How to Find the Right Window Treatment for Hotels

Curtains make a room, right? Well, only if you choose them right! For hotels curtains are not merely used as window treatments for their aesthetic value as window treatments, but also for their functionality. Using curtains to decorate a hotel means being very careful in the selection process because it will affect the overall ambience of the room and how it relates to the furnishings and the design. Let us assume that among the options for window treatment for hotels, curtain is the best one; so how do you choose the right one?

Custom or Off-the-Shelf

This should be a no-brainer! If you are serious in maintaining the beauty and reputation of your hotel, you should never buy off-the-shelf window treatments, more so curtains. Why? Aside from the fact that off-the-shelf curtains may not fit the size of your hotel windows, it is never nice to see your curtains in other business establishments or homes. Although off-the-shelf curtains are considerably cheaper than customized ones, choosing the right one does make a statement on the quality of your hotel.

Just in case custom curtains are way beyond your budget at the moment and you have to resort to off-the-shelf window treatments, please at least buy high quality retail ones. One of your goals is to preserve the identity of your hotel establishment.

Colors and Fabrics

The next step is to decide on the type of fabric and the color to use. Obviously, choosing custom curtains will give you more choices on both fronts. The fabric will give you an indication on the functionality and durability of the curtain. The best way to gauge how fabric will perform is to hold it up against a window, pleat it, and let it drape like a finished window treatment. This gives you an idea how nicely the fabric will fall and flow once it is fixed to your hotel window. You need about 2 yards sample fabric to make an accurate assessment.

Hotel rooms that are exposed to more sunlight should not be decorated with bright colored curtains because they can fade faster. Even if you regularly change curtains, making sure that there is less fading will translate to more savings. Most hotels go for neutral colors because of the possibility of fading is less and blending with room decoration is easier.

Faux silk is more durable, suede and other heavy fabrics help keep the light and cold out while maintaining the heat in the room. Silk fabrics that are unlined tend to rot. Layering sheer curtains with heavier ones gives more freedom of choice.

Curtain Length and Lining

Do you know why curtains in hotel rooms are usually hanged higher than the window? This is mostly for dramatic effect and to provide a sense of height to the hotel room. Normally six inches above the frame is acceptable, but some may choose to go higher. If you are going for a bit of a puddled look you need to add about 3 inches more to the length of your curtains. Allowing the panel to fall flush with the flooring gives a crisper and modern look.

As far as the width of the curtain is concerned, add about 4 to 8 inches on both sides to create a fuller look for your curtains. The extra inches are great in limiting entry of sunlight along the perimeter of the window frame. Take note that lining as well as interlining are essential with curtains because these are responsible for the fullness and body that they project.

Upkeep and Tailoring

Proper drapery tailoring will project a professional look, which is essential in establishing the reputation of the hotel. Professional tailoring also ensures that the chosen fabric is protected and preserved. Properly tailored curtains also allows for easier maintenance and cleaning allowing for savings on the upkeep and ensures longevity of your chosen curtains.

To get that professionally beautiful look for window treatment for hotels, check out the products of Diamond Drapery that are known for its high standards, impeccable design, and expert finish. Call Diamond Drapery today to give your hotel an air of exclusivity.

How to Find the Right Fabrics for Curtains

Before we go into the details of how to find the right fabrics for curtains in your home or office, you must keep in mind that fabrics and accessories can be easily changed; which means you do not have to be so hard on yourself if you make a mistake! Picking the right fabric for curtains is not that difficult after all provided that you follow some rules.

Fabric Criteria

Deciding on the type of fabric can initially be done based on various criteria about the fabric. This may or may not be directly related to the construction and finish of the curtain. Some basic rules to look at should include:

Durability – do you want to get the best out of your money? Then you have to make sure that the fabric is both durable and beautiful especially when exposed to the elements.
Weave – when it comes to decorator fabrics you can have twill, plain, or damask. These weaves are used to put the design on the fabrics like prints use twill while stripes rely on damask.
Thread Count – higher thread counts are supposed to be more durable, hence, last longer. You need to follow the cleaning instructions to prevent damaging the fabric.
Width –the width of the fabric you choose depends on the amount of space that you want to cover. Some decorative fabrics can go from 42 to 45 inches up to 110 inches or sometimes even wider depending on the manufacturer.

These criteria also come into play when you decide what type of design you want for your curtain, especially if there is furniture that you wish to match not only in terms of its color, but also the design.

