When I work with clients, I often find that choosing paint colors is one of the most intimidating aspects of decorating or staging a home. Another area many clients fear is choosing window treatments. I have to agree that these choices can be difficult because the options are overwhelming for both.
As if these areas weren’t confusing enough, when you throw the concept of staging into the picture, it becomes even more intimidating. As with paint, the choices you make when decorating can be very different than the selections you’ll make if you’re staging. Here, I’ll help you find solutions for picking the best window treatments without spending a lot of money.
The only time I’d recommend splurging on a treatment is if it’s something you plan on taking with you. Staging with window treatments is different, and much cheaper, than decorating with window treatments because staging is only temporary.
Here are my suggestions:
- Purchase inexpensive treatments at local retailers or online stores.
- Borrow treatments from family or friends. Just like comforter sets and throw pillows, curtains are another thing that most of us have way more of than we could possible use at once.
- Modify existing treatments. These can be those you purchased or those you already have.
- Make your own.
You don't always need to have pairs of window treatments. This shows not only how you can use one panel pulled to the side, but also how you can combine shades with curtains.
Copyright 2011 by Erica Bowers
Regardless of which of the four you choose, here are some examples that come from one or more of the 4 suggestions above. Oftentimes you’ll combine methods. And since you are most likely living in your home, you probably have some sort of treatments up already. So keep in mind that you probably won’t need to address every window and may even be able to do simple modifications to what you have. For what you should and shouldn’t keep up, read my article Window Treatments and Home Staging.
However, when trying to stage a vacant home, this can be a bit more difficult in terms of time, effort, and money. If this is the case, just focus on the main rooms. It will vary based on the actual home and the neighborhood. I would say you definitely want to make sure that the bedrooms and living room or family room have them. Basically, think about rooms where buyers might want or need privacy or darkness.
Modify Existing Panels
Purchase inexpensive panels, shop in your own home, or borrow some from family and friends. If they don’t fit into the décor, see if you can find inexpensive fabric pieces and add them along the bottom of the panels, or make a wide stripe across the middle. Another option is to add a border to the inside edge of each panel. You can use any type of ribbon or decorative trim. Use stencils to cut out circles, flowers or other shapes from a coordinating fabric. Attach these to the basic panels.
Now I know you much be thinking two things.
1. I don’t know where to get the fabric.
2. I can’t sew.
For fabric, you can use old sheets or blankets that are stained and dirty. Just use the good pieces. Scarves and bandanas are great options too. You might have pillow covers, older curtains, or even pieces of clothing that you don’t wear anymore. All of these would work.
Finally, you can rummage through the clearance rack at fabric stores. Pieces are often sold for very cheap because they are such small pieces that they can’t be used for large projects, but are perfect for small additions to your curtains. One final idea is to turn twin flat sheets into window panels.
Okay, what about the sewing part? First, let me confess that I can’t sew, yet I have made curtains, bed skirts, sheets, and I have also hemmed pants. How? I have used either hem tape -- 0ne of my favorite staging products -- and fabric glue. It’s simple to use and just about anyone can do these projects with them.
If your curtains are too short, instead of attaching the border along the bottom of the entire curtain, start it at the bottom of the curtain and let it hang off the panel so it’s adding length. Just make sure to measure correctly.
Install simple shades.
This works if your windows are a standard size or treatments can be cut at the store for little or no charge. Avoid custom unless you have money to spare.
Fabric shades are simple to install. Don't limit yourself to whites or creams either. Window treatments are a great place to use accent colors.
Copyright 2011 by Erica Bowers
Combine outer panels with inner sheers.
You can purchase a double rod system, which is not expensive to purchase or difficult to install.
Sliding Doors
For sliding glass doors (and even all windows for that matter), avoid those metal vertical shades (or horizontal shades for windows). Almost all buyers hate these. Most important here is to make sure that not only is the door still fully functional, but it’s not an annoyance to open or close either.
There are other options for sliding glass doors besides vertical blinds.
Copyright 2012 by PoshSurfside.com
Unique Windows or Doors
Tricky doors and windows that may be a unique shape or cover a whole wall require special solutions, which I’ll cover in an upcoming article or blog.
Here are three options for non-standard windows that aren’t too complex.
- For a corner with a window on each wall, purchase corner rods, which are not expensive.
- For a window that is flanked by bookshelves so there is no room for a rod, consider ceiling rods. (Look for a cool idea for using these to make a canopy feature in your bedroom in future posts).
- For other tight spaces, use rods that swing out. These work for a variety of purposes.
Some windows may need custom treatments due to the size. Here's just one idea for a bay window.
Copyright 2012 by PoshSurfside.com
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