By Nikki Phipps
From floral drapes to ruffled swags and valances, you could easily spend hundreds of dollars dressing up the windows in your home. So how do you create awe-inspiring window treatments without spending a fortune? You could do-it-yourself, provided you have the skills and lots of time, but if you’re planning on buying fabric, keep in mind that this can be costly too. On the other hand, you could opt for the simplicity of minimal alternatives as well.
Did you know that most windows are actually overdressed? Many people simply cover their windows with fancy curtains because they believe you have to. Not true. In fact, putting too much on the windows can actually take away from the rest of the room, not to mention the fact that not all windows in the home will share the same function. For instance, one window may require extra insulation to hold in heat while another may require blocking out the sun. Perhaps you have a window that needs some dressing up while another one may require privacy. Therefore, you should first establish the purpose of your desired window treatment before slapping something over them.
Your windows should not become the sole focal point within your home; capture the attention of visitors by leading their eyes throughout the room, focusing on your home décor’s best attributes, such as a prized collection. For example, use ready-made brackets and attach them to the window trim above the window on each side and in the center. Add a shelf for displaying collections of pictures, pottery, baskets, etc. Match the style of both the brackets and shelf to the style of your room or display. In other areas of the home, like the kitchen, you could add some small shelves within the window frame to hold plants or attractive bottles.
Using the same rods and window décor can get boring after a while so why not opt for something out of the norm. One great way to create your curtains for little money is by using material from old tablecloths, sheets, or even used clothing from yard sales or thrift stores. You can even find and use brackets, rods, and other ‘junked’ hardware for putting them up. It’s perfectly ok to use your imagination. For instance, a fancy swag can be easily fashioned from a long piece of scrap fabric. Simply drape it over the window using brackets, bicycle hooks, doorknobs, or nails. Another option might include hanging your curtains from a piece of 1 x 4 (or larger if needed) wood. This can be a scrap piece of plywood as well, cut to fit the size of your window. Paint it to match the color of your interior or simply stain it for a more natural look. Secure it to the wall above your window. Add some decorative doorknobs that complement your current style, placing them every 6-12 inches apart. Fashion large buttonholes (2-3 inches) along the top of your curtains and hang. Alternatively, you can use other interesting objects in place of doorknobs, such as hooks, pegs, or even dresser knobs. Explore different ideas; just keep them in tune with your current decorating style or theme.
To create privacy without taking away much needed light, especially in the bathroom, try using clear contact paper, smoothing out all the bubbles to mimic the look of frosted glass. This works well for other windows too, like glass entry doors and sliding-glass patio doors. With contact paper, you can also add decorative cutouts in various designs if you’re feeling creative. Alternatively, you can use frost adhesive or decorative window film; however, this could get pricey, depending on the size of your window(s). Anything goes when you allow yourself to explore new things. Dare to be different; it’s actually quite fun!