If you live in west, you have a second option. You can get a retrofit frame with a 2" lip on outside. The purpose of lip is to stop against exterior of house as you insert window into opening. If you have a stucco exterior with wood trim around opening, retrofit lip will cover wood and rest on stucco. However, you have to make sure new window frame goes further into room than lip of old frame. If new frame does not go beyond old frame, you won't be able to trim out interior to hide old frame. A quality retrofit window frame measures 3" deep from back of retrofit lip. The distance from stucco surface to old frame lip must be less than 3", otherwise you have to use replacement style frame as I described above. If you are able to use retrofit style frame, you eliminate step of trimming out exterior. You still must trim out interior. If you have any questions about anything in this article, you can send me an email.

Those patterns are a function of way that Venetian blind slats are tilted. Typically, we think of Venetian blinds as being open – with slats fully horizontal to allow in most light – or closed, with slats tightly overlapping to block out light. But various angles of tilt serve different purposes, many of which have been lost in years since Venetian blinds were a means of heat control as well as light and privacy control. Tilt your Venetian blinds up to reflect light toward ceilings in summer, for instance, and you’ll find your rooms are up to ten degrees cooler than if you had blinds completely closed. Tilt them down toward to conserve heat by aiming light toward floor and heat will warm room as it rises.

Venetian blinds are available today in a wide variety of colors and materials. You can choose vinyl or PVC blinds to accent or contrast with your walls and furnishings, plain white aluminum Venetian blinds for a classic ‘office’ look, or faux wood Venetian blinds to warm any room with natural ambience of wood grains and patterns.

Whatever patterns and styles you choose, though, when you choose Venetian blinds (which are traditionally less expensive than many other window blinds), you are choosing a window covering with a long and varied history. Enjoy adding that subtle touch of drama to your home.