Pretty (and Money-Saving) Window Treatments
Stationary Drapes, Shades and Swags Add Polish for Less
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Have you ever had a designer price out custom window treatments and gasped at the cost? Custom window treatments can look beautiful in a room, but the yards and yards of fabric needed for fully functioning treatments adds up. Cut those costs significantly by using stationary versions of shades, drapes and swags! Stationary means the treatment does not function; it is just there to look pretty, and when installed above a window, or draped down the sides, are great for hiding "not so pretty" blinds and shades. Because your window treatment is not functional you don't need as much fabric and you can save a ton.
These London shade valances add a vibrant red accent without blocking the view.
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| A soft cloud-shade valance — dramatically long but stationary — makes this pink bedroom look dreamy. Blinds or a shade can be hidden behind it for privacy. |
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| This dining room gets beautiful color and detail through these large London-shade Roman valances. |
This non-functional Roman shade over the sink adds just enough fabric to be stunning without overwhelming.
| This stagecoach with contrasting cloth ties is a more casual way to top a window. It looks like it can be untied and cover the window, although this one is stationary. |
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| This soft Roman-shade valance adds to the calm, delicate look of this bathroom. |
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| Balloon-shade valances look country luxe over this large window without blocking the sunshine. This, and the swag valance with a closed top, add the punch of soft color and style without feeling heavy. |
| The fringed tailed valance over a window seat in a traditional setting is the perfect hiding place for blinds or shades when the sun is out. |
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| These arched valances create a beautiful scallop design The stationary drapes let in the light and add softness to the rooms' corners. |
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| The use of decorative single panels simply hung on either side of the windows soften the light, even though they do not fully close. |
| These tall stationary drapes were strategically placed on the sheet rock between the windows so the windows appear to continue across the wall. |
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by Window Works
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| These stationary drapes add luxe feel but do not cover up any of the light. |
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| This open layout has non-functional window treatments that save on cost of fabric but not on style! It is done through a soft Roman valance over the sink and stationary drapes in the family room. |
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| Just one width of fabric gives these windows a decadent feel. They look rich pleated, hanging from knobs and draped back. |
Long panels draped on either side of the window bring in beautiful color. The sheer behind them add privacy.
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| Of course cornices — boards wrapped in cloth — are a great contemporary option for a designer look that doesn't need much fabric.
Tell us! Do you have any ideas on saving on designer window treatments? More: Custom Draperies 101 Your Windows: Roman Shades 101 |
Ideabook published on April 21, 2011.
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Have any of you tried the "drop cloth" curtains/drapes yet? I'm seeing more and more and when hung properly they look fabulous. Not to mention cheap, cheap, cheap when you have 109" windows like I do. I'm thinking of using them soon. If and when I do, I'll post photo's.
annalaye, funny you should mention the table clothes. I'm am considering them for my laundry room where I have a tall window but need covering at the top to block the late afternoon sun. Have shutters on the bottom half.