Creative Windows | Window Treatments in Dallas GA

One of the great things about living in our neighborhood are the great views.  Window treatments should enhance your home, while maintaining your view. Walking or driving through Seven Hills, Bentwater, Brookstone or any of the other subdivisions in our area and you can see magnificent mountain vistas and right now colorful leaves changing color in the fall. As a homeowner, you probably want privacy when you are inside your home, but you also want to be able to appreciate the outdoors. So making a decision on window treatments becomes overwhelming. And then there is the cost…and course if you’re like me, lots of windows!

Basic Window Coverings

Basic coverings like blinds and shades provide a window covering that offers privacy but can be easily opened to view the outdoors. If you are purchasing a new home, find out if window coverings are included. If you are purchasing a resale, confirm whether the window treatments stay, and if so, which ones.

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Before you purchase window treatments, check your HOA documents. It is not unusual for HOAs to require all of the window treatments be the same color to create unity throughout the subdivision.  For example: All windows have to have white backed coverings.
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Once you have your basic window coverings, you may want more to enhance the decor of your rooms. Understanding the terminology will help you in this process.

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[su_spoiler title=”Cornice” style=”fancy”] A cornice box adds architectural interest and makes the ceiling appear higher. A cornice is a wooden or hardvalance – usually custom-made and is assembled with screws and brackets, then covered with paint, wallpaper or fabric and mounted to the wall above the window.[/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Curtain” style=”fancy”] Curtains are unlined, stationary window coverings. Curtains can be hung over windows using a curtain rod or decorative pole, and are most often held back with tiebacks or holdbacks to let in some light. Curtains can be made of most any lightweight, sheer or semi-sheer fabric. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Drapery” style=”fancy”] Draperies are lined, stationary window coverings. They can be stationary or mobile, and can be used with fabric tiebacks or fixed holdbacks mounted on either side of a window. Draperies are often lined, tailored, and pinch-pleated and usually stretch from floor-to-ceiling, offering a more formal look. [/su_spoiler]
[su_spoiler title=”Valance” style=”fancy”] A valance is a decorative window treatment that covers the top part of a window. They can be used as the top layer of a layered window treatment or as alone as a decorative accent. [/su_spoiler]
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Curtains

There are some inexpensive and creative ways to make custom curtains for your home. Using products like Steam-A-Seam and Wonder Under, along with the fabric you have selected which can be sheets, napkins, or fabric remnants. For a quick view of how easy this is you can watch this video I found on YouTube.

Valances

Sometimes all you need to spruce up your windows is a valance to add extra charm to your already existing curtains. You can make your own valance using any type of material. Make a casing at the top of the material and thread it through the curtain rod. Add appliqués, braids, ball fringe or tassels to the bottom to create a unique, but complimentary addition to your existing window coverings. You can even drape scarves over the curtain rod for a unique effect.

If you sew, Pate Meadows offers an assortment of patterns for valance treatments.

Draperies

Pinch Pleated DrapesDraperies usually offer a more formal look, which is why many people choose to have these custom made. But you can make your own draperies with just a little patience and minimal sewing skills. Here are some websites that offer tutorials:

Pinch Pleated Drapery Panels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r59NpDLhyWg

Drapery panels with grommets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6lKyiM9amM

Creating your own window coverings is only limited by your imagination. By being resourceful, you can have beautiful windows that add beauty and charm to any room in your home without spending a fortune doing it.

Local Resources

DIY Tutorials

Final Steps

If you’d like help with your window treatments, you can reach out to a professional like those listed on our directory. And if you are considering selling your home, please let us know. We’d be happy to help you with that.