Custom curtains are so costly. Got any good tips for do-it-yourselfers?
—Sara Boling CENTURY 21 Boling & Associates, Inc. Myrtle Beach, SC
New window treatments can offer a whole new look that will re-theme any space with a brand new attitude. And yes, you can do it yourself! My top three rules for success:
• When choosing drapery fabrics, keep them solid or texture-driven but pattern-free. Pattern is the first thing to date a room and can easily overwhelm or compete with the rest of the room’s decor.
• When in doubt, keep it simple. Straight, well-constructed panels are often enough.
• Mount your rods as high to the ceiling as possible. Then extend them at least a foot past the casings on both sides. This will prevent the curtains from shrouding the window and make the room seem bigger.
The layered look can save money by helping reduce heating and cooling bills. Here’s how to do it:
• Use great fabric panels for the look only—meaning they remain stationary.
• Inside the window casings, add coordinating woven, cellular shades or blinds to handle light and privacy issues. This way you protect your fragile fabrics from repeated open-and-close usage, letting the inside shades do all the heavy lifting.
• Don’t worry about lining the curtains (which is good for the budget-minded), but be sure to weight them so they hang properly.
CHRISTOPHER LOWELL, an Emmy Award-winning interior designer and TV host, is known for doable design advice that nets stunning results.
Recommended Reading:
-How to Style Your Home on a Budget
-A Day in the Garden: Paint Palette
Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/century21/wAvv/~3/ww5VeCo6oXQ/