Window Treatment Tips – Dress Up Your Draperies On A
Budget...
An important element in our home décor is fabric window treatments. So
often we search for the right style only to find that the curtain or
drapery is not available in the color we want. Or we find a great color
panel, but cannot purchase it in the size we need. While custom window
draperies and hardware products are designed to fit your particular home
décor and lifestyle, ready made draperies, with a little imagination,
can be altered to suit your design style and personality. Whether you
would like to incorporate a room theme or just add some flair to generic
drapery panels and hardware, the following are a few design tips to help
you dress up your draperies on a budget.
Trims and Tassels
It’s the little things that can make a big difference when it comes to
formal or exquisite drapery design. Just like the jewelry we wear to
dress up an outfit, trims and tassels can perk up an ordinary curtain
panel in the same way. Many local craft and fabric stores carry a
variety of trim and fringes that can be purchased by the yard. Trim can
easily be sewn to the edges of the drapery by machine or hand to create
a border. Trim used in a contrasting color from the drapery fabric, can
be a striking embellishment. Choose an elegant or shimmering brush
fringe, ribbon loop trim, lace ruffle or dangling beaded trim. Trim is
back in style.
Tassels can also be purchased in various sizes, textures and colors to
complement any design style. A simple cotton drapery panel can look
elegant when it is adorned with a silk tassel as a tieback. Tassels can
be hung from the end of the drapery rods as well to lend a formal feel
to the décor of the room. You can even secure a small tassel onto a
curtain valance for a decorator touch.
Creative Tiebacks
While tiebacks are functional by pulling draperies to the sides of the
window to allow light in, they can also be made from anything that does
the trick. Try using cord or twine for a nautical theme, raffia for a
natural element in the room, or ribbons and tulle for a little girl’s
room.
Dress up Tab Top Curtains
Popular tab top curtains can be personalized in your rooms by adding a
little detail to the tab. Sew on a large button to each tab in a
contrasting color or unique shape. Tie ribbon or a string of beads
around each tab. Attach the short end of a team’s banner to the top edge
of a curtain panel just below the tab, in a sport themed room. Or create
your own tabs from fabric remnants.
Jazzed Up Drapery Rods
Curtain and drapery rods do so much more for a room than hold up your
curtains. Drapery rods are the ornamentation of the room and allow you
to express your style. Even the most simple of drapery panels can be
dramatized when hung from a decorative rod. Replace standard café rods
with an iron or metal rod in a complementary finish to your décor.
Changing from a functional traverse rod to a decorative traverse style
can completely enhance the look of a room without breaking the bank.
For little money you add fun and whimsy to a room by jazzing up your own
curtain rods. Plain wooden finials and rods can be painted in the colors
of a favorite sport team in a youth bedroom. Scout your craft store for
various items that can be adhered to a wooden finial such as beads,
sequins or small mosaic tiles, for added sparkle.
Extra long panels
Do you find it difficult to cover extra long or high windows in your
room? Why not purchase two contrasting color panels and sew them
lengthwise together. You can puddle the excess fabric on the floor or
cut and hem them to the desired length.
Impressive, one of a kind curtains and draperies can be the focal point
of any room. Shop around your local craft and fabric stores for items
that can be sewn or attached to ready made draperies. Or shop around
your own home for items that can be re-purposed. Lace, old silk scarves,
men’s ties, pockets from unused shirts or jeans can add charm and
personality to an ordinary curtain. Just use a little ingenuity and you
can create an original window fashion for your home interior.
Mary M Bajor, CWTC
A Beautiful Room - Interior Redesign & Decorating
(845) 216-5928
www.abeautifulroom.net
mary@abeautifulroom.net
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