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| WHAT ABOUT BLINDS AND SHADES? |
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Plastic or aluminum miniblinds are standard issue for many rental apartments. But if you have a room with bare windows in places where you need privacy, purchasing and installing your own miniblinds is easy and quite inexpensive. The drawback to purchasing blinds (or shades) for a rental is that when it's time to move out and you take them with you, they may not fit your new place's windows. If, however, you own your place or you're planning to stay in your apartment for a while, miniblinds are easy to install and use, sturdy, come in a variety of colors, and are excellent for providing privacy. Roller shades are also a great choice when privacy is a concern. However, I have noticed that plain, white roller shades can be a little boring. But there are many ways to dress them up and make them more attractive and less institutional, such as the following: Con-Tact paper or wallpaper. Con-Tact paper is great because you can just peel and stick it onto your shade. Wallpaper and wallpaper borders can also be applied to shades to coordinate with your room or just to add color and a design. Paint. Acrylic paints are great for personalizing roller shades and adding colors that coordinate perfectly with your decor. Paint markers offer even better control for those who feel less artistic or less confident handling a paintbrush. Stamps. Check your local crafts store for stamps made of rubber or foam. Look for those that have designs that aren't very small and intricate, so the design is clear even at a distance. (Tip: Try foam stamps designed for stamping on walls.) APARTMENT TIPS Line up a series of glass bottles (in various colors) on a window sill and watch the light dance through them. Instead of traditional, matching tiebacks, use ribbon, twine, raffia, or wire strung with colorful beads. Lace panels and sheers let the sunlight enter a room in a light, airy way. Place large plants in front of windows for privacy without a window treatment. At fabric stores, be sure to check out the remnant table. You can often find up to six or seven yards at huge discounts, and that's more than enough for a couple of valances or swags. |
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