When Should I Replace My Window Treatments?

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At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, many of our customers come to us asking when they should replace their window treatments. While the answer to this question will depend on a few things, including the age of your blinds and shades, if you can’t remember the last time you updated them, it’s probably time to call your local window treatment company. Whether you’re concerned about the functionality of your blinds or the energy efficiency of your shutters, there are a few surefire ways to tell when it’s time to update your window treatments. As always, if you need assistance choosing the best window coverings for your home or office, contact our friendly staff today.

Your Slats or Blinds Are Yellow or Discolored

It’s totally normal for your blinds to experience some fading from the sun. If you purchased wood blinds or vertical blinds for your home years ago, it may be time to update your window treatments to a new, more efficient model. Many blinds on the market today offer incredible UV protection to protect your home from the harsh rays of the sun. If your blinds start to turn yellow or become discolored, they may lose their structural integrity.

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Warped or Bent Slats

While homeowners throughout California love the modern look and feel of wood blinds and faux wood blinds, these window treatments have been known to warp over time. This is often a sign of heat damage from the sun. If only a few of your slats are warped, a window treatment repair expert may be able to replace them in a quick and efficient matter. If more than a handful of slats need to be replaced, we recommend completely replacing your blinds altogether.

You Struggle Raising Your Blinds

Are you having a difficult time raising and lowering your blinds? Does raising your blinds take much more effort than it used to? If you answered yes to these questions, it may be time to upgrade your blinds to a newer model. The lifting mechanisms of your blinds can easily be damaged, which can have a negative impact on the functionality of your window coverings.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Ventura, we take great pride in offering quality window treatment repairs across California. Our professional installation team has the knowledge and tools required to install all types of shutters, blinds, shades, and drapery. If you’re interested in learning more about our repair services, contact our specialists today.

Your Blind Slats Do Not Close Correctly

If you find yourself constantly having to twist and tilt your blind wand repeatedly and your slats barely move, there may be something wrong with your window covering.

Your Blinds Are Not Child Proof

If you have young children, childproofing your window treatments should be a priority for the safety of your family. We’ve heard numerous stories of young kids who become entangled in window covering cords, which can lead to serious injury and in some cases, death. At Arjay’s Window Fashions, our staff is well versed in the variety of child-safe window treatments, and we can help you find the best blinds, shades, and drapes for your home.

Arjay’s Window Fashions in California

If you live in California and you’re ready to upgrade your window treatments to more efficient or child-safe models, contact the experts at Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We’ve been providing quality window coverings to residents of California since 1975, and we are passionate about helping our customers find the best window treatments and coverings for their needs. Check out some of our testimonials online or call us today to schedule your complimentary appointment!

How To Design A Nursery

 

blogpic4custom-blindsDesigning a nursery doesn’t have to be a complicated and daunting process. Whether you’re expecting a baby or you’re helping a loved one ready their home for the arrival of a new human, designing a nursery can be quite fun! The most important thing to remember before you start picking out baby decor or painting the walls, is the fact that this space is meant to be a happy place. The nursery is where you will hold your little one at night before they fall asleep, and it is where you will spend some of your most intimate moments with your newborn. In this blog, we’ll look at a few important tips to remember as you start to devise your nursery plan.

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The Baby Crib

While many new parents think their newborn will only spend a few months in their crib, the reality is that children can spend up to three years in a crib. Before you choose the first crib you see at the department store, make sure the crib meets all US Safety Standards. When it comes to your newborn, you don’t want to buy repurposed or vintage cribs, as they can be very unsafe. With safety standards evolving over the last decade, it’s critical to give your baby a quality crib that will last for years to come.

Some cribs on the market convert to toddler beds and even full-sized beds. If you’re concerned about your child rolling off of these beds in the middle of the night, you may want to invest in a toddler rail. These are a great solution for babies that start climbing out of cribs early.

