Alternative Window Treatments

Windows don't have to be boring. You can have privacy and light without getting standard blinds.

Vintage aprons

I have two hooks over the window on my kitchen door. As I collect more aprons, I'll add more hooks, using the apron strings on the last apron on each side to tie back the fabric when I want light in my kitchen. It's a great way to store aprons and an alternative window treatment.

Frosted glass

You'll find spray cans of glass froster more often around Christmas, but you can also get them from any large craft store during the regular season. The trick to this alternative window treatment is to make it unique. Cut out an outline of a flock of birds or swallows, tape or hold the cutout on the window and spray everything. You can also use stencils, but I prefer to leave the majority of the glass frosted in a bathroom area. Make sure you're spraying evenly for a clean, professional looking job.

Window Decals

Window decals and contact sheets have come up in the world since their inception. There are many different types of decals you can get, from ready-made frosty designs to stain glass mimicry. I always make sure I order samples or see the decal in person before I apply. These make terrific alternative window treatments because they come in such a variety and can even be fairly cheaply customized.

Beaded Curtains

There are tons of tacky beaded curtains out there, but if you find the right one, it might be the perfect design detail or alternative window treatment you're looking for. Just because it's made for a door doesn't mean you can't use it on a large window. As always take measurements before you shop. You can find these on-line, Asian decor stores, Spencer's Gifts and New Age shops.

Tapestry

Tapestries don't just have to be for wall decoration. If you have a window that you know you'll never be drawing the curtains on, tapestries are a perfect fit.

Rice Paper Panels

Going for an oriental look? Just place the rice paper room dividers in front of your window. If you're feeling particularly ambitious you can take them off their hinges or flatten them and drill them into the wall in front of the window or hang them from the ceiling.

Thin paper

Find large pieces of decorative paper at the craft store. You can use anything as long as you can cut it to fit inside the panes. A see-through seed paper can be a pleasant, light filtering alternative window treatment.

Shower Curtains

It might seem strange, but cloth shower curtains can make for a great alternative window treatment. A long as it doesn't scream I AM A SHOWER CURTAIN nobody will ever guess it's an alternative window treatment, unless of course they have the very same shower curtain in their bathroom.