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Curtains & Drapes: March 2008

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Use Country Style Curtains in 2008




Use Country Style Curtains in 2008

I love all things old-fashioned, so I was browsing the Web the other day, and saw some lovely country style curtains. That got me to thinking: When is it appropriate to use country curtains (as opposed to some other style) in decorating?

Here's what I've come up with.

First, take a look at the outside of your house. Some houses are designed with an old-fashioned look on the outside. For instance, if you lived in a log cabin or if you live in small cottage, then you can build on the small and homey theme by using country style curtains all throughout the home.

Similarly, where your house is located might be a clue to use country curtains. if you have a home overlooking a lake or surrounded by trees, this also might be the hint to go with a country theme throughout the house. This would include the curtains.

So what does it mean to use a country style with your curtains? You could add a country accent just with a country style valance or window topping. It's not how much curtain there is...but the element of the soft fabric that gives it the country look. And of course, you'll want to compliment the look with the right rods. For a country theme, purchase wrought iron rods. They look sensational with just about any style of country decor that you might use.

If you're like me--a person with a love for homespun, old-fashioned, Mom-and-apple-pie type of things, then think about giving your home a country touch by including some country style curtains. There's no better way to show some down-home hospitality for all of your visitors.

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The Diversity in Beaded Curtains 2008

The Diversity in Beaded Curtains 2008

I had a dream the other night of beaded curtains. That's right. In the dream, I was living in this large house where I used to live. But in place of all of the doors and curtains that were once in the house, there were now a vast array of different styles of beaded curtains. In fact, there were styles and looks that I've never even imagined were available.

For instance, in this dream, there were curtains made of "diamond" beads that looked like genuine diamonds. Others had the look of miniature crystal chandeliers. Covering my bedroom windows were beads shaped like tear drops.

The colors I saw dazzled my eyes! I saw silver, black, transparent, charcoal, pink, blue, and red. I even saw some beads that were a swirled-together color of pink-and-purple and blue-and-green.

And the assortment of styles in the beads were equally varies. In my dream, there were "gunmetal beads" that resembled b.b.'s for a boy's or man's room. There were ball-chain beads, crystal ball beads, stars-and-moons, disco balls, and yes, even dolphins. The house was filled with a multitude of bead curtains in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles.

But you know what? It wasn't really a dream. The truth is, today, beaded curtains really do offer that many choices. True, there was a day when they came in only a handful of styles and looks. That day is far gone. If you have a certain look that you want for your house, then you can bet there will be a beaded curtain or curtains that will help you achieve that look. Whether you want classy and subtle or something bold and outrageous, beads will help you with getting the look you want. So as you think about your decorating plans, give some thought to beaded curtains.

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Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Search for the Right Curtain Pattern 2008

The Search for the Right Curtain Pattern 2008

Some people in need of curtains prefer not to find them at the local department store. Instead, they prefer the challenge of making their own curtains. For these people, the process starts with finding the perfect pattern. And there's good news: Today, there are scores of patterns available for you to use, on everything from valances to panels.

The first place to look for the perfect pattern might be your local fabric store. Nearly all of them carry curtain patterns. Spend an hour or so visiting them and browsing through their pattern books. Usually, once you find a few patterns you like, you'll be led to a filing cabinet, where you'll look for the number or numbers that you selected. This tells you and the store clerk if your preferred patterns are in stock or not.

Of course, in the Internet Age, another source for curtain patterns is the Worldwide Web. It takes just minutes to visit Google or Yahoo and do a search for "curtain patterns." The search will produce dozens of places that sell patterns online. The best sites will show good quality pictures of the patterns that you can examine before buying.

One final option is to create your own pattern. In most cases, you can do your own from muslin material for mere pocket change. Again, advice for how to do this can usually be found on the Internet by doing a Google or Yahoo search for the keywords, "curtain pattern muslin."

If you're not the creative sort or just don't have the patience for do-it-yourself projects, buying ready-made curtains is always a possibility. But if you have time, patience, and a little creativity, making your own curtain pattern will be an experience you'll appreciate, and you'll appreciate the curtains a bit more, too.

The Search for the Right Curtain Pattern 2008

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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Cheap Curtains that Don't Look Cheap

Cheap Curtains that Don't Look Cheap


Have you ever visited someone who lives in a truly luxurious home and noticed how gorgeous even the curtains look? It can leave those of us on a limited budget feeling inferior about our own window coverings. However, the good news is that there are ways to provide nice looking curtains for your windows without spending a fortune. Thanks to the Internet, a lot of these options can be found online.

For instance, if you visit www.amazon.com, you'll find it's a good source for finding quality curtains on a budget. Generally their curtains run between $15 to $60, and come in variou sizes, from 84 to 96 inches. And even though the prices are reasonable, the material comes in cotton, heavy denim, metro faux leather, and even silk. There are many other materials too. And the cutains are quite attractive.

WalMart also has a good selection of attractive yet affordable curtains at their online store. In fact, on many of these, they offer discounts available only online. The curtains come in everything from silk and cotton to chenille and velvet. Prices start as low as $9.

One other option for affordable curtains is Swags Galore. They advertise "deep discount prices," and they deliver on the promise. Their selection is wide indeed, featuring rod pocket panels, valances, tab tops, scarf panels, ascots, fabric shades, and a lot more. Styles come in sheer and semi-sheer, and the materials offered are lace, satin, velvet, silk, and again, a whole lot more. The price range starts at a very affordable $4.99 and up.

These are just a few places to get you stated. Feel free to continue from there by doing a Google search on "affordable curtains." You'll find dozens of options available. Just because your budget is limited doesn't mean your options for an attractive house have to be.

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Sewing Your Own Curtains

Sewing Your Own Curtains

If you need new curtains for a room in your house, buying them at Wal-Mart or Target is not the only option. If you're ambitious and creative, you can make your own! Here's how.

To do this, you'll need a writing pad, pencil, measuring tape, sewing maching, two packs of double-fold bias tape, dental floss and safety pins, and an ironing board and iron. First, measure your window's height, rounding to the nearest half-inch. You will need fabric to be twice the size of the window's width plus an extra five-eighths inch on each side of the window (the extra is for the hem). The height of the curtains will be the same as the window's height, plus five-eighths inch for the top and bottom seams and another two and a half inches for a folded casing.

Now buy the fabric for the curtains. If your window is more than 45 inches high, then buy 60-inch wide fabric. If it's shorter than 45 inches, then get a 45 inch size.

Now cut the fabric's length in half so that you have two panels. Next you'll make the bottom hem. Using the iron, turn up a quarter-inch narrow, double hem, pinning it in place. Now machine stitch it near the edge; backstitch the beginning & end of the seam. Now do the same for the panel's sides.

To make a casing at the top of each panel, turn up a quarter-inch hem with your steam iron. Now fold and iron two more inches. Pin this in place, stitching it near the pressed edge.

You can also add ruffles to the curtains. Using each individual panel's width, multiple this by six. You'll need a strip of fabric this long to make the ruffles look right. Now make a narrow double hem on the fabric sides and along the bottom of the ruffle strip. Stitch the top edge in a zig-zag pattern, keeping a quarter0inch from the edge. Take a safety pin and run a length of your dental floss through the zig-zag. Pin the end of it to the strip's end. Finally, gather your ruffle by tugging the floss from the other end, evening it out as you go.

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Living room curtains

Living room curtains

Here is a simple gallery of some nice living room curtains...

Enjoy





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Kitchen curtains gallery

Kitchen curtains gallery

Here is a simple gallery of some nice kitchen curtains...

Enjoy





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