Curtains for Curtains: Alternative Window Design

My friend asked me to come up with an idea for her living room windows. Her windows haven't changed since she purchased the condo four years ago. Well, unless you count tacked on dollar store valances over paper (yes) paper blinds change. I decided to give her a simple yet creative design. If you have a new place or are looking for a change, here's a solution for alternative window design that is fast, inexpensive and easy to accomplish. Let's get started.

First unless you have just purchased the house in the Hamptons or Palm Springs and are over 40, forget about curtains and drapes. Sure they are classic but so is a model T-ford and you wouldn't drive one even if you owned one. Let's think light and simple.

I am going to start with a bare window. I stripped the temporary window dressing from the window. This also afforded me a chance for some much needed cleaning.

The first step is hanging the rods. I will not go through the detailed explanation of hanging a curtain rod. Instructions are included with whatever set you buy. Just remember, if rods aren't hung high enough, whatever you hang from them may be too long and drag on the floor.

Okay my rods are up. You can use any type you chose depending on the weight and style of what you are hanging. I used a Double Drapery champagne finished Serif Rod Set by Umbra. Because the design is simple I wanted the rods and brackets to add "weight" without being overly ornate. A double rod set gives you options for different window design ideas. A single rod set will do for this project.

So what am I going to do with this window now? I got an idea from a late night talk show. I am going to "add" some scenery to the window. I found a company called Window Film World . They sell, among other products, WindowViews. These are non-adhesive window coverings in a variety of scenes. We will use a waterfall. These are basic instructions. Detailed instructions with images are included with orders or online at windowfilmword.com.

1. Clean window glass with Windex and dry with a lint free cloth.

2. SINGLE PANE WINDOWS: Trim the image approximately 1 inch larger than the glass. The top should be a clean, straight edge for alignment purposes.

MULTI-PANE WINDOWS: Some additional trimming is necessary. Measure the height of both panes. Trim the WindowView 1 inch longer than each piece of glass.

3. Add water and 2-3 drops of liquid dish soap to an empty spray bottle. Mist glass liberally with water/soap solution.

4. Position image (making sure it is straight) on the window. Gently smooth out any air bubbles with your hand.

5. Work all air bubbles and excess water/soap solution toward the edges of the WindowView.

6. Once WindowView is in place, trim to fit the window using a standard utility knife or single edge razor blade.

7. Using a soft towel, gently dry WindowView, particularly at the edges.

The end result is a beautiful unique window you can display or further decorated. I chose a simple sheer and . It is inexpensive, easy to create and there are no adhesives, so you can change whenever you choose. Happy decorating.