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Nifty Thrifty:  need help with cheap curtain ideas  |
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cowgirlandboys
True Blue Farmgirl
308 Posts
Rachael
Missouri
USA
308 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 08:08:26 AM
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We are moving to a new house which has all new thermal windows(awesome thank you God!) and we need to make some curtains on the CHEAP. My decor is of a 50s retro style, if that helps. Any suggestions for something sweet and easy, simple and cheap for a variety of sizes? Thanks Thanks Thanks my favorite farmgirls!
Happy Trails!
Rachael
Farmgirl Sister #535 |
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Cherime
True Blue Farmgirl
1222 Posts
Cherime
Wasilla
Alaska
USA
1222 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 08:15:26 AM
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Second sheets worked for me after cutting out the middle that was a bit thin.
CMF |
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AuntPammy
True Blue Farmgirl
488 Posts
Pamila
williamstown
wv
USA
488 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 08:22:13 AM
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I had alot of sheers...but I wanted something more. So I took the sheers and gathered them then added about ten inches of fabric to the tops...to hang them I made fabric ties but, for the fifties retro look you could just add tabs. Sheers can be found at thrift stores for about fifty cents and the minimal material it takes to decorate them isn't much. Good luck with whatever you do!
"We were given: Two hands to hold. Two legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find."
Source Unknown |
Edited by - AuntPammy on Feb 08 2011 08:23:53 AM |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 12:42:13 PM
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I like stores like Goodwill (thrift or second hand types). Look for sheets or table cloths or even pillow cases for small windows--and they may even have curtains too. Of course always look at the clearance section of Wal-Mart, etc and think outside the box. You'll be surprised what you come up with. Good Luck!
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 12:57:18 PM
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For which rooms?
For the kitchen, you can utilize vintage linent towels with those little round hooks that clip, and a nice brass or silver tension rod
For the living room, you can turn opaque sheets into "tie tops" by getting some gross grain contrasting ribbons, or other heavier gage string and attach them to the curtain top, and tie up onto the rod
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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cowgirlandboys
True Blue Farmgirl
308 Posts
Rachael
Missouri
USA
308 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 4:21:01 PM
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Thanks everyone. Hadn't thought of the towels and the ribbon!
Happy Trails!
Rachael
Farmgirl Sister #535 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 10:32:00 AM
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for sure, peruse the Thrift shops, and keep in mind things can be re-purposed, cut & hemmed....
I have seen tons of lovely lace panals as well as nice curtains...and sometimes you might get lucky to find a sheet that woul make a great valance/swap. And at usually under $5 it beats the cost of new curtains!
There are all sorts of great fabric websites if you are looking specifically for retro fabric....
but what ever you do,,, have fun doing it! it will make the task easier!
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 10:45:57 AM
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Do you have blinds at the windows? I do have but only pull them to keep the cold out. I only have valances. It makes the windows look larger. A lot less expensive than drapes.
Belle |
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cowgirlandboys
True Blue Farmgirl
308 Posts
Rachael
Missouri
USA
308 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 12:45:32 PM
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There are no blinds, but they are new thermal windows so I am excited about that part.
Happy Trails!
Rachael
Farmgirl Sister #535 |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 1:04:54 PM
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if you have some vintage hankies or white napkins you can make cute valances from those by simply folding the hankies in half and creating a triangle point, hang over a spring rod or other curtain rod. You can also sew the hankie squares randomly to sheers for a gauzy but fun look.
also think a bit more outside the box...vintage cutter quality chenille spreads can be cut down and used as curtains. Create beautiful tiebacks using crocheted jute twine and accent with a silk rose. you can even create a cafe style curtains by putting two vintage aprons tied on to the lower part, then the hankies at the top or hang vintage doll dress at the top , or if you'd like hang vintage potholders across the top. just a few fun ideas.
~I Dream of a Better World..where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned!~
blogs:http://gardengoose.blogspot.com/
and http://thevictorygardener.blogspot.com
magazine: www.stliving.com
etsy shops: http://GardenGooseGifts.etsy.com
and http://myvictorygarden.etsy.com |
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2quilter
True Blue Farmgirl
127 Posts
Patricia
Greenwood
IN
USA
127 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 4:31:46 PM
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don't forget vintage tablecloths.....
When life hands you scraps, make quilts! |
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misspittypat
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
lila
osceola
mo
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Feb 20 2011 : 10:04:02 AM
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Hi,
at my last house I had a huge back porch utility room with windows on two sides; i used old tablecloths I cut them in half lengthwise; made a casing on the cut edge and hung them up; i used sevral i didn't care if they were differnt or were thin/holey once you get them hung no one notices; then i made a simple shelf and placed all my flowers out there just happened to face the south; i found a 1/2 roll of expensive wall paper border (i only paid fifty cents) and covered the teal green and mauve cow border some previous tenant had hung up; the floor was painted red; the walls were the old tin punch ceiling tiles; through down a handmade rug and it was an adorable room.
lila |
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DebbieSue
True Blue Farmgirl
199 Posts
Debbie
TX
USA
199 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2011 : 08:29:15 AM
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| A Friend of mine had the cutest idea...She took little baby girl dresses and hung them up on the curtain rod with clothes pins!! Made the cutest valances! |
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misspittypat
True Blue Farmgirl
102 Posts
lila
osceola
mo
USA
102 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2011 : 08:10:53 AM
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Look at Funky Junky Interiors blog -- she used wood clothes hangers and clothespins to hang muslin from. adorable.
