| window treatments |
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Bed, Bath & Beyond Check website for DC Metro locations
Great destination for everything home. While I love Linen's N Things, I find a greater selection at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Some of BB&B's local stores are reconstructing store layouts to incorporate pharmacy and beauty items. Noteworthy, don't toss those coupons that you get in the mail or in your Sunday paper. I once saved $50.oo on a down comforter. Plus, you can use up to 5 coupons at one time. BB&B and Linens N Things honor each others coupons!
Home Depot
Check website for DC Metro locations
Blinds, shades, valances, hardware, temporary blinds, and more. Custom orders are available, but can take up to month for delivery. You will need to measure your windows for width, length, and depth. Remember to allow for a 1/2 inch on either side when recording width( i.e. your window width is 35", you will want a 34" width for your blinds). With measurements in hand, check out Home Depot's selection of off-the-shelf blinds that can be cut on site for you to take home and install. Home Depot is a low cost alternative for the transient Metro DC resident or bargain hunter! I would stick with Next Day Blinds if you are looking for a complicated custom order. Noteworthy, try to go during off hours. You will get more time and attention from the knowledgeable staff.
J.C. Penney's
Check website for DC Metro locations
Simply one of the best! JCPenney is a hidden treasure for off-the-shelf window treatments. Now, I understand that if you just purchased a $2M McMansion in McLean that this might not be your shop, but for the budget conscious and DC short timers, it is perfect. JCPenney offers an exceptional selection of popular panels and valances in various lengths, colors, designs and fabrics. Be sure to sign up for online sale updates, via the web site. Panels are often marketed down by 50% during a sale. Custom drapes and blinds are also available. Noteworthy, the shop's pleated panels come in soft baby pastel colors that look beautiful on a double curtain-rod atop a child's sheer.
Lowe's
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Lowe’s is my "top pick" for local home improvement store. They have a clean, easy set up that makes shopping fun. Home Depot can get a bit scary. Lowe’s has a fabulous selection of off-the-shelf white wood and dark wood blinds that can be cut to your specifications and taken home the same day. I have found that Lowe's style, selection and product quality continues to crush Home Depot. I tend to think of Lowe's as a more consumer oriented home improvement venue, whereas Home Depot seems to cater to their bread and butter construction clientele. If you are looking for home decor, wood blinds, ceiling fans, mirrors and more, I would take the path less traveled and seek out a Lowe's before the Depot. Happy Shopping!
Pottery Barn
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We all know that Pottery Barn is the leader in catalog and retail furniture therapy. While I admit to a grapevine scroll wrought iron bed (circa 1996), a coffee table and a few file cabinets, I still think you need to shop price and furniture quality before buying from the Barn. Noteworthy, many discounted Pottery Barn goods can be found in the Leesburg Corner Outlet store. Also, hold onto a catalog or two. Their designers are great at putting a room together and have served as an inspiration for me after one of my many moves over the years.
Smith + Noble
On the web
This is one of those catalogs that you love to look through but often times gets discarded before a purchase is ever made. In my ongoing quest for the perfect window treatment, I happened upon Smith + Noble. They have a beautiful selection of curtains with designer fabric offerings. I was pleasantly surprised to order a reasonably priced cornice in a cracked antique white finish. It was beautiful and currently resides in my daughter’s nursery. Cornices are a great way to dress up an ordinary room. And in the land of temporary townhouse living, we need all the help we can get. Noteworthy, coupons can occasionally be found on Yahoo or Google. Search under "Smith + Noble Coupons".
Target
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This mega-store serves up everything from clothes to groceries. I love their Liz Lange maternity wear. I wasn't willing to spend $150.00 for a dress at Pea in a Pod. My Liz Lange gear held up well and didn't require a lot of ironing. Some kid’s clothing prices are a bit high. A better option is Kohl's. Target does get high marks for their Robeez knockoffs, which are 70% less than the brand name shoe. Diapers and formula are moderately priced, but are cheaper at wholesale clubs. NOTE, Target gets a big “Thumbs Down” on their baby furniture and web sales. Their return policies make gift registries a nightmare! Target is best for knick-knacks, cards, toiletries, clothing accessories and outdoor items. Be sure to check out the book shelves, storage solutions and robust toy selection. |