It's really hard to provide advice without getting a feel for your decor . Plantation shutters can look great, are not a total block-out solution but can be close and sufficient for most people to be able to sleep with. A lot will depend on the quality of the shutters and how well they are fitted. I think the post bigreader was referring to can be found [here[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/block-out-blind-behind-shutters-dsvw-vd~4314237). Here you'll find a good example of what can go wrong if you don't choose both your shutters and fitter carefully. You will get a variety of prices and there is a difference from brand to brand, and the materials they are available in. Take some rough measurements of your windows and call around to get some indicative prices which you should be able to get on the phone without committing to a check-measure or any other commitment given to the potential supplier. Do your homework and don't automatically default to the cheapest price. I have to agree with Kerri Graafmans in that Venetians are difficult to clean and I just don't think they will work well if you are working towards a beach feel for your windows. Depending on where you are located, thermal rollers will be a must with just about any window treatment with the exception of Plantation Shutters. The thermal rollers will give you added light control when used in combination with solid drapery. They will also provide worthwhile insulation which, in combination with drapery or a Roman blind, will make a noticeable impact on your cooling and heating bills. Alternatively, Sheer Curtains and Solid Drapes can be made in a large variety of heading styles. Traditional Soft Romans might work well depending on how your rooms start to take shape. Think carefully about your budget and if possible give the consultants and idea of what you are prepared to spend, - Even if it is only a rough idea. Reputable companies will not intentionally pad-out quotes to meet your budget. But they will work with you to ensure you get the best value for your declared budget without sacrificing quality or taking shortcuts just to seal the deal. Always get an itemised quote so you can see what you will be paying for. Fabric, in many cases, will be the biggest ticket item on your quote. If comparing quotes ensure you are comparing apples for apples. Especially for drapery, both in terms of fabric brand and price as well as the quoted 'fullness' of the curtains / drapes you will be purchasing. If you find you just don't have the budget for your ideal window solutions then my best advice is to either wait until you do or think about a phased approach to dressing your windows (say a window or a room at a time). Far better to pay for a quality product that will last for years than to go for something that does not meet your expectations, but which you will be forced to live with, and be reminded of, every time you enter a room in which the treatments were fitted. Above all, get an idea of what you are likely to need to budget for to get the solution you want early. Too many of those that undertake renovations leave pricing the window treatments to last and have not made a sufficient funding allocation to do the job properly. I may be biased, but I truly do believe that good window treatments can really add 'wow' to both a window and a space, - Yet it's often the one item that suffers the most when reno' budgets start to run dry. Hope this helps ;)

Hello, we are in a reno! Started in January and because of COVID, still in progress in August (and probably beyond) ha ha! It's a 50s home going smarter/Danish maybe?? But we are looking for blind for 2 x double windows in bedrooms and 1 x lounge bay window. Is there anyone in Adelaide who can recommend a good blind company please? We are even thinking of the honeycomb or Duette? Any ideas recommendation would be very helpful ☺️ Cheers Kris 😊

Your external blinds, or external shutters are best to keep morning heat out. If the air Con in window is staying then external blind as you have now will allow air flow to ac. You don’t have much wall space to draw curtains back off the windows and would block ac so if you want to keep the view out during day internal blinds to supplement the external are you best option, with 2 for the window with the ac.

Introduction: Cleaning our homes involves more than just the visible surfaces and easily accessible areas. Hard-to-reach spots, such as high corners, tight spaces, and narrow crevices, often accumulate dust, grime, and allergens over time. Neglecting these areas can compromise the cleanliness and hygiene of our living spaces. In this blog post, we will explore proven techniques for effectively cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your home, ensuring a thorough and pristine environment. Reach for the Right Tools: Cleaning hard-to-reach areas requires the right tools to access and effectively clean these spaces. Invest in an extendable duster or a microfiber duster with a long handle to reach high corners and ceiling fan blades. A crevice tool attachment for your vacuum cleaner can help clean narrow gaps and crevices, while a flexible brush or toothbrush can tackle tight spaces and intricate surfaces. Having the appropriate tools on hand makes reaching and cleaning these areas much easier. Dusting and Cobweb Removal: Dust tends to accumulate in corners, high shelves, and ceiling edges. Start by using your extendable or microfiber duster to gently remove dust from these areas. Be thorough and methodical, working your way around the room. Additionally, look out for cobwebs in high corners or behind furniture. Use a long-handled broom or duster to remove them carefully, ensuring a complete clean-up of these often-neglected spots. Vacuuming and Cleaning Crevices: Vacuum cleaners with crevice tool attachments are excellent for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like the gaps between furniture, baseboards, and window sills. Attach the crevice tool to your vacuum and run it along these tight spaces, effectively removing dust, pet hair, and debris. For stubborn dirt or grime, use a small brush or toothbrush with some mild cleaning solution to gently scrub the area. Remember to dry the surface thoroughly to prevent any moisture-related issues. Blinds and window treatments: Window blinds and treatments are notorious for collecting dust. To clean them effectively, close the blinds and run a microfiber cloth or duster along each slat, starting from the top and working your way down. For fabric curtains or drapes, carefully detach them from the rod and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning. Most curtains can be machine-washed or hand-washed. Remember to rehang them promptly to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your windows. Cleaning Behind Appliances: Hard-to-reach areas behind appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines, are often overlooked during regular cleaning. However, they can harbor dust, dirt, and even food debris. Start by unplugging the appliance and pulling it away from the wall. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and loose debris. For more thorough cleaning, dampen a cloth with a mild cleaning solution and wipe down the surface, including the sides and back of the appliance. Finally, ensure the area is completely dry before plugging the appliance back in. Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Ceiling fans and light fixtures can accumulate dust and dirt, particularly if they are located in hard-to-reach areas. Before cleaning, make sure the fan or light is turned off and cool to the touch. Use an extendable duster or microfiber cloth to carefully wipe down the blades and surface of the fixture. If the blades are particularly dirty, you may need to use a damp cloth with a mildcleaning solution. Take caution not to wet any electrical components and allow the fixture to dry completely before turning it back on. Regular maintenance and prevention: Preventing the build-up of dirt and dust in hard-to-reach areas is key to maintaining a clean home. Regular dusting and cleaning routines should include these often-forgotten spots. Additionally, consider using air purifiers or strategically placing doormats to minimize the amount of dust and allergens brought into your home. Proper ventilation and controlling humidity levels can also help reduce dust accumulation. Conclusion: Cleaning hard-to-reach areas in your home may require a bit more effort and the use of specific tools, but the results are well worth it. By incorporating these proven techniques into your cleaning routine, you can ensure a thorough and pristine living environment. Remember to be diligent and consistent inmaintaining cleanliness in these often-overlooked spots, as they play a significant role in the overall hygiene and comfort of your home.