We get a lot of requests from our readers asking for creative ideas for window treatments. Many apartments feature unconventional or oversized windows and it can be difficult to find affordable options for window curtains. The Living Etc. website published a great variety of solutions that might give you some inspiration.
In the picture above, an assortment of sheer and opaque curtains in beautiful colors and different patterns dresses the window. Panels of your favorite fabrics could be used for this treatment, making it a great option for an oversized window. Jump below for more photos.
This option takes its inspiration from Indian sari fabric. The decorative material is attached to the bottom of the simple linen curtains. This could be one way to extend the length of any standard curtains for a full length window treatment.
Paper panels in bold orange were used to cover this bay window. For a different look, you could also mix and match a few different colors.
We love this heavy linen curtain. A cord pulley system creates a beautiful "fan-like effect" and it allows diffused daylight to enter the room.
Floral window film works great in a bathroom, as it provides privacy and it allows for enough light to come through the window.
Panels are a great option, especially when using expensive material. Since the fabric is taut, less of it is needed to cover a window. We featured a similar curtain rod system on AT before.
For more ideas check out the Living Etc. roundup of creative window curtain solutions.
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Comments (10)
That top pic is simply gorgeous.
I agree! :O
Those curtains in the first picture left me speechless! They are beautiful and so full of texture!! :O
...and an affordable look that a brave decorator could mix & match with thrift store odds & ends. Love it!
This post is timely inspiration for a problematic window I am trying to (ad)dress at this moment.
Though the first picture is very attractive, this will probably only work when the rest of the room is fairly white/stark. I might try a modified, more muted version of it though!
the second pic is pretty great. that's a great diy idea for lengthening and livening a plain panel. just add pieces of pretty fabrics to the front, back and bottom.
i have recently painted my bedroom a very stark white and deepa's comment made me think ill try this first pic style project on a small scale...i have two normal sized windows but i think it could work somehow given the white walls and white bedding
The 'curtain rod system' link in the caption under the last image of the panels doesn't work. I'd love to see more solutions similar to this. Thanks!
How would you make the chord pulley system for the heavy linen curtain picture? Anybody have any suggestions?
love the curtain panels! just came back from a trip to asia, and now i'm inspired....
For the cord pulley linen curtain, here's how I would construct it:
Set one smooth metal grommet into the center of the linen panel, or wherever you want the panel to fan-fold up to. Hang the panel.
Attach a screw eye or eye bolt (either with a small cord pulley or without) at the center of the top of the window, behind the curtain.
Attach another screw eye (+/- pulley) at the side of the window where you want the draw cord to hang.
Cut a smooth, non-stretchy, UV-resistant cord to a length measuring about 2.5 times the height of the window. Tie off the cord behind the linen panel at the top center screw eye, route it straight down to the bottom center of the panel, bring it to the front of the panel and up to the grommet, pass through the grommet, and finally pass through the center eye bolt/pulley and the side eye bolt/pulley.
Attach a metal rope cleat to the side of the window frame behind the linen panel.
Pull the cord to raise panel into an folds, and tie it off at the cleat, or wind the cord around a weight (rock, book) placed on the window sill.
Use a drapery liner on that panel for sure to protect the linen. Optionally, place one grommet (in the lining only) at the top, middle, and bottom of the panel, so the cord can travel between the lining and the linen fabric, for protection from UV and a neater apearance from the outside.