Window treatments add tons of character, colour and texture to a room. They complete your decor and make your home feel dressed. They can be costly, particularly if you have several windows in the room you're decorating, but with a little creative decorating, you can cover your windows with unique, affordable treatments.
The best way to save money is to think of ways to get large pieces of fabric inexpensively. Flat bedsheets come to mind as one solution. Watch for open-stock linen sales where mismatched bedding is discounted and look for colours and patterns that will work in your space. Mix solids with patterns to create a two-toned window treatment -- for example, two solid-coloured sheets flanked on each side by a co-ordinated patterned sheet. Use drapery hardware clips with a ring on the end on which to hang the sheets. Mount a standard rod, space the clips evenly across the sheet's top and you have a custom window covering. Drapery clips can be pricey, so an even cheaper and easier option is to slip the curtain rod through the end hem and hang as a simple rod-pocket panel. If they are a little long, let them puddle on the floor. Embellish them with decorative trim, fringe or decorative tie-backs.
The trick to making it work is to use enough fabric width. As with any curtains, the ratio should be two to three times the width of the window. When you're using sheets that don't have backing as drapes do, more is better. Weigh the bottom of the panels down by inserting small weights in the bottom hem. (I use simple metal washers.) This trick will make the curtains hang straight and look more polished. For shorter windows, you can hem the sheet to fit your needs using no-sew hemming tape.
Bedsheets come in such a variety of patterns, colour and fabric that you can have a lot of fun with them. Use cheerful stripes for a child's room or nursery. In the boudoir, experiment with silk or satin sheets, which can also be used to create a romantic, co-ordinating bed canopy.
Other linens
Tablecloths and tea towels can make interesting curtains. I've used tea towels as café curtains using a simple straight rod and small curtain rings. These are a cute solution for a kitchen and can be easily switched out when needed. Tablecloths, like bedsheets, can be found in tons of luxurious solid colours for a more sophisticated look, or in fun patterns like checks and stripes for a casual space. Rectangular tablecloths work best, but you can use small, circular ones as a valance topper. Lace tablecloths add vintage charm to your windows, particularly in older homes. Look for them at second-hand stores, antique stores or flea markets.
Have some fun
The fishing-rod curtain pictured here was a little something I whipped up for our cottage. I had seen this idea in a book and kept my eye out for just the right fabric. I needed something natty and tattered-looking and found a few yards of this muslin-type fabric on sale at a fabric shop. Using one of my old fishing rods and some tackle, I created a unique curtain topper that I really enjoy. I bought the vintage fishing rod at a thrift store for a few dollars and used some old tackle that I had lying around. For added appeal, I hung a glass hummingbird feeder, added a piece of driftwood and even an eagle feather I found in our yard. Tip: If you use tackle, curl the sharp ends of the hooks inward using pliers so they not liable to cause injury.
Hockey fans can have fun using hockey sticks as rods and jerseys as curtains and so on. Gardeners can use vintage garden spades, shovels or hoes in the same fashion. Golf enthusiasts can use old golf clubs as curtain rods. Other items that can help create a theme window treatment are pool cues, driftwood and boat oars.
Create unique rod finials using items like small bird houses, small toys, garden hand tools or seashells with your respective theme window. There are tons of fun, inexpensive ways to give your windows a lift. Get creative with your budget and your ideas and the sky is the limit.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
