You may have driven by a house in your neighborhood and seen an interesting window on the outside. Extending from the regular walls of the house, bay windows create a decorative exterior design. Bay windows were first introduced in stone cathedrals during the Gothic era and became popular during the Renaissance. People in Atlanta and other cities love bay windows today because they create extra space inside and provide more natural light than a regular window does.

Bay Window Types

There are several types of bay windows, based on the shape of the window. Bay windows are beautiful in every room and have the option to be more rectangular shaped or round shaped.

• Box bay windows have angled sides that form a box shape. Sitting areas or shelves can be added to the interior.
• Bow windows have four or more paned segments that follow a semi-circular pattern.
• Circle Bay windows join a combination of windows together into a smooth circular shape.

Bay windows have been a staple piece of architecture for many centuries. Although they may have started out in churches, these elegant window designs are found in homes across the world. Bay windows are common in rooms such as kitchens, dining rooms, dens, living rooms, office spaces, and bedrooms in Atlanta.

Bay Window Ideas

You can do many things with the extra space a bay window provides. A small dinner table fits perfectly in a kitchen bay window area. You can also add a bench seat to your bay window to create a space to relax or read. Some people even create an enclosed storage space or bookshelves within their bay window seat. It’s uncommon to see bay windows with draperies, but this is up to the personal preference of the homeowner. While these windows can serve many purposes, primarily they are used to let more natural light in your home and make your space look larger. Adding draperies will distract this natural light from coming in. If you want to add some type of window treatment to your bay window, home designers suggest adding blinds or shutters.

Blinds or Shutters?

Having blinds for your home’s windows are very important. Not only do blinds keep people from outside looking into your home, but they allow you to adjust the level of light in the room. Traditional blinds however, do not always complement a bay window’s style. Add to the architectural interest of your bay window with shutters. Shutters are beautiful and give your home an elegant feel. These window shutters can be opened or closed uniformly through the shutter’s front or hidden tilt-bar system. shutters also come with various louver widths, which determine how open the view out your window is. If you are interested in installing a bay window or redecorating your bay window area, you should call Eclipse Shutters. Our shutters will complete your bay window’s look. We are headquartered in Atlanta, but sell our shutters across the world. Since 1992, we’ve been helping people upgrade their homes with our elegant and affordable shutters. Our shutters come in various colors, louver sizes, tilt, and frame options. We can transform your bay window area into the space you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to get started!

You are remodeling your Atlanta home and are wondering if you should change your window design. The answer is, why not? Window upgrades will transform any room into possibly your favorite room of the house. By providing natural light into your home, you will create a welcoming and stylish environment that is perfect for any space. The main question is, “Can I add curtains to windows with blinds?”

Traditional Blinds—Yes

There are different types of blinds, including traditional blinds, wooden or faux blinds, draperies, shades, and shutters. Traditional blinds always look great with curtains. Because these blinds are simple, adding curtains to your windows will help give it an extra touch that will liven up your space. A popular trick when adding curtains to your living space, bedroom, or dining area is to go “high and wide”. Adding your curtain rod higher and wider than your actual window will make your window look larger than normal. Instead of covering window space, the curtains cover wall space, making your room look bigger by giving you more natural light. Another technique when adding curtains to your windows with blinds is to pick a curtain with a complementing color. If your furniture is colorful, you should choose white or sheer colored curtains to help balance the room’s environment. On the other hand, if your room is already simple or bland, picking an accent colored curtain will brighten up your space. If you need help choosing a curtain or blind style, you can seek help from an interior designer.

Other Window Coverings—Depends on Personal Style

Other window coverings, such as wooden or faux blinds, draperies, shades, and shutters do not necessarily need curtains. These blinds are quite appealing and stylish by themselves, however it does depend on your own personal style and the look you are trying to achieve in your home.

• Faux Wood Blinds

Most faux, or wooden-looking blind and curtain combinations occur in the living, dining, or master bedroom. Thick or darker colored curtains with faux wood blinds are sophisticated yet traditional in Atlanta. If you are looking for a more modern and simple style, try sheer or lightly colored curtains. When used with an elegant frame, adding curtains to faux blinds is not necessary, but essentially is up to the personal style and preference of the homeowner.

