4 Cheap And Chic Window Treatment Ideas That Aren't Drapes

Written by Jaymi Naciri Posted On Sunday, 08 October 2017 07:53

The wrong window treatment can call attention to a poor view, mask a good one, and make a room look overall drab. Add in the right window treatments, though, and you could end up with just the right finishing touches to make your home look stylish and feel inviting.

The problem is that window treatments can be expensive, and if you're just buying your first home or putting all your money into your next home, you're probably not looking for more ways to spend money - especially if you need furniture! This is why many people end up with paper shades for an extended period of time; at least they provide some privacy from nosy neighbors, right?

Thankfully, there are a few unexpected and creative ways to make your windows look amazing without emptying what's left of your bank account.

Roller shades

"With a variety of price points to fit nearly any budget, roller shades can help realize your vision of custom designed window fashions," said 3 Day Blinds. "From over-the-top elegance to casual chic, roller shades come in a variety of beautiful fabrics to transform the look of your space. They are often made of poly blend fabrics that are not only gorgeous to look at but also clean-friendly and low maintenance."

These roller shades keep it simple with modern lines and a no-frills look that's perfect for contemporary interiors. The blackout material keeps the light out - great for using in a bedroom - and the cost is just $29 at blindsgalore for a 24" x 36" shade.


blindsgalore.com

If you prefer to DIY it, you can always get a super inexpensive version of a roller shade, like this $9 vinyl version from Walmart, and then use contact paper, peel-and-stick wallpaper, fabric, vinyl decals, or even paint to transform it into something that looks amazing - and expensive.


apartmenttherapy.com

Contact paper window treatment

You may think of contact paper as something you use to line your pantry shelves, but have you ever thought about applying it to your windows?

This cool solution (that only cost the DIYer $8!) involved tracing and hand-cutting each of the shapes before applying them to the window, but you can make it much easier on yourself by buying a roll in a cool pattern and applying it in one piece. A cool pattern, you say? Yes, today there are tons of them out there, like this reclaimed wood pattern, and this super chic vintage magnolia floral.


remodelaholic.com

Make your own Roman shades

Roman shades are a classic choice for windows, but they can be pricey. If you don't want to pay for these chic shades or have a particular piece of fabric you want to use to give your home a custom, personalized look, you can fashion your own. This DIY project looks like high-end custom but cost only $10.


divaofdiy.com

Bamboo blinds

The rich, textured look of bamboo blinds always looks chic, but this semi-private window covering is also trending again. The good news is that, while it looks expensive, bamboo blinds are affordable and easy to find, whether you purchase online or head into Home Depot or Lowes. Either way, be sure to measure your windows carefully so you don't end up with something that's too wide or too narrow.

At Home Depot, this 23" x 48" blind is just $11.77, with prices increasing with the size. There are also several tutorials online that show you how to make your own bamboo blinds from outdoor fencing for as little as $10.

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