Tips to Reuse Your Old Window Treatments
For many of us, a new year means new goals and projects that gives our home that much needed facelift. Those projects will most likely include updating your window treatments to match your new style. At Ross Howard Designs serving the Dallas area, our customers often ask what they can do with their old window treatments after they replace them with something new, without filling up landfills. If you’re wanting to be responsible and recycle your old window treatments, but don’t have a clue where to start, read the following suggestions from the folks at Ross Howard Designs.
Evaluate the ‘Health’ of Your Window Treatments
Are your blinds or shades in working order? Or is there no hope for them? If your blinds or shades are in working order, donate them. Those window treatments may be old to you, but they are new to someone else. Some of the most popular donation options are:
- Habitat For Humanity Restore
- Salvation Army or Goodwill Stores
- Friends or Students
If there is no hope and your blinds or shades. Recycle them or use them for a creative activity. Below are some of our most popular suggestion based on the material of your old window treatments:
Blinds or Shades from Polyester Fabric
Honeycomb shades are typically made from polyester fabric, a fabric that is already made out of recycled materials. Unfortunately, there is not technology that can re-recycle polyester fabric so that it is a usable item. We suggest, cutting the fabric off the headrail, taking it to a school or after-school program, and donating it for craft projects. Or, you can try your hand at reusing the fabric yourself at home.
Blinds from Wood, Faux Wood, or Woven Wood
Unfortunately, if your wood or woven wood blinds have been stained, painted, or treated or your faux wood blinds have PVC in them, they can’t be recycled. If they’re damaged, we suggest finding a school or after-school program that might be able to use them for art projects. Or, you can find some creative uses for them in your own home. For example, you can cut the slats into small pieces and use them to level furniture or use full slats to line shelves. Recycle any hardware.
Blinds from Aluminum
Aluminum or metal blinds are the easiest window treatment to recycle because the infrastructure to recycle metals such as copper and steel and scrap yards is already in place. Before you take your aluminum blinds to the recycling center or scrap yard, remove all the strings, freeing the slats from the headrail. You may also want to give them a quick cleaning.
Fabric from Roman Shades and Draperies
If your old fabric roman shades or draperies are ripped or torn, cut the fabric away from the hardware and donate it to a clothing donation center or a school or after-school program for craft projects. If you plan to donate the fabric to a donation center we suggest the Salvation Army or Goodwill Stores. Like wood, faux wood, and woven wood blinds, recycle any hardware.
Still Unsure What to do with your Old Window Treatments, Look Online!
If all else fails and you are finding yourself running into walls on what do to with your old blinds and shades, use online resources, such as Earth 9ll, to find a recycling center near you.
Understanding What to do with your Old Window Treatments in Dallas, University Park, TX
Ross Howard Designs has been a Dallas area leader in Hunter Douglas window coverings, interior design, and wallpaper since 1981. We offer personalized service you’ll only find with a locally owned store. Stop by our newly expanded Hunter Douglas Gallery location to see over 70 functional window covering displays, including the latest in PowerView® technology automation systems. The professional designers at Ross Howard are committed to bringing you the latest styles, current trends, and innovative technologies.
For more expert information on window treatments, or for a free in-store consultation, give us a call today – 972-490-0088. When you stop by our showroom make sure you ask us for a free design book.
