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Fast And Simple Budget Friendly Ways To Update Window Treatments

By
Home Stager with Sharon Tara Transformations

Fast and Simple Budget Friendly Ways to Update Window Treatments

Dated window treatments

Have you had the same curtains for years?

If they are covering valuable architectural  detail, darkening the room, or dating the room...it's time to replace them.

 

Dated window treatments, regardless of how expensive they originally were, age your home. 

 

You don't have to spend a lot of money to update window treatments.

The key is keeping it simple.

  The window is the focal point...it only needs an accessory, not a whole wardrobe.

 

 Switching to plain white shears is an inexpensive way to create a fresh, updated look.  

before and after window treatment update

Get panels long enough to almost hit the floor, rather than panels that end at the bottom of the window.

 Hang them from rings for a more stylish look.  Walmart and Target carry a good selection of inexpensive hardware.

rod and rings

 

For an easy, no-sew valance  take a curtain panel you already have (or twin size flat sheet, or any piece of fabric) and fold it up and hang it from rings.

easy window valance idea

 

 

Another idea using fabric and rings:  Attach 7 single robe hooks to wall above window (extending past the window on both sides).  Clip rings to valance (or any folded fabric) and hang each ring from a hook.

hanging valance on hooks

Switch to woven blinds for a natural look.  Bamboo blinds that roll up deliver high impact for little cost!  

bamboo blinds

 

Remember "less is more"....the goal is to accent the windows with fabric and let the woodwork show.  It's cleaner,  brighter, and much more appealing. 

before and after nh home makeover

 

Being a professional Home Stager in New Hampshire doesn't limit me to working just with home sellers.  I also help people who are not selling their house but want a fresh new look.

 

 I specialize in creative and budget friendly transformations using what the homeowner has on hand.

 

Comments(36)

Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Sharon:  I'm glad you aren't offended.  As long as you like them, that's all that matters.

Debbie:  I like to keep it to a minimum with mine too.  The more light the better!

Jun 08, 2013 09:11 AM
Janice Ankrett
Burlington, ON
Staging Professional

Sharon, very good examples. I have a client in an older home that sews. She is going to make sheers for some windows and slip covers for some cushions.

Jun 08, 2013 09:39 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Sharon-   I prefer the simpler look so that the window itself can be the star of the show.  And, yes, bring those panels down to the floor.  

Jun 08, 2013 01:10 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Jun 08, 2013 01:28 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

The "overdone" window treatment is one sure way to date a home for sale.  When a prospective buyer focuses on dark, heavy wondow treatments, they're not looking at the house for sale.

Jun 08, 2013 09:13 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

It is amazing what window treatments can do to change the whole look of a room....room for less is soooo much more !

Jun 08, 2013 09:43 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Janice:  Well that's convenient!  I had a client who had sewn all her slip covers and window treatments and they all were very very busy and every single piece matched.  It was a horror show.  She was not happy when I suggested they be changed.

Kathy:  Especially the windows with all the detailed woodwork...show it off!  Thanks for the Feature!!

Lenn:  Usually the really heavy overdone window treatments are "custom" and the seller is all about how expensive they were.  Doesn't matter!  If they are 15 years old, you got your money's worth already!

Sally & David:  Sometimes it's just the removal that makes the difference.  Nothing wrong with a bare window now and then!

Valerie:  I saw the hooks at a decorator home show and used the idea in my kitchen in my last home.  Kitchen window is bare in the new house...not sure what I'll do, if anything.

Jun 08, 2013 10:04 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Sharon,

How did I miss this post?? I'm coming over from Kathy's Ah-ha moments this past week and your post definitely qualifies! I loved your statement "windows are focal points and only need accessories not a wardrobe!!" We have plantation shutters which I love!!

Jun 08, 2013 10:15 PM
Kevin J. May
Florida Supreme Realty - Hobe Sound, FL
Serving the Treasure & Paradise Coasts of Florida

Sharon, we were so tired of the draperies on one of our sliders they came down and were trashed.  Thank you for providing a fresh look at how to change it up inexpensively.

Jun 09, 2013 01:41 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Dorie:  I LOVE plantation shutters...I've always loved the look.  I wish I had them!

Kevin:  I attempted homemade drapes for my slider....not impressive.  I've replaced them and I'm much happier.

Jun 09, 2013 07:26 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

My mom has the most beautiful  curtains... she has always sewn her own... they can make the room.

Jun 09, 2013 10:00 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Tammy:  That is a true talent....window treatments can be tricky because getting the length the same is not easy.  That's one of the reasons I love puddled drapes....length isn't an issue.

 

Jun 09, 2013 12:06 PM
Suzanne Otto
Six Twenty Designs - Lansdale, PA
Your Montgomery County PA home stager

Sharon, I feel like white sheers are the staple of our industry! Need to brighten up a room? White sheers! Need inexpensive curtains for that bedroom? White sheers! Great ideas!

Jun 09, 2013 11:04 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Suzanne:  So true!  White sheets too...they can really make a difference in the bedroom!

Jun 10, 2013 01:41 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Sharon,

Suggested! I can't tell you how many times I've had a Seller who was fixed on price because of old, outdated curtains. Regardless of whether it's custom designed or not, things change, people change. Taste is unique and just because drapes or curtains cost a lot in the past, doesn't mean someone else wants to live with it - it's a personal choice not a requirement for someone else to see the value that is now depreciated and pay for it too.

Great post Sharon!

Jun 14, 2013 02:51 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Patricia:  Thank you!  It's funny how people will hang on to them, believing they are so valuable and are adding value to the home when it's just the opposite.

Jun 14, 2013 02:53 AM
Karen Mathers - REALTOR®
Keller Williams Vero Beach - Vero Beach, FL
When it Matters, Choose Mathers! 772-532-3221

Nice tips.  The longer curtain idea is great and I like the idea of the white shears.  The picture presents a brighter, bigger window.  

Apr 07, 2014 12:55 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Karen:  Thank you!  Bigger and brighter is a good thing when selling!

Apr 07, 2014 09:52 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Floor length curtains look so much better. The windows look "dressed". The only curtains in my house are in the bedroom, and they are black-out, floor length so I can sleep. Every other window has faux wood blinds so I can see the golf course. :)

Jun 24, 2017 07:27 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Pat Starnes  I agree...it makes them looked dressed! Being able to see your gorgeous view is a good reason for not covering up your windows!

Jun 25, 2017 06:46 AM