A simple makeover of your window coverings can do a great deal to update your interior decorations and improve the entire feel of your property. Changing your drapes or shades as part of a home repair project can have an astonishing impact with very little effort. There are a few things to consider before your begin, and a few of these are mentioned below.



Don't be tempted to tackle more than one room at a time. We all know the feeling of moving into a new home that you love, but you hate the existing décor. Slow down. You need to consider each room individually to create a really great mood and atmosphere. Taking on the whole house in one go will take too much energy, and your decorations will become dull and uninspired.

Understand your requirements for window coverings. Write down measurements for every window in the house. What do you need the coverings to do? Do you need to create light and space, or do you feel you have too much. Are your windows too large, too small, or at odd levels? The right choice of drapes, blinds or shutters can solve all these problems. What are the practical considerations to take into account, particularly for bathrooms and kitchens?

Seek out ideas and advice from friends, family and on the internet. Whatever the state, or shape of your windows, you can be sure someone has found a great window covering to perfectly suit it. Magazines are also a great place to seek inspiration for truly different and stylish window coverings. Take your time, and don't just buy the first thing you see. You will have to live with your design choices for a long time so they shouldn't be decided in a hurry.

If you are unsure about what you want you can build up your window dressing in stages. Begin with a simply colored blind or shade to match the rest of your room décor, and provide the necessary privacy and light control. At a later stage you can add curtains or drapes on a decorative curtain rod. Accessories such as elaborate finials or tie backs will be the final phase.