3. How about a pleated window shade?

Install a pleated window shade - the type whose profile appears as a honeycomb shape - with light-diffusing qualities. This translucent window covering is a great thermal barrier, too.

4. How about cafetype curtains?

Cafetype curtain - a lightweight, unlined fabric is best for admitting light - below the top of the window, leaving perhaps a quarter of the glass exposed but maintaining privacy. The window will give a transom effect, letting in sunlight above the top of the curtain rod.

5. How about lightweight unlined curtains?

Hang lightweight unlined curtains. You will lose a fair amount of sunlight with this treatment, but there are many inexpensive, ready-made options in stores.

6. How about sheer vertical blinds?

Sheer vertical blinds diffuse the light while obstructing views into the room and out of it. Today's verticals can show a lot more style than the limited coarse-textured or plain-vinyl styles of the past.

7. How about a matchstick blind?

A matchstick blind allows light to filter into the room through the reeds. Natural bamboo is a classic, although matchstick styles also are commonly found in vinyl, too.

8. How to remove vanes of a blind for replacement or cleaning?

Open the blind, lift the vane up off the hook on the holder or carrier, and bend the vane out to open the holder and down to pull it out.

9. How to remove the damaged vane from vinyl or aluminum vanes with a spacer chain?

Remove the screw or tie-down clip that secures the end of the chain. Feed the chain out through the vane you're removing and as many others as necessary to get to the damaged vane.

10. How to remove fabric vanes of a blind?

Disconnect the spacer-chain connector from one side of the vane weight and pull the weight out of its pocket in the bottom of the vane.

11. How to install a vane?

Orient its curve in the same direction as those of the other vanes. Grasp the vane near the top and gently push it up into the holder, then down to lock it into place.

12. How to install vinyl or aluminum vanes?

Thread the chain through the holes in the replacement vane and subsequently through all other vanes between the replaced vane and the chain-anchor point. To maintain the proper spacing, cut a piece of cardboard to the appropriate length, using the existing spacing as a guide. Insert the cardboard between the last installed vane and the one you're installing next.

13. How to install fabric vanes?

Reinsert the vane weight (clip side up) into the pocket of the vane and clip the spacer-chain connector to it.

14. How to replace head-rail of blind, such as cord and hanger for repair?

Remove all vanes and disconnect the head rail from the mounting brackets so you can bring it in for professional repair. Typically you must rotate an arm on a mounting to unlock the head rail. Have a helper at the other end hold the blind so it doesn't fall.

15. The shade won¨t roll up completely, what can I do?

• Roll shade down and remove it from brackets, blade end first.
• Roll nearly all of shade around roller by hand.
• Reinstall shade and test.
• If more tension is required, repeat procedure.

16. The shade rolls up too slowly, what can I do?

• Roll shade down and remove it from brackets, blade end first.
• Roll about half of shade around roller by hand.
• Reinstall shade and test.
• If more tension is required, repeat procedure.

17. The shade rolls up too fast, what can I do?

• Roll shade up and remove it from brackets, blade end first.
• Unroll about half of shade by hand.
• Reinstall shade and test.
• If less tension is required, repeat procedure.

18. The shade falls out of brackets, what can I do?

• For outside mount, remove shade from brackets, blade end first; bend each bracket inward
  slightly with pliers; or reposition one bracket.
• For inside mount, pry out one or both brackets with tip of standard screwdriver, enough to slip
  cardboard shim behind bracket; tap bracket nails back in.

19. The shade won't lock in desired position, what can I do?

• Roll shade up fully to reduce tension on spring; remove shade from brackets, blade end first;
  unroll shade by hand and reinstall it.
• Roll it up again as needed to release all tension.
• Blow, brush or use a toothpick to remove any dirt in the pawl (the little arm that engages ratchet
  teeth in blade end of shade). It must move freely.
• Lubricate pawl with graphite powder (lock lubricant) or brief squirt of WD-40. Have cloth handy to
  protect shade from overspray and to wipe off excess.
• Test operation. If it still doesn't work, replace shade.

