It’s exciting to get new window fashions—from the new look to the new functionality, your home will be renewed. However, many people are unsure of what to do with their old window treatments once the new ones are in. At Windows & More serving the Lake Ozark area, we have a few ideas for things to do with your old coverings. Read on to learn more!
Give Them New Life
If your window fashions still work, give them another shot at being in the game. For example, if you have an unfinished basement that still could use window coverings, perhaps one or more of your old ones would work down there. Or hand them over to a college student, friend, or relative who is just setting up a home. Or donate them to places like Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, or Goodwill. Remember they may be old to you, but new to someone else.
Take Them Apart
If there is no hope and your old treatments are broken or in bad shape, their parts might still do some good. Here are some ideas on what to do with those parts:
– Recycle. 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, you should remove all the strings, freeing the slats from the headrail. You may also want to give them a quick cleaning. You can also recycle the hardware from other types of window treatments.
– Upcycle. Unfortunately, if your wood or woven wood blinds have been stained, painted, or treated or your faux wood blinds have PVC in them, or if you have honeycomb shades (which are already made from recycled materials), they can’t be recycled. Use the parts for art projects—look for a school program that might like some of the pieces for their craft supplies. Or be creative and find some uses in your own home. Cut the slats into small pieces and use them to level furniture or use full slats line shelves, etc. Use the fabric for backing materials or doll clothes, or donate it to a clothing donation center.
– Use online resources. 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.
Recycling Ideas in the Lake Ozark Area
Windows & More proudly serves Lake Ozark, Osage Beach & Camden, Miller & Morgan counties, with a showroom in Osage Beach. Contact us for a window treatment consultation!