Type of Room

The second consideration in choosing the right fabric for your curtains is to the room where it will be used. Where will you place the curtain? Every room requires a different curtain fabric to match its ambience or appeal.

Bedrooms – this room requires privacy and most of the time darkness. This means that it is best to use heavy fabrics that can double as insulation. Curtains for bedrooms are normally full length to prevent people from peeking into the room.
Bathrooms – curtains for this room are used either to accent opaque windows or muddles the view so that no one can look in. Sheer or opaque fabrics work best for bathrooms and the most common preferred color is either white or cream.
Kitchens – hands down the easiest room to fit curtains in. Curtains in this part of the home or office pantry is usually for decorative use and does not need to keep the light out or improve privacy. In fact, the more light enters the kitchen, the better savings on your electric bill! Simply choose fabrics that do not absorb grease, smoke from cooking, and other food substances.
Dining – curtains in this room should normally match how it is decorated or designed. If you have an informal eating space, you may opt for lively and bright colors. Formal dining rooms would benefit from curtains with neutral colors.

Type of Room

The windows of the room control the amount of light that enters it. The curtains are used to help accent the windows as well as provide additional functionalities like shade, insulation, and others. Rooms can be classified based on the amount of light that is allowed inside.

Sunny – if you have a sunny room and you do not want much sunlight, then heavy fabrics that block out the light are needed. However, if you want to accent the light and space of the sunny room, light and airy fabrics would be preferred.
Shady – when minimal light enters the room, thin fabrics would be great in maintaining the amount of light that is allowed. Light and sheer fabrics are also good options for this type of room.

Choosing the right fabric involves a lot of things, but, it can be made easier if you have access to numerous choices. This is precisely what you get when you visit Diamond Drapery. Visit them today and you will never go wrong with your curtain fabrics.

How to Choose Window Treatment for School

It is undebatable that an educational environment has unique window treatment requirements primarily because of the various types of rooms that it has. Some rooms may require more rooms than others while some would need more insulation and others may not. To help simplify the process a bit, here are some pointers on how to choose window treatment for school facilities.

Glare Control

When it comes to classrooms, majority require window treatments that are capable of cutting down glare to aid in effective teaching. The objective is to block out unwanted glare while maintaining visual connection with the environment outside the classroom. To achieve this, solar screens are often used to help students see blackboards or electronic presentations better without having to deal with the glare while having ample amounts of ambient light at the same time. This also allows teachers to visually inspect that every student remains engaged while the class in ongoing.

Presentation Rooms

Majority of educational environments have specific presentation rooms while others use specific rooms to double up as a presentation room. With modern architecture focusing more on maximizing daylighting, the challenge for window treatment of presentation rooms is how to completely blackout the area. This is important because majority of audio-visual presentations rely on darkness to allow the audience to appreciate the contents.

Rooms with large windows or high ceilings further increases the difficulty in blocking out the light. For most of these rooms, the use of blackout shades would be a tremendous help. Combining this type of window treatment with the high intensity lighting of newer presentation devices would allow for more effective teaching in schools regardless whether it is morning or midday when the sun is at its peak.

Based on School Activities

Choosing the appropriate window treatment for schools can also be based on specific school activities. This is applicable for all types of schools and not only for those that focus on specific disciplines. Because of the varying activities in an educational environment, there is a need for window treatments that are functional and durable.

Some of the typical school activities that can be considered during the selection and buying process for the appropriate window treatments of your school:

Laboratory activities;
Reading and notes taking in classrooms and libraries;
Administrative tasks;
Art and music activities where artwork and instrument may be sensitive to UV rays;
Sports and school events in gymnasiums; and
Indoor-eating areas like cafeterias.

Window Treatment Safety

Within an educational environment, aside from functionality, safety is also of paramount concern. Regardless whether this is a primary school or a college. High safety standards is always something to consider when choosing window treatment. What should you look for?

Printable shades – these blackout light while doubling up as a signage to point to emergency exits or post safety reminders for students and faculty members to observe.
Flame retardant – as much as possible, look for window treatments that offer protection from fire and certified to have been tested and passed strict safety standards.
Built-in safety features – aside from the basic safety standards required by the government, look for window treatment products that feature innovative and proprietary safety mechanisms that are designed to minimize the occurrence of accidents.

It cannot be denied that even in colleges and universities, there will be instances when children will be in the school grounds. This is one of the reasons why educational environments should not only be focused on safety, but also with child safety even with window treatments.

