Don't Make This Embarrassing Mistake When Picking Out Inexpensive Bamboo Shades

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Trying to find the right window treatments for you while on a tight budget can feel like a delicate art. Costs rise due to the quality of materials used with popular window treatments, and those numbers add up even more if you're dressing multiple windows. There's a reason many people are willing to pay a high price for high-quality shades — these designs are always emphasized by the natural light, making small imperfections or cheap fabrics difficult to hide. If you've been looking for an affordable option that still looks high-end, bamboo shades are an excellent solution. They're the stylish type of window treatment that's replacing woven shades, and their price tag stays low on account of bamboo's rapid growth and sustainable harvesting processes. However, not every affordable bamboo shade will live up to expectations. To avoid the most crucial mistake when shopping for inexpensive bamboo shades, it's important to pick designs that have a liner, so you can avoid an awkward lack of privacy and light blocking.

When it comes to window treatments, privacy and light are typically the top priorities for homeowners. Not every style will excel in these aspects, especially unlined bamboo shades which often have gaps in their woven texture. A simple liner can easily prevent any unwanted visibility and sunlight, while giving the shades a more luxurious and expensive look. If you've already purchased and installed shades without a liner, don't worry — there are easy DIY measures to take to upgrade your bamboo window treatments.

There's a fine line between cheap-looking, impractical bamboo shades and more upscale, functional options, and that line is often drawn by something as simple as a liner. Bamboo shades come with plenty of advantages — they're affordable, low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and offer a natural, textured beauty that adds warmth and character to any space. That said, all of these advantages may feel irrelevant if the shades can't fulfill their key purpose of providing privacy and light filtering. Without a liner, natural light is more likely to seep through the gaps in the weaving, which can highlight imperfections and create an unflattering silhouette. A liner solves these issues by creating a more solid, sophisticated look, and even adds some protection against sun rays. Bamboo can become weak over time when exposed to harsh sunlight, so an added layer can help maintain their quality. 

It's also useful to consider how lined shade options may come with more opportunities for customization. You can choose light-filtering liners that gently diffuse sunlight while maintaining privacy, or go for blackout liners to block out all light when needed. For added flexibility, you might even explore separate liners that can give you more freedom to adjust light control and privacy. Customizable designs may come with higher costs, but the good news is there are plenty of ways to introduce a custom liner through low-cost, DIY approaches.

If you're looking to upgrade your bamboo shades without breaking the bank, taking a DIY approach to adding a liner is a surprisingly simple option. To get started, find a fabric that reflects your needs, whether you need a more opaque material for blackout-level light blocking or something sheer for a light layer of privacy. Don't be afraid to experiment with fabric patterns, either. Certain designs can add visual interest to your windows from the outside when closed, and add the perfect touch of personality. Measure your shade and cut your privacy fabric to size, allowing about an inch of room for the hem, and marking lines for the exact hem. Fold and iron those guiding lines, and use an adhesive like liquid stitch to glue them down. Once dry, align the liner with your shade, and secure the sides with adhesive for a no-sew option, or threading if you're looking for an extra secure approach with some light sewing.

To make the process even simpler, you can find pre-made liners on Amazon, like the NICETOWN White Blackout Curtain Liners for Window, at an affordable price that can offer easier installation. If you prefer to keep your bamboo shades unlined, you may want to consider adding privacy to your home with window film options instead. They're easy to install, and come in plenty of stylish designs to elevate the look of your windows.