COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: I just moved into a new house. After closing costs, my budget is limited but I would like to make the window coverings look nice. I only have sheets tacked up on the bedroom windows with miniblinds in the other rooms. What can I do within my limited budget? -- Robert

DEAR ROBERT: Buying a new house is an expensive process, but I have some wonderful cost-cutting window treatment ideas for you.

It is important that your first layer of window coverings provide sun and privacy protection.

Miniblinds are a good inexpensive option for your main room.

In the bedrooms, let's take down the sheets and replace them with either blinds or shades.

Pleated shades come in a range of colors, styles and prices, so do a little shopping before purchasing.

Roller shades have been a popular choice on the East Coast for years. Although not as popular in Southern Nevada, they are a great money-saving alternative if you are looking for something that darkens a room but doesn't block your view during the day.

If your theme allows, look into matchstick shades. They are very popular and come with privacy lining.

With your privacy and sun control taken care of, let's look at some different decorative options.

Those sheets that you had up in the bedrooms can be turned into window treatments. Actually, sheets are my first choice for the most cost-effective and decorative solution for bedrooms. They match your bedding, giving the room a custom look, plus they're washable.

Hang a decorative iron rod and swag them over the pole in what designers call a scarf swag.

With the same pole, another look can be found using rod clips. Since sheets are already finished on all four sides there is no sewing, which is a plus for me.

You're going to take two sheets and use them as drapery panels. Simply attach the top of the sheets to the clips and let them hang from the pole on each side of your window. They can hang straight or be tied back with tassels, iron tieback holders or creatively with ribbons, flower garlands, raffia or leather depending upon your décor.

You also can purchase ready-made cornice boxes at craft stores and simply push the sheet fabric into the foam's folds.

Cornice boxes can also be made with sheets of heavy foam. Make a three-inch return and a top, then fasten the pieces together with hot glue. I also like to secure the pieces with drapery pins for a little extra support. Wrap and glue the front and sides with rolled batting. Then simply stretch your fabric across and attach with a staple gun. Add decorative cording and trim to the top and bottom for a finished look.

An inexpensive idea for rods is PVC pipes from the hardware store. You can paint them any color or sew a pocket for the rod and gather the fabric onto the pole. Then, purchase foam finials, cover them with fabric and secure them into the ends. Or, drape your fabric over the pole and add some tassel accents to the ends and swag cording along with the fabric for a dressier look.

Depending upon the room's theme, I've also used branches, boat oars, golf clubs, antique brooms, yardsticks, rakes and baseball bats as drapery rods.

Be creative with the rod and finials; look what will go with your theme. If you have a gardening theme, browse through the garden center and nursery for ideas. For a sports theme in a boy's room or den, visit a sporting goods store.

You'll save the most if you can make window treatments yourself with a no-sew treatment or an easy pattern. Look at the discount fabric stores for some deals.

For your kitchen window, buy extra coordinating napkins to use as banding or accents on your treatment. You also can place them over an iron rod for an easy no-sew treatment. Simply fold them in half diagonally and flip them over the rod to form a triangular shape.

If you're buying any new upholstery, purchase at least one yard of matching fabric to use on your window treatments to give them a custom look. With one yard, you can place a band across the top or bottom of a cornice box, make a header for a drapery panel, tiebacks for panels, or bands for a rolled shade.

Also, don't discount the ready-made window treatments available in home stores, department stores and mail-order catalogs.

Window treatments are the finishing touches to a window and a room. They are like a great frame on a picture.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

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