Quality, low cost window treatments

[crisi]

Blinds get to be really expensive - especially when you need to do a whole house.

Curtains are pretty easy to sew up if you have a sewing machine and can sew a straight line. So once you get the blinds in, if you need curtains, consider making them. When we moved in to a newly built house 20 years ago, I covered eight windows with cell blinds - and it cost over $1k (they were big windows and they were blackouts), then spent less than $300 on fabric - rolls of sheer, remnant ends - and covered the rest, plus added toppers or curtains to some of the ones I'd put blinds on.

Ikea also has fairly cheap curtains - but you have to be able to hem them (they provide hem taipe - so its a measure and iron job).

 

[Eastern]

When I first moved into my house I got Hunter Douglas Silhouettes for many of my first floor windows. They are nice and have lasted many years now with no problems (but $$$). So when I needed shades for additional rooms recently, I got white Cordless Light Filtering Cellular Shades from Home Depot made by Home Decorators Collection. I have to say I really like them! Easy to measure and install and they look good.

I will never get wood or faux wood blinds again. Heavy, hard to operate and collect way too much dust. I hate cleaning them.

I also like the IKEA linen panels. I put them up to cover a sliding door and put them on a rod so I can just slide them out of the way. All of the other options were cumbersome and expensive. The IKEA panels are VERY inexpensive and you can get them in VERY long lengths, however, they will shrink dramatically when washed so buy them extra long and wash before hemming and hanging. They will shrink about 4inches.

I have also found panels I like at Bed Bath & Beyond.

When I redid my kitchen/breakfast area I had a woman do custom treatments and they were very expensive and honestly, I don't think they look that much better than ready made. I mean I know where the cost went but in the end, I don't think it really matters unless you are living in Winterthur.


https://www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-hang-draperies-and-curtains-like-a-designer.htmlhttps://inmyownstyle.com/hanging-drapes-and-curtains-tricks-and-tips.html

 

[LuvOrlando]

There is a local store chain around here called Boscovs that has a huge selection for window options at good prices, if I can't get it here it's Pennys followed by Wayfair. Pennys has been the best for awkward hard to find items like unusual depth curtain hardware.

 

[_19disnA]

Lowe's or Home Depot sells a variety of window treatments. When building our new home and moving from out of state, we were able to work with our local Lowe's store who then coordinated measuring/installation with the Lowe's near where we were moving. Then when we moved in, the window treatments were already installed. OP mentioned moving to a new house and you already have so many other things to coordinate, this worked out great for us.

They offered a range of styles and prices which is largely a matter of personal preference. If you wait until you move and then measure/order on your own, you will end up with nothing on your windows for a few weeks or having to hang something temporary just to cover the windows.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

IF you want wood blinds, I bought 2 inch for all 3 bedrooms and bathroom at JC Penny over 15 years ago. Still love them.

 

[_19disnA]

Real wood blinds can be pricey and they will fade from exposure to the sun. I don't think there is any practical way to refinish the wood surfaces. The ones made from composite materials look nearly as good, won't fade in sunlight and are much lower in price.