There are a lot of scary things out there, especially during this time of year. From black cats crossing your path to carved pumpkins grinning on every porch, October is a time for ghosts, ghouls and goblins. By the time we finally get home and lock the door behind us, we think we’re safe. But there’s another terrifying thing that could be lurking right under our noses – or should I say, on our windows.

October brings Halloween, a time for ghosts, ghouls, goblins and other thing that go bump in the night. But there’s another thing that’s terrifying, and it could be lurking right under our noses – or should I say, on our windows.

To keep you from being haunted by frightening window treatments, we’ve put together a list of the most common mistakes people make with their window coverings. So grab a bowl of popcorn, get comfortable, and remember: never go it alone.
 
Scary Mistake #1: Not measuring the size of your windows.

If you try to eyeball the size of your windows, you’ll end up with improperly fitted blinds that look like a guy from Texas cut them to size with a chainsaw. Avoid a massacre by using a high-quality steel measuring tape.  Also, make sure to measure your windows at various heights. The size of window openings can vary considerably, especially in older homes. Better yet, call a professional who will get an exact measurement the very first time.
 
Scary Mistake #2: Only considering the cheapest choices.

A set of $10 blinds is sort of like a hockey mask. Both can make an otherwise normal situation seem suddenly sinister. The good news for window treatments is that higher-quality choices will make your home more comfortable, more valuable and more appealing. Typically, high-quality window treatments are more affordable than most think. The bad news is that a hockey mask is going to look creepy anywhere outside of a rink no matter what you do.
 
Scary Mistake #3: Not considering the home as a whole.

If you want to terrify your neighbors, try hanging a different curtain or blind in every window, especially when they all face the front yard. The mismatched result might remind you of Frankenstein’s monster. Avoid this pieced-together look by installing complementary blinds or lining the backs of drapes with coordinating fabric.
 
Scary Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong color.

Because curtains and blinds are hung on windows, they get different amounts of light at different times of the day. This means that a shade which looks perfect in the morning might clash with every inch of your décor by mid-afternoon. The shade of your curtains can also infuse the room with that same hue, so choose carefully. Try samples at home, and look at them throughout the day. That way, when you finally hang you window treatments, you won’t be confronted with a scary surprise.  While bright pink and army green may be your kid’s favorite colors, quality window coverings will last longer than your little ones’ fascination with Barbie and GI Joe. Neutral window coverings are often your best investment, and you can add pops of color with smaller accessories.
 
Scary Mistake #5: Being Too Naive. 

The “sweet, naïve girl next door” is a horror movie cliché, and that works well for most storylines. But, if you’re making an investment in new window treatments, you want to be well-informed. The industry has made huge advancements in style, technology, and materials over the past decade. You owe it to yourself to know all of your options before you … (insert scary music here!) … open that door!
 
I hope this list didn’t frighten you too much! If you find yourself unable to sleep at night, worried about what might be lurking behind your curtains, call Strickland’s. We’ve got the expertise to keep those monstrous mistakes away.

Fred Kumpel is the owner of Strickland’s Window Coverings and Carolina Closet Company. Fred has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Strickland’s Window Coverings is a window treatment design center specializing in custom blinds, shades, shutters and fabric treatments for over 70 years. Carolina Closet Company provides professionally designed and custom built organization solutions. Its complete line of home organization solutions includes unique solutions to organize closets, pantries, garages, basements, laundry rooms as well as Murphy Beds. To learn more about our company, visit www.stricklandswindowcoverings.com and www.closetsbythesea.com. Fred can be reached at [email protected] or call 910.762.0944.