Ok ok so I have seen it done numerous times, read about how to do it on a bunch of blogs and researched the heck out of the internet, and nothing could stop me from giving this idea a whirl! And can I tell you...it is sooooooo sooooooo E A S Y and C H E A P!
I chose a 6 X 9 canvas drop-cloth I purchased at Lowes for about $10.
The first thing I did was to wash these suckers to soften them up because they are pretty dang stiff coming out of the packaging. I read that if you really want them to soften a lot, run them through the washer 2 or 3 times and use lots of fabric softener. I washed mine once with softener and then ironed them so they have a little bit of a wrinkled texture but I really don't mind.
The drop-cloth was a little tall for my room so in order to make them fit, and not having to take the scissors to them, I simply folded them at the top and created the look of a valance. Using curtain rings I purchased at Walmart, I eyeballed where to clip them on.
They were still a wee bit long for my window, so using what I already had around the house I hemmed them with some double stick tape. Next time I am at Walmart I will have to remember to purchase hemming tape.
I put up my rod and hung my drape. It couldn't be easier! Now I have also read that it is suggested to hang these drop-cloths high and wide. As you can see they are hung higher than the window, but I couldn't go wide because of the closet wall on the right. I probably could have gone almost to the ceiling but I am secretly hoping that my hunky hubby, Mr. Rosemary Lane, will some day put crown molding in this room too!
The canvas material is a nice weight so they seem much more substantial that some of the flimsy curtains you could buy for a few dollars more. I also love the neutral color and the texture of the canvas.
My favorite part of this whole project was the reaction I got from the salesclerk at Lowes. He asked me if I was going to cover something with them and I politely replied "No they are my new bedroom drapes." Then he gave me a puzzled look like he didn't hear me correctly and so I reworded my reply. He smiled and nodded and then walked away scratching his head.
Pretty funny!!!
Anyhow, this weekend is going to be a busy one with communions and Mother's Day so there won't be much time to forge ahead with the guest bedroom makeover. I still have to paint the inside of the closet and MR. RL needs to purchase and hang new closet doors.
And so life goes on.
Wishing all you moms out there a wonderful Mother's day and a very happy weekend to everyone!
XO
They look great, Barbara. from the photo you cannot tell they are drop cloths. xo
ReplyDeleteThese look fab! I've never seen this before, but I love it!
ReplyDeleteJean Tovern
They look fabulous and they really are so easy. I bleached a pair and they came out a really nice oatmeal color, just what I was looking for.
ReplyDeleteI love them! They look great!! you did a wonderful job
ReplyDeleteI've had friend that washed the drop cloth and had her chairs re-done with them instead of material and they look great. Your drapes are lovely and the cost so minimal
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Mothers Day.
Mary.
Barbara these turned out great and the fold really looks like a valance!!!
ReplyDeleteThe look wonderful I'm going to send this to my friend she's looking for bedroom curtains, she paid $200.00 for curtains and is sending them back because she did n't care for them. Maybe she will try this. Yours looks great and really nice job!
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty design i really love it its amazing good.
ReplyDeleteVector Format