes. If you prefer a less bold floor, choose a solid neutral flooring that allows attention to focus on furniture or art. Hardwood floors with area rugs are one of the most popular choices for living room floors, but ceramic tile, stone tile and full carpeting work too.

Accessorize with Art Collections: Walls come alive when you use them to display art or collections that you love. The most common mistake in hanging pictures is putting them too high.Group items for impact, and hang them low enough to relate to nearby furnishings or architecture.