• Draperies and Shades

Draperies and shades are essentially a piece of fabric that’s pulled from side to side or up and down. Draperies are commonly custom made to fit your window and can really make a dramatic transformation to the room. Shades are popular in living and meeting rooms where television and computer screens are used, because they can easily block out natural light. A wide range of fabric can be used for shades including solar screen and light filtering types.

• Shutters

Shutters are popular across the nation. These window coverings are very classy, and go well in all rooms of the house. Shutters can be easily opened or closed to control sunlight. They come in various sizes with a variety of frame options. Because these window coverings are already stylishly appealing, adding curtains to shutters is up to the personal style and preference of the homeowner. If you are looking for a window makeover and want to brighten up your room with a classic and elegant look, try adding shutters. Shutters are a favorite in the Southeast, especially in Georgia and Florida. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Eclipse Shutters is the top shutter provider in the nation. Contact us today for more information.

So, you’ve remodeled your whole house—your kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Maybe you have even renovated your back deck or front yard. But now it’s time you give your master bedroom a makeover. This is often the last place Atlanta homeowners decide to upgrade, because we want the places that others see to be modernized first. However, the master bedroom is very important. This is a place where you escape the everyday struggles of cooking and cleaning. This is a place you want to feel cozy and at home. So, where do we start?

1. Walk-In Closet
   A walk in closet is an easy addition to your master bedroom. Having an additional space to place your clothes and other loose items gives your bedroom a more “open” appeal. Try adding wall-length shelves to give your walk-in closet the most space possible for all your belongings. Windows in your walk-in closet will provide natural light. This is great if you plan to use your closet for outfit preparation or doing makeup or hair. Complete your walk-in closet with some type of low sitting chair you can use when putting on your shoes. These additions will make you excited to wake up and get ready for work each day!

2. Custom Headboard
   Create a centerpiece for your master bedroom and update your headboard. Custom headboards are becoming extremely popular in the Metro-Atlanta area. You can create a beautiful piece with wood and some wood stain or finish. Wooden headboards are great for natural or rustic looking master bedrooms. If you are going for a more modern or chic approach, try making a custom cushion headboard and using an accent color.
3. Bay Window
   Bay windows are great for capturing sunlight and brightening up your room. If you like to read, a bay window is perfect because it also creates a small seating area next to the windows. If you need more storage space, you can add cabinets to your seating area so you get the full experience.
4. New Lighting
   If your bedroom feels dull or unexciting, try adding new lighting. Your local electrician or lighting company can add beautiful new light fixtures to give your bedroom any type of appeal you wish. If you’re going for a farmhouse theme, try simple antique or wooden looking fixtures. Add a chandelier if you want an elegant and charming touch. You can also add more windows if you want more natural light. Natural light makes your home cozy and welcoming.
5. Shutters
   Get a custom, upscale look by adding shutters to your bedroom windows. These shutters are easily adjustable to let light in or keep it out. They also have various frame styles, sizes, and colors. Cotton, the most popular color, is sure to match with any color or room theme. shutters have become a staple for home remodeling, because they instantly add a touch of class to bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and more.

If you have decided to give your master bedroom a makeover and want a natural, yet elegant touch, try adding shutters from Eclipse Shutters. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with dealers all over the country, we can ship our shutters across the nation. Eclipse Shutters have one of the quickest turnout times in the industry. All our products come with an unlimited 25-year warranty. Contact us today to see what type of shutter is best for your home.

7 Ways to Bring Your Home to Life

The living room—where your family gathers to watch the Atlanta Falcons, do homework, and host family gatherings. The living room is often the first room guests see as they enter your house. What does your living room say about you? Are you old-fashioned, contemporary, fun, or boring? If you are trying to dress up your living room, you should first consider three things.

• What is the primary purpose of my living room?
  Do you use your living room primarily for family visits or does your family basically live in your living room? Do you want an elaborately decorated room or would you rather it be comfortable? Think about what you use your living room for the most, and it will help you decide on other factors, too.
• How much money am I willing to spend?
  Setting a budget before considering living room improvements will help transform ideas into options. Knowing what is acceptable or not, based on the price tag, will save you time and money.
• What do I want the most?
  Knowing ahead of time what your main goal is when dressing up your living room will keep you focused. Whether it’s hardwood floors or new window shutters, don’t forget it. Try not to get overwhelmed with the hundreds of other decorating options that are available for your Atlanta home.

