Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or completed renovations, one cost that is worth budgeting for are new window dressings. Your windows are the key to light, privacy and energy efficiency in your home. Trying to save a few dollars by going for a cheaper dressing isn’t necessarily the best choice in the long run. 

According to Lynette Murray from local financial planning practice ActonAdvice, one of the most costly mistakes homeowners make with renovating is not prioritising the costs involved.

“If you’re going to take on home improvements, it’s important to maximise your time and money and plan efficiently.”

“Refinancing to renovate is the most popular reason for refinancing, and is a great way to add value to your property when you don’t have the funds readily available.”

Quite often window dressings are one of the last things we think of and don’t always budget for them effectively but when you consider how much you’ve spent on other parts of the home, they are just as, if not more important than other parts of the home. Your choice of dressings can make all the difference in creating a sense of comfort and beauty in your home.

Here are some of our quick tips for budgeting and shopping for window dressings:

• Give yourself a budget, even if it’s just a ballpark

Before you even think about what you want, take a look at your budget and work out how much you’re willing to put towards your dressings – even if it’s just a ballpark figure. Some dressings are more expensive than others, so by setting yourself a budget you can help narrow down your options and get an idea of where to start your research.

Of course if you’ve got your mind set on a particular type or style of dressing, getting the money in your budget allocated from the start means you won’t have to comprise at the end of your renovation.

• Learn about the different types of window dressings, for different types of windows

Matching your window dressings to the style and functionality of your windows is just as important as how they look and function. Some windows and doors need special consideration. Let’s take inward-opening windows like tilt-and-turn windows. A pull-down blind for example would get in the way of the window or door opening.

The flexibility of Cosiflor® blinds allows for easy mounting and installing on the window frame in the glass bead recess for a snug fit. This allows for ventilation with the window opened into a tilted position, while also allowing for shade and privacy.

• Research and consult

As with any major purchase, it’s always beneficial to do your research before diving right in. Look at all the different types, features, fabrics and designs of window dressings and find out what style you like. If you’re not sure of where to start, visit showrooms or get in touch with suppliers and get all of your questions answered before signing on the dotted line. You can also contact them for product information and cost estimates.

If you’re interested in pleated or honeycomb blinds, you can get in touch with our team and organise a free measure and quote to get you started.

• Narrow down your preferred type, style and function

When choosing window dressings, it’s important to consider the main purpose it will serve. If privacy control is your primary aim, you will want dressings that give you control over transparency whether through fabric choice or by operation.

Our Cosiflor® blinds for example give you total control over the level of transparency through your choice of colour and fabric. Their flexibility also allows you to open them top to bottom or bottom to top, letting you choose the amount of natural light that comes through and views to the outside.

For thermal benefits, Cosiflor® Honeycomb thermal blinds help insulate your home against harsh seasonal elements. The cellular construction of the blind creates air pockets which function superbly to help keep your home cool in the summer and reduce heat loss in the winter.

With so many options and features available, it’s important to take the time to consider all of your options and prioritise what matters most with your window dressings. If you’d like to find out more about Cosiflor® blinds and their benefits for your home, contact a member of our team today.