Window Coverings & Flooring News in Denver


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How to Layer Window Coverings in Denver


January 17, 2018

How to Layer Window Coverings in Denver
Why stop at just one window treatment when you can have two? One window treatment is enough to block out light and give you more privacy. But sometimes, layering two or more different types of window treatments together creates an elegant, unique look. Here are some of the ways you can layer window coverings in Denver:

Curtains and Valences

One of the most common layered looks involves curtains and valences, which are decorative pieces of drapery hung above the window. Some valences are tailored with clean lines while others have a looser fitting shape. Either way, these window treatments pair perfectly with curtains. You don’t have to choose curtains that match the valence fabric exactly as long as the two fabrics complement each other well. Together, these two window treatments create a luxurious look that will instantly make the entire room look more sophisticated.

Heavy and Sheer Curtains

Many homeowners choose two different fabrics and pair them together on one window. If you want two layers of curtains, make sure that you choose one sheer fabric to use as the bottom layer and one heavier fabric to use as the top layer.

Curtains and Shades/Blinds

If you want something that is a bit more casual, consider layering curtains and shades or blinds together. Pairing fabric shades with curtains creates a softer, more feminine look, while pairing wood blinds with curtains creates a more relaxed, laid-back vibe in the room. To really nail the laid-back look, choose lightweight fabrics that are somewhat sheer for the curtains.

Shutters and Drapes

Shutters are a classic window treatment that work well on their own or when paired with other window coverings. If you have plain shutters and want to add a bit of color or design, consider layering drapes on top of the shutters. Because most shutters are plain white, you can choose a fabric with a funky or busy pattern for the drapes. This doesn’t mean you should avoid using solid colored fabrics—in fact, pairing contrasting colors together can make the room look more edgy and unique.

How can you choose between these different combinations? Start by deciding whether you want something that is casual or formal. If you want something formal, stick to curtains and shades or curtains and valences, while a casual look can be achieved with blinds and curtains. After you’ve made this decision, all you have to do is choose the right fabrics and materials for the job. Be sure to bring in pictures of the room so the design professionals can help you find the perfect window treatment. Learn how to layer window treatments.

Ready to take the next step to find the perfect window treatments for your home? You can learn more by contacting the experts at Design Craft! Design Craft is a family-owned business in the greater Denver area. We specialize in various flooring and window treatments, and pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. Contact us today for an estimate by calling 303-683-7200!
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Terms to Learn Before Buying Denver Carpeting


January 3, 2018

Terms to Learn Before Buying Denver Carpeting
Every industry has its own jargon that people outside of the business aren’t family with—including flooring. But unfortunately, sometimes it can be hard to describe what you’re looking for if you don’t know the right terms. This is especially true when it comes to carpeting, since there are so many unique words used to describe this type of flooring. Before you start shopping for Denver carpeting, here are the terms that you should learn:

Natural vs. Synthetic Fibers

Carpets can be made out of either natural or synthetic fibers. The latter refers to any type of fiber that is man made, including polyester and nylon, whereas the former refers to any fiber that is not man made, such as seagrass and wool. Learn about comparing synthetic and natural carpet fibers.

Face Weight

The face weight of a carpet is the weight of the carpet per square yard, in ounces. Customers often believe that a carpet’s face weight is directly related to its durability, but that’s not the case. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to look for a heavier carpet simply because you think that it will last longer.

Fiber Twist

The fiber twist, which is often referred to as simply the twist, is the number of times the fibers of the carpet are twisted around. To calculate the fiber twist, take a close look at a one-inch sample of carpet fiber and count the number of observable twists. The higher the number, the higher the quality of the carpet, so this is an important feature to pay attention to when shopping for new flooring.

Trackless

As you search for the perfect flooring, it’s possible that you will hear someone refer to a carpet as “trackless.” This term is used to describe a specific type of carpet with tightly twisted fibers. The tight twists make the carpet more durable and resistant to wear and tear, so it’s perfect for areas of your home that tend to get a lot of foot traffic.  