The Changing Table

There’s no way around it: babies come with dirty diapers. The only way to make the diaper-changing experience a pleasant one, is to ensure you have all the essentials close at hand. This is where your baby changing table comes into play. While you may not be looking forward to this part of parenting, investing in a quality changing table will help you turn that dull guest room into a full-fledged nursery. A few things to consider for your baby changing table are:

  • If you don’t have room for a free-standing changing table, you can get a changing pad that can be added to the top of any dresser.
  • If you do have room for a free-standing changing table, make sure to invest in one that has a life beyond your baby staying a baby. Can you repurpose the changing table down the line and turn it into a toy storage? How about a bookcase?
  • Use bins or dresser drawers to store any diapering related items like wipes, ointments, and lotions.
  • Be sure to keep baby toys near the changing table so your little one has something to play with while you take care of the dirty deed.

Window Coverings

Another aspect of your child’s nursery to think about are the window coverings. Any new parent will tell you that light control is their main concern when it comes to choosing window treatments for their nursery. While young children need a good amount of sleep every day, have you ever wondered how many hours of shut-eye your little angel actually needs?

In 2015, a panel of six sleep experts and 12 other medical professionals came together to revise the National Sleep Foundation’s (NSF) sleep recommendations. The panel conducted a formal literature review, making a point to focus on the body of research surrounding sleep duration between the years of 2004 and 2014. From those 312 articles, the panel determined that newborns (0-3 months) require 14 to 17 hours of sleep, infants (4-11 months) require around 12 to 15 hours of sleep, and toddlers (1-2 years) require 11 to 14 hours of sleep.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’ve helped hundreds of young families find and install the perfect window coverings in their nursery. Most importantly, we offer a wonderful array of child safety solutions to ensure your child does not become entangled in window covering cords.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), window cord strangulations are one of the top hidden hazards of the home. From 2006 to 2012, approximately 1,590 children between the ages of 14 months and eight years old suffered injuries that resulted from entanglements on window covering cords. “As a result of industry innovation, consumers have more choices than ever to purchase cordless products or those with inaccessible cords,” says Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) Executive Director, Peter Rush. “Parents with young children should replace their corded window coverings with the many cordless products available in different styles, colors, and sizes.”

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The Nursery Chair

The nursery chair you choose for your baby’s room is very important. As a new mom, you’ll want a comfortable place to sit as you read to your baby, breastfeed your baby, and sing your little one to sleep. Many new moms opt for a rocking chair or glider for their nursery room. The movement of these chairs will help to lull your baby to sleep, which can be a real blessing for those late night feedings. Choose a rocking chair that has arm rests, as well as one that is roomy enough for you and your baby to cuddle.

Interior Decor

Once you have a handle on the functional pieces of your nursery, you can start decorating the space how you please. A couple things to keep in mind are:

  • If your nursery currently has wood floors, opt for a plush wool or shag rug. This will help to cushion your little one as they start to sit, crawl, roll, and walk. If you decide to go for a shag rug, make sure you get one that features a short pile. Long pile shag rugs can pose a choking hazard to young children.
  • Choose a rug that will be fairly easy for you to clean. Wool rugs can take a real beating and still clean up easily. Some cotton rugs can be machine washed, but it’s always best to look at the tag for proper cleaning instructions.

Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles

We hope that this article helps you as you start to design and organize your nursery. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re in need of a professional window covering expert, look no further than Arjay’s Window Fashions. We’ve been serving Southern California since 1975, and we’ll work with you one-on-one to ensure your window covering project meets your needs and budget. Whether you’re interested in installing shutters, blinds, shades, or drapes, our experts are here to help. Contact us to schedule your complimentary appointment!

Bathroom Decorating Ideas You Should Know

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Are you tired of walking into an outdated bathroom day in and day out? Are you dreaming about remodeling your bathroom to achieve that spa-like atmosphere you deserve? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ve come to the right blog!

Your bathroom can say a lot about your home, and there are many affordable and easy ways to improve your bathroom decor. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some popular bathroom decorating ideas you should be aware of.

Decorating Idea #1: Think Budget

Whether you’re thinking about completely remodeling your bathroom or you’re interested in upgrading a few minor things, it’s always important to have a budget in mind. Not only will this have a tremendous impact on the type of materials you select for your bathroom renovation, it will help you set the boundaries of your design. Knowing what you can easily afford, right off the bat, will make it much easier to decide what you want to replace and where you want to get creative.

