what should I do about replacing window coverings in my new house
12 Sep

Expert Advice on Replacing Window Coverings – 5 Big Mistakes

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If you just bought a home and you’re wondering what you should do about window coverings, you’re not alone. Your window treatment says a lot about you. Not only does it control your privacy, style and lighting, it also defines the way your home interiors come off.

If you want to revamp the ambiance in the home you just bought, replacing the window treatments can be a good place to start. However, there are some common mistakes that you must avoid while doing so. Here are the five most common ones:

1. Be careful about the hardware

what to do about window treatments after you buy a home

freshome

The kind of window treatment you want to go for may not be compatible with the existing hardware installed in your newly purchased home. Roller blinds have completely different hardware than typical draperies. Pelmets and valances need their own kind of systems. Even layering requires going for double rod hardware. If you decide on a curtain-style and only later find out that it’s not compatible with the existing ones installed in your home, it may cause you some trouble, so it’s always better to do some careful research beforehand.


2.  Curtain placement always matters

pro tips on installing window coverings
Drapery Curtain Rods

The placement of your curtain rods and window coverings is always important – especially when you want to improve the aesthetic of your space. Typical window coverings are always installed at the top of the window lintel, so that’s probably where the existing hardware might be in your newly purchased home.

Now, if you want something new and improved, pay close attention to the placement. Don’t just replace the old window coverings with the new ones by not even experimenting with the positioning.

Here’s a pro-tip that you can use:

Installing the hardware around 14-16” above the lintel makes your windows and room height seem taller, so try to think beyond the conventional. You also may be tempted to use the existing drill holes to screw in the new rod brackets, but this is a mistake, since filling up holes with drywall compound is quick and easy, so never use existing drill holes to place new hardware since they will not be strong enough, unless they were originally drilled in concrete.


3. Taking on a DIY venture

What do I do about curtains after I bought my home
homediy

For most homeowners, installing new window treatment hardware may seem like a total breeze – so much so, that they’d prefer opting for a DIY venture. However, replacing window coverings in your newly purchased home can be a much more complicated task. Not only would you have to be well-versed in all the right hardware, you’d also have to be especially tool savvy. Doing so yourself may as well become a veritable disaster if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.

Moreover, if your window coverings differ from that what’s actually been previously installed inside the home, you’ll have to do some minor dismantling as well, so it’s always better to hire a professional to do the job for you.


4. Always measure the window size

terminartors

what do I do about blinds for windows after I buy a house 

Whether you’re replacing the window treatments of a floor-to-ceiling French window, an L-shaped corner window, or a typical one, it is always recommended to take measurements beforehand. Most people browse online for products, fall in love with something and instantly buy it. This does not work for something as practical as window coverings. You might have gotten the aesthetics spot on, but at the end of the day, you may get the wrong size. If that happens, not only will you be saddled with a virtually useless window treatment, you’ll have to invest extra to get things right. So whenever you’re refurbishing your newly purchased home, don’t forget to take dimensions before you make the final decision.


5. Consult a professional 

talk to a professional before you have window coverings installed

hgtv

Lastly, you should always consult either a window treatment expert or an interior designer and maybe even a contractor when replacing the window coverings in your new home. This is because these specialists have the insight and knowledge to guide you to a better decision if you’re making the wrong one. They can recommend you to some of the most amazing places to start in the market, introduce you to the right labour, and make sure you pick the right style. They can also help you throughout the dismantling and installation process.

So these are the five common mistakes that you should avoid when replacing window coverings in your newly purchased home. We hope we can guide you to make more informed decisions about the do’s and don’ts of this home decor detail.

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