20. The shade binds, what can I do?

• For outside mount, remove shade and grasp each bracket with pliers to bend it outward; or
  remove and reposition bracket.
• For inside mount, tap each bracket to flatten it slightly.
• If necessary, drill small hole of 1/8-inch (3-mm) diameter in window frame as recess for
  stationary pin (easier than shortening pin).
• Remove shade and bring it to store to have it cut shorter (typically done at no charge)..

21. The shade wobbles, what can I do?

• Remove shade.
• Grasp pin with pliers and bend it straight.

22. What special caution for adjusting tension of window shade?

Never try to wind the spring by grasping the blade end with pliers and twisting it. The blade can spin violently and cause injury.

23. Where will the curtain rod go?

You'll probably want it about 6 inches above the window frame, but you might want it higher or lower or - for a dramatic look on a tall, deep window - inside the frame.

24. How much coverage of the curtain should I want?

Curtains usually extend about 6 inches above the window frame, 2 to 3 inches on each side, and 2 to 3 inches on the bottom. Consider how much light you want to block - probably a lot if the window faces east and you like to sleep in - and how much privacy you want the curtains to provide.

25. How to measure my window for curtains?

• Decide what kind of curtains you want.
• Decide where the curtain rod will go.
• Decide how much coverage you want.
• Use a tape measure to measure from the curtain rod to the desired bot-tom point, and from side
  to side. Multiply the side-to-side measurement by 2 to allow for generously full curtains.

26. How many kinds of shades?

General two kinds: floor-length bamboo and Narrow Venetian.

27. Where will the shades go?

Shades can be hung outside the window frame for a look that's more like curtains, or inside the frame for a clean, modern appearance.

28. How much coverage of the shade should I want?

If you're hanging the shade inside the frame, your coverage will be inside the frame; if you go with an "outside" shade, you've got more leeway. Make sure to factor in how light hits the window.

29. How to measure my window for shades?

• Decide what kind of shades you want.
• Decide where the shades will go.
• Decide how much coverage you want.
• Use a steel tape measure to measure your window.
• For an inset shade, measure from top to bottom and left to right, and note the depth of the
  window frame (to make sure it will accommodate the shades you purchase).
• For an outset shade, measure from the point you'll hang the shade to the point you want it to
  drop to, and from side to side, taking into account how far beyond the window frame you want it
  to extend, and remembering that you'll need at least two inches above the window for mounting
  .brackets

30. Is there anything I can DIY to tie back curtains?

• Braid grosgrain or other ribbon and sew into a circle. Slip the curtain hem through the circle and
  hide the seams of your tiebacks behind the curtain.
• Weave ribbon through a wide piece of eyelet trim as a feminine tieback.
• Recycle men's neckties, knotted as when they're worn; loop the knots onto the wall hook for the
  tieback. The ties don't have to match each other as long as each one integrates with your color
  scheme.
• For a funky touch in a girl's room, you can also use jelly bracelets. They come in all sorts of
  bright colors and can be mixed and matched!
• Use old glass door knobs and hardware attached to the wall to hook the tie back on. It looks
  vintage or elegant, depending on your fabric.
• Use Christmas garlands at the special season.

31. Is there a perfect solution in rooms where I want light without sacrificing privacy?

Transparent lace curtains work well.

32. Curtains tend to accumulate dust and dirt, what can I do?

Dust your curtains frequently using a vacuum attachment. This way, you'll keep them clean without having to periodically take them down and put them back up. To keep a curtain from being sucked into the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner, use the lowest setting and place a stiff piece of plastic screening between the nozzle and the curtain.

33. Can I wash curtains fast and easy?

Machine-wash curtains according to care instructions. Instead of drying just hang curtains back on the rod to dry. Result: no wrinkles.

34. I have difficulty in cleaning hard-to-reach windows, what can I do?

Purchase squeegee extension poles at a hardware store that are specifically made for washing windows.

35. I hate cleaning windows, usually use newspaper, but leaving the black ink all over my hands,
　　what can I do?

Use cheap COFFEE FILTERS! They work great!