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Decorating Idea #2: Paint Colors

One easy way to improve the interior of your bathroom is to paint the walls a new color. Take the time to narrow down the colors you’re thinking about using. Are you looking for something a little more neutral? Beige and light green colors tend to work extremely well in these spaces. If you want a color that’s a bit more bold, don’t hesitate to paint one wall of your bathroom a bright red color. If you’re having a hard time deciding which paint color you’d like to use, you can pick up some samples from your local paint store to try them on the wall (if swatches aren’t big enough for you).

Once you’ve decided on the paint color, it’s time to gather the other necessary supplies. Some things you may want to pick up include: a paint roller, a tray, an angled paint brush, painters tape, sandpaper, and a brush.

Decorating Idea #3: Window Coverings

If your bathroom has a window or two, you may want to consider investing in a few window coverings to spruce up your space. The window treatments for your bathroom should meet three requirements, including privacy, durability, and light control. Let’s take a look at some common bathroom window coverings to consider for your home.

Roman Shades

If you’re looking for a functional, practical, and beautiful window covering, roman shades may be the best option for you. These shades allow you to control the natural light of the room, which can add softness to the hard surfaces of your bathroom, and may even help absorb outside sounds. The color and pattern options for these shades are endless, but our window treatment professionals recommend selecting a fabric that is resistant to mildew and can easily be cleaned.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’re proud to carry a wonderful array of roman shades at our window treatment showroom. From modern and casual designs to traditional and contemporary window coverings, we’re confident you’ll be able to find the perfect roman shades for your bathroom.

Woven Wood Shades

If your home has a contemporary interior decor, you’ll love the natural look of woven wood shades for your bathroom. These shades can enhance your space by adding another layer of textural and visual interest. Woven wood shades are a great option if you still want to let soft light in, while also providing you with privacy.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters can give your bathroom the ultimate traditional and clean look. Since these shutters are made from vinyl, they tend to have a rust feel, and they won’t warp or crack like real wood. At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we carry a variety of shutter frames, colors, and operational selection to choose from. To learn more about our professional window coverings, contact our friendly staff today!

Decorating Idea #4: Lighting

Once you’ve decided which window coverings to choose for your bathroom, it’s time to tackle the lighting. If your current bathroom features old or outdated light fixtures, it won’t take much to upgrade them with new, more efficient models. There are a variety of affordable light fixtures on the market today, and many people across Los Angeles turn to hanging pendants or LED light fixtures for their bathrooms.

Decorating Tip #5: Update Fixtures

While a pedestal sink can still be in good shape after decades of use, out-of-date scones and a leaky faucet will need to be replaced. A major fixture to consider is the ventilation in your bathroom. Since moisture is your bathroom’s greatest enemy, it’s very easy for mold and mildew to make themselves known. These days, bathroom ventilation systems are more stylish and quieter than ever. If you’re looking for an easy way to update your bathroom, consider swapping out your old ventilation system for a new, more efficient model.

Decorating Tip #6: Maximize Storage Options

If you have a small bathroom, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Small bathrooms can be found all across the United States, and it’s up to the homeowner to find a stylish yet functional use for every square inch of their bathroom. A simple way to do this is to take some time to declutter your space. Are there areas where you can install floating wall shelves? Would it be beneficial to install pull-out drawers in your cabinets? When it comes to redecorating your bathroom, look for out-of-the-box ways that you can take advantage of the space.

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Decorating Tip #7: Add Mirrors

If your bathroom is small, adding mirrors is a great way to give the illusion of depth. Replace any small mirrors with larger ones when possible, and position your mirrors so your natural lighting can reflect off of them. If you have the wall space to do so, consider installing a mirror on the wall that is opposite from the sink. This will give your bathroom what is known as the “infinity mirror effect,” and will make it appear much larger than it actually is.

Decorating Tip #8: Invest In A Shower Caddy

If your bathroom is like most, it can be challenging to stay organized on a daily basis. Since most bathtubs and showers lack the necessary space for multiple users to keep their personal belongings, it’s always wise to invest in a shower caddy. A multi-tier shower caddy can provide you with the extra storage space you need to keep your personal scrubs, soaps, and shampoos in an orderly fashion. They also provide your shower space with a nice and organized look.

