With a near window-less apartment, I don't spend much time thinking about window coverings (the rental came with functioning blinds that do the job). Last year, I was transfixed by the custom linen and velvet drapes by Boston-based designer Frank Roops. His bold panels of color really made a room. A curtain panel with a similar color palette and look is now available at West Elm...
I feel the DIY itch coming on...
view Nora Rocket's profile
I like these, but wonder whether they draw too much attention to the baseboards (or ceilings, depending on color block placement). I have been considering them as treatments for a bay-ish shaped window in my front room, but am ambivalent... :-/
view kimg924's profile
Shades of light also does these in a customizable version, with a big ange of silk colors. Not sure grommet top, though.
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
we searched far and wide for some cool window panels in colors that worked with our living room. these fit the bill, neither too bland nor too out-there and we bought the cream colored linen ones with the brown blocks on the top and the bottom. not only do they look fantastic and really compliment the room, but they were pretty inexpensive as well. we couldn't be happier with 'em!
view Andrea924's profile
I absolutely love this style of drapes, but I'm on a student budget for a couple more years. Does anyone have suggestions for similar, cheaper alternatives (other than DIY)?
view shayshay213's profile
Andrea924, where did you get yours?
view kimg924's profile
sorry shayshay, but my answer was diy...
actually it would be sooooo easy and so cheap--try 37th-40th streets between 7th and 8th for cheap (you shouldnt pay more than $6-8 a yard for dupioni silk in 48 inch width, a little more for 56 inch., if you dont sew--stitch witchery to hem--to join the 2 colors I would do a french hem (google it) with layers of stich witchery in between--you could also try fabric glue, dupioni should never be washed (if you want it to keep its drapey, luminous quality) only dry cleaned anyway. I would pinch and then clip with drapery rings--voila!
view goonie's profile
Shay Shay, you're not going to find dupioni for cheaper than goonie found it.
You could also go to Ikea and piece together some of their pre-made curtains. You could still get the same tri-coloured effect...without making individual curtain loops...
view darcidoodle's profile
No sewing? Now you guys are speaking my language. Maybe I'll have to give it a DIY version a try. I actually would like to learn how to sew someday, but that's not going to happen until after law school. I like the idea of using Ikea panels too. Thanks for the suggestions!
view shayshay213's profile