36. What special caution for installing curtain rods?

• If your curtain rod is longer than 48 inches, consider installing a center bracket to support the
  weight of the rod and curtains.
• Use wall fasteners that will properly support the weight of your rod and curtains.

37. Curtain rods are so expensive, and I will have to throw them away if they don¨t fit the windows
　　in the next house. Are there any cheap curtain rods?

PVC pipe and wooden blocks work great. If there is an area of the pipe that will show, you can buy some spray paint and paint it to match. To install them, you just mount your wooden blocks where you would normally hang the rod brackets. Drill a hole through the PVC pipe. Use wood screws that are long enough to go through both the PVC pipe and screw into the wooden block. To wash the curtains, just get your reversible drill out and take them down. You can also attach knobs in the ends of the PVC pipe for a more decorative look. The best thing about using PVC pipe for curtain rods is the little ones won't bend them if they get to pulling on the curtains.

38.Do the window hardware be visible or not?

Rods and finials might be more prominent in a formal room while a contemporary room calls for clean lines and an uncluttered look.

39. How can I match the hardware to the style of my draperies and my room?

Choose sturdy larger diameter rods for heavy draperies. Sheer panels and lighter silks will look more appropriate on thinner lighter rods.

40. How to choose window treatment for contemporary homes?

Chrome rods, glass finials, metals, iron, and cable systems will fit well with that look.

41. How to choose window treatment for formal, traditional, or period room?

Carved dark wood, gilt touches, and traditional shapes work well in formal, traditional, or period rooms.

42. How to choose window treatment in country interiors, rustic rooms, and some themed rooms
　　in Tuscan, Spanish, and other rustic styles?

Use iron, black wrought iron, and rustic metals.

43. How to choose window treatment for country styles room?

Country styles can be accented with pine, iron, and simple wood rods.

44. How to add height to a room with window treatment?

Add height to a room by installing drapery hardware well above the window frame, or even up along the ceiling line. The longer fabric panels will add a tall line to the rooms

45. I select a trendy color used on my walls and some accessories, then how to select the color of
　　 the window treatment with the least amount of expense?

Just select neutral colors for your window treatments and furnishings.

46. What is the fast and easy way to select the color of window treatment?

Picking a common color from your closet will usually give you a color that you love and makes you feel comfortable.

47. What color of window treatment is great for a nursery or a child¨s room?

Use bright primary colors to stimulate creativity and energy.

48. What color of window treatment is great for a bedroom?

Use neutral or cooler tones to create a restful feeling.

49. What color of window treatment is great for a living or dining room?

Select deeper or stronger colors and tones for a stronger impact.

50. If I have a lot of antiques or artwork, what color of window treatment will work well?

Select neutral colors so that your prized possessions take center stage.

51. How to improve upon an ordinary curtain rod?

There are many ways to create an individual style. Use a very basic rod with simple ball finials and paint the unit a color that contrasts with the curtains and matches the bedding or wallpaper. Alternatively, you could cover the rod with the same fabric as the curtains, which would simplify the window treatments by creating symmetry. Other ways to dress up curtain rods are by wrapping a vine of plastic flowers around it or a feather boa for an over-the-top look.

52. How can I make small windows appear larger and more dramatic?

Use light-colored panels that start well above the window and puddle onto the floor. To enhance the width of a narrow window, specify panels significantly wider than the window and hold them open with tiebacks-the effect draws the eye outward. Then, build on the visual impact with details like ring tops, prominent wood poles, finials and brackets.

53. I am trying to conceal an unattractive view outside, what kind of window treatment can I
　　choose?

Semi-opaque Honeycomb Shades completely block a view in the down position but still allow light to filter through. Shutters also work well to hide an unattractive view.

54. I am trying to frame a beautiful view such as a lake or garden setting, what kind of window
　　treatment can I chooset?

Honeycomb shades have a slim, unobtrusive headrail that allows you to raise the shade completely and not interfere with a view, yet when lowered they provide privacy and light control. Mini Blinds, NuForest Blinds, Wood Blinds, and Vertical Blinds allow you a partial view through the slats when in the open position. All of these can also be pulled out of the way to allow for a complete view.

