Window treatments beautify homes, block out the view of peeping neighbors and bring down energy bills. They are a necessity and an asset -- that need not cost thousands. Gone are the days of PVC vertical blinds, floppy vinyl roller shades, poofy jabots and frills.
An August article in the Daily Herald's Home and Garden section noted that window coverings are leaning towards three major trends, inspired by the vogue for minimalist styles and natural "green living."
These trends include:
- Clean and modern looks cued from nature and urban loft living
- Blinds and shades, revamped with new widths, materials and styles
- Energy-conscious window treatments that slash energy bills.
Clean and Modern: Sculpture, form and function are favored over '80s-era frilliness. Ripple fold draperies, blinds and simpler drapery treatments are in style. More buyers are opting for "stationary side panel" drapes that hang straight, paired with shades or blinds instead of full-closing draperies. These draperies are dressed with mini top panels often trimmed with beading or fringe, topped with a scarf valance. Faux poly silks are hot, desired for their silky feel and easy care. Neutral browns and tans are popular, with accent complementing the mini-panels or the fringe.
Blinds and Shades: Roller shades, Roman shades, honeycomb (cellular) shades and blinds come in such a vast variety of materials and prints it's nearly dizzying. Many shades and blinds are handsome enough not to need any extra drapery, which flows in with the clean and modern look. The variety of styles and materials also makes it simpler to match shades to any room style. Roller shades now come in solids and prints, made from stiff materials like paper, jute, trevera and polyester. Vertical blinds are available in extra wide 10", 11" and 17" widths that have a sleek look. Check out Hunter Douglas's Skyline collection.
Energy-Conscious Styles: Cheryl Lindholm, owner of Roberts Drapery Center in Mt. Prospect, says she recommends Hunter-Douglas's Duette Architella honeycomb shades all the time to customers looking to reduce their energy costs. "These shades have a double air-pocket design that keep out heat in summer and keeps in heat in winter. Plus they're one of our few shades that qualify for the 2010 federal tax credit [on energy upgrades], so it's an investment that could save you money in the long run." Hunter-Douglas claims these shades are so energry-efficient they reduce energy loss by 50%. See Hunterdouglas.com/tax credit for more.
Depending on your budget, there are three ways to implement these new trends frugally.
Tight Budget: Get ideas from HGTV.com and catalogs. IKEA, Tuesday Morning, Homegoods/TJ Maxx, Target have attractive drapery for less. Scope out department store sales or the Bed Bath and Beyond clearance secitions -- don't forget their 20% coupon. Online shopping at sites like Overstock.com, eBay, and Craigslist offer more savings. Super-bargain buyers should check out Freecycle. Resale shops often have gently used drapery. Home Depot, Menards and other hardware stores can have bargains on blinds.
DIY: Feeling creative? Why not sew your own or modify store-bought drapes? Sewing curtains is easy; hem and create an area or tabs to fit the rod on top, or hang them with clip-rings. Look for large fabric remnants, tablecloths, sheets, vintage linens and fabrics, or 1950s barkcloth. Vogue Fabrics carries a huge selection of interesting trims, fringes and designer fabrics. Don't miss their large remnant section. Customize store-bought drapery with unique trims, or splurge on a luxe fabric and trim to create a swag -- the mini size makes it affordable. "Faux silk costs only $30 a yard compared to hundreds for the real thing," says Lindholm.
Tip: Line curtains for a more finished, expensive look.
Free how-to pattern on sewing a Roman shade.
Here's a pattern for a customized fabric roller shade.
Inspired? Go to www.diynetwork.com, Etsy.com, or HGTV.com's window treatment area for more.
Design as Investment: When a homeowner is looking for window treatments that will have value for a long time, it can be frugal to seek the expertise and personalized service of a drapery center like Roberts Drapery Center of Mt. Prospect, that has been serving the Northwest suburbs for over fifty years. Lindholm notes they work closely with each customer, spending time to bring them the right fabric, look and style for their budget.
Often, there is a less expensive option that achieves a similar look. "For example," Lindholm notes, "Many people like the look of plantation shutters, but they're very expensive, so we suggest wooden blinds, which offers a similar look for less." Faux silk is popular for the same reason.
Blinds, Roman shades, roller shades or stationary side panels can cost less than full draperies, depending on materials used. "We have books and books of sample fabrics and materials that come in a variety of price points." Recall drapery as an asset? "Good drapes should last you twenty to twenty-five years, depending on sunlight and other circumstances, and we make ours to last that long," says Lindholm.
Depending on the room and circumstances, a wise investment in window treatments can save money over time.
Call Roberts Drapery Center at 847-255-4040, located at 504 Northwest Hwy, Mt. Prospect.
Roberts Drapery Center also offers a $25 off coupon off a purchase of $500 or more.
For more on blinds or shades, check out www.blindsgalore.com or www.TheShadeStore.com.
Tip: Make a small window look wider by hanging curtains a little wider than the window width. Hang panels from molding near the ceiling to make windows look taller.
For more tips on DIY and home projects, check out this Examiner page.
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