June 7, 2009

Design On A Dime Drapes!

I'm joining Susan for her Met Monday party....please be sure to see all the other creative posts on Susan's blog!

Since my re-do of my dining room I’ve been in a delimma about what to do about window treatments. I got some great suggestions from blogland and all of them were helpful. Of course, as always, budget was a factor but I didn’t want to “make do” or “settle” and be unhappy. I even bought a pair of gorgeous triple-width, lined and weighted silk drapes, hubby hung them, but they didn’t feel right. So down they came and back to the store they went.

After seeing how others have used the drop cloths as drapes, I thought, why not? I’d only be out of about $20 for a pair of them and I can customize them for my decor. So off to Lowe’s I went for my 6x9 drop cloths at about $9.00 a piece. I also replaced the “fat” curtain rod originally used at that window with a nice skinny black one. There was nothing to hanging them once the rod was installed, just used about 10 clip rings per panel and clipped the panels to those rings. While they looked good “plain” I wanted them to have a little more style so I bought a full size flat black sheet to use as a border. In the end, I cut about 30” off the drop cloths, made a 20” border for the bottom, and sewed them together. I didn’t even sew a hem but used good old stitchy witchy for the bottom and sides of the border. Since my sisal rug has a black border, I wanted to use black as the accent on the drapes. When hubby got home, he was real impressed, not to mention the total cost for this pair of window treatments ran me about $28.

Tell me what you think of my customized drop cloth drapes….

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The dog likes to chew on the window sill. We’ve had it scraped and painted several times but she still chews on it!

The texture on these panels is very much like linen….another plus!

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Here you can see a corner of the sisal rug with the black border

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Hubby found the architectural piece over the window on the street and brought it home…..he says he’s “too good to me!”

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I went ahead and set the table using a coastal theme for the summer.

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The aqua star fish plates came from T.J. Maxx. The crystal are pieces we’ve picked up at auctions on the cheap!

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I love the mix of creams, whites, and that yummy robins egg blue

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The silverware came from Big Lots, on sale of course!

I also have used this same window treatment in our bedroom and plan on customizing them with some kind of border as well. You know you’ll be seeing those down the road!

Happy Monday!

Judy

79 comments:

Nancy Hood said...

beautiful!!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Judy...you are genius! They look like expensive drapes because they are so nice and heavy looking! Amazing idea...so glad you posted this!

duchess said...

Love, love, love it!
I gotta get me some of those drop cloths before they're all gone.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh, I really love them. They look fabulous in your room, and especially since the rug has a black border. I think they are perfect. I really like the woven wood roman shades underneath. They look fabulous. Your tablescape is just so beautiful. What a great idea to use the soup tureen as the centerpiece filled with shells and starfish. So perfect. Hugs, Marty

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

How wonderful!!! I love the curtains!!! They are so sharp and look lovely in the room!!!

The shell arrangement is gorgeous...I love it!!!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!!
XOXO
Cathy

abeachcottage said...

goodness this is a great job, I've seen a lot of those drop cloth drapes, but these are the bet I've come across, love the idea of the black to the bottom makes them look expensive and not like drop cloths!

also, have to say love your coastal theme and how you've pulled it all together, harder than it looks...those chair covers are gorgeous, I am after some of those here in Australia but not come across them, I'm wondering where you got them

happy met monday

Sarah

Melissa Marie said...

I think they look perfect!! They tie together the room beautifully... and what an amazing price!! :)

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

They drapes look wonderful! Your whole dining room is beautiful.

Stacey said...

Very pretty! You really have transformed that room in the last month or two. Just totally makes me want to get rid of my red walls!

I love that you showed us the doggy chew marks. Don't we all have something like that? That's what makes it a home.

Gypsy aka Tam said...

Judy,
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your window treatments. Adding the border looks awesome. I'm keeping this one in my inspirational file. I also love your beachy tablescape - very pretty.
Have a wonderful Monday,
Tam

abeachcottage said...

too funny with you staking lol!

thanks for getting back to me I have been to that site in the past but not for a while, off to look there now

cheers

Sarah

Barb @ The Everyday Home said...

Judy - just lovely! Both the drapes and the tablescape. I love the large black border at the bottom, and I was thinking that for non-sewers - they could just tape off the area and spray paint it. I just might have to try this out in my guest room. Love the budget friendly approach.
Your beachy table is lovely, and I heart those starfish plates. yummy!

Thanks for sharing, Barb

Anonymous said...

Judy! What a fantastic one you are! These drapes look gorgeous! Who would ever think you could use dropcloths to make these gorgeous curtains! I love how you added the black trim at the bottoms! The piece your dear hubby so thoughtfully brought home to you looks amazing up there on the wall.
Now what a gorgeous table you've set! I love all those shells in the tureen. I may just have to copy this! LOL
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Martha said...

