I already stated here about the necessity of curtains. They are one of my top elements for creating a Southern style room. But, many clients seem to want to skimp on
curtains. Why oh why would
you do that. If you were to look at all the
beautiful images you have saved from magazines and Pinterest, I would imagine every single image has
curtains in them. Yes, they can
cost a lot of money because of the amount of fabric you need and the labor. But you aren’t going to be changing
them out for many years to come. (This is what you have to tell your husband when he looks at the estimate!!)
There is always the option of buying inexpensive ready-made curtains from Target. We will need to add lining and add contrasting fabric on the ends to make them long enough. These are tricks to turn inexpensive into gorgeous. I'll show you some images of how you can do this.
There is always the option of buying inexpensive ready-made curtains from Target. We will need to add lining and add contrasting fabric on the ends to make them long enough. These are tricks to turn inexpensive into gorgeous. I'll show you some images of how you can do this.
Wait, what’s that you
say you can sew and you aren’t scared of making your own curtains?? Hang on one second while I fly to your
house and bring you fabric to make me some! If you know anyone that you trust enough to make you
curtains have at it! But don’t
skimp on them, curtains add softness and are the finishing touch to any room.
Continuing with my theme of quick and simple fixes to add a
designer stamp of approval, we are moving on to window treatments! I am only going to be discussing window
panels. This is where I notice the
most issues. While I feel Phoebe Howard perfects all things curtain, I am going to branch out and not include
any of her work. You should look
at them anyways to see perfection.
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Don't let your curtains hang inches above the floor.
The worst mistake you can make is hanging your curtain
panels too short. There is much
debate on the perfect length for your drapes. Several designers go with the ½” above the floor. Others go to exactly touching your
floor. I think a good rule of
thumb is to touch your floor or add up to 3”. This
allows for slight puddling that you can lift and plop the curtains where you
want them to go. However, if you
have multiple pets in the house and have hardwood floors, stick to touching the
floor or 1”. Curtains can be quite the
pet hair collectors. (Having your curtains rest on the window sill is not an option, except for at a kitchen sink. )
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Do: Look at that pretty lilac fabric on the curtains! These curtains are puddling a few inches on the ground.
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Don't: hang your window treatment on the molding!
The next mistake is hanging your curtains directly above the
window. The point of curtains is
to frame out your window, and to elongate and widen your room. This cannot be accomplished if they are
hung an inch above your window.
Place your rod directly below your crown molding or ceiling.
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Don't: cover your whole window with the curtains and don't place the curtains directly above the window.
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Don't: make your curtains only one width wide. Extending your rod allows room for fullness in the panels.
Skimpy window panels can make a window look so sad. You want the fullness of your panels to
be 2 times the width of the window.
This is where draperies get to be expensive. If you are using a $45 a yard fabric you would need 7 yards
of fabric for a standard 48” window hung at 9’. With this being said, don’t fall in love with a fabric at
that price, find one for $20 or even less!!
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Do: This famous image of a Windsor Smith room created quite a stir. The silk curtains have crazy fullness, at least 3x I would say.
Below are some examples of inspirational curtain styles you can do with store bought panels. You could also do this with simple cotton fabric you can buy for $8 a yard.
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Sew together two solid fabrics into stripes or chevron stripes. The light fabric can be a simple drop cloth.
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This living room creates a coastal themed curtain wall by using three solid fabrics one width wide.
How about buying simple linen panels and punching it up with a 4" banding of your favorite color?
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These beautiful silk curtains have been accented with a wide greek key border.
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Curtains too short? No problem just add length with an accent color and why not incorporate your favorite color purple as a thin tape? Tan on the bottom also will hide dirt!
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Another pair of beautiful curtains this time with tassel trim around the whole perimeter. I want that wallpaper!
Another pair of beautiful curtains this time with tassel trim around the whole perimeter. I want that wallpaper!
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Beautiful coral drapes with subtle puddling. I can't make out exactly what the trim is on the side but it is a nice detail to add more texture.
Beautiful coral drapes with subtle puddling. I can't make out exactly what the trim is on the side but it is a nice detail to add more texture.
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Nice linen panels with more banding, this type creates a more modern interpretation with repeating it 4 times.
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How about spacing out your banding to create contemporary stripes. Will someone buy me a zebra skin?
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How about putting a stencil on it? Or you can block print it, but make sure you practice plenty of times before.
In conclusion, please add some curtains. In the words of Phoebe Howard, my favorite decorator, a room without curtains is like a face with no eyebrows! Perhaps you have been putting it off for a long time due to cost, well today is the day. Measure the height of what you need and head out to Target, West Elm, World Market, etc and pick up some ready made drapes. Then you can go to your local fabric store and pick up a pretty greek key trim to add to the length of your drapes. Instant custom drapes have now been created!
If you want a more summed up version of what I am talking about, I found this article on Elle Decor.
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