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As
with any home improvement, budget first for your basic window
treatment needs. Once
you have taken stock of the features you must have, additional
design elements can be easily incorporated. Remember that the
larger and more complicated a treatment becomes, the more it
will cost. Some of the factors that will influence the final
cost include:
Design: A
treatment intended to be a focal point in a room often has
multiple layers. Generic
mini-blinds are cost effective; designer blinds, such as
Silhouette® from Hunter Douglas, are just as practical but
more elegant – and expensive.
Other under-treatment options that come in a range of
price points include wood blinds, honeycomb shades, verticals,
pleated shades, and custom sheers.
A simple design can be as magnificent as any elaborate
design.
Fabric: Not surprisingly, cost goes up with the amount
of fabric incorporated in a window treatment design.
Good quality fabric ranges from $19-$40/yard.
Some luxury fabrics can top $150/yard.
Fortunately, a great design doesn’t always take yards
and yards of fabric! Fabric-friendly
elements include top treatments, valances, and cornices.
With a rich fabric, whether it is expensive or just
looks it, even a modest design will give your windows a
spectacular look.
Interlining: Used in addition to lining, interlining
adds extra shape and body to enhance the way any fabric will
fold and drape. It
also acts as an insulator.
A thinner fabric will always look more luxurious with
interlining.
Trim,
Cord & Tassels: These
are the extra touches that can turn any design, contemporary
or traditional, from special to spectacular.
Treatments can be edged with matching, complementary,
or contrast fabric, ruffles, or pleats.
Tassels, cords, roping, and trims are now available in
a wide selection of styles and colors and never fail to add a
touch of courtly elegance to even the simplest design.
Window
Hardware: Your
rod, finials, and brackets can be just as important in the
overall window treatment design as your fabric choice.
Think of them as “furniture” for your windows.
Motorization:
Drapes and blinds
can now be made to open and close at the touch of a button.
Could a remote control system make a difference in your
living space?
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