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Archive for June, 2013

The Dangers of Blind Cord and How to Make it Safe for Children

Posted by Fittexpert on June 23, 2013

The cords and chains of window blinds can pose a serious risk to babies, young children, particularly those under the age of three who could strangle in the loop of cords and chains from window blinds. It is important that you take steps to make sure your children are safe.

What you can do if you already have blinds in your home

If you already have blinds fitted in your home there are some practical, simple precautions to help reduce the risk to babies and small children:

ensure all operating blind cords and chains cannot be reached by children.
tie up the cords or use one of the many cleats, cord tidies, clips or ties that are available
do not place your child’s cot, bed, highchair or playpen near to a window blind
do not put sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near to a window blind as children love to climb

What to do if purchasing a new blinds for your home

The majority of blinds now comes with a safety cord clip. If your home or place is where babies or small children live or visit, insist on having this installed with the new blind, alternatively look for a blind that does not contain cords or chains or has concealed cords. Some options include:

wand operated vertical blinds
spring operated roller blinds
gear operated blinds
automated system that allow you to operate your blind using a remote control
concealed cord systems where the inner cords of the blinds are held under tension and there are no operating cords

These tips should help to protect your child from possible serious harm. You should be aware that all risks cannot be eliminated. Parents and others should always keep window blind cords and chains out of the reach of children and follow the safety instructions.

Using safety devices may reduce the risk of a child being strangled but nothing can be considered risk proof.

You can consult a member of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BSSA) for advice on the most appropriate blinds for your home. They can also give you further information on ways to make existing blinds safer, alternatively send me an email and I will be more than happy to help!

FOR PEACE OF MIND, KEEP SAFETY IN MIND
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Tags: Blinds, Cord Safety

Posted in: Blinds, Interior design, Window Treatments

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How to Measure for Blinds in Simple Steps

Posted by Fittexpert on June 22, 2013

Before starting, decide whether you want your blinds in the recess or outside the window.
For a neat fit that blocks out the light choose to fit your blinds inside the recess. For windows that are not straight or have lots of obstructions choose to fit your blinds outside the recess. This way you will be sure of a perfect fit for your blind.

Blinds inside the recess – Recess measurement

Width – Measure the inside width of the window at the top middle and bottom. Use the narrowest width measurement.

Height – Measure the height of the window at the left, centre and right. Use the shortest height measurement to the nearest millimetre

Blinds outside the recess – Exact measurements

Width – To minimize light leakage it’s recommended that the blind overlaps the window recess by least 50mm each side.

Height – When measuring the height take into account the required space for the mounting bracket, a flat surface of a minimum 70mm is advisable.

Things to Remember

Always use a steel tape measure for accuracy
Measure in centimeters and round each measurement to the nearest 0.1cm.
Measure all windows, even those that appear to be the same width and height.
Remember to specify ‘Recess’ or ‘Exact’ size
Look out for any obstructions such as window handles, tiles, dado rails etc and take their position into account if necessary.
Measure twice to avoid a costly mistake.

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Tags: Measuring, Window blinds

Posted in: Blinds, How to Measure, Window Treatments

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How to Measure for Curtains in Simple Steps

Posted by Fittexpert on June 17, 2013

Curtains are a big investment, and so it’s important to make sure you get your measurements right.

To avoid mistakes, I would advise you install the curtain pole or track before measuring for the curtains. tape-measure

When measuring don’t assume that any windows are exactly the same size, even if they look like they are. Measure each one separately and always use an extendable metal tape measure for accurate measurements. Take all measurements at least twice.

For the best look and depending on space, your curtain track or pole should be positioned approximately 15cm (6”) higher than the window, and be wider than your window by 15-20cm (6-8”) either side.

Measuring for curtain width

If you’re using a curtain track, measure its full width.

curtain track measurements

If you’re using a corded curtain track, measure its full width including the overlap. This allows your curtains to overlap in the middle when closed.

corded track

For curtain poles measure the width of the pole only, do not include the finials (decorative pieces on the end).

curtain pole width

Use your curtain pole or track width to work out the width of your curtains. To achieve a soft gathered look when your curtains are closed, use the header type to make the following calculation:

Pencil pleat = pole or track width x 2
Eyelet = pole or track width x 1.5 or 2
Pinch pleat = pole or track width x 2.5

Measuring for curtain drop

If using a curtain track, measure from the top of the track to the required length.

curtain track

If using a curtain pole for pinch or pencil pleat curtains, measure from the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring. This will prevent the pole or rings from being obscured by the curtain.

curtain pole drop

If using a curtain pole for tab top or eyelet curtains, measure from the very top of the curtain pole and 3cm

eyelet curtains measurement

Curtains lengths tend to be above the sill, below the sill or to the floor. The length that you choose depends upon the look you want to create plus other factors such as the positioning of radiators.

For curtains to the sill, measure to 1cm above the sill. This will ensure the curtain does not drag.

For curtains below the the sill measure 4″ to 8″ (10cm to 20cm) below the sill. However if you are choosing this length to avoid a radiator please adjust this measurement to allow the curtains to stop a couple of centimetres above the radiator.

For curtains to the floor, measure to 1cm above the floor. This will ensure the curtain doesn’t drag.

curtain-drop

Always measure in at least 3 positions across the track or pole as floors and sills are rarely level. Use the shortest of these 3 measurements to avoid the curtains dragging across the floor or sill, unless you want them to “puddle” on the floor. For curtains that puddle, add 6 inches to the measured length.

Need any further help or advice? Send me an email and I will be more than happy to help.

Tags: Curtain poles, Curtain tracks, Measuring

Posted in: Curtains, How to Measure, Interior design

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Welcome to our new website. Fittexpert Version 2

Posted by Fittexpert on June 10, 2013

I are very pleased to announce the launch of our fantastic new website. Created with the user experience firmly in mind, Fittexpert version 2 has been designed using the latest technology, along with the new look I have included some features that I hope will make visiting the site a quicker, easier and an interactive experience. To make sure you get the most of the new website I have listed a few of the new features below. I hope you enjoy using the new website and would love to hear what you think about it – or let me know on Facebook or Twitter.

So what’s new?

I’ve refreshed the content and tied it all in with my social media activity, as well as introducing a fresher and more dynamic portfolio page to give you more of an idea of the kind of thing I love and enjoy doing.

– Gorgeous User Friendly Design.