Hillarys UK

Summer is the one time of year when dirt and grime will show up more than ever, and one expert is advising homeowners to lend some serious thought to their window dressings.

Kate Watson-Smyth’s article for the Independent highlights the importance of sprucing up windows and blinds to make sure a home is ready to shine in the summer.

"Not only does the sunlight streaming through reveal just how dusty your windows are, but the frames might also need painting. This is a perfect summer job, as any weak spots and damage will have been exacerbated over the long winter months," she says.

To tackle dirty window panes, Ms Watson-Smyth suggests mixing a solution of one part vinegar and one part warm water to spray on them before wiping them clean with a dry cloth followed by crumpled newspaper.

Blinds should also be given a thorough wipe down to keep them looking at their best.

According to JustMeans.com, blinds can also help keep a house cool when the summer heat reaches its height.

Blinds can help make a home more environmentally friendly and cut back on energy bills, according to AnnArbor.com.

The issue of climate change has forced many people to consider the impact their own lifestyle has on the environment.

There are many ways of making a property more eco-friendly and fitting blinds is a good start as they can improve energy efficiency.

"Interior blinds, either horizontal or vertical, are a good choice because the slats can be used to control light and ventilation in the summer," the website added.

In addition, appliances with high energy efficiency ratings can help to save money and the environment, and during the warm summer months heating should not be left on while windows are open.

AtHomeMagazine.com also recently advised that blinds can play a big part in an eco-home, helping to reduce the impact on both the environment and a homeowner’s wallet.

A number of considerations need to be weighed up when deciding what type of window treatment to choose in a room, according to 101homeresources.com.

The website advises that, as much as style matters, functionality should always be the primary concern when looking at the pros and cons of blinds and other window dressings.

"Several functional issues must be addressed before you consider styles, fabrics and colours. If you spend time considering these aspects, you will save time and frustration later," the home decorating website says.

Included among those issues are thoughts about the level of privacy required, the exposure of the room, whether the window is needed for ventilation and how much light control is desired.

Once these aspects have been analysed, thoughts can turn to style and the best colour choices, the website concludes.

According to Simplyfurnishings.com, form and function need to be considered in equal measure when decorating a room.

Homeowners with pets may find that blinds are the ideal window dressing.
According to a Housing Watch article, several things need to be considered when trying to create a pet-friendly property.

Things such as curtains and drapes may become the target of over-zealous dogs, but the more durable nature of blinds, and the fact some types are not designed to reach down to the floor, makes them a safer bet.

The website also advises opting for a dark colour scheme to hide some of the marks that a pet might make, while easy-to-clean hard surface are definitely preferable to carpets, which can quickly wear thin.

Ensuring that none of the household’s pot plants are poisonous to animals is also vital, and air fresheners are a must, the article concludes.

Research conducted in 2008 revealed that 43 per cent of UK households have at least one pet, with dogs being the most popular.

Designing a home to make the most of natural light requires attention to detail, according to an expert.

Paul McRandle, editor of Simplesteps.org, told the Edmonton Journal that nothing could bring life to an interior space quite like the light given off by the sun or the night sky.

But every base needs to be covered in order to gain the maximum benefit from natural light sources, including opting for the right choice of window dressing.

He advised opting for blinds, adding that wooden reflective flooring and white walls with a glossy finish help to reflect light around the space.

In addition, fitting plenty of mirrors not only enables light to be bounced around the interior of a home, but they also add to the sense of space.

Interior designer Marie Taylor recently told Nola.com that establishing a link between the interior and exterior of a property, such as via a courtyard, made it much more appealing.