How about Window Treatments?
Should You Keep or Replace Window Treatments When Moving Into Your New Home?
Don’t forget to plan for the windows in your new home! Recently, a client faced a problem that we have seen in the past: Should she remove some of her window treatments and use them in her new home or start over?
Some of the window treatments are standard lengths and sizes. Of course, designers love to show you the latest in window treatments but remember to stick to your budget. If it allows for that new automatic shade, then go for it. If not, right away, consider your options. There are many.
Planning for window treatments requires a timeline.
Some people opt to wait until they arrive at their new home to choose what they will use on their windows. This can make a move seem more overwhelming than it needs to be. Others talk with designers before the move takes place, so everything is up and ready to be used.
Good advice is to get as much done before your move. So, best plans include making a firm decision whether to leave your old window treatments behind and begin with new ones! Or love what the previous owners had on their windows and keep most of what is there.
Well-made blinds and shutters are timeless and if the ones that are in place are in excellent condition, then you could save by simply using what is there. After all, moving can be overwhelming, and you probably don’t want one more thing to think about!
When you finally move in, you can always decide what is best for you.
What are the top three reasons people want to change the window treatments in the home they have just purchased?
Window treatments that are old, broken, or not in the right style need to be replaced.
There is one more: if window treatments are older, they won’t offer the latest lifestyle features and upgrades available. Does that matter?
If you are on a budget, then reusing and keeping what is in place could make great sense!
If your budget allows you to add new window treatments, remember there is a wide range of blinds and curtains available. Be a wise shopper whether you are shopping at a higher end or looking for something that is budget friendly.
Window treatments are especially important. They add security, light, and character to the rooms in your house. Custom-specific windows can be left in place for a season. For example, well-made custom blinds in a sunroom that offer neutral colors. You can live with those for a while. Regardless, here are considerations to keep in mind as you decide what comes next for your windows.
Leave Them in Place Custom window treatments, like blinds, shades, and shutters, can be a “game changer” for you as you move into your new home. Having window treatments in place can immediately save you time and money. In fact, window treatments are often included as part of the property in the sales contract.
Do you Take your Window Treatments with You?
Window treatments can almost become an afterthought when packing everything else in your home. But these really need to be at the forefront of your plan. Custom treatments that you bring with you or that are already in place can make your moving process a smoother one.
Remember, many window sizes are usually standard, so check the windows in your new home to see if your current blinds will fit (just make sure you’re not obligated by the sales contract to leave the blinds with the home). If you are moving into a home where your window treatments fit, pack them up carefully and take them with you. Be sure to include all the hardware—brackets and headrails, and make sure to pack blinds and shutters fully closed.
Home and Gardens suggests “taping all brackets and hardware to the blinds’ headrail so they don’t get lost in transit. Prevent blinds from separating during the move by wrapping the condensed blinds in bubble wrap.”
What to do with what you have?
Donate or Repurpose? If you don’t want the window treatments in your new home, donate or re-purpose them. “There are dozens of ways to transform old window blinds into picture frames, lampshades, and more. Mini window blinds can even be cut into small pieces and used as plant sticks, indicating what is growing where and what sort of attention the plant needs.” (Home and Gardens)
Replace: Know when it is time to replace what is on your windows! When you move into your new house, you want to make it your home. One way to do this is to add your decorative touch with blinds. If you are looking for more information about window blinds, visit Blinds.com.
Take a Look at Today’s Timeless Window Treatment Trends
Once you have decided whether to keep or replace your window treatments, you will want to know what the latest trends are along with the ones that are timeless. You can’t go wrong with the following list.
- Colorful Curtains and Blinds Colorful window treatments are perfect for adding a touch of vibrancy and visual interest into a room without overwhelming the space. They can become the central focal point in the space, enhancing a scheme with charm, texture and eye-catching character.
- Café Curtains I find that these types of curtains work best with lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen.’ Café curtains are ideal for using for bathroom curtains and kitchen curtains, bringing in an elegant touch of tactile texture and privacy, but still allowing for lots of natural light to flood into the room.
- Enhanced Window Treatments with Passement: “Borders and braids have the ability to introduce new patterns and contrasting colors along the leading edge of curtain panels, while tassel, bullion or beaded fringes can soften the panel’s edges, adding a sense of refinement and infusing a new color palette,” says Marisa Gutmacher, executive design director at Samuel & Sons.
- Roman Blinds you can never go wrong with the elegant simplicity, and practicality, of a Roman blind for window blind ideas. Roman shades work in virtually every space. Look for a natural fiber, like cotton or linen, with a synthetic blend which will help it keep its shape.
- Classic Patterns and Prints Classic floral prints have definitely become more popular over the last few years, such as pastoral toile and French country designs on long draperies and pleated window treatment styles. Traditional chinoiserie designs are also picking up but with customers embracing more unusual color combinations as opposed to ‘safe’ neutrals; establishing a stylish mix of the old and new.
- Linen Curtains It’s a breathable natural material that regulates temperature so it’s a great choice all year round – and is durable, easy to clean and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly option. It also comes in so many different textures, thicknesses and colors, making it a very versatile material.
Wrapping it Up!
Window treatments are like the jackets of interior design. For some, they are often the last thing added when they really need to be one of your first considerations. They can dress up a room —making it inviting and conveying your personal style.
Seattle-based interior designer, LeeAnn Baker says, “Window treatments aren’t the icing on the cake, they’re one of the ingredients going in the cake!”
These window treatment tips are being shared by Lambert Moving Systems, one of the nation’s top moving companies. At Lambert Moving Systems, we understand that each move is unique and requires personalized attention. That is why we take the time to listen and understand your specific needs. As Alabama’s Authorized northAmerican Mover, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast and is your go-to provider for exceptional moving and storage solutions. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.
Are you in the market for a mover in Alabama? Lambert Moving Systems is one of the top companies for moving in Alabama. We’ve been around for 90 years. Find your location below to get in touch now!
Photo by EVG Kowalievska
