I've moved a million-bajillion times in the last decade (seriously, you can even google it) and because of this, I've had a hard time investing in curtains. My windows have changed drastically in the sizes needed with each home or apartment but rather than spend a fortune, here's how I've spruced up linens and dropcloths over the years!
1. Dye Them: Who says you have to buy the color you need? Inexpensive sheets sometimes come in weird colors, so dye your own. Bust out the RIT and get to work. You can even ombre dye them in a bucket for those looking for a modern twist.
2. Stamp 'Em Up!: You can use anything from a potato to a toilet paper tube (empty of course) to make a stamp. I've used everything from plastic party cups to sponges over the years to give curtains a simple graphic look for pennies.
3. Mix & Match: Try making your curtains two tone by buying two different colors of linens, cutting them in half and sewing them back together again. You can alter the width of each band of color to suit your tastes and make a totally custom look.
4. Use Industrial Rods: When using dropcloths for curtains, regular curtain rods just look lame. They feel small and inexpensive. If you're using industrial materials, use industrial hardware to complete the look. Hit up the pipe aisle and have a few pieces cut to fit!
5. Don't Sew If You Don't Want To: If you're not into sewing, don't. Sheets are thin and dropcloths are bulky. Either can go wrong easily at the hands of a novice sewer. Instead, turn to cafe clips to hang your curtains for a pro look without any hassle. Iron on tape can help with bottom hems as well!
Overall the most important thing to remember is that you have created something new, so think of them that way. When you just think of them as a placeholder you'll never be satisfied with your work. Be proud and make them exactly what you want them to be!
MORE DIY CURTAINS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• How To Hang 30' Of Curtains For $40
• Make Your Own Curtains: Easy Instructions from Across the Web
• How To: Make Your Own Panel Curtains in Less than Four Hours!
(Image: Sarah Rae Trover)
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Great tips! I just may try some of these.
I just purchased some pretty tablecloths to make into kitchen curtains. I will be more careful next time as you can't really tell how the fabric is until it's in your hands...I think I should've taken the sheet route you mention...but it is fun to do custom!
Love the dropcloth/pipes idea! Wish I had the windows for it.
Another great tip if you need curtains to span a wide window with no center support (like those giant floor to ceiling multi-pane loft windows): We went to the hardware store and picked up a 10' length of 1" plumbing pipe to span across. The thick pipe didn't bow at all when only secured with two side brackets. Most traditional curtain rods will sag without a center support bracket. I bet it could easily support dropcloth weight fabrics. We used the galvanized pipe with Ikea Merete curtains (with the giant grommets).
Was this a chrome plumbing pipe, SPACESHA?
off topic but, who's space is that in the photo and where can i see more of it! :)
What are cafe clips? I really wish all the decoration and especially the DYI stuff had at least one photo, in order for us to see what are the material u guys are talking about!
Thank u for the ideas!
brazilian1, there are different styles, but here's a link to give you an idea.
https://www.google.com/search?q=cafe+clips&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=lO0&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JmM1UNCOIsTgyQGTooHIAw&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1120&bih=626
I have a pair of curtains that i made with 2 jacquard tablecloths (from a discount store) and made an iron-hem-tape casing for. They were a temporary curtain for 9 foot wide kitchen windows way back in 2005 and they've lived in the guest room and nursery since. Finding curtains to cover 9 feet of window was daunting, and privacy was needed - they were really easy!
@GLORIFIED MALCONTENT: It belongs to Sarah Rae Trover. I had the same question as you, so I looked right under the bulleted list (just under the photos). Her name is right after the word 'Image'. the link will jump right to more pics of this room.
Similar to stamping...stencils!
Good post. I've done all of the above & more over the years, from sheets to tablecloths to dropcloths. I've even used twin chenille bedspreads as curtains (lots of compliments on those, surprisingly). Recently, after working my way through 3 sets of (not inexpensive) curtains for my wider-than-standard patio french doors, I returned to my roots. I will never go back. I will add here, that, being a pet owner, I refuse to buy anything that is not machine washable. Add that to the fact that I'm thrifty and, well, you get the picture. Fwiw, here's a few other tips & options from my own experience.
*If you're moving to a new place & purchase ready-made curtains, wash them 2 or three times BEFORE hanging the rods. Trust me. If you want to dry them, NOW's the time. Or, hang them WET & the wrinkles will usually fall out, no ironing needed (depends on fabric) If you go this route, NEVER leave them unattended in the washer lest some 'helpful' family member comes along & tosses them in the dryer for you and you later discover you're a few inches short. So.not.fun.
Plumbing pipes are great for an industrial feel. But if that's not your style, the plastic pvc is much cheaper & can be spray painted to match your decor. On long spans when it will likely sag and/or a middle support doesn't work for you, slip a slighly smaller wooden dowel through the pipe. It'll generally provide all the support you need - no middle supports needed..
Sheets have a built-in rod pocket if you prefer that look. No hemming required if you have the option of hanging your own rod at the proper height. If not, curtain clips are a life/time saver. To adjust length & avoid hemming (did I mention iron on hem tape is a wonderful thing?) simply fold over the excess length at the top & attach curtain clips. Fold to the back if you like a clean, simple, seamless look. Fold to the front if your excess fabric is more than a couple inches & you like the look of a faux valance (crease fold with an iron if you're OCD).
Clip on curtian rings:
http://www.target.com/p/target-home-home-clip-rings-black-1-5/-/A-13581175
I like how you used a curtain as a room divider to create additional wall space! Cute idea using lockers for storage! Can never have enough storage!
I am also a big fan of buying tablecloths on sale and using them as curtains. If you want floor-to ceiling drapes, even DIY curtains are expensive because you have to buy so much fabric. Standard rectangular tablecloth measurements are nearly identical to drapery panel measurements (60x84 for 8 ft ceilings, and 60x108 for taller). You don't even need a sewing machine if you have the circular hangers with the clips (IKEA has them)--you can use the tablecloth as a panel right out of the box. They aren't lined, but they still do the trick. I got some cute blue and white tablecloths on clearance at Target for $5.84 each--full length drapes for a room with room with 4 windows (one panel on each side) for less than $50!