Benefits of using wool in home decor

My husband bought me this awesome scarf. It's super cozy and soft. Apart from having an ikatish look to it, its a blend of wool and viscose. Heaven help the family member that throws this in the wash... dry clean only!

It got me thinking about the benefits of using wool in home decor. Not just for men's suits anymore, wool used in home decor adds warmth to the look and feel of a room. It drapes well and is flame resitant, resistant to static electricity, wrinkle resistant and eco-friendly. I'm in love already!

Wool in Carpets

by Jonothan Adler

People have used wool in carpets for years. A little bit of luxury under the feet makes us happy!

Carpets made of wool will lessen the effect of static electricity, so less of those annoying shocks that you get from your carpet. Your kids may not like this, as I recall, part of the winter indoor fun was walking around shocking each other. (no wool carpets at our house growing up)  Wool carpets are a beautiful thing and can last you for years to come. Read the benefits for yourself.

Wool in throws and bedding

by Haus Interior

Wool is a natural insulator which makes for a great fabric in this crazy Ottawa climate. It keeps things warm in the cold weather and cool in the hot weather. Use a wool comforter on your bed for a great night's sleep. Wool used in bedding today isn't as itchy and scratchy as it used to be. 

Wool in drapery

modern curtains design by supermarkethq.com

Don't get scared, these are made of wool felt and are a unique modern design. Even with the holes in them, I imagine they're awesome insulators. For more traditional and contemporary spaces most of our fabric companies have a line of wool fabrics that we use in a drapery panel.

Wool drapes are likely to be less wrinkly than your average drape. If you prefer the wrinkled look, linen maybe be more your style.

Wool that's used in drapery is often in a solid colour, like this Beacon Hill wool sateen. This fabric is 90% wool and 10% nylon. Drapery panels in this fabric add sophistication to a room, are restful and slightly masculine, it does remind you of a suit.

Some wool fabrics have a stripe like this one from Beacon Hill.

You can also get wool drapery fabrics with plaid. Imagine that. This one from Beacon Hill is 100% wool.

Wool fabrics come in lots of colours also, it doesn't have to look drab.

Have fun in your home, enjoying the look and the benefits of wool!

scarf used as a runner

bhg magazine

bhg magazine

Cozy up to wool all year long. Find out more interesting wool benefits.

Jump on the drapery banding wagon!

Do you or your clients have sad looking drapes on your window or in a box in the basement?

Don't throw them out just yet.

Maybe they need an update. Here are some ways to save yourself some money and be green.

Banding is simply adding fabric or trim to your existing drapery in any way you can think of (as long as your seamstress is up for it).

Benefits of drapery banding...

Fix sun fade. If your drapery is looking a little faded, especially on the inside of the panel where the sun hits it, this is a great spot to add vertical banding.

Vertical banding can be done in the same type of fabric or you can take this opportunity to add some texture to your drapes. A general width for vertical banding is 2-4" or whatever looks well proportioned.

Add length. If your drapery has been cleaned lately and you're noticing some shrinkage, this is a great time to add banding to the bottom of your drapes. Choose a different colour or texture for interest.

When adding banding to the bottom, 12-16" is good. You can use the golden ration of 3/8 and 5/8. If your drapery panel needs to be 88" long, add 33" to the bottom and keep the top at 55". This will keep it nicely proportioned. Look for any horizontal lines in the room that you wish to follow.

Moving. If you're going to a new home and love your drapery, take it with you. Measure in your new place to see where it'll fit best and then you can think about adding banding to make your drapery custom fit.

Instant update. By adding banding to your existing drapery you automatically add interest and you'll feel like you've got a whole new pair of drapes.

Is it worthwhile? If the drapes were custom made, then most likely they're good quality and properly lined. If store bought, make sure the fabric isn't too flimsy. Don't waste time on new banding, if the fabric is sun faded all over or won't stand up much longer.

When you want to jump on or off the drapery banding wagon, don't hurt yourself, call a window covering specialist or if you're up for it, try it yourself!

Browse through our ideabook from Houzz

banding

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

Browse Accessories And Decor on Houzz- For Example:

Candles And Candle Holders · Clocks · Decals · Holiday Decorations · Indoor Fountains · Rugs · Wallpaper · Waste Baskets ·

Getting your drapery rings and things moving- with jig-a-loo!

Recently we had a client that was having difficulty moving her heavier than usual drapery across the rod to close. The drapes were mounted higher than normal and were made with black out lining.

One spray of jig-a-loo on the rod loosed everything right up. The client emailed us later and said they worked perfectly.

Jig-a-loo is a silicone based lubricant made with no grease, oil, wax, petroleum or detergent. It doesn't stink and won't stain! Sounds perfect!

Works on most things around the house that need unsticking.

Just be careful if you're googling it....and don't use it on people :)

Here, I'll save you the trouble. Visit Jig-a-loo

Top 2 ideas on insulation for windows in winter!

Why insulation for windows in winter? So your family enjoyment can stay high and your heat bills low!


Anything is better than nothing but if you're tired of the sheet or Hudson's Bay blanket on your window and want some decorative ideas keep reading.


Yesterday I mentioned the guy with the overhead screen in front of his window to block the sun. I'm sure there are other creative ways to insulate windows in winter, maybe leaving your Christmas tree in front of the window could give some help to the cold air coming through your windows.


I know my list should be way longer than 2! The thing is I started on this topic of insulation for windows in winter and honestly wrote the first two. Then I found this article on Apartment Therapy and my top 2 are on their list.


So here are my top 2...


1. Lined, fully closing drapery. This is the one of the best insulators on a window. According to the University of Texas, for single glazed windows, adding drapes reduces heat loss by 37%, for double glazed windows by 30%, but adding insulated drapes to a single glazed window reduces heat loss by 56% or 48% for double glazed. They warn, however, that in really cold climates condensation can form on windows. This happens when the drapes are too close to the window and don't have any way for the air to get out. If your drapery rod doesn't go all the way to the ceiling and you don't have returns (that part that goes back to the wall) you should be just fine.

Lined Sheers

2. Duette Architella Hunter Douglas shades. Why do I consider this one of the best ideas on insulation for windows in winter? Architella shades have an extra layer of insulation inside the honeycomb. A honeycomb within a honeycomb. Up to 50% of heat can be lost through your windows in the winter months. If you've ever had one on a window, its like a blanket for your window. The only caution is the air not having anywhere to escape. The best thing to do is leave the shade up a tiny bit at the bottom (or the top if you have one of those up down blinds, aka top down) so the air can escape, otherwise you'll get condensation on your windows.

Architella Hunter Douglas

 Have a look at Apartment Therapy's list for their top 5!