Archive for June 25th, 2009

For many people home decorating is very enjoyable. This is especially true for people who have a good eye for these types of things. Decorating can be done a little at a time as you have enough money and time. One nice touch to add to any home is window shades or blinds. There is such a large variety of styles and types that are an excellent complement to almost any home décor.

It helps to pick the right one if you know your options. One option you have when buying window shades is the roller shade. These shades move up and down using a spring like drawstring mechanism. They have a wide array of patterns and colors to match any home décor.You can also add a bit of flair by adding a decorative hem to the roller shades bottom.

Another option is the fabric Roman shade. They have a single flat panel that is used to raise and lower the shade. They have nice clean lines that are a perfect complement to a more formal room. These can also have decorative hems. Another option to take a look at are cascades. With this type of window shade the fold to not line up but cascade across the window instead. They will also move vertically across the window.

As with other types of window shades hems can be added for a special style. If you have a curved window consider looking at fan shades. These shades consist of a single piece of fabric which is hung from the window frame. They can be pulled up from one or both sides or can hang loose. With any type of window shade you select there are many different ways to add your personal touch. In addition to hems you can apply tassels, ribbons, and fringes. Window shades provide incredible versatility and can work by themselves or in combination with other types of window treatments.

Fine table linens add a special touch to just about any meal. In order to create a beautiful table setting you need to know how to select the proper table linens. Table linens come in such a wide array of styles that it can be difficult to find just the right ones. The tips in this article can help you find just what you need.

The first step will be to determine how you will use the table linens. Some things to consider are the type of occasions they will be used for and how often they will be used. Will they be used for casual family fining or something more formal? You will also need to figure out if you need cloth napkins or any other matching pieces.

When determining what size of tablecloth to buy consider the drop length in addition to the size of the table. A tablecloth should hang down between 6 to 8 inches on either side of the table. Longer drop lengths are common for formal occations but not very practical for family meals.

You will find table linens for sale in a variety of standard sizes. If you are purchasing a rectangular tablecloth the one you buy should be the length of your table plus double the length of your desired drop length. The same formula should be used for the width. If the size you are looking for falls between two standard sizes go with the larger one. The color of your table linens should match the décor of your home as well as the tone of the occasion where they will be used.

Most of the time you will see ivory or white table linens at formal occasions. Table linens with patterns are for less formal occasions and it is best to use them with solid color tableware. Cloth napkins should mirror the fabric and color of the tablecloth used in a formal setting. When you are hosting a less formal occasion try using napkins which coordinate with the tablecloth but are not an exact match.