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, 2008 |
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Budget Decorating Windows can be some of the trickiest decorating
decisions we make. They can also be very expensive. However, there are many ways
to dress and update your windows without breaking the bank! After all,
windows do take up a lot more visual space in a room
then we give them credit for. They deserve to be treated well, and you deserve
to have money left in your bank account! More...
1. Learn to sew. There are great resources on the internet to teach you step by step to sew beautiful window dressings. You can sew window valances, curtains, or even pinch pleat draperies and cloud shades. Here's a great ebook on sewing home window treatments! If you don't have sewing machine, chances are someone you know would be happy to lend you theirs! Buy solid colored sheets that coordinate with your décor during white sales, they make terrific low cost fabric that rarely has to be pieced together, saving you on sewing time. 2. There are many options for no sew window treatments. Iron on fusible webbing has revolutionized the crafting industry, and let's face it, most of us own an iron! Window Basics is a great book to show you how to build your decorating "wardrobe" even if you don't or can't sew. You can also use iron on webbing and other techniques to make coordinating accessories for a room, pillows, table covers, and even kitchen accessories. 3. Update your existing window treatments. Dress up existing curtains by adding simple embellishments with either hot glue, or if you are going to be washing it, sewing it on. Add simple cording or fringe; try watching garage sales and thrift stores for fringe off old bedspreads and curtains. Add ribbon either to the bottom, top, or as edging. Turn rod pocket curtains into tab top by simply sewing on fabric strips or ribbon to the top, equally space. Sew on old beads or buttons found at yard sales, or make appliqué shapes to satin stitch or fuse onto the window treatment. 4. To make your windows appear larger and let in more light, always hang your curtains so they pull open clear of the window, but not show the wall. You can even hang a café rod just above the sill, and let café curtains float to the floor covering the wall space below the window, giving the illusion that the window encompasses the full wall. Another tip, keep those windows clean, it is amazing how much light can be blocked by a dirty window, and the sparkle from clean windows makes a whole room look newer, cleaner, and more inviting. 5. Finally, add personality to your window coverings. Sew small paper mache birdhouses or rustic metal leaves to the hem of curtains in a nature themed room, or hang your curtains from a copper pipe in a modern room. Use dollar store toys as tiebacks in a child's room, or layer with lots of sheers and valances in a romantic or formal room. Where there is a will, there is a way, just trust that with practice you can release your creativity, and even learn to work stylishly within your tight budget! * * * Copyright © 2004 by Kathleen Wilson. All rights reserved. Budget Decorating Article Index Want more money-saving tips? Get a FREE Subscription to our monthly newsletter!
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