When you are in a decorating rut, look to your windows for the answer. An easy and cost-effective way to transform any room is by painting and decorating wooden sash windows. You only need a little elbow grease and a little time your can make your old room into a show place.

A Style to Suit Your Taste

Homeowners are presented with dozens if not hundreds of choices when making decorating decisions. Rather than getting bogged-down and overwhelmed before the project even starts, it is well worth doing a little research beforehand. This is the time to decide what type of style you are after rather than trying to make an impossible decision in the middle of a shop.

There are dozens of decorator books and magazines available that can inspire you in directions you always dreamed of, but never thought possible. These publications are stacked with stunning images that you can recreate. Also check new building developments in your locale. They are often decorated to the nines and can spark your imagination in an entirely new direction.

You should also consider the entire room or adjoining rooms for this project, not just one window or one room. Let's say that in your home there are two rooms that face the front of the house. If you place a heavy drapery in one room and thin blinds in the other room, when you look at the front of the house from the outside, they won't look balanced and even.

Now that you've decided on the look of your home, you will still need to examine other considerations. The next item on your list should be your budget for the project. You can spend a boat load of money in a small decorator's enclave that will cater to your every whim. They can even customize window treatments exactly to your taste. But you will pay for the privilege. For those with lighter wallets, try a large retailer. They offer a good selection at reasonable prices. But, remember you'll have to do the work on your own.

Doing the Prep Work

Before you apply one coat of paint to the window sash, you will want to tape and cover the surrounding area. Move any furniture that can be moved. Place painter's tape on the glass paints to prevent smearing. Cover the flooring and any other exposed surface with a drop cloth. Now that you've protected the room, you'll also need to protect yourself. Wear eye goggles to protect your vision from dust or other particles that can fly into the air. You should also use a face mask to prevent fumes or other things from getting into your lungs. It's also a good idea to clean the window sash. A season's worth of pollen and dust can accumulate on surfaces. You'll want to get rid of this before you being painting. Also, if the old paint is peeling or the surface is rough, take fine grade sandpaper and smooth out the surface of the wood. Again, remember to clean way any dust that accumulates as a result.

This job can be as easy or as complicated as you want to make it. In any case, make sure you leave enough time to complete the work. For those planning to entertain visitors, you will want the project to be completed before they arrive. Begin with the paint. This will immediately make the room look clean and fresh. Plan to leave at least twenty-four hours for the paint to dry completely. Never hang curtains or blinds if the paint is still tacky. The fabric will cling to the surface. So, regardless if you decide to hire someone else for the job, or go the DIY route, painting and decorating wooden sash windows will make an enormous change to your living space.