apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I just bought a row house in DC and I'm going to do ceiling to floor panel curtains. Since you have so many windows (I'm jealous - mine are only on the ends of the house), I kind of like the idea of one of the natural shades listed above and then doing a wall of curtains in between the windows for interesting texture.

You're right to get rid of those existing curtains - The tab-tops (as is often the case) simply don't work.

I'd do floor-to-ceiling, but replace the hardware with something chunkier and running the full length of the wall so that when opened the draperies stack back on the wall itself revealing the entire window and giving a simpler and more unified apearance. Going full length - the folds in the fabric will emphasize the height rather than the length of the room.

Also remember: You need at least 150% and preferably 200% in fabric width to the space that you're covering in order to get the neccesary fullness. You also need a heavier and/or lined fabric so that when the drapes are closed you don't get the filter-through that you see above.

I'd stick w/ a solid color fabric such as a dupioni or even a taffeta, but you might also consider adding a bold vertical band of ribbon along the leading edges of the panels, again to emphasize the height, but also to provide a touch of glamour.

Two ideas come to mind, given your taste.
1) A track/panel system that extends the full width of the wall. Ikea Kvartal is one, but they are also available at JC Penney and Smith Noble. Makes for a super-clean, modern look with minimal dust collection.
2) Simple fabric roller shades for privacy, plus full-length drapes that would basically stay in place between the windows. This would cozy up and unify the large space.
Good luck!

I really like the look of the woven blinds. But if you really want panels, definitely floor to ceiling and some sort of hospital track/wire system is clean looking. The panels can flank the windows and frame them out nicely. I like the suggestion mentioned of doing something bold on the lead edge of any panels. And, since you're good with a sewing machine, that would be easy enough to change out as time goes on.

about the wrinkling problem, I bet if you steam them with a bit of light starch it won't wrinkle. linen wrinkles more if it's clothing. that's my take on it anyway. And also, I'd recommend another thing. If your room leans toward more sophisticated furniture, you would probably do better with a finely woven linen and if the room is a family room or a casual room, then maybe a more raw, loosely woven linen. Just a thought.

I'd almost go with roman shades since there seem to be a lot of windows.

maybe group the windows in pairs, so the left two share a rod and the right two share a rod, with two panels each...might give the effect of two larger windows rather than four smaller ones. definitely floor to ceiling.

Draping the windows individually, as is currently done, really chops up the room. I suggest going floor to ceiling and wall to wall, making that entire exterior wall one large panel of curtains. As bepsf recommends, double your fabric for the width.

Perhaps thick wooden slat blinds in a white, mocha, or teak color, or even those half-height plantation shutters with a panel on each side extended slightly outside of the size of the window might work well with the mid-century modern furnishings. I think a bright geometric pattern could be good, perhaps including green and yellow.

I could also see roll up or Roman shades working well, again with a patterned fabric, but that's just my personal preference to complement the (very lovely) Eames club chair.

Also, maybe you could do different treatments on the far two and the near two to segment the room up a bit.

For rooms with a Modern bent, I am a fan of simple curtains in a pinch-pleat or similar style done in a nubby, natural fabric like undyed wool, linen or raw silk. I have also seen sailcloth used effectively. There is a book called the Ultimate Curtain Book that has loads of pictures in every style as well as instructions on how to make them.

Anyone know a place where you can get cheap privacy liners? I love my shades, but in the bedroom you can really see through from the outside at night! However, I only paid $15 each for them, so it kills me to pay more than that just for liners!

michpc --

Google "Drapery Liners" - They're generally available at mainstream retailers such as WalMart, Target, Sears and Amazon

I tend to agree with the idea of using roller shades rather than curtains. You'll spend less and can customize them to your liking by adhering a nice, nubby fabric to cheap vinyl shades or screenprinting your own designs. Either would work with the MCM decor. I wouldn't ignore the spaces between the windows, either - hang some art! You've got a really great, if challenging, space to play with but I have to ask: are you keeping the track lighting?

high and wide is great advice!

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/06/email-answer-its-curtains-for-you/