If your window curtains are looking a little old or worn, you may want to replace them. Curtains can add a touch of style to any home, and they are a great way to make windows more functional as well.
If you don’t like the look of your drapes, there are lots of other options for curtains that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. These alternatives will help you control light, reduce energy loss, and keep your windows looking fresh and on point!
1. Damaged
If you want your curtains to last for a long time, they need to be cleaned regularly and maintained well. This will help them last longer and keep their quality high.
You should wash curtains every three to six months. This can be done with a home washing solution or you can take them to the dry cleaner. The latter will remove stains, odors and other substances that could damage your curtains or cause them to fade quickly.
Some curtain fabrics are more susceptible to fading than others, and exposure to sunlight can accelerate their degradation. However, there are several things you can do to slow the process and make your draperies look better for longer.
One way is to hang sheers in the window and avoid exposing your curtains to direct sunlight. Another is to rotate them frequently, so they never spend too much time in one place.
Another problem with curtains that are often exposed to sunlight is the development of yellow streaks or fading. This happens because of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and can affect all of the fibers in your draperies. The fabric, the lining and the finishing may all be affected by this.
This is why it’s a good idea to choose curtains with high-quality lining. The lining will prevent the fabric from fading and will also add weight to your curtains, helping them stay up longer.
The lining can be bought at any store that sells curtain materials, or you can buy it online. Once you have the lining, attach it to the back of your damaged curtains with no-sew glue or with a sewing machine. Then, hem the lining 1-inch on all four sides.
It’s important to match the thread color of the lining and of your curtains so they will blend together. If you need to patch a tear, use coordinating thread and a needle to stitch the torn areas together.
This is a quick and easy fix that’s sure to save your curtains from further damage. The best part is that the repair is virtually invisible and can be done at any time of the year.
2. Old
Window treatments are an important element of a room’s design, as they create flow and provide protection from the elements. As styles and colors change, however, curtains can become dated, which leaves homeowners wondering what to do with their old ones.
The good news is that there are many ways to reuse and recycle old curtains! Whether you’re looking to add some style to a room or just want to get rid of an unwanted item, there are plenty of great options.
You can make your old curtains look brand new again by laundering them. Depending on the material, this can be done at home or by taking them to a professional cleaner specializing in curtains and other fabrics.
Another great option for reusing your old curtains is to sew them into a new window treatment. Whether you choose to use them in a child’s bedroom or a guest room, this project can give your curtains a whole new life!
There are also several ways to repurpose your old curtain rods. Metal rods are one of the most recyclable materials, so if you have some that you no longer need, you can always put them in your kerbside recycling bin to be recycled again and again without worrying about the metal degrading over time!
Aside from your kerbside recycling program, you can find textile recycling centers that accept curtains and other fabric scraps. Just be sure to call the recycling center ahead of time to confirm that they are able to accept your items.
If you have a lot of old curtains that no longer fit your windows, you can also turn them into decorative art pieces for your wall. If you have the sewing skills, this project is an easy DIY that anyone can complete!
You can also turn your old curtains into beautiful rustic roses. You can hang them as art in your living room, or if you’re crafty, you can even turn them into pretty pillow covers!
If you’re ready to update your curtains, contact Bloomin’ Blinds today for a free consultation!
3. Unpleasant
One of the best parts of owning a home is being able to do a little decorating and remodeling on your schedule. But not everyone has the luxury of doing a whole house makeover. When it comes to re-doing your space, a well thought out plan of attack can go a long way toward making your home more of a place you can feel comfortable and more like a home. To help you get started, here are some trump worthy tips and tricks. The best thing to do is to start small, so you can get your paws on the good stuff sooner rather than later.
4. Safety Concerns
While curtains are an important part of the decor in a room, they can also pose safety concerns for children. The cords, tassels and tie-ups on your curtain can be a strangulation hazard for babies or toddlers.
To avoid this, keep all cots, beds and playpens out of reach from windows with blind or curtain cords. This is because the cords can get around a baby’s neck and strangle them while they are playing or sleeping.
If you need to replace your curtains, make sure they are short enough so that your kids cannot reach them. You can even use tie-backs to secure the excess material.
Another important tip is to choose a rod that’s heavy and sturdy, so that it won’t break or fall easily. The heavier the rod, the harder it will be for your child to pull on and hurt themselves.
As for the curtain itself, you need to pick out a durable fabric that will last a long time and hold up to repeated cleanings. It’s also a good idea to keep your curtains out of reach of small children and pets.
You should also make sure that the rod is not too heavy for the window it’s in. A light rod will not be able to handle the weight of your heavy curtains and can be dangerous for young children who may tug on it.
Finally, it’s important to make sure the curtains are not hanging over an electric heater or a radiator. These could become too hot and cause fires or burn down the house.
It is also a good idea to keep curtains shorter if there are any obstructions under the window. If there’s a sofa or couch near the window, for example, you should leave about 1” of clearance between the bottom of the drapes and the floor to prevent burning yourself or your loved ones.
If you want to increase your home’s safety, you should consider replacing all of your old curtains with new ones that are safer for your children. Some manufacturers have developed newer designs and safety features to help minimize the risk of strangulation for children or pets.