Given that educational institutions have their unique set of facilities management issues, it does not mean that you have to go from one manufacturer to another just to satisfy all your requirements. Visit Diamond Drapery to benefit from a one-stop-shop convenience for window treatment in schools with lower prices, wider selection, and better quality.

How to Choose the Right Tracks for your Curtains

Did you know that choosing the right tracks for your curtains is just as important as choosing the right curtains for your room? There are basically some important decisions to be made aside from ensuring that the tracks are of suitable weight or match the color scheme of the room. So this is how to choose the right tracks for your room curtains.

Track Material

There are several types of materials used for curtain tracks in the market today. Each can pose a distinct advantage and disadvantage which may affect your buying decision.

PVC – this popular curtain track material is extremely flexible, inexpensive, and easy to cut to size. Bending the PVC can be challenging if not at room temperature. This type of track is not available with a corded option.
Steel – steel tracks are always corded but cannot be bent making their use quite limited. However, this track is an excellent choice for heavy curtains.
Aluminum – strong and durable, this type of curtain track can be easily bent for a smoother look and drawing of your curtains. This track comes in corded and uncorded varieties and can be as easy to cut to size as PVC materials. Aluminum tracks however do not spring back into shape once they are bent.
Heavy-duty Aluminum – these tracks can be ordered in exact lengths and already bent inwards or outwards. Professional fitters can fit and bend them to the exact size and angle you need usually for free as part of their fitting service. These are ideal substitutes for steel curtain tracks.

Track Cords

When choosing the right tracks for your curtains you have to keep in mind that some may come in corded and uncorded variants. Corded tracks feature a nylon cord that connects to gliders and pulleys for adjusting the opening of the curtains. This eliminates the need to handle the curtain and protect its fabric from damage. Drawing heavy curtains become easier when using corded tracks.

With uncorded tracks, you have to manually adjust the curtain openings. This works fine with curtains that do not have to be opened regularly or are meant to obstruct the view from the outside. Keep in mind though that light and sensitive fabrics can be easily damaged when frequently handled.

Shapes and Measures

An integral part of choosing the right tracks for your curtains is considering the size and shape of the window where it will be installed. This is especially true when the window is not the conventional rectangular shaped one. How do you accurately measure to get the right tracks?

Inside Recesses – the track’s overall length should be shorter than the actual recess width. If you have to cut to size, choose aluminum or PVC materials. Consider the bends when measuring, gentler bends allow for smoother curtain runs.
Outside Recesses – to install tracks at the outside recesses, an allowance of at least 6 inches from both sides of the window should be given. If you are using full curtains, make sure to increase the size of the allowance to maximize the amount of daylight. If you are unsure of the exact measurements you can use an extendable steel track instead; this also makes narrow windows look wider.

Fitting the Tracks

Part of your buying decision is to consider how you would fit the tracks to the specific window. There are three common ways that curtain tracks can be installed:

Wall Fixing – the track is fixed to a wooden batten or brickwork and placed above window frames using rawlplugs and long screws.
Ceiling Fixing – the curtain tracks are attached to ceiling joists or wooden battens when the joists are not properly positioned.
Brackets – universal brackets allow the curtain tracks to be fixed on either a wall or a ceiling regardless of the size and shape of the window.

So why should buy your tracks from Diamond Drapery? Because you can be assured of reliability, flexibility, and compliance above industry standards. You also benefit from a large inventory of products that can be shipped within 24 hours of your order. Contact Diamond Drapery today!

How Often Privacy Curtains should be Cleaned

Did you know that there is no specific guidelines from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) on how often privacy curtains should be cleaned? In fact, the guidelines for Environmental Infection Control only require healthcare facilities to have clean walls, window curtains, and blinds in areas where patient care is delivered. It only mentions conditions when the privacy curtains are soiled or dusty; but is this frequent enough for a healthcare facility?

Ideal Cleaning Frequency

Ideally, healthcare facilities should clean or change privacy curtains once a patient is discharged. Of course it may not be necessary to change it all the time, but, if you consider the type of environment where frontline health services are being delivered, safety dictates cleaning or changing it. The common practice today however is that the frontline staff are given discretion on whether the curtains should be replaced or not.

