DIY Decorating

ember15 · **DIY Decorating**

So we are planning to move to a new larger house. I have a lot of shopping I ahead of us and am trying to define a budget that gets us everything on our shopping list. We will do our own Painting, scout out craigs list and discount stores.
My DH plans to build some of the more basic furniture pieces (Book shelves, storage, bed frames) and I plan to do the window coverings.
So I am trying to figure out If is should shop for fabric or Curtians. In shopping for curtians I hit the snag that the tops of the windows are 90 inches from the floor. So now I would have to pay extra for extra long drapes.
I have never made my own drapes (pretty sure I can) Are there any tips as far as determining how to save the most in putting window coverings on a whole house. Currently I am estimating the cost at around $650. Would like to spend as little as possible and still get the look I am going towards.

Ellie Mae · 07-01-2009, 03:13 PM

I have taken sheets and made curtains out of them. The material from the sheets (got my at dollar store) is cheaper than buying material from a fabric store. I took red sheets and made long panels for my ds windows, you may have to double the sheet if to much light comes in and then I got a small amount of printed material that matched and made a valance to give it a nice finished look. I basically just cut to size and made a hem at the top and the bottom. Very easy!
Also check out the local thrift shops. I found 4 matching heavy panels to put at the edges of my dollar general $5 sheers for $2 a piece. I have them hanging in my livingroom they keep the heat down in the livingroom which keeps the a/c from running as much.

mkw70 · 07-02-2009, 11:38 AM

Check out The Nesting Place or aka The Nester (google it, it's a blog)
She does what she calls mistreatments & you just can't believe that look of them.
And they are CHEAP!

Karen1985 · 07-02-2009, 12:47 PM

I made all the curtain in our house. The bulk are just very simple panels. Buy fabric approx 6" longer than the height of your treatment, stitch in both sides to give a clean edge, hem the bottom, and do a deep hem so that you can fit a curtain rod through. With joann fabrics offering 40% off coupons all the time you can score amazing deals. You can also punch in grommets and use shower rings to go over a curtain rod rather than the standard pocket. Structured valances are also easy, as is sewing a panel with 2 strips of ribbon each at the ends and front and back to tie up shorter windows (above the kitchen sink for example). Windows in bathrooms you can use clearance shower curtains cut down to size. Measuring tape and being able to sew a semi straight line and you're all set, so they go amazingly quick and you'll have a much wider range of colors and patterns to choose from.

I did a large picture window, 13 double hung windows, a small window above the kitchen sink, and a window in the bathroom for under $60 in fabric, grommets, thread, rings, tiebacks, etc. With nice rods (I hate the really chincy thin metal ones) and the tie back holders about $200.

ember15 · 07-02-2009, 07:23 PM

Thanks I never thought of the dollar store or looking for clearanced bedding. I have a good supply of fabric that might work too. I will have to check out that blog too.

MissLucie · 07-02-2009, 07:32 PM

I don't use curtains. We have shutters, so I decorated my windows w/ sheer window scarves and decorative sconces. Just offering another option in case you weren't considering it

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