I am very impressed! They look really expensive!

Suzann said...

I'm convinced!! I was just saying to hubby the other day (while I was laying on the drop cloths) that they are the not new decorating tool and they look really cool as window treatments. He was shocked. But, as I laid there and felt them, I completely understand why people are using them. They are awesome. I LOVE how you added the black to them. You've inspired me.
Love your tablescape too by the way.

Bama Belle said...

Gorgeous! What a fantastic project. Enjoyed my visit as always!

Martha said...

You're amazing!!! They look GREAT!

Anonymous said...

Just beautiful! I love how you added the black to the bottom of the drop cloth drapes, it looks wonderful!

And your table is gorgeous!

Sherrie said...

I love it all! Please..please..tell. Where did you get the crystal piece hanging from your dining room chandy? ~Sherrie

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Your window treatments look absolutely fabulous! I love that you added black to the bottom. Perfect touch! And the tablescape is gorgeous. I love the ocean theme. But now I am wishing I was on vacation.
Blessings to ya!
Traci

Beach House Dreamer said...

A 100% love them. And you have some neat beachy things too!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

These are absolutely gorgeous! What a fabulous idea!

Mrs. Petrie said...

Uh...WOW!! Those drapes are show stoppers. :)

trish said...

Good Morning,
Your combination of your drapes and room is perfect! Great job!
Sincerely ~ Tricia Anne

Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

Those drapes look great, I actually just did this too, only I didn't really customize with any trim or contrast color. And wow, that tablescape is soooo cute. Love the beachy look!

Sue said...

Nice tie-in using a black fabric on the bottom of your panels to complement the sisal rug w/the black border. The room looks very fresh! :-) Sue

Pat@Back Porch Musings said...

Judy this is fabulous!!!! I am going to try those drop cloths. Your dining room is gorgeous! I love your table scaping, too!

Wonderful post.

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

This is fabulous...it all ties in so well. Love the centerpiece...how fun for summer. ;)

Roeshel said...

Wow! Gorgeous drapes...I can't believe they're drop cloth material! Your entire dining room is stunning! I love every detail!

Teresa said...

Judy- Thanks for sharing what you did- I've got my stack of drop clothes that are just waiting for me to tackle them- I also plan on using them in the bathroom as a shower curtain.

Southern Lady said...

I never would have known your drapes were made from drop cloths, Judy ... and I love the black border. They're perfect for your dining room.

I love your tablescape, too. Everything came together beautifully. You're so smart!

Cheri said...

One word "FABULOUS!"

Cheri

Decor To Adore said...

What a lovely transformation! Well done~!

Deb said...

All I can say is WOW!! Completely amazing looking room. Good job!

Cathy Miller said...

Very nice!! I am going to use drop cloths for outdoor rugs on my screened in back porch. DH, who is a pro painter, thinks I'm nuts. (Because of the rug thing, not anything else I may have done or said recently...)I'll show him!! Thanks for the inspiration!

Just a little something from Judy said...

I think you are one very talented lady!! Can you come and help me with my drapes?? Seriously, I think they look perfect, especially with the sisal rug and the black border. Thanks for this great idea!!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Your drapes look great!! I love the contrast. Your table centerpiece looks terrific!
Michelle

Scribbler said...

Your curtains look great, and drop cloths also make great slipcovers and tablecloths!

Scribbler

Crystal said...

What a great idea! I need something to lighten up my living room for summer, without a huge expense.
I like the different color idea at the bottom. They look like they would match any kind of decor in a room, dressing it up or casual.
Also, love your tablescape.

Now, I better rush out and get some drop clothes before they are sold out :)

Thanks for sharing!
Crystal

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

How can drop cloths look so classy?! Gr-eat idea! Linda

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

By the way, how is the sisal rug holding up? We are thinking of using seagrass in our living room. Are you happy with the textured rug? Linda

Lori E said...

The "linen" look of the drop cloths is perfect with the sisal rug and the border. Good choice.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I love the drapes. And I love that you added a black border. Too many good ideas out there in blogland. I may must have to jump on this bandwagon myself. Love the coastal tablescape as well.

Crystal said...

I love your dining room! Love the colors! Great transformation!

Ren said...

LOVE the drapes, Judy! The black border was the perfect touch. Thanks for sharing. :)

Sami said...

I love natural canvas drop cloths and just recently used one to copy a drop cloth slipcover I saw in pottery barn. I had thought about using them as drapes but wasn't sure how they would look - thank you for answering my question. :)

Samantha

Lauren said...

gorgeous!!! I can't believe they're dropcloths & I might be ready to try them!! ! (on a supertight budget for our bedroom!!)

the rest of the room is beautiful too!!

Pam said...