Although the practice sounds terrible for a healthcare facility, there are some that would change the curtains once the room is empty as part of its maintenance schedule of prepping and keeping the room ready for the next patient. Curtains used for cubicles for tests like EKG, X-Rays, and similar activities should also be cleaned regularly. Especially when you consider that some patients lie down in the area to have blood drawn or applied some type of medication; regular cleaning would definitely be a requirement.

Manufacturer Guidelines

So how can we know how frequent cubicle curtains should be cleaned? One of the best guidelines would be that from the manufacturer. When you buy quality privacy curtains it always indicates the cleaning frequency to preserve the beauty and functionality of the product. Some manufacturers would require annual, semi-annual, or quarterly cleaning depending on the specific product type.

Pay close attention to the instructions of the manufacturer on how to clean the privacy curtain. This is important because the instructions are meant to preserve the flame resistant property of the product to keep it within safety standards. Wrong laundering or done too often can degrade or completely eliminate the flame retardant properties and bring potential danger to the healthcare facility.

Considering that privacy curtains may come in various specifications depending on its manufacturer, there are still some care instructions that are common to almost all types of cubicle curtains. Common instructions that you would find in attached to the curtain products can include:

Using mild soap or detergent;
Washing in warm water;
Gentle extraction;
Never bleach;
Air or tumble dry using low temperature;
Immediate folding or hanging once dry;
When pressing do not press the mesh or snaps; and
Avoid extended contact with heat source among others.

Obvious Signs

There will also be instances when you do not have to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or the maintenance schedule of the healthcare facility to decide on whether it is time to clean or change the cubicle curtains. There would be visual signs that would indicate it is time for change.

For example, when the privacy curtain becomes soiled, definitely, it should be changed and sent to the cleaners. Depending on how busy the healthcare facility is, the cubicle curtains can see its share of wear and tear, which means it can get old rather quickly necessitating change or cleaning.

All of these should be combined with the existing policy of the healthcare facility on how privacy curtains should be cleaned or changed to deliver a better ambulatory environment.

If you are searching for the perfect privacy curtains not only for healthcare facilities, but also for schools, nursing homes, and other institutions, then you can visit Diamond Drapery. They offer a variety of design for cubicle curtains that deliver both privacy and comfort with focus on safety and durability. Contact Diamond Drapery today!

How to Get your Custom Curtains Done Right

Do you think sewing your own window treatments would save you tons of money? Maybe or maybe not, but are you willing to take that chance? For any institution or commercial building, aesthetics and quality are important requirements when it comes to window treatments. This means that nothing beats simply sending in your fabrics together with your specifications to get the type of curtains you need. But how can you make sure that your custom curtains are done right?

Accurate Measurements

Everything begins with measuring; more importantly, accurate measuring. In order to get an accurate measure you will need the right set of tools. Normally you would need a 24-inch carpenter’s square, 72-inch ruler, 6-inch see-through quilter, and a metal tape measure about 25-foot long. This is preferred because fabrics have a tendency to twist and stretch making accurate measurement quite challenging. Do you have all of these materials? If not, you do not have to buy them, it would be more worth your while (and savings) to simply look for a manufacturer that specialized in commercial sewing for custom fabrics or designs. It would be better if this manufacturer had its own in-house sewing room so your orders get done faster and do not have to pass through a subcontractor.

The Cutting

Anyone who has sewn even the smallest curtain knows that before you can put it together you must first cut your fabric to size. This means that you would need a cutting table that is wide enough to spread the drapery fabric as well as have ample length so that the fabric can be rolled out to its full length.

A typical cutting table size would be about 110 inches long and around 60 inches wide. For various window treatments it is preferable that the cutting table has a padded surface to protect the fabric and other materials being used. Usually it is better to have a cutting table that is larger than the size of the finished window treatment. The scissors used for cutting must be sharp all the time to avoid damaging the fabric or any material for the window treatment. Expert commercial sewers have cutting tables large enough to accommodate window treatment materials of almost any size; why give yourself the aggravation, right?

Sewing Machines

Still entertaining thoughts of sewing your own window treatments? Then it is important to know that there is no one-size-fits-all sewing machine that can handle all the different types of window treatments that institutional or commercial buildings may need.

Machines used for domestic garment sewing may not be capable of handling the various thickness of drapery fabrics. This means that a household sewing machine stands no chance! For creating curtains for institutional and commercial buildings, speed and strength of the sewing machine are essential; this is where industrial serging and sewing machines come in. Home-décor machines may stand a chance, but not if you are doing large quantity curtains. Obviously, curtain manufacturers that specialize in custom work can do a better job and give you some savings.

