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Uncovered windows are responsible for up to 40% of the heat loss from your home in winter! Sustainability Victoria has released new information on how important window protection is, particularly custom made curtains and pelmets, to stop heat loss through windows in winter.

Windows play a big role in retaining heat in your home. A single pane of glass can lose almost 10 times as much heat as the same area of insulated wall.
                                    

The diagram below shows the difference between a poorly-fitted and a well-fitted curtain and the effect this has on heat loss. The poorly-fitted curtain allows heat loss to occur, while the well fitted curtain combined with a pelmet significantly reduces heat loss.

Sustainability Victoria Tips

• Use closely woven, close-fitting curtains or blinds
• Ensure there’s a snug fit on both sides of the window and at the top of the curtain to stop warm air from moving down behind the curtain and cooling
• Install boxed pelmets or solid barriers above the curtain rail, or position the curtain within the window space
• Use curtain tracks that provide a return of curtain to the wall to create a seal
• Close curtains or blinds when you have the heating on, especially at night – by leaving curtains or blinds open, you're wasting money and energy

How can dcb help you?

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Few people realise the difference window coverings can make to your home. We spoke with Hotondo Homes about choosing the best window coverings for their clients homes!

Not only are there valuable energy-related benefits, but beautiful curtains, blinds or shutters can make a room look ‘complete.’

These days, there is a huge range of window coverings you can choose for your home. Brett Martin of Dollar Curtains & Blinds says the two most important factors when choosing your window coverings should be deciding what kind of interior design you want, and what kind of functionality you need.

“Different rooms in a home can require very different coverings,” Brett says. “These days it is quite common to mix and match blinds and curtains to suit the individual needs of each room. This can look especially good when done correctly.”

We have listed some of the most popular window coverings below to help you decide which window coverings would be best for your home.

YOU LOVE: PLANTATION SHUTTERS

Shutters have grown in popularity over the past few years, and for good reason. They are easy to clean, block light well and look amazing.

“Shutters are a great feature for your home,” Brett says. “Some people opt for shutters at just the front of the home for street appeal. Shutters look attractive from both inside and outside, and they can actually add value to your home, unlike some other options. Consider them an investment if you like!”

YOU LOVE: BLINDS

If you are unsure what you need in a home, blinds are a great choice. Available in a huge range of colours and fabrics including blockout, sunscreen, translucent and sheer, blinds are a budget-friendly choice. They can control light, they block out heat and glare in summer and retain heat in winter and can disappear whenever you want to open up the room.

Roller Blinds

Roller or Roman blinds are well suited to a modern-look home. For functionality, Brett recommends dual roller blinds.

“A popular trend at the moment is to use dual roller blinds,” Brett says. “Having one blockout blind and one sheer blind means you can still enjoy views during the day, and have complete privacy and darkness at night.”

Vertical Blinds

Vertical blinds allow you to rotate the direction of sunlight into the room. Ideal for large windows with long drops, they can be stacked to one side or to the centre, depending on what you prefer.

Panel Blinds

The ideal solution for sliding doors, panel blinds offer a modern alternative to vertical blinds. With large panels that slide from side to side, they stack at the end to keep the room open when you need it.

“Panel blinds can be matched to your roller blinds to help create some consistency through the home,” Brett adds. “But people should be careful, they don’t block out light 100%.”

YOU LOVE: CURTAINS

For a stunning visual impact, curtains come in a range of colours, patterns and fabrics. With multiple headings (the way the drape is made) and tracks to choose from, customising a curtain to suit your home is a great way to complete your interior.

Drapes

Drapes can add warmth and elegance to your home. Great at reducing outdoor noise levels, they also have the added advantage of staying cooler in summer than other window treatments. These days there are many modern alternative curtains you can choose, with plenty of colours and patterns that will help block out most light.

Additional extras

• Swags and Tails: For the ultimate elegant look, swags and tails can be added to roman blinds or curtains.
• Pelmets: Pelmets can also be added to your curtains for a clean finish. Pelmets frame your window, and can be of great benefit in stopping heat entering the rooms during the warmer months.

Sheer Curtains

If you have home with a beautiful view you do not want to obstruct, sheer curtains may be the way to go. Sheers defuse sunlight which can soften your home, while still being able to see outdoors.

“A lot of people opt for a blind with a wavefold sheer curtain over the top to get that good balance of privacy and openness,” Brett says. “It is a very delicate look, and it ticks all the boxes for both appearance and functionality.”

YOU LOVE: MOTORISED COVERINGS

Homes are becoming more automated and technological in every way, and so too has the curtain industry. Motorised blinds can be controlled with just the touch of a button, eliminating the need for cords and chains.

“Motorised blinds are great if you have a skylight or windows set too high to reach,” Brett says. “They can also be used on alpha awnings or bistro blinds which can be used on your patio or alfresco space. It adds just a touch of luxury to your home.”

Hotondo Homes is Australia's leading network of professional builders. For more information on Hotondo Homes please contact them today www.hotondo.com.au
 

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*PROMO EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 2015

FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Best insulating Blind product, saving you energy & money
• Excellent light control & privacy
• Maximises window views & natural light due to its minimal stack back
• Can fit any application, including skylights
• Anti-static fabric aids in the resistance of dust
• Add motorisation to increase ease of use, comfort & convenience

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Coloured beautifully in soft pastels & neutrals the Mississippi Collection by Maurice Kain consists of 5 coordinated Scandinavian designs. Sophisticated colour ways include some muted tones of linen, mineral and taupe and a placing sky blue.

The fabrics are printed on 100% Cotton Panama, perfectly suited to drapery. The designs are individual yet all coordinating and are called Hazlehurst, Southhaven, Madison, Jackson and Brookhaven.

Mixing subtle florals with retro geometrics the fabrics look ideal made up in Drapes layered over a Roman Blind & teamed with coordinating cushions.

This collection along with the rest of Maurice Kain's ranges are available at Dollar Curtains & Blinds stores. For more on the fabrics available from Maurice Kain click here.