You can have privacy and good-looking windows in your college apartment without spending princely sums, or damaging walls. Here are some tips.
Instructions
1. Go with extra bedsheets or newspaper when you need privacy that first night or two. Mount sheets carefully, trying to hide thumbtack holes or pinholes; tape newspapers directly to the window glass and clean up gummy residue with a razor blade scraper.
2. Add a decorator touch to the basic blinds, shades or other window coverings that may be provided by the landlord. A lightweight, ready-made valance can put a spark of color in the room; you can hang it on a basic curtain rod with four screw holes that are easily patched with Spackle at move-out time.
3. Go with an inexpensive roller shade for both privacy and a thermal block if the windows are uncovered and/or leaky (take the shades and mounts with you when you move; most can be cut down and reused). Roller shades can mount inside or outside the window depending on the situation; you'll need to fill a few screw holes when you move out.
4. Use a spring-tension rod to hang curtains inside the window frame. These reusable, adjustable-width rods cause no damage and can support a lightweight curtain or valance.
5. Hang flat sheets (new, unwashed ones are best) by running rods through the opening at the top of the sheet. Add a ribbon tieback and the look can be quite fetching.
Tags: screw holes, when move