~"Custom" draperies~

People seem to ask more about window coverings then just about any other design question, in my experience. So for that reason, I decided to do a posting on how simple it can be to add drapery panels that don't cost as much as it would to purchase custom ones. Window coverings are like placing the perfect piece of jewelry with an outfit. They're the final touch. They can also make a really bad statement as well. Here's what I mean. If you walk into a home and feel like you just walked into your Grandmother's house 20 years ago, I'll bet that the window coverings might have something to do with it. Here are some examples of draperies-gone-bad!

Ok, maybe this isn't fair! The window coverings aren't the only change this room needs.

How about when you see panels that are too short? I like for the draperies to just sweep the floor.

Ok, just one more! You may like these but I personally think they look a bit dated. Maybe it's just that they're very elegant and that's not my personal, preferred style.

It can cost a lot of money to get custom draperies. If you go to a supplier of custom window coverings, there's no doubt that you'll speak to someone who can help you create a fantastic and current look. The problem is that you'll be spending hundreds of dollars. Personally, I'd rather spend less on the "jewelry" of the room and focus more on the furnishings and accessories.
When we moved into this home, I decided to use a lot of black and cream in the Great Room. By using classic colors like this, I knew that I could change the accent colors anytime I wanted or even change them with the seasons.
I went to Lowes and purchased 5, 84" length panels from Waverly at $29.97 a piece. I needed to cover 4 windows. Here's what I did:

I placed 1 panel on each of the windows on the front of the house. I rarely need to close these as we live on a private street and there isn't a house in front of us that can see in. If I really needed the privacy here, I would have placed 2 panels per window so that I could pull them together and they would cover the window completely. Again, I was trying to save money and just create a final touch in the room with the texture of fabric.

On the two narrower windows, I also hung 1 panel on each one and used cording and a tassel to tie it back. There is a house on this side of us so I installed bamboo blinds to pull down at night.

I wanted to create something a little more custom on these windows so I took some black fabric that I had (from another curtain panel) and made valances to cover the top of the drape.

I used a separate rod to hang it.
With the 5th panel that I bought, I cut some strips of material to create the valance treatment.

I used more of the material to make pillows for the sofas to tie it together.
For $150, I was able to cover all of these windows and have some decorative pillows as well. I'll be able to take them to the next house we live in, and have options on how to use them together.
I hope that this post helped to inspire you and to prove that it doesn't need to be a difficult task to create window treatments. I don't DO difficult! Sewing also isn't one of my gifts.
I'd love to have you share with me any interesting and inexpensive window treatments that you've done. I love getting new ideas!