Wear Warranty

Many carpets come with a wear warranty, which is also known as a quality assurance warranty. These warranties typically cover damages that occur within five to ten years after the carpet is installed. However, it’s important to read the fine print of the warranty so you can learn exactly what is and is not covered. You should not expect this type of warranty to cover any sign of normal wear and tear that appears on your carpet.

Blooming

The term blooming may bring images of beautiful flowers to mind, but it has a very different meaning in the carpeting world. Blooming refers to the unraveling of the twists of fiber that make up the carpet.

Now that you know the lingo, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at Design Craft! Design Craft is a family-owned business in the greater Denver area. We specialize in various flooring and window treatments, and pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. Contact us today for an estimate by calling 303-683-7200!
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The Best Window Coverings in Denver For Small Windows


December 20, 2017

The Best Window Coverings in Denver For Small Windows
Everyone dreams of having floor to ceiling windows with a breathtaking view, but the reality is that many homes are designed with much smaller windows. No matter the size, every window will need some type of window treatment to block out the light and give you privacy within your home. But, some window treatments can be overpowering on small windows, it’s important to choose wisely. Here are some of the best window coverings in Denver for small windows:

Roller Shades

Roller shades can be made with many different types of material, so you can customize how you want the window treatment to look. Choose a pattern or solid colored fabric that complements the décor in the rest of the room. Then, choose either a lightweight fabric that will allow some sunlight into the room or a heavier fabric that will block most of the light. Roller shades have a simplistic design, so they won’t overwhelm a small window even if the fabric is on the heavier side. What are roller shades?

Valance

A valance is fabric that is attached to a rod and hangs across the top of the window. A valance only covers a small portion of the window, so these window treatments are typically used for fashion, not function. However, they can be used to create the illusion of larger windows. Place the rod slightly higher than it should go to add height to the window and make the room seem more open and airy.

A valance can be made with practically any type of fabric, so you won’t have any trouble finding a style that suits the rest of the room. The fabric can also be pleated to add another unexpected detail to the design of the window treatment. Valances look great on small windows by themselves, but if you want to be able to control how much light enters the room, a valance can also be used with standard blinds.

Cellular Shades

Cellular shades look very similar to roller shades, however they are quite different. Look closely at cellular shades and you will see a multi-layer honeycomb-shaped structure. The shades are designed this way in order to maximize energy efficiency and keep you comfortable in your home. Hot or cold air that travels from outside through the window becomes trapped inside the honeycomb shape of cellular shades, so it won’t affect the temperature in the room.

Even though cellular shades have a multi-layer design, they still look lightweight and effortless, which makes them perfect for small windows. They can also be fully motorized, so you won’t have to worry about cords cluttering the area around a small window.

Are you ready to find the perfect window treatment for the small windows in your home? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at Design Craft! Design Craft is a family-owned business in the greater Denver area. We specialize in various flooring and window treatments, and pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. Contact us today for an estimate by calling 303-683-7200!
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How to Extend the Life of Denver Carpeting


December 6, 2017

How to Extend the Life of Denver Carpeting
Many homeowners love the classic look and versatility of Denver carpeting, but they are hesitant to install it because they fear it will not last long. Believe it or not, the average lifespan of carpeting is about seven years. But, there are ways to extend the life of carpeting well beyond this seven-year average. Here’s how:

No Shoes Policy

Ask everyone to take their shoes off before entering your home if you want to keep your carpet looking as good as new for as long as possible. This will prevent the dirt and debris on the soles of people’s shoes from ruining the carpeting in your home. If you don’t feel comfortable asking everyone to remove their shoes, then place doormats by each door so guests know to wipe their feet before entering.

Move the Furniture

The legs on your furniture will wear down the carpet if the furniture is left in the same spot for years. To avoid this problem, get in the habit of rearranging the furniture every six months to a year. This can be a hassle, but it’s well worth it if you want to keep your carpet in good condition.

