Publications

Practical Advice - Windows

Where would you use wooden architrave mouldings in your home?

Where would you use wooden architrave mouldings in your home?

We look at how how architrave is used on doorways and windows which can otherwise look unfinished without architrave

24 Oct 2019

Architrave is one of the most widely used wooden mouldings. It is used in almost all buildings, period or less old, residential or commercial. Architrave is used to surround an opening in a wall, most commonly a doorway or window but it can be used to surround other areas too.

Home security tips for period properties

Home security tips for period properties

Period properties are about style and class of a certain era and yet sometimes also a bit of challenge. For the pleasure of living in a beautiful building with oodles of character and history, there are some modern touches you may need to learn to live without.…

19 May 2015

Period properties are about style and class of a certain era and yet sometimes also a bit of challenge. For the pleasure of living in a beautiful building with oodles of character and history, there are some modern touches you may need to learn to live without. This is particularly the case if you own and live in a listed building, or your home is situated in a conservation area.

Tags: security
Wooden or Brass Curtain Pole Brackets?

Wooden or Brass Curtain Pole Brackets?

Curtain pole brackets are there to hold up curtain poles which are there to hold up your curtains. Curtain pole brackets are of two types and can be static or extendable, with long poles or heavy curtains requiring more than 2 brackets.

11 Feb 2014

Curtain pole brackets are one of those essential items that is often overlooked when thinking about and planning your curtains. Cheaper curtain pole sets will likely consist of a curtain pole, finials, curtain rings and curtain pole brackets all in a matching finish. However curtain pole sets tend to be offered in a smaller selection of finishes, widths and lengths than individually purchased curtain poles and accessories. Top quality…

Tags: curtains
Heavy curtain fabric for winter weight curtains

Heavy curtain fabric for winter weight curtains

There are many heavy curtain fabrics available to purchase – these tend to be more expensive than standard weight fabrics and with a high wool content, but should be seen as an investment as good quality curtains should last many years if not decades.

27 Jan 2014

In the days of modern centrally heated and double glazed homes, fabric deemed suitable for use as curtains has become thinner and thinner as it does not have the same demands put on it in past centuries, where after windows and doors, curtains were the major source of protection from cold draughts. However the majority of period properties still have issues with draughts and frighteningly high heating bills for many reasons. The most…

Tags: curtains
The Story of a Victorian Living Room given a new lease of life

The restoration of a Victorian living room

Here is a story of a miserable Victorian living room invigorated through traditional décor and restoration of period features. A customer of ours, Mrs E Page, Linslade Beds tells the story of her restored Victorian dining room.

14 Jan 2014

A delightful Victorian Living Room is worth the endeavour. A great dining room may not only encourage you to eat more slowly as you enjoy your surroundings and aid digestion, but it can also be said that a refined environment could make your food taste better. Any improvements will, of course, add value to your house and in true Victorian fashion, impress your guests.

Period Living in St. Pancras Chambers with 21st century warmth

Period Living in St. Pancras Chambers

A unique apartment, with its spectacular views, so stunningly presented that it is now available to hire for drinks receptions, private dining, small musical events and art exhibitions.

18 May 2013

What an ideal location for period living, especially if you are a rail enthusiast with a fascination for some of the Victorian era’s more quirky architecture! St Pancras Chambers is one of London’s latest apartment conversions. Originally part of St. Pancras Railway Station and the adjoining Midland Grand Hotel (now the magnificent five-star Renaissance Hotel), St. Pancras Chambers is a complex of 67 individually designed apartments…

The benefits of secondary glazing in your period property

The benefits of secondary glazing in your period property

Single glazed windows are a major factor in energy loss as glass is a poor insulator and also because windows can be ill fitting and draughty. It's one of the things that owners of period houses complain about incessantly - see our article here about customer…

18 May 2013

A large proportion of buildings undergoing refurbishment were built to meet different needs and standards to those demanded today. In particular the windows are often found to be thermally inefficient and draughty with poor acoustics and minimal security. Where constraints from planning guidelines, lease conditions or budgets prevent the windows from being replaced, Secondary Glazing provides an attractive and practical solution in these…

Tags: windows
Top Tips for replacing the windows in your period property

Top Tips for replacing the windows in your period property

The dilemma for the period property owner therefore is no longer whether to fit double glazing, but how to do so sympathetically. The answer could lie in the greater availability of slimline double glazing units.

18 May 2013

For those who have invested in a period property, what to do about replacing single glazing has long been a dilemma. When the original windows have reached the end of their useful life, should you replace your windows on a like-for-like basis in order to preserve the charm and character of your home, or should you make energy efficiency your priority and install double glazing? Building Regulations have controlled glazing standards in…

Choosing Victorian Curtain Fabrics

Choosing Victorian Curtain Fabrics

Follow the general rules that the Victorians stuck to when choosing Victorian curtain fabric or material for your Victorian house renovation.

22 Jan 2013

Well-chosen Victorian curtain fabrics and vintage style upholstery fabric designs can really add to the authentic Victorian atmosphere in any room of your period home. To keep that genuine Victorian feel, try to follow the general rules that the Victorians stuck to when choosing Victorian curtain fabric or material for your Victorian house renovation.

Victorian Sash Window Accessories

Victorian Sash Window Accessories

Sash windows are one of the most usual windows used in a Victorian house. Many Victorian houses also have casement windows.

22 Jan 2013

Sash windows are one of the most usual windows used in a Victorian house. Many Victorian houses also have casement windows. Both types of windows look great and you can fit Victorian style sliding sash window accessories so that they compliment your period home. These windows can be maintained by a competent DIYer given a little time and patience. Every few years, you may find that the paint is peeling and that they need freshening up.…

Tags: windows