When creating dynamic window coverings, it's important to choose carefully, because your window coverings will become the focal points of a well-decorated room. But choosing the right window treatments, at the right price, takes some thought about not only the look you're hoping to achieve, but also about the nature of the space itself.
The first consideration will be how much exposure the fabric is going to receive. All fabrics are susceptible to sunlight, but many homemakers invest in acrylic, modacrylic, polyester, or another glass-based fabric in order to get the longest life out of window treatments. Although it gives a room an elegant feel, silk is most vulnerable to sunlight.
I save money on window treatments by using some imagination and creativity. For example, I often create a custom look by covering a tension rod with a thicker piece of PVC pipe. To avoid having the PVC's printing bleed into my fabric, I sand off the numbers, but the printing can also be neutralized by using PVC primer, acetone, or even fingernail polish.
I've found PVC pipe to be very versatile. I've spray painted it black to look like wrought iron or brown to look like wood, and I've sponge painted it with copper and dark green over a light green for a verdigris effect. I've also painted it to reinforce an accent color or to look like gold or silver. It's not expensive, and PVC's decorating uses seem to be endless.
When it comes to longer window spans, wooden closet dowels, stronger than PVC, cost considerably less than drapery rods. I've also used copper pipe, which works well for curtain rods and looks great for significantly less money. If the curtain fabric will be touching the copper, though, I spray the copper with a clear gloss. That way, my fabric doesn't get stained if the copper should happen to oxidize.
To save even more money, I also get creative with the decorative hardware when creating window treatments. For instance, I've used the braid cords and tassels from Christmas tree decorations to add a touch of class to my window coverings, at a fraction of the cost of what similar drapery accessories would cost at a window fashion center.
I also love to create unique treatments by using unusual tieback holders. For one remodeling project, I found some old lamp finials and used them as tieback holders. I've also created a nice, airy atmosphere in a room by forming delicate swags of sheer lace curtains by securing them with clear fishing line.
Dynamic window treatments are a vital part of the overall look and feel of a room, but they don't need to break the budget. If you're creative and allow your imagination to run free, your decorating choices are truly endless.
Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhouse fordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite... Read More
Stress is all around us, from the office to the... Read More
High quality residential and commercial mailboxes are available in styles... Read More
Your house doesn't have enough storage space, bathrooms, or counter... Read More
One of the most rewarding home improvements I made to... Read More
A miter saw, also known as a "chop saw," is... Read More
The health benefits of saunas are not a recent discovery.... Read More
There are several ceiling texture choices to choose from when... Read More
For Paint Manufacturers worldwide, there has come a radical new... Read More
When you live in old house like I do, remodeling... Read More
Good kitchen design online means having a layout for your... Read More
Locking mailboxes made from durable, weatherproof materials are highly desirable... Read More
Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it.... Read More
A bathroom vanity is the centerpiece of your bathroom. Regardless... Read More
Homeowners are getting high-tech when it comes to controlling the... Read More
Even if you've never been involved in the sale of... Read More
If you just love that rustic look, and are finally... Read More
Interior Design today is all about customizing your built environment... Read More
Bathrooms aren't just about the basics but are about the... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair... Read More
Maybe you've faced it before ? a new house with... Read More
Most people think building their own home involves vast knowledge... Read More
Building a set of wood stairs is not nearly as... Read More
You have your 3 quotes from each potential builder so... Read More
So you've scraped and saved, now you've finally gotten together... Read More
My husband and I just completed our first remodel. It... Read More
Power washing is the application of high pressure water spray.... Read More
Do you have any idea how popular outdoor kitchens are... Read More
Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few... Read More
Every one lives in a house but every house is... Read More
If you are a consumer who knows just what brand... Read More
The stair railing at home is more than a simple... Read More
Nothing soothes the brain like Mother Nature, whose intrinsic scenery... Read More
With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More
Since the introduction of laminate flooring into the US in... Read More
Patios and terraces have always been popular outdoor spaces. Whether... Read More
Gas stoves are those preferred by professionals. The heat distribution... Read More
If you just love that rustic look, and are finally... Read More
The first question is, what is a conservatory?There is no... Read More
When one is looking into marketing for the home builder,... Read More
Is it time to give that tired kitchen floor a... Read More
1. Shutters have proper louver tensionThe shutters louvers should be... Read More
"Company's coming and my place doesn't look right?"You know how... Read More
In my previous article, "planning for a new deck," I... Read More
Have you ever seen a beautiful house or office building... Read More
"The doors we open and close each day decide the... Read More
The modern look is a highly admired form of interior... Read More
There's no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to... Read More
Whether you're buying a home, or just moving in to... Read More
Beginning interior design is a challenging, exciting adventure that one... Read More
PLACEMENT?Ladders should be placed so each side rail is on... Read More
Do you know that formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas can... Read More
A home is a place where we live, spend most... Read More
According to the National Association of Waterproofing and Structural Repair... Read More
The tradition of hardwood floors dates back hundreds of years,... Read More
Whether you live in your cabin year round or it's... Read More
It is quite simple to repair a hole in a... Read More
If you are tired of replacing your mailbox every few... Read More
When you read a great inspirational book, prayer, or article,... Read More
It started with my need for a new mixer. OK.... Read More
Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it.... Read More
Lighting is such a critical part of any home improvement... Read More
Before beginning any bathroom remodeling, you should create a budget.... Read More
Modern shower stalls look sleek and stylish. If you have... Read More
General advice.Negotiate fairly with suppliers. Don't expect to get all... Read More
Tax season is over...The spring holidays have passed... Hopefully by... Read More
Home Improvement |