Iron Finish

Let’s go back to the padded table. Another reason why it is padded is because this is where you will iron finish your custom made curtains. You cannot use an ordinary house iron, you would need a professional grade one. This means operating at 1,500 watts or has a dedicated boiler that can deliver continuous steam to the iron’s soleplate. It will give you a way to deal with heavy creased fabrics by properly pressing them. This is important in achieving that custom made look for your curtains. Imagine how high your electric bill would go with using a professional grade iron.

So how can you make sure that your custom curtains are done right? Once you know exactly what you need (in terms of fabric and design), your best step is to get in touch with Diamond Drapery. Aside from having access to their curtain experts, their extensive knowledge in the custom made curtains would be to your advantage. Call Diamond Drapery today.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Drapes

Do find the whole process of buying draperies exciting or simply a necessity? There is no question that brand new draperies are beautiful, functional, and truly increase the value of the room where they are installed. However, without proper care, your draperies eventually become dirty, fade, and turn to a complete eyesore. No need to feel disheartened though as keeping the beauty and functionality of your draperies is not really that difficult. So where do we start?

Drapery Fabrics

Usually, when we shop for fabrics we think about texture, color, and other features. But, have you ever stopped a while and thought, “Is this fabric environmentally friendly?” Or maybe, “Will this fabric leave chemical residues?” Drapery functionality should go beyond mere aesthetics; its impact on your well-being and lifestyle must also be taken into consideration.

At the moment, fabrics can be natural or synthetic. Linen, cotton, wool, and silk are common types of natural fabrics available in the market. Nylon, polyester, and rayon on the other hand are petroleum-based synthetic fabrics that may leave chemical residues (especially if not high quality). This means that organic fabrics are more preferred.

Shopping for organic drapery fabrics can be challenging though and may require additional legwork. Of course, you can also settle for synthetic fabrics that are made from less toxic dyes or naturally pigmented ones. But, you can also seek help from manufacturers known for producing high quality, customized drapes.

Temperature Control

One of the features that draperies can provide is that it can help control the temperature in the room. For example, draperies can deliver energy saving that will benefit any building. In the summer months, this can be done by using light-colored fabric backing so that it can reflect the rays of the sun. This will reduce the amount of heat that enters the room and eventually lowers the cost of your cooling bill. The draperies on windows that are facing the sun should also be kept closed during warm and sunny days to prevent overworking your air conditioning.

Having difficulty shopping for draperies with fabric backings? No worries, manufacturers can customize or add backings after you have bought them off the rack.

During cold winter days, make sure that the draperies in rooms not being used remain closed. This is to ensure that cold or chilly air remain outside and does not disrupt your heating system.

Proper Maintenance

No matter what type of drapery fabric you choose, if you do not maintain them properly, you are throwing money outside the window! This is not merely to ensure that the fabrics remain pretty and last a long time. It is important to point out that dust, mold, and other chemicals can get caught in the dirty fabrics and cause various problems to your health like respiratory diseases for example.

Dry cleaning is not a ready-made answer to properly maintaining your draperies. You have to regularly vacuum the fabrics using HEPA filter to get rid of loose particles. Preferably wool, linen, and cotton fabrics should laundered by hand, hung to dry, and reinstalled.

If there is no other way but to dry clean your draperies, make sure that they are air dried on an outside clothesline before you install them back in your home. This helps eliminate possible carcinogenic residues used in dry cleaning.

Vacuuming can be done about once or twice a week. When it comes to frequency of laundering your draperies, the best rule is to follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.

These are just a few things to remember how to get the best value for your drapes. But, if you are really serious in maximizing every benefit, nothing beats talking to real experts in draperies. Call Diamond Drapery today for true value products and services!

How to Get Custom Fabrics Sewn Properly

Despite the numerous fabrics available in the different stores in your area, there will always be that one time when you simply cannot find what you need or want. If this has happened to you then you understand the disappointment and irritation you can feel when you cannot find the right colors and patterns on the right type of fabric. A great solution is to have custom fabrics sewn for your specific needs. How can you make sure that sewing custom fabrics get done right?

Designing the Fabric

When it comes to the fabric design there are actually two avenues to choose from; one is to craft up your own design or to let experts make your dream design come true. Not sure which road to take? Let us try to make things a bit easier.

