Whenever we think of motorised curtains, we all picture them being used in conference rooms within the big cities, giving that particular business an air of professionalism. However, it is also not uncommon to see these being installed within the home nowadays due to the variety of benefits that they offer over regular curtains.
It can often be difficult for some people to open or close their curtains due to various reasons. For instance, they may be physically less mobile than others, therefore finding it particularly difficult to perform everyday tasks such as this. But it can also be difficult for the able-bodied whose curtains may, for example, just be difficult to reach. Accidents may occur as a result of this where your curtains may be damaged or you yourself may be injured. These incidents can be prevented, however, with the use of motorised curtains. These will open and close without any physical assistance from you meaning that there’s no chance of any more accidents occurring in this area; after all, electric curtain rails won’t fall down on you as you won’t have any need to pull on the curtains themselves.
By investing in electric curtains, you can control exactly when you want them to open or close. For instance, electric curtains can be controlled via the level of daylight and open when the sun is rising and close when it is setting. Built-in sensors monitor the level of light outside, so once you have put this setting in place, the curtains will react to the light (or lack of) and they will not require any further assistance from you.
This can help to provide you with some reassurance when you are away as the system will continue to operate even in your absence, averting any potential invaders.
Motorised curtains can be controlled by using an extremely straightforward timer which allows you to select the specific times that you wish for your curtains to open or close.
Alternatively, electric curtains can be operated via a remote control system (some are even available to close all curtains simultaneously) so that you can be in control of these at all times and monitor the level of sunlight in your home.
Also, by linking your electric curtain system to any existing home entertainment system you may have, your curtains will close whenever you want to settle down and watch a film, allowing you to experience that cinema-feeling but from the comfort of your own home.
Electric curtain tracks are easy to install and can be attached to even the heaviest or largest of curtains. A common misconception is that the motorised curtains will cause loud noise every time they are opened or closed; but this is not the case. A range of glides are available from most manufacturers that allow you to draw your curtains silently, consequently not disturbing or causing irritation to you in any way.
To add a touch of luxury to your home or your work place, motorised curtains provide the perfect solution because of their ability to provide practicality at the same time.
01/22/2012
12/07/2011
How to Choose a Curtain Pole for Your Home
Curtain poles can be both manually operated and cord-operated, poles with rings or gliders, or even electronically operated for home security and convenience. Curtain rails can be bought in different materials and colours to complement a room; either coloured plastic, or wood or metal with a different finish (paint or varnish). Whichever material you use for your track or pole, it is important that it will support the weight of the curtains which will hang from them; it might be better to splash out on a top quality pole which will last for years.
Corded tracks work differently to simple poles with rings as they allow the opening or closing of the curtains by pulling a nylon cord which works on a system of gliders and pulleys. This stops you needing to handle the curtain, which will shield fragile fabrics from damage. Pull-cord openings are also practical if the curtains are particularly tall and difficult to manage. Investing in a spray-lubricant will ensure that the tracks work as efficiently as poles with rings.
Electronically operated curtains are an alternative to manually operated poles with rings or cord-operated curtains, but are more expensive. They offer similar advantages as corded tracks, but can also be remotely controlled by a controller, light sensor or timer. The latter two enable the opening and closing of the curtains when nobody is in the home, adding to home security.
Whichever type of curtain pole you choose it is important to ensure the size and shape are right. Curtain rails come in different sizes, so measuring the window is essential. Measure the recess width of the window with a metal tape measure, and note the number down. Also choose the number of centimetres you will need either side of the window for when your curtains are open, you will need this so the curtains do not restrict daylight once open. The number is usually around 15cm to 20cm on each side, but should be more for wider or thicker curtains. Add twice this width (once for each side) to the width of the window to get a total. This will give you the length required for your new curtain rail. Extra wide windows will need multiple rails attached together by a joiner or good curtain rail retailer. Bay windows are all different shapes and sizes, meaning that measuring is more difficult. You will need to add the depth of your bay to the total length of the rail, but it is most likely that the rail will need to be adapted to measure by the retailer, or, if you are handy, bent and cut at home.
You can give poles with rings a number of unique features to add to the appearance of the room. Finials and midials can be purchased in different materials and effects to finish the look of your window, as can curtain ties or hold-backs.