Here are a few ways to dress up your living room:

1. Hardwood Floors with Textured Rugs
   Hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain. When combined with a textured or patterned rug, you get the best of both worlds. It’s like having carpet and hardwoods, yet it’s stylish and cool.
2. New Wall Color
   Adding a new wall color to your living room can create a whole new vibe. Try a maroon or navy if you are going for a traditional feel, a pastel color if you want a light and welcoming appeal, and classic white or other neutral colors if you want a simple, minimalistic touch.
3. Comfortable Seating
   There’s nothing more welcoming than a comfortable couch or love seat. Make it the centerpiece of your room with decorative pillows or a throw blanket.
4. Storage Ideas
   Beautiful new shelves, coffee tables, entertainment centers, or other storage ideas can be perfect for hiding loose items in your living room. Look for trendy baskets that match your room’s style for a nice addition.
5. Family Friendly Ideas
   If your family spends a lot of time in your living room, yet you still want your living room to have a modern appeal, invest in family friendly ideas. These include leather and plastic furniture. These materials–especially white furnishings–are easy to spot when dirty, and super easy to clean.
6. Floor-Length or Sheer Curtains
   Adding new curtains is sure to dress up your living room. Floor-length curtains will make your room appear larger while sheer curtains will help let more natural night into your living space.
7. Light & Airy Window Treatments
   Try to avoid dark window coverings and choose light colored treatments. Consider investing in neutral shutters for a “wow factor” effect. shutters are very popular in the Southern and coastal states, and instantly add a touch of class to any living room.

Eclipse Shutters, located in Atlanta, Georgia is the largest manufacturer of custom shutters in the United States. Since 1992, we have been selling shutters across North America. We have a 25-year warranty and guarantee you will have your custom shutters made in less than seven business days or less. shutters will create a cozy and modern charm that is perfect for any style of living space. Contact us today to see how we can help dress up your living room.

Adding Shutters to Specialty Shaped Windows

Windows come in all shapes and sizes, not just rectangles and squares. Modern homes are complete with ornate specialty shaped windows in half-circle, angle top, and elliptical designs. While these windows add a touch of sophisticated interior design, they also present a unique challenge. How can you find blinds, curtains or shutters that fit an irregularly shaped window? In many cases, finding the right window treatment option can be difficult because whenever you find a covering style you like, you can’t find the shape you need. The solution is actually pretty simple when you purchase custom-fitted shutters. This is a long-term fix that complements the style of your home, while adding a high-end covering for the arch window. What are interior shutters and how can they be used in your home?

How it works…

Shutters are installed on the interior side of your window. Made with a durable UltraSatin^™ finish, Eclipse Shutters^® have adjustable louvers that let in natural daylight for any window shape or size. Shown in the following image, these custom-fit shutters can be added to any type of window in any room of your home, making it the perfect solution for an interior window treatment. shutters are rooted in traditional style, but are now the most popular and in-style option for homeowners across the country. Why and how are these coverings a solution for your home?

• They fit any window shape. At Eclipse Shutters^®, our shutters can be installed on arch window designs including: Half Circle, Eyebrow, Quarter Circle, Tunnel, Elliptical, Symmetrical Angle Top, Angle Top, Hexagon, Full Rake, Half Rake, and Octagon.
• Shutters are custom sized. How big is your arch window? When you choose Eclipse Shutters^®, your dealer or distributor will create a custom-made product just for your home. From 36” half-circle windows to 72” elliptical windows, the shutters are always custom-made to meet your specific design specifications. All of these products are produced within just 7 business days – the fastest time in the industry.
• There are unlimited customization options. You can choose the louver size (space between horizontal slats) on your window shutters and choose the right frame style (the exterior trim of the shutter) for your home. You can also choose the color option that will best match your interior.
• They are easy to install. From purchase to installation, Eclipse Shutters^® are designed to make the homeowner’s job easier. Whether you choose professional installation or do-it-yourself shutter installation, our online tutorials and instruction guides make it easy to upgrade the look and feel of any room.
• Shutters adjust with one touch. Because of shape alone, blinds or curtains are difficult to adjust on arch windows. shutters make it easy. With a simple hand-operated front or rear tilt bar, a shutter gives you the ability to adjust lighting at any time of day or at any window height.
• Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to maintain. Eclipse interior shutters can be cleaned with a damp cloth – that’s it. The nonporous surface is mold and mildew-resistant and also constructed to prevent heat damage, cracking, and warping. Our products come with a comprehensive 25-year warranty to protect your home’s investment.