The road to designing your own fabric will begin with a pattern idea. These can come from sketches, photos, paintings, computer images, or maybe even from the deepest recesses of your mind. What you should be aware of with the design process is to have it converted to its digital format. What is a digital format? Good question! This means having it scanned or uploaded to a computer so that it can be transformed into a GIF, JPG, or similar formats. The chosen image format should not create distortions that may ruin your intended fabric design.

Are you a beginner at this? Then this should take you to the road of letting experts handle your design work. This does not mean sacrificing the idea you have, but rather, allowing experts to transform them into reality. Another important thing to consider is that experts know exactly what digital format works for the type of fabric you want. Basically, designing can be a bit tricky for beginners.

As you begin to learn the various approaches to having your custom fabrics sewn, remember that repeating tile patterns can be one of the best choices because it works for practically all fabric lengths. Washing fabrics, especially for the first few times, may result in dye bleeding that is why patterns with high color contrast are often considered your best choice. And of course, always remember to get a test fabric before ordering in bulk; this is the best way to ensure proper fabric choice.

Beginners may also find it difficult to match fabrics with patterns, especially complex patterns. Direction of fabrics and the alignment of repeated sections must be considered. Creating symmetrical and matching draperies can be difficult if you are at the starting block, which is why the road to expert custom fabric sewers is often the best one to take.

Measuring and Cutting

Before you can even proceed to the actual process of sewing custom fabrics, you have to go through accurate measuring and cutting for the custom curtains you have in mind. Having that beautiful curtain hanging in your office window can remain a figment of your imagination if you do not properly measure and cut your fabric.

When measuring and cutting fabrics, you have to be aware of the different pros and cons that every type of fabric has. This is not an easy thing to do without the proper background. One more thing that must be pointed out is that fabrics do have the tendency to twist and stretch, which means that getting an accurate measurement can be challenging. Without an accurate measurement, you can never come up with an accurate cut. The result? A ruined fabric! So how do you avoid this woe and spoilage?

Getting it Done Right

Did you know that sewing custom fabrics is not as difficult as you initially think? The critical thing is to find a custom sewer that will simply allow you to send them your fabrics, specifications, and design ideas and they come up with quality curtains in less time than you imagine.

Another important benefit you get from custom fabric sewers is that they have experts that can help you to improve your designs to better fit your building or healthcare facility. This means doing away with all the technical stuff and simply enjoying of your dream curtains coming true.

To make it even easier for you, call Diamond Drapery today and get the best service when it comes to sewing custom fabrics.

Command Higher Lease Prices with Quality Custom Shades

When you’re trying to lease out parts of an office building, it’s vital that each section looks as good as it possibly can. The paint that you choose, the flooring that you put down and just about everything else makes a very big difference. There’s one area that most people don’t think about though, and that’s the shades on the windows. Adding the right shades to a window can make the space seem much more valuable, and make it easier for you to ask for a higher price for each lease. That means more recurring money for your business and improved profit margins as well.

Create a Quality Theme

Work with an interior decorator or a company that specializes in remodeling businesses to make them look nicer and come up with a theme or a color scheme to go with. Try to match the flooring, any counters, the color of the walls and everything else in the space to this theme. When you do this the office will generally appear more upscale, even if it doesn’t make use of the most expensive materials available. A good set of custom shades can fit right into the theme that you have in mind and create a more uniform space overall. This makes it more desirable and lets the customer know that they won’t have to make many changes after moving in.

Make a Small Space Appear Larger

When you have a compact office space to try and lease out, there are ways that the space can be maximized. One of the most important steps that you’ll have to make is treating the windows properly. By making use of longer custom shades the room will immediately seem taller than it actually is. Coverings that allow in natural light give the space an airy and open feeling. Work with professionals to help you pick out coverings that stick with your theme, but also open up the space and help it feel larger than it actually is. It’s easier said than done, but when windows are treated properly your whole space will seemingly increase in size.

Create a More Pleasant Environment

Lighting has a lot to do with the overall environment and feel of a room. As a business owner trying to get the most from your investment, it’s up to you to make sure that the office you’re trying to rent out has a pleasing environment right from the beginning. This means plenty of natural light, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming either. The treatment that your windows get really depends on the kind of sunlight that that space gets. If the room is full of bright direct sunlight, it might be best to rely on a semi-transparent shade to soften that light up a bit. If it barely gets any sunlight at all, you’ll probably want to build in some quality lighting and should keep the shades drawn back most of the time to let that little bit of light in. Consider consulting a pro to help you really nail the feel of the room to make sure it’s right. It should be welcoming and a comfortable environment to get work done in. If you can manage this balance you’ll be able to ask for more money when leasing the room out.

