Embellishing Tips for Cost-Effective Custom Curtains

One of the most expensive elements of a well-designed home can be custom curtains. Throw in the fabric, liner, sticks, rings and paths, and before you know it, you’ve spent thousands of dollars. In this economy that’s a difficult market. But one easy way to get the look of fabulous customized curtains for a fabulous price is to simply embellish. Make your own custom look with the addition of trim or perhaps sewing two curtains together to produce stripes or banding. This is an example when a small white lie will not hurt a soul.

Adding orange-red trim to Cameron cotton panels from Pottery Barn gave these curtains a brand-new look. I often use those panels due to the fact that they have a sturdy weight but price just $25 each.

Spray painting the existing curtain rod and having black rings upgraded the customized look even more.

Design Manifest

Designer Naomi Stein used a particularly budget-friendly suggestion when she designed these curtains for her cottage …

Design Manifest

… Cheap Greek primary trim — trendy yet classic — on Ikea curtains added an instant wow factor to Stein’s master bedroom.

The curtains help soften the edges of the bay window and add lightness to the bamboo blinds.

Studio Schicketanz

Another trick to think about curtains from floor to ceiling. They’ll add instant height to a cramped space by drawing the eye upward. Most retailers have noticed a requirement for longer curtains and stock in lengths from 84 inches so long as 124 inches which you can hem to fit.

Can not sew to save your life? Utilize Stitch Witchery to hem the edges nobody could ever know the difference.

Caitlin Wilson Design

I am pretty certain these window treatments are custom, but you can still make this look on a budget. Make your own pelmet box or valance by having wood trim to size at the regional lumber store. Attach foam padding and a few inexpensive fabric using a staple gun. Use fabric glue or Stitch Witchery to attach trim to the edges. Add matching trim on the drape panels and voilĂ an amazing statement window therapy for a portion of the cost.

Peregrine Design Build

These curtains were cut to length to fit an awkward area. They also include a favorite trick — sewing multiple fabrics together to make a custom drape. Get this look by purchasing inexpensive curtain panels fabric to sew and cut into one curtain.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

These panels include two methods: contrasting banding and trim. You can attain it by matching two of your favorite contrasting colors in two affordable curtain panels. Cut the darker-colored panel to a size which will add just enough play (30 to 40 inches is that my normal selection, based on the elevation of the panels), and sew the edges together. Use the extra fabric to add trim to the top of the panel, as shown here.

Tracery Interiors

For a wider trim like on these white and black panels, you will need to use fabric, because the width is greater than standard store-bought trim. Cut the fabric to the desired width, then sew along the edges.

Banding on top of the panel can make an equally bold statement. Additionally you could use decorative trim or beading to connect the two colors.

Studio William Hefner

Sleek and simple, this banding is on the top half of the curtain panel. The sheer color in addition adds a tasteful and airy touch.

www.onlinefabricstore.net

These custom appearances don’t have to be a ton of work! Shortcuts such as Stich Witchery can really save time. I’ve experienced an unending love affair with Stitch Witchery for years. It is like cheating — great for nonsewers. Use it once and you will never grow tired of it.

Perhaps you have customized off-the-shelf curtains? We’d really like to find out everything you did.

See related