Arjay’s Window Fashions In Los Angeles

As you can see, there are many ways to decorate and organize your bathroom. If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re thinking about installing window coverings in your bathroom, bedroom, or dining room, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We’ve been providing premier window covering services in Southern California since 1975, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Our professionals stay on the cutting edge of technology and design, and we stay up to date with the latest shutters, blinds, shades, and draperies available. We’ve successfully completed thousands of residential and commercial projects across Los Angeles. We would love to do the same for you. Call us for your complimentary appointment!

Tips For Furnishing A Small Dining Room

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If you have a small dining room, you may be struggling with how to furnish and decorate the space. While you may think that entertaining your family and friends during the holidays is completely out of the question, there are a few things you can do to spruce up your dining area. In this blog, we’ll discuss some top tips for furnishing and decorating a small dining room, so you can create an area that complements the rest of your home.

If you live in the Los Angeles area and you’re thinking about installing custom window treatments to the windows in your dining room, contact Arjay’s Window Fashions today. We’ve helped hundreds of California residents transform the look and feel of their dining room with custom blinds, shades, and shutters, and we would be more than happy to help you. Visit our window treatment showroom or check out our testimonials online!

Small Dining Room Tips: How to Turn a Small Space From Drab to Fab

When you have a general understanding of some of the basic interior design principles, you can transform any room in your home into a comfortable and elegant oasis. Let’s take a look at some basic design principles to help you prepare for your dining room remodel ahead.

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Tip #1: Focus on Balance

In interior design, balance is used to create a feeling of equilibrium. When you walk into a well-designed room, it’s easy to sense that everything feels cohesive and put together. Balance can be created through a variety of elements, including the shape, color, pattern, and texture of items in the room. There are three main kinds of balance to consider while decorating your dining room. Let’s look at each of them below.

Symmetrical or Formal Balance
If your dining room is more of a traditional or formal space, you may want to consider symmetrical balance. This occurs when the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other. For example, two chairs situated on either side of a coffee table can be said to be symmetrically balanced. This kind of balance is fairly easy to achieve, as the design elements are simply repeated on each side.

Asymmetrical or Informal Balance
Asymmetrical or informal balance often involves the visual elements of lines, colors, and textures that are well balanced without the need for exact duplication.

Radial Balance
Radial balance can be achieved when there is a central focal point in your dining room. For example, your dining room table may be a great focal point to focus on as you decorate your space.

Tip #2: Select a Limited Color Palette

Instead of painting your dining room all the colors of the rainbow, our interior design experts advise you to select a limited color palette before getting started. It can be much easier to work with a lighter or neutral color palette, as it can make your space appear more open and airier. Feel free to use contrasting or contemporary colors as accents. If you’re looking for a more adventurous look, then by all means, go for a bold color scheme!

Tip #3: Choosing the Best Window Treatments

Another simple and easy way to spruce up your small dining room is to add the appropriate window treatments. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand how challenging it can be to decorate a small dining room, and we can help you choose the best window coverings for your style and budget. Let’s take a look at some common dining room window treatments to consider below.

Window Shutters

Window shutters are a wonderful way to decorate and spruce up your dining room’s interior. Shutters provide a functional elegance with a variety of design styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect ones for your home. At Arjay’s, we’re proud to carry a full line of affordable and handcrafted wood and engineered faux wood shutters, as well as custom window shutters that can be made to order. When you visit our showroom, you’ll find a lovely selection of window shutter frames, colors, and designs to choose from.

Window Blinds

Window blinds are a very popular window covering throughout Los Angeles. These window treatments can provide you with a high level of lighting control that cannot be duplicated by any other window covering. Window blinds are available in two distinct forms: vertical and horizontal designs. Horizontal blinds control direct sunlight when the louvers cross-shade each other. Vertical blinds, on the other hand, provide the same cross-shading function, but on a vertical layout.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions, we carry a wonderful selection of decorative and affordable window blinds. If you’re interested in learning more about the various blind styles we have available, contact our window covering experts today! We serve a variety of areas throughout California, including Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, and Simi Valley!

Popular Blinds To Consider For Your California Home

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The type of window coverings you choose for your home can say a lot about your personal style and interior decor. Whether you’re looking to add more privacy to the master bedroom or you want to add a touch of elegance to the dining room, investing in high-quality blinds can help you achieve your goals. In this blog, we’ll discuss some popular types of blinds and the benefits of this common window covering.

