Hello there friends. I hope you have a great week last week. I missed sharing with you on the blog but taking the week off gave me time to baby the cold that I have, cross a few things off the to-to and refocus on my blogging goals for the new year. I’m glad to be back and look forward to sharing lots of informative and inspiring post with you throughout the year. If there is specific area related to design, entertaining, gifting or fashion that you want me to address, just leave me a comment. Thanks for your continued support of ConfettiStyle!
Today I want to talk DIY and inspire you to create your own custom window treatments!
As a designer, many of the window treatments I work on are custom. I spend lots of time looking for the perfect fabric and trim and then send everything off to my workroom to have the drapes professionally sewn. While professional custom window treatments are one way create unique window treatments for your home, you can also get the look for less by putting your DIY skills to work.
Ribbon and woven trims are the easiest and most cost-effective way to dress up plain curtain panels. And, with so many styles and color options to choose from you can create a look that works perfectly with your decor.
Adding satin or grosgrain ribbon in vertical and horizontal lines will give solid colored drapes a sophisticated and classic feel. And the vertical and horizontal lines will play up the height and width of your windows.
Ribbon applied in a more artistic way can create a pattern and add visual impact.
I love the box design that was created on this top of this curtain panel. The velvet ribbon adds a lush feel and the design placed at the top of the panel draws the eye up.
Using different widths of ribbon to create a striped border will give your drapes a preppy feel.
A contrasting color ribbon added to patterned drapes can enhance the color palette in a room or add a pop of color.
Ribbon can also be added to roman shades. If you are doing this, think about the width of the ribbon you are using so that it feels balance against the width of the fabric folds on the shade.
Group multiple colors of ribbon together for frame a shade and add a playful touch to your decor.
If you want a more stylized trim on your drapes, use a woven trim in place of ribbon. Many of the big box fabric and craft stores sell really beautiful trims at affordable prices.
If you want a vintage inspired look, I recommend you check out the vast selection of Woven Trims on Etsy. Many of the trims can be had for under $10 a yard and many of the designs are not something you’ll find in your local fabric store. Here are four trims that stood out to me when I was doing a quick search on Etsy.
Vintage Ribbons / LilyAnnsAttic / ArtsyCraftsyShoppe / SuperbSupplies
When it comes to UpStyling plain curtain panels or shades, there are two ways you can easily add trim to your window treatments. Fabri-Tac is my preferred method. Fabri-Tac is a permanent fabric adhesive that can be used on most fabrics and trims. The application is quick and easy and in less than an hour you can have custom curtains made for your home.
The other method involves a bit more work but will achieve the same results. Stitch Witchery is an iron-on adhesive that you place between the trim and curtain panel. Stitch Witchery is easy to use and can be machine washable. The only down side I’ve found is that after excessive washings, the bond can loosen in spots and will require a new application.
One of the things I love about design today is that so many designer looks can be created for less, including custom window treatments.
It’s so good to have you back, Shelly! You were missed. I love all these ideas. I’m saving this page because at some point this year all of this is going to help me create the rooms I want. Years ago, when I couldn’t find fabric I liked, I bought white cotton material and stenciled and stamped the images I wanted on them, in the colors I wanted. I like things much simpler now and every single one of these ideas are perfect.
Glad you’re back. Wow! Great tips on creating custom looking drapes for less.