Window Treatments in Milwaukee

If you are a student at one of Milwaukee’s many colleges and universities, you are likely faced with the bleak décor of a dorm room, with a budget situation to match. Dorm rooms are not known for their style or character – after all, you are living in what amounts to a concrete shoebox with a look best described as “generic.”

But we all want our living spaces to be able to reflect our personal style, both because it dresses the place up and because it helps you to be comfortable in the area. Putting up window treatments is a great way to do that, and it is made even better by the fact that it does not have to cost a lot at all – perfect for the student with limited financial resources.

Window Treatments on a Budget

There are many different things you can do with window treatments to get a certain look. From the silly to the elegant, you can make a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your dorm room just by putting up some new drapes. As a warning, though, be sure to check with your RA or school’s policy book to make sure you are allowed to alter the room in this way. You will not be making any permanent changes that cannot be undone when your time in the dorm is over, but it is always better to err on the side of caution.

With that in mind, what can you do with window treatments to dress up your room? The answer is “a lot!” Before you get started, think about the look you’d like to achieve. While it may not be in the financial cards to swath your dorm room window in expensive silks, you can get an approximation of that look by selecting drapery similar in texture but is not actual silk. If you are unable to change the hardware (i.e. the curtain rods), select drapery with the classic fabric tube at the top hem to thread the less-visually appealing curtain rod through. It will cover the rod up so you do not have to see it.

If you are allowed to change the hardware, then your options open up even more. When you choose a decorative curtain rod and pair it with tab-top drapery, you end up with some great details that really help boost the style factor in the room. Tab-top curtains do not rely on rings or clips to attach the drapes, nor will the rod be completely covered up as in the example above. Instead, the tabs wrap over the top of the curtain rod and attach again to the drapes, creating an alternating pattern of fabric and the curtain rod peeking through between each tab. Those are just a few of the different options you have for your dorm room window treatments. Shop around and be creative, and you will be able to personalize your space without spending a ton of cash.