Options for Apartment Window Treatments

Today, the options for window treatments are limitless. Despite what you may think, lovely window dressings are attainable even on a bare-bones budget. Here are some ideas for dressing up your apartment windows.

Fabric and Length

Sometimes, the choice of fabric, and the length of curtain panels can create a special look. Additionally, by selecting vibrant colors and interesting patterns for curtains, you can build upon your interior design theme.

If your apartment has sliding glass doors, for example, adorn them with full-length drapes to create an elegant feature. They make a dramatic statement when added to balcony entrances or dining areas. In addition, long curtains are usually less pricey than floor-length, vertical blinds.

Update Your Accessories

Another way to save money is to update your accessories rather than buying all new drapes or curtains. Virtually any large department store will have a variety of window accessories in stock.

Start by shopping for a new set of tie-backs to modernize your old drapes. Tiebacks are a simple way to add a touch of romance and richness to your decor. Popular styles of tiebacks include: ropes, tassels, balls, beads, metal links and fabric designs.

Another great way to stay under budget is by jazzing up the window’s hardware. New curtain rings, metal holdbacks, or fancy hooks are simple accents that add a lot of flair to the overall look of your decor.

If dressing window panes from scratch, there’s no need to install complicated hardware either. A basic wooden or metal curtain rod does the trick. You could also paint a second-hand curtain rod in a crackle or distressed finish to create a shabby chic or country look.

Simple Valances and Panels

Window valances help dress up plain curtains or barren frames. Drape them delicately from curtain rods or other hardware. For valances, be sure and choose colors that complement your furniture, bedding coordinates and table linens. Long window scarves also double as pretty valances, too.

On the other hand, you could update your window treatments with a few sheer panels in soft colors. This will help you contain costs, but still afford you with new colors and textures for your windows.

Various Options for Blinds

Swap boring window shades for fabric, wood or quality, plastic blinds. They offer a high level of privacy and more pizazz than plain white shades.

Bamboo-look – Bring the beauty of nature into your apartment with bamboo shades. A Roman-style shade is an appealing choice for dressing up an apartment window. To further cut back on your expenses, choose imitation bamboo blinds or shades. They cost much less than the real thing, but still add a natural flair. For a short window, choose a horizontal bamboo shade, and for a longer one go with vertical.

Faux wood or rattan – For a more rustic feel, go with faux wood blinds. Imitation wood or rattan blinds offer the same warmth and texture at half the price. You can find them in a host of sizes, shapes, hues and finishes.

With the versatility of artificial wood blinds, you can easily adapt them to any room or décor. Lastly, you’ll find that imitation wood is very light and easy to handle.