Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Hanging cheap matchstick blinds

Our 50's ranch has high, small windows. I'm hoping to improve their proportions by hanging some window treatments across the long expanse of the living room.

What I really wanted: scorched bamboo blinds that look like tortoiseshell ($20 and up)
What I could afford: $2 yard sale matchstick blinds (originally $7 at Big Lots)
My plan: faux paint the natural bamboo to look like tortoiseshell

First I wanted to hang the blinds, but not from the top of the window frame as directed.

We are going to trick the eye into thinking the windows are taller by hanging the blinds just below the crown molding.

Next step: install the drapery rod

10 comments:

Nancy said...

Can't wait to see the finished product! I am sure it will be fabulous.
-Nancy

Joanna said...

So many window-treatment projects lately! I guess, now that the holidays are over, we're tackling indoor home improvement projects. I'm excited to see how your window turns out- sounds like a great plan!

Anonymous said...

I have those same blinds waiting for my attention in my front hall closet. I need them on my kitchen window to help control the winter sun that blinds me when I'm trying to work in there. I've put it off because I'm not quite sure how I'm going to do it. This is great timing! Please give as many details as possible. :-)

Anonymous said...

I have some of those blinds on the big windows in my eat in kitchen. I love them because they block the hot Texas sun from my kitchen table. The sun is hard on them though. In less than 3 years they are brittle from the sun...I know that they will need to be replaced soon. I do love the look though behind my rooster fabric....my kitchen is a sunny place. It gets the sun from the west...Roxie

Jenn @ Frugal Upstate said...

Ahhh! I had those in my last house behind sheers and curtains. I just like how they look. Right now I'm working on curtains, valances etc at the new house. . . there must be something about windows in the air right now. . .

And isn't it nice to have a handy hubby. I've been thanking God extra hard for mine lately with all the "Honey Do" projects he's been doing at the new house.

The Nester said...

that's right girl! all about trickin that old eye!

Anonymous said...

Do let us know how you stain them.

Jennifer said...

I think that will look great... can't wait to see how you do it! I'm always looking for new good ideas for home improvement (or disprovement).

Mrs. Jones said...

I've been eyeing some of these blinds at my thrift store. Can't wait to see how yours turn out.

Anonymous said...

In a living room, those can be great. In a bedroom, you have to go outside and see how much you can see with the lights on inside (ask me now I know this)! Any ideas on how to line them?