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How to Decorate With Pleated Window Shades

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Pleated window shades they are the type of window shade that looks a bit like an accordion. It crumples upwards or downwards depending on whether or not you are opening or closing the window. The pleats are created by bunching that occurs when the pleated shade is pulled either up or down by a cord. They can be made from all sorts of interesting fabrics including silks, satins, chiffons, netting, velvets and even vinyl! However a word to the wise – the thicker the fabric the more difficult the windowshade will be to pull up or down. Also the thicker the shade is the more retro it will tend to look.

The best quality pleated shades have a double cord mechanism. This gives you the option of lowering the shade from the top or raising it from the bottom. This offers you the maximum manipulation of the way light filters into the room. You can really decorate with light when you use this type of shade which is very easy to manipulate so you can get particular effects.

If you have children or pets you can get nice looking pleated shades that are operated by remote control. This is a good idea if you don’t like the risk of your pets or children getting caught in the cords and somehow hurting themselves.

Many people like the versatility of a pleated shade. They can be lowered until they are only slightly rippled looking. This helps keep prying eyes from looking in the window. If you get a sheerer pleated shade, like one made out of cotton or netting then they will still let in plenty of light even while closed (but at the same time still providing privacy.) If you would like a completely opaque effect then choose a heavier damask or solid fabrics. The heavier fabrics look very attractive when the shade is pulled up as they give the shade a crushed appearance. Lighter fabrics look very ethereal in pleated shades, almost like a fairy’s web.

Shades that have smaller or colorful prints look the very best in children’s room although flora prints can be used for more rustic styles. You can even get these types of shades with ruffles on the bottom to suit super frilly décor styles however don’t be surprised if you have to get this type of pleated blind custom made.

If you are looking for shades that have an insulating quality to them so you can keep heat either in or out of your house then consider getting one of the new cellular shades. These types of shades have U.V. protection that can protect a room from too much harmful sunlight. These types of pleated shades were created to help people protect their furniture from fading in strong sun. You can also use the thicker types to help keep a home warm or cold.Who knew that something so decorative could also be so practical?

How to Make Your Home Bar Look like A Lounge Bar

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If you have a bar at home you might be wondering how to pep it up a bit with design details that can make it seem a little more authentic and fun.

One way to do this is decorate with amusing retro or novelty lamps. For instance you can get a large nickel plated lamp in the shape of a metal martini glass that has an oversized plastic olive with a deep red pimento light bulb inside that is designed by Chicago artist David Krys for about thirty bucks. You can also get Tiki figurines with lights inside of them or little rice paper lamps with Polynesian themes that have mood lights that change color inside. Lava lamps in neon colors are also a great retro color that can add a lot of atmosphere to a place.

Another way of making your home bar or wreckroom more lounge-like in flair is to add a jukebox. You can splurge on the real thing or you might opt to buy a mini CD jukebox that acts like a CD player that you can place anywhere in the room.

You could also consider buying a novelty item like a clock in the shape of a Martini cocktail that has a glass stem that swings back and forth. Both Budwieser and JHack Daniels make retro neon clocks that help light up your walls so that they look like the ones at the local Hardrock Café. You can also get neon signs advertising famous places and brands. A good example is the Corona Lime Neon LED sign that features a glowing yellow Corona bottle next to a piece of glittering lime.

You also can’t go wrong with fogged mirrors that have famous brands etched in them. For instance Harley Davidson makes a mirror that looks exactly like it’s famous logo and shield.

Vintage-style metal, canvas or paper signs that feature cocktail images from the thirties, forties, fifties, sixties or seventies are also a nice touch. Look for funny ones that say things like “Time Flies When You are Having Rum.” Hanging pictures of Vargas Girls or posters of famous beers or liquors like Budweiser or Jack Daniels is also the classic thing to do when decorating in this style.

If you are lacking inspiration visit your favorite pub. Look at what is on the walls and that can also give you some inspiration.