apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

That's a great idea. I never thought of this. It's so simple and yet elegant. I will try this in the future, looks really nice on a white background.

I love using drop cloths for window treatments! I recently was re-doing a florida room in my home and wanted to hide all of the windows, because they weren't the prettiest of eye candy.

Since they were massive and all around I needed cheap fabric. Enter drop cloths! I also used cables from LOWES to make all of the window hardware as well!

Check it out: http://high-heelfootinthedoor.blogspot.com/2009/09/diy-hardware-store-window-treatments.html

Hope you enjoy it!

Camila510,

Great drapes! I have dropcloth window treatments too but they are not nearly as refined as yours.

Also treating dropcloths as poor man's linen, I've used dropcloths to make a skirt-style radiator cover: http://onegrandhome.wordpress.com/2009/08/08/quick-radiator-cover/

I made slipcovers for a matching chair and loveseat, they were very beachy and washable.

I looks nice, but the drapes remind me of the late 80's, early 90's when all the mall store sold all these khaki linen pants and cheap suit coats. The wrinkled looks soon followed. That's when I found vodka...

Do you think that iron-on hem tape would stay put with this fabric? I'm thinking of securing a tunnel loop for a curtain rod with it, since I'm sans-sewing machine.

These look great, esp. for tall windows.

Jessiem, you might try just using those clip-on hooks w/rings (IKEA sells them, but probably they are sold elsewhere as well). I've used this approach to hang bedspreads as curtains. No sewing necessary.

I love posts like this. That second photo is gorgeous, I'm a huge fan of the super long drapes that brush the floor.

The idea of painter's drop cloth curtains popped into my head several years ago when I realized I could do them without any sewing if I used the clip-on rings! I love them---they work best if you launder the fabric and dry it in the dryer before hanging. This produces a full billowy luscious look. I've also used this fabric for "slip covers" and plan to cover an antique Regency-style sofa with it for my new breakfast room---I like the combination of classic lines with the neutral colored raw fabric.

I once used them to make slipcovers for some ratty and old but extremely comfortable chairs that someone had given me. After I covered them the person liked them so much they asked for them back! (When I was ready to get rid of the chairs they actually did go back to the person's home). They're also great to cover pet beds, outdoor cushions, and to make hammock pads from (because they're very washable).

Also try boating supply shops (for sailcloth) and theatrical supply (for any number of wide width fabrics in various weights) for some reasonably priced alternatives.

@jessiem: they get pretty bulky folded over, and you may need multiple strips of hem tape (meaning a wide pocket, perhaps wider than you'd really want), as an alternative you may want to consider clip on curtain rings (super cheap at places like Target) and then if you don't want the look of rings you can add an improvised valance (essentially just fabric decoratively cut, hemmed or hem taped or just Fraycheck'd) to hide the rings.

I recall years ago seeing an article in Met Home where a prominent designer (John Saladino?) used quilted moving blankets as drapery - amazingly enough, it looked great!

The dropcloths that I've found are pieced together from remnants, so there's often a seam in the middle. Did people find dropcloths with no seams for curtains?

Great idea! I just moved and have been searching for curtains. Thanks!!

I love these great idea. I like the natural look too!


I just decided to loose my drapes and go for simple incased roll shades. I vacuum every week and I am tired of how dusty my drapes get. Plus I have so much molding and trim I think loosing the drapes will make my room seem bigger.

These I will bookmark for another room, thanks

Great ideas here, thanks for the post.

Liana- I've had luck with Home Depot's canvas drop cloths in all but the largest size as far as having no seams.

I made several sets of drop cloth curtains for my main floor, but I'm not sure I'd do it again. The quality differed dramatically from one cloth to the next (I think I bought 8 and kept the best 6) and their central seams were quite wonky.

If I had it to do all over again, I'd buy unbleached cotton canvas yardage instead.

I'd contemplated making drapes out of drop cloths, but bought linen-blend drapes instead and I'm glad I did. In my small room I felt the excess of "rustic" fabric would be overwhelming.

However- I really do like this idea for covering a headboard - I may also do a coordinating bedskirt. The low fabric investment means no guilt when I decide to change my bedroom's "outfit" next season ; ).