55. I am trying to block the view into my home for security or privacy reasons, such as in a
　　bedroom or bathroom, what kind of window treatment can I choose?

Top down - bottom up Honeycomb Shades are ideal for this purpose. They allow you to position the blind so that light can be let in from above while still providing privacy down below. Woven Woods and Roman Shades also provide privacy while in the down position. Mini Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Roller Shades, NuForest Blinds and Wood Blinds offer privacy in the closed position, but
can be opened from time to time when less privacy is desired.

56. I want to let light through completely at all times, what kind of window treatment can I
　　choose?

Sheer and Semi-opaque Honeycomb Shades, Sheerweave Roller Shades, Fabric Vertical Blinds, Sheer Elegance Shades and Sheer Illusions let light filter through in the closed position.

57. I want to let light through completely for part of the day, what kind of window treatment can
　　I choose?

Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds, NuForest Blinds, and Vertical Blinds allow you to let in varying degrees of light as well as control the direction the light reflects. In the closed position these treatments block a great percentage of the light.

58. I want to diffuse the light to eliminate glare, or protect my furniture and flooring, what kind of
　　window treatment can I choose?

Sheer and Semi-opaque Honeycomb Shades, Sheer Roller Shades, Fabric Vertical Blinds, Sheer Elegance Shades and Sheer Illusions let light filter through in the closed position. Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds, NuForest Blinds, and Vertical Blinds allow you to control the amount of light as well as the direction the light reflects. In the closed position these treatments block a great percentage of the light.

59. I want to block light completely, such as in a bedroom where I sleeps during the day, what
　　kind of window treatment can I choose?

Select an Opaque Honeycomb Shade and install it as an outside mount. To complete the effect install a drapery treatment over the shade to block any light seepage at the edges.

60. I want to use my window treatments to aid in controlling my heating and cooling costs by
　　keeping cold or heat out or in, what kind of window treatment can I choose?

Select Wood Shutters, Double Honeycomb Shades, or Roman Shades for the greatest energy efficiency. Wood Blinds and Fabric Verticals Inserted in Groovers also offer excellent insulation.

61. I want to open my window while still using my window treatment for privacy or light control,
　　what kind of window treatment can I choose?

Us Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds or NuForest Blinds, which will allow you to keep the blind in the down position with the slats open to let the breeze filter through.

62. If I have odd shaped windows with arches, circles or angles, what kind of window treatment
　　can I choose?

Most odd shaped windows can be treated with Honeycomb Shades, Mini Blinds, Wood Blinds, or Vertical Blinds. These windows generally require specific measuring instructions and may require a template.

63. If I am treating Skylight or Greenhouse Windows, what kind of window treatment can I
　　choose?

Most skylight or greenhouse windows can be treated with Honeycomb Shades or Mini Blinds. These windows generally require specific measuring instructions and may require a template. For more details contact one of our expert decorating consultants.

64. I have pets, are there any special cautions for selecting window treatment?

You will want to be careful that any treatment you select does not leave dangling cords near where they could get tangled in them.

65. I have children, are there any special cautions for selecting window treatment?

You will want to be careful that any treatment you select does not leave dangling cords where little hands can reach them.

66. How to choose window treatment in open & airy interiors?

Shearweave Roller Shades (shown), Mini Blinds, Semi-opaque or Sheer Honeycomb Shades, Sheer Elegasnce Shades, and Sheer Illusions work well.

67. How to choose window treatment in warm & cozy interiors?

Great options for warm and cozy interiors are Wood Blinds, NuForest Blinds, Wood Shutters, Woven Wood Shades, Fabric Verticals, Roller Shades, Semi-Opaque and Black-Out Honeycomb Shades.

68. How to choose window treatment in modern & sophisticated interiors?

Great options for modern and sophisticated interiors are Mini Blinds, Vertical Blinds in PVC or Aluminum, Painted Wood Blinds, Sheer Elegance Shades or Sheerweave Roller Shades.

69. How to choose window treatment in formal & elegant interiors?

Great options for formal interiors are Stained Wood Blinds, Sheer Elegance Shades, Sheer Illusion, Roman Shades, or Wood Shutters.