Fast and Easy Sew Custom Window Treatments on a Budget

Love the rich luxurious look of custom window treatments, but can't afford the rich price?  
Here's a few tips on getting that custom look at an off the shelf budget.  All you need to do is
be able to sew a straight seam and write down measurements!

IDEA #1 - TURN ON THE TRIMMINGS

chenille or something luxurious.  Believe it or not you can find some beautiful fabric
  1. have the snob appeal of designer ff the shelf panels made from a texturally interesting
    fabric, such Look for fabrics, but some are just as beautiful, and often more durable as well.
  2. For a quick makeover, simply measure the length of your panels, and purchase an
    attractive fringe to match the panel.  Add 1" to the total length.   (i.e., 4 84" panels would
    be 4 x 85", or 340".)  Divide your total inches by 36 to get the yardage needed.  (In this
    case, approximately 9 1/2 yards).   Shop around for the best deal in trimmings.  You
    can find some nice ones in the fabric section of your local discount or fabric store, or
    search online for an even better deal.   A few good ones are Fabric.com,  
    Wholesaletrims.com or, my favorite, TrimsPlus.com
  3. Sew the fringe on the inside edge of each panel, tucking under 1/2" at each end for a
    finished look.  If you're using a tasseled trim, line the tassels up with the top edge of
    the panel.
  4. Whenever possible, use a decorative rod with rings and drapery hooks instead of
    shirring the panel directly onto the rod.  It's a much richer look.
  5. Now, sit back and admire the results!  

IDEA #2 - VALANCE FOR BALANCE

  1. Again, find simple panels in a fabric you love!  Purchase 1 additional panel for every 4
    panels you'll be hanging.  This will give you the needed fabric in the exact width you
    need to make your attached valance.   Be sure to pick up some fringe for the bottom of
    the valance.  Measure the width of the panel by the number of panels, then add one
    additional inch for each panel.
  2. Cut the extra valance into 24" lengths.  This will give you an approximately 20" valance.  
    Play around with the length of your valance.   It should be in proportion to the window
    height and length of your panels.  I tend to like mine to be approximately 1/4 to 1/3  the
    length of the panel.  If you want your windows to look larger, hang from ceiling height
    and measure the valance to just cover the window frame.
  3. Finish the top and bottom of the pane with a 1" hem.   Attach the fringe to the bottom
    hem of the Valance.
  4. Attach the top end of the valance to the top of the panel.  If shirring the treatment onto
    the rod, sew a straight line at 1" from the top and another at 31/2" from the top.  (Adjust
    the bottom measurement according to the size of your drapery pole or rod.
  5. For a tidy look, attach the sides of the valance to the sides of the panel.  Just follow
    right along the seam line where the sides are turned over on the panel.
  6. Voila!  High end custom look for the price of one additional panel and some fringe!  
    And it won't be a lie to tell admirers that the treatments are custom.
ARL Interiors
Certified Interior Decorators in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland
Decorator Tips