Shutters for arch windows are one of the best deals in the industry. They add an instant level of style and sophistication to any room and they’re also cost-effective. With a 25-year warranty, the lifetime cost of a single shutter will be significantly cheaper than the typical buy-and-replace mentality of other low-quality window treatments. For more information about arch window treatments, contact Eclipse Shutters^® to find a dealer near you. Here are more examples of shutters & coverings on specialty window shapes:

Home remodeling can take a long time — months and sometimes even years. Remodeling your house also takes a lot of research. To make sure you are doing everything right, hiring quality professionals, and using the most up-to-date styles, you must plan beforehand. Luckily, we are here to help.

Hardwood Floors: The Basics

Hardwood flooring has been a favorite home flooring style for centuries. This type of floorboard adds a natural, yet charming feel to your home. Some believe this is because wood flooring helps bring the life of the outside world inside your home with its rustic and woodsy appearance. There are different colors and styles of hardwood floors that create a unique atmosphere for your home. Choose from your favorite wood variety then select the stain and finish options to get the perfect sparkle and sheen.  The type of wood and treatment you choose for your floors will, of course, depend on your interior design preferences. In addition, hardwood floors are durable and easy to maintain, meaning they are a long-term investment. Make sure to take the time to research which floors are best for you and your home. To get the most out of your investment, you need to explore new ways to complement your hardwood floors. What lighting options or window treatments can bring out the best of your new flooring?

Compliments for Your Hardwoods

So, you have your beautiful floors but want to add something else to your home. If you are going for a country or ranch style house, you may want to consider using a farmhouse design. These usually include older and rustic looking furniture and incorporate a healthy dose of white trim on the walls. The farmhouse trend has increased significantly over the past two years and has become a home remodeling favorite. To complement the homey and rustic feel of farmhouse homes, you can add elegant shutters. These shutters provide a charming touch and are the most popular type of shutter across the United States. More homeowners than ever are adding these interior features to give their home an extra touch of beauty and style.

Why Shutters?

Shutters work well in elegant rooms, like dining rooms or bedrooms, but also work well in more casual spaces, like kitchens or dens. Shutters come in three different materials to meet the needs of your home. Economical Polyresin shutters are the most durable and are water resistant, making them perfect for high moisture areas. Composite shutters are the same as Polyresin, except use engineered wood, making them very sturdy. Wood shutters are strong, yet lightweight and can be painted or stained. shutters, like hardwood floors, are long-lasting and most are easy to clean and maintain. Polyresin shutters require the least amount of maintenance. The most popular color for shutters is cotton, a bright white that helps liven up any room. This Southern-inspired style matches well with the white trim farmhouses usually have along their walls.  In addition, shutters come in a variety of sizes, but most popular are 2-1/2 inch, 3-1/2 inch and 4-1/2 inch louvers. They are also offered with a variety of frame styles. This gives you some options when deciding what shutter looks best for your home. The best choice will depend on the size of the window, size of the room, and the outside view. Let a professional help you if you are having trouble deciding which type or size to use.

Hardwood Floors & Shutters

The floor of a room is the foundation of a space. Windows are what let light in and bring life. Your home is where you spend most of your time, where you host family gatherings and where you raise your family. Remodeling your home can be fun, but is often a lot of work and very expensive. If you already have or are planning to buy hardwood floors, invest in shutters as well. shutters are very stylish and popular in home remodeling magazines and interior design showrooms. Now, you can have them installed in your home, too. These window treatments are easy to open and close, which let light in and out as you please, giving your new hardwood floors the shimmer and reflection they deserve. Hardwood floors are nice, but not complete without a full investment in your home’s interior – especially shutters. Regular blinds do help keep your hardwood floors safe from sun damage, your house cool, and your energy bill low. Shutters do all of this in style. Eclipse Shutters, located in Atlanta, has been the top-selling shutter in North America for over 25 years. To find a dealer in your area, please visit our Where to Buy page on www.eclipseshutters.com.