It can’t be stated enough that a set of quality custom shades is exactly what’s needed to help increase the value of office space. It gives the office a more pleasant look and makes it much more enjoyable to be in. A standard room can be modified to look upscale, and a few simple changes can dramatically increase your ability to profit off a space. Contact Diamond Drapery for more information!

How to Dress the Windows in Your Building

The difference in design and functionality requires commercial and institutional buildings to have a different approach to window treatments than residential properties. This means people who work in these types of buildings cannot simply swing open a window or close the drapes because the needs of other people in the room or office should also be considered. Want to know of practical ways to dress windows in commercial and institutional buildings without getting in the nerves of your officemates? Here are some tips based on the window configuration.

1. Wall of Windows

With all the focus on being environmentally friendly, green buildings are becoming the trend in many commercial, institutional, and healthcare facilities. This means many buildings are featuring walls of windows on every floor to help them maximize daylight while minimizing energy expenses. For high rises, these windows give an excellent view of the skylight, but, extreme amounts of light can also cause eyestrain or overwork HVAC units.

A great way to treat a wall of windows is to install a motorized ceiling track that is cleverly hidden from view. This helps to minimize glare, increases insulation (with the right type of window treatment), adds to the aesthetics, and functionality at the touch of a button.

2. Tall Windows

When properly treated, tall windows can provide more opportunities than challenges. One of the best ways to dress these types of windows is to scale them down so they look less awkward and give your commercial and institutional buildings more character and appeal. By using mounted curtains at a level where the upper and lower banks are separated, you create a cozier and more intimate ambience that can allow your business to soar. Placing curtains at this level also helps protect privacy.

3. Three-Sided Windows

Commonly known as bay windows, these are also commonly found in homes. The main challenge with the three-sides is that you need to configure the curtain rod to look more appealing instead of an eyesore. Using angled or curved rods for windows of this type eliminates distraction in your office space allowing employees and clients to focus on more essential things. Accurate measurement is required in case custom made rods and support is needed for your building.

4. Recessed Windows

This is an excellent window in rooms where client meetings are held because of the cozy and relaxing atmosphere it exudes; which can lead to a more positive outcome. Mounting curtains can be challenging unless it is done within the recess to preserve the beauty of the window. This is also a good area where you can spend some alone time to contemplate about your business.

5. Angled Windows

Sometimes, referred to as slanted windows, the mere design poses a challenge already. Using stationary window treatments is a great way to block off excessive sunlight from coming into your building. Another option is to have custom made shades fitted to your slanted windows, which would naturally drop in place without ruining the overall look of your commercial property.

6. Shuttered Windows

Clinics, hospitals, doctors’ offices, all of these are common places where you will find shuttered windows. Unfortunately, many shutters make commercial and institutional buildings look impersonal, often destroys the décor, and does not contribute to a professional look. Do you need to swap them out for beautiful and elegant curtains? Not necessarily so, curtains and shutters can work together to create a brilliant and appealing commercial space. Layer curtains over the shutters or put self-lined curtains on the wall. This leaves a lot of room to preserve the functionality of the shutters while increasing the value of your commercial space.

7. Deep Framed

Now for this type of window, extensive millwork is often required instead of just slapping on the curtains. If you are renting a commercial or institutional building, you would want to minimize drilling into walls, especially deep framed windows because it can cost you. This means that you would need a tension rod or possibly a side-mounted rod that fits neatly into the frame. The final look will be better than drilling the mounts and definitely cheaper.

8. Bow or Arched Windows

These types of windows highlight the beauty of a commercial or institutional building. However, the choice is whether you should leave them bare or play on installing functional window treatments.

Curved rods would do the trick for bow windows, but since this is a modified window treatment, measurement, fabrication, and installation must be done by experts. Specify that C-shaped rings with bypass brackets.

Although you may be tempted to leave arched windows bare, custom made solutions can do wonders for your institution while improving the look of the window at the same time. Accent the beauty of the shape of the window by putting a light accent on it with a precise template done by a professional installer.

With so much to consider on how different window configurations can make your commercial or institutional building look more professional, it is quite difficult to leave everything to chance. With the bit of knowledge you read here and the professional inputs from the Diamond Drapery experts, you will never go wrong. Contact Diamond Drapery today!