Love them!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea and no I would never have guessed they were 'drop cloths'.

One thing that pops out to me though is I think you need a bit more colour, they are too close to your wall colour.

Nice blog I will be back.

janet said...

oh judy, your drop cloth curtains are so beautiful, love the band and the new rod. Do you wash the drop cloths before making the curtains? i would love to attempt this. Your blog is beautiful
hugs
janet

Rhonda said...

Hi Judy,
I LOVE the draperies; they look fantastic. I'd love to see a view of the entire room. The table is fantastic as well - love the idea of the shells...hope you don't mind if I copy!

Fondly,Rhonda CA

Justabeachkat said...

Great job Judy! They really turned out cute and I love your table setting too.

Hugs!
Kat

Mrs. R said...

WOW!! Very nice! Fabulous!

The Stylish House said...

Judy,
I am impressed these turned out great! Cathy

Melissa Lester said...

Your dining room looks absolutely gorgeous, Judy! It has such a tranquil, elegant feeling. Beach chic -- I love it!

Carol said...

They look sooo good! I'm so doing that in my living room! Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Judy, I almost missed this!! Love the drop cloth drapes & the border you added is genius. Really makes them look great. I think others will be copying you now.

Gwen said...

Love the drapes but what touched my heart was your windowsill. My dog chews ours too!

Marie said...

Hello Judy - I'm new to your blog - it's fabulous! Love your table theme! Beautiful inspiration.

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Sandra said...

This is a great idea. I wonder if those drop cloth can be dyed?

Unknown said...

Everything turned out so gorgeous! I especially adore the bowl of seashells! -e

Lynda @ SportsMadGirl said...

The drapes look awesome. I really like the black band at the bottom. Who knew that drop cloth drapes could look like linen. I think it may be time make myself a set of those. (I need new drapes in the dining room)

Miss Janice said...

These look great and I just love your dining room look...the tablescape is just perfect for the season. I had to laugh about your windowsill...our dog did the same thing at our house in Mississippi. We sanded, repainted, sanded, repainted, then finally gave up!

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

Love, Love , Love the curtains! Wanted to welcome you to room service and I look forward to getting to know you.

mrsben said...

I saw you over at Vicky's and thought I'd pop in to check out your drapes. Ahhhhh, beautiful job! One definitely cannot dispute the price and to think you actually get the look of Linen. (I had left a comment on Joni's Blog (Cote de Texas) a few weeks ago suggesting the use of Painter Cloths for various projects.)

Your tablescape is lovely! What time is lunch? -Brenda-

Melissa Miller said...

~WOWEE! ~Gorgeous drapes!
This is why I just adore your amazing blog. :)

Deb said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your drapes. Who would have thought that drop cloths and velvet could look so elegant. I've been looking at fabric for my window treatments for a while now, but I have lots of windows so it won't be cheap. I have to find a way to use these. Thanks for the ideas.

Jennifer said...

the curtains look GREAT. I've been toying with doing something like this myself, and the black would be wonderful since I'm constantly battling the black hair my pooch leaves along the bottom my pale green curtains ... and she chews on the sills, too! well, she did, I think she's over it, but they haven't been fixed yet so who knows for sure?

BlueCastle said...

Your curtains are fantastic! I love the texture of the drop cloths, and your color combinations. So beatiful. :)

Its So Very Cheri said...

This is my first time to your blog. I will sign up as a follower and add you to my blog roll and I hope you will come for a visit and do the same.
Cheri
Its So Very Cheri

Jeanie said...

Your drapes look terrific. Your table looks great too. I love your centerpiece, it makes me think of warmer days!

The Pear's Nest said...

Great work! Beautiful dining room! TFS.

Anonymous said...

Loved your drapes and your chair covers as well! I linked it to my "drop cloth drapes" project post too at my blog!!!

Carrie @ Dittle Dattle said...

These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing =D

angela | the painted house said...

Thank you, Judy, for the link--these look great! I think these are such a smart idea. :)

jaimelynn said...

These are A-MAZ-ING!! Great job!!.. Could you please tell me where you got the rug under your table? Was it Ikea by chance?...Thanks!

MyCrE8TiVeInSpIr8tIoN@aol.co said...

Spray your window sil with a bitter spray. I bought mine at pets mart. My baby was chewing on a truck that I have as a coffee table. One bite of that and a lot of drinking water later, she doesnt chew on it anymore!

Denisenuzr said...

I think you are one very talented lady!! Can you come and help me with my drapes?? Seriously, I think they look perfect, especially with the sisal rug and the black border. Thanks for this great idea!!

Susan said...

Just found this while.search
Ing for velvet border on drop cloth drapes. Thanks for the tip to use velour. I love what you've done! Love it all--especially the coastal theme!

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