Tag Archives: window treatments

Updating window treatments

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Are your draperies starting to look a little worn?  Do you need something to finish off the bamboo blinds you just purchased?  Maybe your windows are bare and you don’t know where to begin.  No worries–this post talks about window treatment options that are easy and affordable and carry a big “wow” factor.

Draperies

Draperies can be full pinch pleated drapes on a traverse rod, tab top panels attached to a decorative rod or a set of stationary panels placed at either end of the window or doorway.  If you are satisfied with the style and color of your drapes but just want to update them a bit you have several options.

  • Sew a contrasting border to the hem and/or sides of the panels.  You can use a 4″ wide border around the whole panel for a crisp, geometric look or you can add a large panel to the hem (12″ & up depending on the size of your drapes) for a custom look.  Choose a solid that coordinates with your room or find a pattern such as a greek key pattern for even more interest.
  • Tab top draperies can be punched up a bit simply by adding buttons to the tabs.  These can be covered in a matching or contrasting fabric or use an uncovered button (metal, rhinestone, etc) to add some texture and shine.
  • It is easy to hot glue trim to the sides of drapery panels for an instant update.  Just be sure to use a glue that is designed for use on fabric.  Add braid, gimp, fringe or ribbon to give ordinary drapes a custom look.
  • Something as simple as updating your rod can make all the difference.  Don’t overlook the finials at the end of the rod as this is often the only part that is really seen.  Use your imagination;  in place of rods consider using a collection of  large  knobs for tab top drapes or a piece of wood cut from your property for drapes held in place with clip rings.

Blinds and Shades

If you have installed blinds or shades and your windows are looking a little bare, a valance or cornice board may be just what you need.

  • Adding a valance above your shades is the easiest fix of all.  They can be purchased off the rack or easily sewn by you or someone else.  They will hide the “works” of the shade while adding color and pattern to your windows.
  • A cornice is a box that fits over the top of the window frame and is made from wood or styrofoam then painted or covered with fabric.  Like a valance, they hide the “works” of the shade while providing interest to the window.
  • Stationary panels placed on either side of the window is a great way to soften the harshness of a bare window.  These draperies are not functional, they simply add color and pattern to the area.

Window treatments can be very expensive but adding dressmaker details to ordinary drapes or panels will save you money and give you that custom look at the same time.

A Day of Decorating is a gift that is sure to please Mom

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Mother’s Day is just around the corner (May 9th this year) and while Mom always enjoys the lovely flowers and candy or a special brunch with the family, consider giving something a little different this year.  How about a day of decorating?  There are many things you can do to help Mom spruce up her nest and this gift will last for many years to come.

  1. Upholster an old chair that Mom loves.  It is easy and fun to add new cushions to a dining room chair, for example, and the room will look brand new.  Choose a fabric in a modern color and pattern for an extra surprise.
  2. When was the last time Mom changed out her window treatments?  If budget allows, spring for some new draperies or window shades.  At the very least, add some embellishment to her existing draperies by sewing some trim to the edges or adding new tiebacks.
  3. Replacing tired and worn throw pillows can have a dramatic impact on the room.  Choose lots of bright and happy colors for spring and mix and match patterns and fabrics.  It is possible to have photos made into pillows and what Grandmother wouldn’t like that?

There are so many ways to give the gift of decorating.  But the best gift of all is your time so spend a day with Mom rearranging her bookshelves, reframing old family photos or shopping for a new lamp or area rug.  You will both enjoy it.

Five easy, low cost interior decorating projects.

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news but tax time is just about a month away.  With April 15th looming it may be difficult to find some extra cash for home improvement projects.  But there are several decorating projects that cost very little money and can make a real difference in your home.

  1. Freshen up your window treatments.  Sewing a fabric trim to the sides, top and/or hem of your existing drapery panels will give your windows a brand new look.  Even something as simple as sewing buttons to tab top draperies adds a designer touch for almost no money.
  2. Replace your chair cushions.  Dining room and breakfast room chairs often have wooden seats that make it easy to tie on a cushion. Some chairs have a plywood insert that can be unscrewed, reupholstered and screwed back on.  It is very easy to add fabric to these types of chairs for a brand new look.
  3. New lampshades can immediately brighten up a room.  We often do not realize how worn and dirty our lampshades are until we replace them.  Choose a black shade for a sophisticated look or add fabric and trim for a custom shade.  Don’t forget to add a finial at the top for a bit of personality.
  4. Reframe your artwork.  New frames and mats will make your existing paintings, posters and photographs look brand new.
  5. Refinish wood furniture.  If your coffee and end tables have seen better days or just don’t work in your room anymore, consider staining or painting them for an updated look.  Paint works well in a country, shabby chic, or casual room.  Staining light wood furniture a darker color will make your old pieces look like new.  If they are just too worn, adding a piece of granite, limestone or marble cut to fit is an easy and affordable fix.  You can often find small remnant pieces at a stoneyard.

Paint, a new chair rail, tassels on doorknobs, new throw rugs, fun accent pillows and inexpensive knick knacks are other inexpensive decorating projects to consider.

Shed some Light on Window Treatments

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Having choices is great but it can be a daunting task when it comes  to choosing window treatments for your home because you have many, many choices.  The decision you make will be determined by your need for privacy, light control, view, and your preferred interior decorating style.  Let’s take a look at some common types of window treatments.

  • Shutters are a wonderful choice for most interiors.  They offer the ultimate in light control and privacy and come in many different sizes from a small 2′ vein for country interiors to  large 5″  plantation shutters for a sleek, contemporary look.  Keep in mind that the larger shutters allow more light into the room and make it possible for a view to be seen.  You can place a valance or cornice above the shutters or stationary panels on the sides to add some softness and color. 
  • Draperies can be made to coordinate with any style interior.  Simple tab top, rod pocket or grommet hung draperies offer a clean, unfussy look to a room.  On the other hand, pinch pleated draperies with a matching valance provide a formal look.  Placing stationary drapery panels on either side of a window or door allows you to bring color and pattern into the room without the expense of full draperies.
  • Shade styles range from a simple roller shade to billowy balloon shades in a coordinating fabric.  Roman shades are another option.  Many manufacturers today offer shades that are woven from natural materials like bamboo and grass cloth.  These add a nice textural look to the room and still provide privacy .  Blackout fabric can be applied to most shades for the ultimate in light control.
  • Toppers include valances and cornices.  A valance is attached to a rod of some sort and attached to the wall.  A cornice is an l-shaped box that has been upholstered and attached to the wall.  These toppers finish off a window nicely without blocking a view or requiring large amounts of fabric.
  • Drapery hardware can be found in just about any style, color or size imaginable.  You can choose metal rods in chrome, brass, oil rubbed bronze, brushed nickel or wrought iron.  Wooden rods are available in many stains that will match your woodwork.  All of these rods come with matching rings, finials and drapery tiebacks for a fully coordinated look.

For a complete selection of window treatments visit sites such as www.smithandnoble.com or www.hunterdouglas.com.  They offer many styles as well as solutions for difficult areas like sliding glass doors or odd shaped windows.  You can also provide your own fabrics and trim for truly customized window treatments.