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10 Tips For A Window Coverings Makeover
You cannot stand it. The same old dreary
windows that do little to add life to your home. It is time for a
change. But, where do you start? How do you keep from making an
expensive or embarrassing mistake? In fact, how can you know what
you really want?
1. Start with one room at a time.
There may be the temptation, especially when moving into a new home,
to decorate all of the rooms at once. This takes far too much energy
and can sap your creative juices, leaving the decorating flat and
less interesting. It can also make decorating your home an
overwhelming task. Go slow. Do one room at a time and then move on
to the next one.
2. Assess, review your needs.
With pen and paper in hand, jot down some notes about all of the
windows in the room. Measure them and note their size and shape.
Rough sketches will help. Are the windows too large? Too small? Odd
sizes? Mismatched sizes? Is there too much light in the room? Not
enough light? Do you want to block an unattractive view? Do you want
to enjoy the beautiful view? Do you need privacy? Daytime privacy?
Nighttime privacy? Or both? Do you want to liven up a dreary room?
How do other family members feel about these needs? What is your
budget for the windows?
3. Look for help, tips and ideas.
Seek inspiration. One thing is for certain, no matter what the
challenge or situation that you are facing with your windows,
someone else has already dealt with the same situation. There is a
way, or many ways, to attractively treat the windows in your room.
You can find examples of how others have decorated their windows in
magazines, window decorating books, window decorating websites and
by talking with friends and relatives.
4. Make a plan.
Using your list of needs, rank the needs in order of importance and
then make a plan that addresses your needs in that order. There is a
way to treat issue.
5. Address your window coverings in stages.
This is especially if you are uncertain about your preferences or if
you are working on a budget. Begin with the shades, blinds or
shutters. Once these are selected and installed, move to draperies
or curtains, including the traverse or curtain rod. Finally, add the
finishing touches such as cornices, decorative tie backs and
finishing hardware.
6. Combine and contrast colors.
Using color in your window treatment is an excellent way to put life
and energy as well as set the tone and mood of a room. Experiment
with mixing colors from opposite ends of the color spectrum.
7. Mix fabrics for texture.
Fabric is composed of either natural or synthetic fibers and how
they are woven, knitted or felted together. The type fiber and the
weave or knitting will determine the texture of the material or
fabric. Mixing fabrics and textures can be an excellent way to
create interest and set the tone of your window treatments. For
example, you may consider using velvet over organdy or silk over
linen. Common fabrics for window treatments include brocade,
cambric, canvas, chintz, cotton duck, crewel, damask, gingham, lace,
linen, muslin, organdy, satin, silk, taffeta and velvet.
8. Mix patterns.
Mixing patterns can also liven up and set the mood for a room. Here
are some tips for mixing patterns.
a. Match the scale, of the pattern to the area where it is going to
be used. For example, use larger patterns on the drapes or curtains,
medium patterns on valances or cornices and small patterns on accent
pieces.
b. Use geometric patterns with one another. For example, you can use
stripes with checks, plaids or dots.
c. Common colors in mixed patterns tie the two together. For
example, blue stripes mixed with matching blue dots will tie the two
patterns together.
9. Make small windows big.
Make big windows smaller. One of your goals should be to make the
room harmonious. Mismatched windows or windows of dissimilar size
and shape can disrupt this harmony. You can make small windows
appear larger by placing a heading such as a valance or cornice on
the wall above the window and using curtains or drapes of similar
length. Large windows can be treated with a series of blinds or
drapes breaking up the expanse. Large cathedral windows can be
treated by installing a curtain or traverse rod on the lower part of
the window and leaving the upper portion untreated.
10. Let your window coverings evolve.
Like a garden, the interior decoration of your home, including
window treatments will be subject to change. Let your windows evolve
as the interior of your home changes to reflect changes in your
lifestyle or tastes. The first order for your windows is to provide
privacy and light control. This will be accomplished with shades,
blinds, mini blinds or shutters. Then you can begin creating mood
with decorative treatments of color, design and texture. As you gain
confidence and experience with decorating, you can change and expand
your window treatments.
If you are tired of the same old boring drapery and curtains, now is
the time to make a change. Follow these steps. Look for tips and
ideas in books, magazines and websites. You are on your way to a
complete window make over.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
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