At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we’re proud to be a leading provider of affordable and custom window treatments throughout the California area. Whether you reside in Santa Barbara or Simi Valley, our window treatment professionals can help you choose the best blinds, shutters, drapes, and more for your home. If you’re interested in learning more about our services or you’d like to browse our testimonials online, contact our professionals today!

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Vertical Blinds

If your Los Angeles home features wide, expansive windows or sliding glass doors, you may want to consider installing vertical blinds in your home. Available in a diverse selection of colors and materials, you can purchase these blinds in either fabric, wood, or hard vinyl. While fabric options tend to be the most beautiful, vinyl blinds are very easy to clean and are known to be stain resistant.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian blinds are an excellent window covering that offers both privacy and design to your home. As one of the most affordable window treatments, these blinds are easy to maintain and function, making them perfect for virtually any room in your home. Some things to keep in mind as you you shop for new blinds include:

  • The Slat Width – Depending on the material of your blinds, the slat width will generally range from an inch to three-and-a-half inches. The wider your slats are, the more light your blinds will block. The thickness of the slats will ultimately depend on your personal preference.
  • Vinyl – While vinyl tends to be the least expensive option for window blinds, it’s important to note that this material can be a bit flimsy. A great lightweight option for your window coverings, vinyl blinds come in a variety of colors and styles, included natural and faux wood tones.
  • Faux Wood – If you love the look of wood but you don’t want your blinds to warp over time, faux wood blinds may be an excellent option for your home. The slats for these blinds are available in one and two inch sizes, and they tend to be fairly easy to clean.
  • Real Wood – Add a natural and organic tone to any room in your home with real wood blinds. While these tend to be the most expensive blind material, they are well worth the investment!

The Top Advantages of Window Blinds

As you can see, there are many different things to consider as you start shopping for new window blinds. At Arjay’s Window Fashions in Los Angeles, we understand how difficult it can be to find the best window treatments at an affordable price. That’s why we’re proud to offer our California clients with high-quality window coverings including blinds, shades, and shutters. While there are many advantages to installing window blinds in your home, let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons to invest in these window coverings.

Control the Light That Enters Each Room

Does your bedroom get obnoxiously sunny in the morning? Is it hard to watch movies in your family room because there is a big glare from the sun on your television? If you answered yes to any of these questions, blinds may be the perfect solution for your home. Window blinds provide the homeowner with a tremendous amount of lighting control, so you can adjust the lighting to your individual needs.
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A Variety of Styles & Materials Available

Despite popular belief, window blinds are available in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. This unique selection allows you to choose the most suitable option for your home in terms of both price and style. For example, if your living room features antique wood furniture, you may want to complement those pieces with wood or faux wood blinds.

Enjoy Complete Privacy

If you’re looking to add an extra level of privacy to your home, installing blinds is a great way to keep those peeping Tom’s away. For the ultimate privacy in your bedroom or family room, consider installing top-down blinds or shades. These models allow you to lower the shade from the top, so that some natural light can still come in.

Blinds are Easy to Maintain

While some window coverings can he a hassle to clean, window blinds are typically very simple to maintain. Most blinds require a quick wipe from a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. When you compare this maintenance to other window coverings like curtains, blinds end up being the easiest option.

They Protect Your Furniture

If you have leather or antique furniture in your home, it’s your ultimate responsibility to ensure these pieces do not become damaged by the sun. Over time, exposure to harsh sun rays can lead to the fading, warping, and even destruction of some of your favorite pieces of furniture. When you invest in quality blinds, you’re making a point to protect your investment while enhancing the appearance of your home.

Keep Cool in the Summer

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably dread receiving that electricity bill each and every summer. You’re air conditioner is likely running on high to keep your home cool, which can lead to a spring in your monthly expenses. But did you know that investing in window blinds can help keep your home cool during these warm summer months? In fact, some studies say that you can reduce your electricity bill each summer by 20% when you invest in blinds!

We hope that this article has been helpful. If you’re shopping for new window blinds or window coverings in Los Angeles, reach out to Arjay’s Window Fashions today!