How to Dress Up Your Windows (On Any Budget)Eugene Chrinian

How to Dress Up Your Windows (On Any Budget) Are you guilty of the all-too-

common decorating mistake of forgetting about your windows? If you are, don’t worry. All windows need a bit of dressing up to look their best, but choosing, installing, and even making great-looking window treatments doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. If all you need is a little inspiration, read on for some unique window treatment ideas that will suit any style or budget.

Repurpose household linens.

When you think about it, traditional curtains are not much more than big pieces of fabric, so what would be wrong with using household linens like large tablecloths or flat bedsheets instead? Absolutely nothing, and that’s why savvy decorators have been using this trick for years.

Simply hang your chosen linens from curtain rods using ring clips, or you can stitch on fabric or ribbon ties. If you don’t already have suitable options in your household linen cupboard, it’s easy to find basic sheets and tablecloths, or even colorful fabric shower curtains, at home stores, thrift shops, or flea markets. Even designer sheets are typically less expensive than average drapery panels. As a bonus, working with a variety of textiles will open up far more possibilities for color, patterns, and textures than most standard curtains offer.

Use a window film.

Decorative window films are very on-trend right now, meaning that you’ll be able to find a huge range of different kinds. Typically made of vinyl (or other clingy, flexible substances) and sold in sheets or rolls, these films are cut to fit and applied directly to your window panes. Clear and colored versions are available in any pattern you can think of: from modern geometrics to delicate florals. This is a great window treatment choice if you want a compromise between maintaining privacy and letting in natural light.Image courtesy Bill Smith | Flickr

Upgrade your plain curtains.

If your windows are already sporting plain curtains but you’re looking for a little more pizzazz, it’s easy to add custom embellishments yourself. You can use fabric paint and stencils to turn plain curtains into patterned ones, or you can add details like beading, pom poms, or silk flowers using a glue gun or fabric glue. If you’re comfortable with sewing, add bands of contrasting fabric to the top or bottom of your curtains to give them instant visual appeal. This is a very budget-friendly option as these decorative details can be easily found at craft or fabric stores at very low cost.

Keep warm with honeycomb blinds. For a window treatment that will look great and help keep your house

warm, there’s no better choice than honeycomb blinds. Also called cellular blinds, honeycomb blinds have recently become very popular in the design world, even though they’ve been around for several decades. Designers and home decorators alike love them for both their sleek and stylish appearance and their unique structure—dozens of pockets that trap air—which provides a very helpful extra layer of insulation. High-end styles are available, but there are also plenty of standard versions that are affordable while still being elegant.

Use natural materials for an organic look. If you have a mid-range decorating

budget and you love a natural look, you might want to think about choosing window treatments made of materials like bamboo or rattan. These organic choices offer a great sense of texture, and make a lovely contrast when paired with or layered under traditional curtain panels. Reasonably priced natural material blinds and shades can be found in standard sizes at most home furnishings stores; if you don’t have standard-sized windows, you may need to budget for the extra cost of having your blinds cut to fit.

Image courtesy Shayak Sen | Flickr

Find all-purpose style with Roman shades. In the world of window treatments, Roman shades are the ultimate

classic. They’re crisp, clean, simple, and they work well in just about any setting, bringing a sense of relaxation and softness to every room from the kitchen to the bathroom. Plus, there are a variety of ways to add them to your home: if you are an experienced sewer you can make them yourself; you can easily find ready-made versions; or you can get them custom crafted by a professional. Moreover, Roman shades come in a full range of colors and patterns.

Add a touch of luxury.

Textiles like silk, velvet, and suede have enormous tactile appeal, and using them in window treatments is a great way to add a sense of glamour and luxury to a room without overwhelming it. These fabrics drape beautifully and look best on their own, so you won’t need to worry about much extra embellishment. The only “must” with luxury fabrics is to buy the best you can afford. If you cut corners on quality, it really shows.