When to Replace Old Window Treatments

The interplay of sunlight and shadow can create exciting effects in any room, and decorators know that window treatments are responsible for many of the most stunning and eye-catching room features. But, in the same way, old window treatments can detract from the room’s décor and date the entire look. An average “window treatment lifespan” is usually around seven years, and this post outlines the signs you should look for before replacing old window treatments.

Replace Old Window Treatments When You Notice a Draft

Especially in older homes, windows can be drafty. It can cost thousands of dollars to replace windows, but shades and curtains, installed correctly, can keep out drafts that rob your home of heat in the winter and let out the air conditioning in the summer. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, a snug window cornice and window hugging drapes can prevent as much as 10 to 30 percent of heat lost through windows. They suggest using at least two layers of curtains to create an airspace between them. This way, the inside drapery will stay the same temperature as the room. Another way to prevent drafts is to install shades or blinds on the inside of the window casing.

Sunlight streaming through a window causes heat, so in the summer it is wise to lower the shades, and in the winter keep them up during the day and lower them at night. The most energy efficient shades are honeycomb shaped and have a reflective white side which faces out.

A new window treatment on a drafty old window can not only enhance the décor, but it can also save on energy bills!

Replace Old Blinds when you Notice Warped Slats

Nothing draws the eye like an asymmetrical, warped or broken blind. Blinds warp because of blunt contact, humidity, or excessive temperature changes. Sometimes it is possible to fix a blind by taking it out of the window, disengaging the cords that hold the blind slats and replacing the slats. If this can’t be done, it is probably time to replace the old blinds. Broken blinds can bring down the look of an entire room, and are a clear indication of that it is time to replace this old window treatment!

Replace Old Window Treatments when it is Hard to Raise and Lower

Window treatments should be easy to raise or lower, open or close. They should function to keep the sun out or let it in. We’ve all seen the old cartoons of a window shade rolling up too quickly and trapping the cartoon animal inside. Don’t let this happen in your home. Another telltale sign of an old window treatment is a frayed cord, broken handle or broken tilt mechanism on a blind. If you are having difficulty operating your shades, drapes or blinds, it is likely time to replace those old window treatments.

Replace Old Window Treatments when they are discolored by the Sun

The sun not only fades brightly colored drapes, shades, sheers, and blinds, it also breaks down their composition. When window treatments are discolored or faded, they may not have the same structural integrity and could fall. Faded or discolored old window treatments are a clear indication that it is time for a replacement.

If you find yourself in the situation of needing a to replace old window treatments, you can always ask an expert Innuwindow decorator for help. Check out our custom window treatments to get ideas and move one step closer to replacing your old window treatments!