Although window coverings are expensive we are generally willing to spend money on them as they fulfill so may purposes in a room, adding warmth and privacy as well as decoration. Rooms simply look unfinished without them. If money is tight you will be wondering how to add effective window treatments without breaking the bank but you can definitely achieve a lot without a huge budget. Here are some ways to save money:-
1. Make Your Own Curtains
You can save a lot of money if you can sew simple straight lines with a sewing machine. If you are inexperienced start with short sill length curtains such as those for kitchen windows and progress to full length curtains for your living room. Choose a light washable cotton fabric for your kitchen curtains and add a heading tape of your choice. If you work neatly and measure accurately you will have no problems at all. Later you can progress to using lining and making fancier items such as window valances and tie backs.
2. Choose Cheaper Fabric
Fabrics vary enormously in price but you can make very effective curtains with simple cream calico or cotton. You can create more effective window treatments by being generous with cheap fabric than you can by creating curtains from expensive fabric where you can not afford enough to create a full effect. You will find that plain fabrics are often cheaper than patterned ones. If you think they are too plain you can always add interest with trimming.
3. Buy Ready-Made Curtains
If you have standard windows you will usually find ready-made curtains work out cheaper than having curtains custom made. Your choice will be more limited but you will usually find something to suit if you check out curtain sites online.
4. Go Simple
It can be enough in a contemporary home to put up simple cream or gray window blinds which you can buy very cheaply. You do not have to get carried away creating elaborate window treatments when “less is more” is often more effective.
5. Add Layers
If you would like elaborate window treatments (and they suit your home) but you can not afford them purchase items over time. For example you could start with a simple blind and then later add dress curtains and then later still a window valance or wooden cornice.
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Leo Babauta of Zen Habits (I love that blog) is offering his e-book, Thriving On Less for free. This e-book is a companion to The Power of Less.
From the introduction:
The recent economic recession has a lot of people worried, about their jobs, their businesses, their homes and their bills. When your income is dropping or in jeopardy and you still have a mountain of bills to pay, things can get pretty scary.
However, tough economic times do not have to be a time of struggles! If you look for the opportunity in the middle of difficulty, as Mr. Einstein suggested, then tough economic times become an opportunity to transform your life.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. A Simple Lifestyle
2. Focus on the Essentials
3. Thriving on Less, Not Struggling
4. Focusing on Enough, Not More
5. Make Small Financial Changes First
6. Look at Large Expenses for the Long Term
7. Changing Your Spending Habits
8. A Guide to Getting Out of Debt
9. Tools for a Frugal Life
10. Resources
Read our inexpensive Valentine’s ideas!
Tags:
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Here’s a few more homemade cleaners for you to try out. I haven’t tried them out yet so let us know how they are if you do! 
Window Formula
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
1 Tbls. cornstarch
1 gal. water
*used balled newspaper
Wall Formula
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup washing soda
1 gal. water
Hardwood Floor Formula
1 cup Ivory Flakes
1/2 cup bleach
1 gal. warm water
Upholstery Stains (old stains)
1/2 cup powdered laundry detergent
1/4 cup vinegar
warm water
Whiten Whites / Brighten Polyesters
2 cups electric dishwashing detergent
cold water
Soak overnight; was as usual
Commercial Spot Remover
2 parts water
1 part rubbing alcohol
Put into mist spray bottle; use for clothing
Frost Prevention
Rub inside window with rubbing alcohol; wipe with newspaper.
Fabric Softener
1 cup ammonia to washing cycle along with detergent.
Clogged Drains
1 cup salt
1 cup baking soda
1 cup boiling water
*Do not use with garbage disposal
Or try
3 cups boiled vinegar into drain.
Flush with water.
OK to use with garbage disposals.
Homemade Pre-Wash
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup liquid detergent
1/3 cup ammonia
Mix well and put in empty spray bottle.
Carpet Stain Formula
1/2 cup powdered laundry detergent
1/2 cup vinegar
Urine Spot Remover for Carpets
1. Blot up urine with paper towel.
2. Apply carpet stain formula (above); blot.
3. Pour on club soda; blot.
4. Mist/spray with vinegar.
5. Layer paper towels; place a heavy object on top to pull out moisture.
Mildew Prevention
1/2 cup salt into wash cycle to cut down possible mildew.
Baby Formula Remover
1/4 cup bleach
1 cup dishwashing detergent
1 gal. water
Soak overnight; wash as usual.
Spot Remover
1. Flush with club soda
2. Mix together 2 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol
3. Mist/spray spot with above and wipe off.
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