How to DIY Window Treatments

Making window treatments is like any other home decor or decorating project; there are steps to follow to guarantee success. The first step is to decide what kind of treatments you need or want. For most decorating decisions, my rule is “Form Follows Function.” In window Treatments, this means the treatment design must accomplish the function or purpose of having a window treatment. This will become clearer as we progress through this series.

Valances

Simple Cafe Curtains Made from Burlap Found Here

For the first post in this series, we will discuss drapes versus curtains. What really is the difference between drapes and curtains? Quite often, these terms are used for exactly the same thing, but in my world of owning a home decor workroom, they are two totally different things. For this tutorial, I will use definitions that both the reader and I easily understand. I have had a custom workroom since 1989, so lots of people have asked me that question, and here is my simple answer or [my opinion].

Curtains Defined

When I think of curtains, I think of kitchens, bathrooms, kids’ rooms, and bedrooms that are less formal, where the decorating is more casual and lighter. The curtain or window treatment may be part of a decorating theme, where the function is purely decorative. Usually, blinds or shades are installed in these windows for privacy, and the curtains can be simpler and unlined, making them less expensive.

Curtain Valances were hugely popular in the 80s and 90s as the blind industry took off, and some kind of fabric was needed to soften the look and, quite often, eliminate the echo in a room, which was created by having only hard treatments.

Fun trimmed valance over blinds found HERE

Curtains are usually made from lighter materials than drapes, so the fabric options are endless when you visit a fabric store. Cottons and cotton blends, sheers and all kinds of linen blends are readily available, and many people have been very successful using flat sheets to make curtains to match a bedroom theme. One benefit of making your own curtains is that if you preshrink the fabric before construction, your finished curtains will be washable. Drapery has had many functions throughout the years, sometimes to block light, and sometimes for heating comfort, either to block the sun or cold. In colonial days, even the beds were enclosed with drapery to seal in heat and prevent drafts.

Drapery Defined

For this series, we will define draperies as lined treatments that will cover the whole window when closed. They can be pleated or gathered, but the criterion will be that they are easily opened or “drawn” as part of their function.
Usually, these treatments [drapes] create a more formal look and are often used in living rooms, formal dining rooms, or rooms where you might entertain and have a more formal or traditional decorating theme. Many people are opting for drapery in their bedrooms, an idea I love, as this was once the most overlooked room in the house when it came to decorating. Drapes can certainly add a romantic touch to a bedroom.

Full-Length Drapes

Sheers may appear old-fashioned, but they can add a great deal to the overall design of a room.

 Pottery Barn Graceful Full-Length Curtains

Full Length Side Panels found HERE

There are rules to making drapery [please don’t cringe] that make them very functional for adding privacy, light reduction, and heat saving, as well as a beautiful look for finishing any room. Although drapes are typically more expensive than curtains, they also tend to last a very long time if made well and cared for properly. We will consider the drapes we plan to make and discuss them as full-length and pleated for the time being, as rod pockets and shirred curtains will be addressed in the curtain section.

The sky is the limit when it comes to hardware and rods for hanging your drapes, so keep this in mind when you plan your budget.

Getting Started

The first step in Making Your Own Window Treatments is to gather pictures and ideas from all sources available and make a Window Treatment Design Board for your own reference of ideas as well as sources. May I suggest a Pinterest Board like the one I have HERE

Next week I will share my window treatment Project Board which I am beginning for this series.

[Don’t worry we will discuss making your own shades and blinds in this series too.]

Part 2 Supplies and Tools for Making Your Own Window Treatment