Creative Curtain Alternatives

Featured Pro: Carter Oosterhouse
Category: Home Décor
Time: 1:40


CARTER OOSTERHOUSE: Hey, I’m Carter Oosterhouse, and this is your next GMC Trade Secret.

Now, not all window treatments have to involve curtains. There are a lot of great ways that you can dress a window that doesn’t involve putting up a rod or draping fabric or even hanging curtains.

Now, screens – they’re a very simple way to dress a window, especially in an apartment or a place where you can’t attach things to the wall. Screens are a great way to add dimension to a wall, but it doesn’t always block out all the light. But it still provides a lot of privacy. And the best part is that screens are really easy to move or even switch out.

Now, if it’s simply an issue of privacy, there are a number of films that you can stick right onto the window to make it opaque. Now, this will obscure the glass but still lets the light come through. Window film comes in a variety of looks and tints to block the heat as well as the light.

The standard alternative to curtains is some sort of blinds, but you don’t always have to fall into that rut of using the same old Venetian blinds. So for an elegant look, I recommend trying a Roman shade just like this one. They’re great for noise as well as heat insulation and room darkening.

Now, valances are a great way to finish off a window. You can make your own valance and cover it with fabric, wallpaper, paint it. You can even stain it, if you want to, to make it tie into the décor of your room. And even if you aren’t using blinds, valances can create an elegant look around a window.

Now, these are some great alternatives to treat windows without curtains.

I’m Carter Oosterhouse, and that’s your GMC Trade Secret.