Some Useful Embellishing Tricks for Cost-Effective Curtains
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We might as well be honest here: interior design isn’t always the cheapest activity. That’s why there’s always room for advice that helps us get a stylish, classy aesthetic without spending the big bucks. That’s why we’ve knocked our heads together to come up with these tips on some great embellishments that can transform a pair of cheaper curtains into ones that look five times more expensive.
Add some trim. One of the hallmarks of cheaper curtains is that they often come in one plain colour – quite often just straight white. A great way to freshen them up is to add a straight line of trim in a sharper colour to either the horizontal base or the vertical edge of the panel – this isn’t a big change, but can really add cohesion between your curtains and the rest of the design. Try a bright orange or red for maximum visual impact.
Colour the curtain rail. We’ve always been amazed just how many people will invest all their time and money on curtains without even considering what the rail they’re hanging them from looks like! If you’ve got a cheap set of curtains, the chances are you’ve probably got quite a cheap rail – often created in a traditional wood-type finish. A simple spray paint can make the world of difference to the image – even a simply black paint-job will bring a wooden rail in line with more luxurious, contemporary designs.
Go from floor to the ceiling. Curtains are measured to hang roughly the height of the windowpane, but you can actually add an impression of real class by installing longer curtains that go down to the floor. In adding more height to the décor of the room, you can create the impression of more space by drawing the eye towards the ceiling. It’s also worth noting that if you sew, you can hem the edges yourself, saving a bit of money.
Use multiple fabrics. The more frugal interior designers have been making their own curtains for years. However, these have typically been created by using one larger piece of material. However, the more skilled sewers can contrast this by using three or more piece of fabric together to create an expensive-looking set of curtains using exactly the same techniques. This is also an ideal method to use if you need a set of curtains for an unusually sizedspace (such as the window that is set over the kitchen sink – you don’t want that filthy washing up water soaking the ends of your curtains after all!). The different panels add a real sense of value to the curtains, and is a warmer look than something like The Shade Store roman shades.
Combine contrasting banding with trim. This technique works similarly to the trim technique above, but adds a larger set of contrasting panels at the base of the curtains (between 30 and 40 inches high, although this depends on the height of the panels) to the standard trim which is set at the top of the curtains. This set of two vertical stripes (used in a contrasting colour) adds a delicious extra flavour to almost any plain curtain, and so is ideal for any seamstress who wants to spice up the room. It’s also possible the cheapest modification on the list – which is no bad thing!
Category: Home Renovation
