simple window treatment Tips make changing the look of a room
Whether or not casual or formal, window treatments can easily change the look and feel of a room. And, based on the style and complexity, they can become quite costly.
That wasn't the case within the teen bedroom my decorating partner, Matt Fox, and I recently redecorated. Our own teen wanted a sleek, modern look. Her parents wanted a cheap, functional treatment. We met both conditions with a simple combination of curtains as well as window shades.
The room had an unusual layout, with two windows flanking a corner. All of us wanted something sleek to satisfy our teen, but needed something fairly considerable for light and privacy control. We thought about using simple mini-blinds, however our teen was not at all happy with that idea. So we decided to try a screen curtain.
A panel curtain is made of two layers of fabric placed over a drapery rod. They are raised during the day to provide a decorative window treatment, and lowered during the night to provide privacy.
You won't believe how easy it is to make a panel curtain.
Very first, you need to measure your window. Measure the width, and subtract 1/2 ". This measurement will be the finished width of your panel. Next, measure the length of the actual window opening and add 18 inches. This will be the finished length of your screen.
Add one inch to both the finished width and length of the panel. This is the cutting size and will allow for 1/2-inch seams.
Choice of fabric is important when building panel curtains. Two fabrics are needed. The fabrics should coordinate through colour and/or pattern.
Using the measurements for your cutting size, you need to cut two sections. You can save yourself a bit of work by laying your two fabrics right edges together and then cutting the panels. This way you'll be sure your cut sections are exactly the same size _ and, unless you're like me and choose to add trim, they are in the correct position to be pinned and sewn with each other.
We trimmed our panels by adding a wide ribbon along their lengths. All of us then measured 3-1/2 inches in from each side, pinned on our trim as well as sewed it in place. We decided to add trim to both the front as well as back of our panels so that the trim would seem to be continuous no matter what the position from the curtain.
Once your pieces are trimmed, place them right sides together. Utilizing a 1/2-inch seam allowance, start in the middle of a side and sew around the edge of the panel, stopping 4 inches from where you began. Clip the edges of the curtain and turn the panels right-sides out. Press the sections so that the seams lay flat. Hand-stitch the remaining openings closed. And, there _ your new curtains are finished.
Sometimes hanging curtains can be as difficult as which is why they are concidered. But panel curtains are as easy to hang as they are to make. Just fold the actual panel in half and drape it over a tension rod. By pulling straight down the back portion of the panel, you can adjust the curtain to partially uncover the contrasting fabric during the day, or pull it completely to the windowsill with regard to privacy at night. Either way, it will look great.
Our completed panels had a very thready look, perfect for a contemporary teen retreat. But panel curtains are versatile, through changing the fabric and the shape of the panel, they can be used with almost any style.
For any traditional room, try combining a subtle stripe with a floral pattern. Rather than adding 18 inches to the length of the window opening, add 22 inches and a shallow "V" shape on each end of the panel. Adding a tassel to the top portion will make your finished curtain even more interesting.
Want to use the panel curtain with country decor? No problem. Just use two coordinating images and make your panels with a scalloped edge.
No matter what style you choose, panel drapes are a great addition to a room. Though simple and inexpensive to make, they are the perfect combination associated with beauty and function.
No comments :
Post a Comment