Hire A Professional Cleaner

You shouldn’t wait until there is a stain on your carpet to hire a professional carpet cleaner. In fact, it’s recommended that you hire a professional carpet cleaner every 12 to 18 months even if the carpet is not stained. The professional carpet cleaner will be able to remove dirt and debris from deep within the carpet fibers. Doing this on a regular basis can extend the life of your carpeting. How often should I clean my carpets?

Vacuum In-Between Cleanings

Don’t rely on a professional carpet cleaner to do all of the work. In between professional cleanings, be sure to vacuum the carpet in your home on a regular basis. It’s suggested that you vacuum high-traffic areas in your home between two to three times per week. Other areas that don’t see as much foot traffic should be vacuumed once every week.

Before turning on the vacuum, make sure the belt is tight and the brushes are clean. If there is a significant amount of hair or lint on the brushes, they should be cleaned before you start vacuuming the carpet.

Spot Clean

It’s important to quickly clean spills before they set if you want to keep your carpet looking as good as new. Try using a damp cloth to remove the stain before turning to harsh cleaning chemicals. Be sure to blot the stain gently instead of rubbing it, which could cause the stain to spread even further. By treating stains quickly, you can extend the life of your carpet.

Are you ready to install carpet in your home? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at Design Craft! Design Craft is a family-owned business in the greater Denver area. We specialize in various flooring and window treatments, and pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. Contact us today for an estimate by calling 303-683-7200!
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Vertical vs. Horizontal Window Blinds in Denver


November 22, 2017

Vertical vs. Horizontal Window Blinds in Denver
There are many different kinds of window treatments, but blinds are always a safe choice because of their versatility and affordability. The two main types of window blinds in Denver are horizontal and vertical. Here’s what you need to know before deciding which type is right for your home:

The Best Places to Use Vertical vs. Horizontal Blinds

Horizontal blinds are typically used on standard sized windows, whereas vertical blinds are usually used on wide windows and sliding glass doors. Using vertical blinds on a sliding glass door is important because it makes it easier to move freely through the door. The blinds can simply be pulled to one side so they don’t block the doorway as people enter and exit your home. Keep this in mind when deciding which type of window treatment is right for you. Learn more about the differences between vertical and horizontal blinds.

Maintenance

Both types of blinds are fairly low maintenance, however most people find that vertical blinds are easier to clean than horizontal blinds. This is because dust tends to accumulate on top of each horizontal slat, however gravity pulls dust downward so it doesn’t stick to the surface of vertical slats. Fortunately, both horizontal and vertical blinds are typically made out of easy-to-clean materials.

Privacy

One of the main reasons why homeowners hang window treatments is because they want privacy. Therefore, an important question to ask is which one of these window treatments will give you the privacy that you desire.

In general, horizontal blinds provide more privacy than vertical blinds. Vertical blinds often sway back and forth if the air conditioner is on or if a fan is blowing air within the room. Every time the slats sway back and forth, you lose some of your privacy. For this reason, many people choose horizontal blinds for their bedrooms so they can ensure no one can see inside.

Noisy Nuisance

Vertical slats hit one another as the blinds sway back and forth, which can create a noise that some people find bothersome. Horizontal blinds don’t make any noise, so these are a better choice for people who want complete peace and quiet.

Child-Friendly Window Treatments

If you have small children at home, it’s important to choose a window treatment that is kid-friendly. Vertical blinds fall all the way to the floor, which means kids can easily grab a slat and pull on it. Horizontal blinds usually sit on top of a windowsill, so they should be out of your child’s reach. However, both types of blinds could have long cords that your child could grab a hold of and pull on. To prevent this problem, choose either cordless blinds or wrap the cords up whenever you’re not in the room so kids can’t get their hands on them.

Are you ready to hang vertical or horizontal blinds in your home? If so, it’s time to get in touch with the experts at Design Craft! Design Craft is a family-owned business in the greater Denver area. We specialize in various flooring and window treatments, and pride ourselves on our customer service and attention to detail. Contact us today for an estimate by calling 303-683-7200!
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