lila |
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MaggieMB
True Blue Farmgirl
217 Posts
Mary
western
Pa
217 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2011 : 11:21:25 AM
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| Lila, I love your ideas! I have mostly sheers w/ mini blinds that usually stay up, to let in as much light as possible. The vintage tablecloth and plant shelf combo sounds beautiful! Wish I could see a picture! My laundry/ powder room has different sized windows and an open doorway to a basement door area that I like to cover. I shopped @ Gabe's, a store that sells overstocks and seconds, and found on their clearance shelf, swags, a panel, and a shower curtain. With the help of a friend who's handier w/ a sewing machine than me, I was able to get curtains on all three areas for a total of $8. I also helped another friend put vintage tea towels over a tension rod, which looks so cute! |
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The Rusty Thimble
Farmgirl in Training
10 Posts
brenda
kingston
oklahoma
USA
10 Posts |
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Nigella
True Blue Farmgirl
386 Posts
Nigella
Chimacum
WA
USA
386 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2011 : 08:29:45 AM
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I second the sheet idea! I used two flat sheets one time in our bedroom. I didn't even need to hem them for a curtain rod (they already had it!) and they hung exactly right too. Worked out perfectly.
Sister #1213
Handmade and vintage goodies
www.thecapriciouscorgi.etsy.com
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
~Thomas Edison~
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mylilybug
Farmgirl at Heart
4 Posts
Marisa
Otwell
Indiana
USA
4 Posts |
Posted - Mar 12 2011 : 9:15:36 PM
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One suggestion is to find some material that meets your budget and instead of sewing across for the curtain rod to slip in, you can use buttons to sew across, instead of using thread. I would suggest "tearing" the material across to the length you want it versus cutting it. I think it looks unique.
Another suggestion, is to use retro pillowcases with the button idea above, for your bedroom(s).
As mentioned from others, sheets can be used to create curtains. When my mother was alive, she made curtains for many people and she always bought flat sheets, and then added lace, ribbons, etc.
Hope this helps! Marisa
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. Prov. 31:13 |
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embchicken
True Blue Farmgirl
1487 Posts
Elaine
Ocean
NJ
USA
1487 Posts |
Posted - Mar 13 2011 : 07:21:47 AM
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Debbie - I love the idea of the little girl dresses!
I have also used vintage tea towels. If i couldn't find those i stnciled on flour sacks and used those.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world" ~Gandhi |
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longbeachfox
True Blue Farmgirl
322 Posts
Mary
Long Beach
WA
USA
322 Posts |
Posted - Apr 15 2011 : 6:28:59 PM
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Garage sales are the best for curtains! I have found such good buys on curtain there. If you don't like the color, you can always dye them. Sometimes you can find some really neat embroidered pieces to put on the curtains to add a vintage look. If they aren't long enough, you can add some old tablecloth fabric to the bottom and it adds a neat vintage look. Have fun!
Farmgirl # 2532
With God...Nothing Is Impossible!
http://foxontherunarts.blogspot.com
www.etsy.com/shop/longbeachfox
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walkinwalkoutcattle
True Blue Farmgirl
1675 Posts
Megan
Paint Lick
KY
USA
1675 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2011 : 05:36:33 AM
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I have been going to thrift stores every week to look for linen tablecloths-they're impossible to find around here!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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MaggieMB
True Blue Farmgirl
217 Posts
Mary
western
Pa
217 Posts |
Posted - Apr 20 2011 : 06:13:09 AM
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| I love Marisa's idea of torn fabric and buttons! Wish I had a picture! Megan, I know what you mean about not finding the vintage tablecloths. I have always looked for them when I thrift and don't see too many of them anymore. And I can't bring myself to cut up the ones I already have! I wonder if you would have any luck with freecycle? |
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cowgirlandboys
True Blue Farmgirl
308 Posts
Rachael
Missouri
USA
308 Posts |
Posted - Apr 25 2011 : 11:42:18 AM
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Funky Junk is awesome. Thanks for posting that. I love sooo many of the ideas there. I love the 50's starburst mirrors andhse had one made from clothespins that I plan to make, as soon as I get enough clothespins from garage sales this summer.
Happy Trails!
Rachael
Farmgirl Sister #535 |
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Arctic Flower
True Blue Farmgirl
85 Posts
Marjorie
Nenana
Alaska
USA
85 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 3:08:51 PM
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I have seen bandanas or scarfs edged with a little lace or ribbons used to make the cutest curtains. Not much cost there and the variety available is enormous. Another window treatment I saw once was vintage style hot pads hung on their hanging hoops on a rod overlapping each other. There was no side curtain but that valance sure was cute for a window that didn't need privacy.
Farmgirl #2416
Believe in the power of Love! |
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CMac
True Blue Farmgirl
1074 Posts
Connie
Ashland City
TN
USA
1074 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2011 : 3:44:11 PM
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I am going to make curtains out of burlap for my dining room when we get moved back in. It is pretty cheap and I plan on waiting for one of those wonderful sales to buy it. I'll just fold over the top to the outside of the curtain, sew a pocket and fringe the hangover part. I'll probably fringe the bottom too. If the selvage edge is too wonky (sometimes burlap is) I'll add a wide grosgrain ribbon to the edges. I'll make a wide tie back with a ribbon band on it too. I don't need privacy but could use a little sun filter since the entire back wall is windows and faces west. I never had curtains on any of the windows on the original cabin. We are way off the road and behind a fence row that has grown up with trees. Now that the place will be bigger curtains won't take up valuable visual space and I'm looking forward to playing with ideas.
I'm going to buy a roll up window shade and paint the window with the mouse sitting on the ledge from "Good Night Moon" on it. That will be for the guest/grandchildren's room. You can paint, stencil, wall paper or cut an eyelet design in a roll up shade. They are really cheap. Add a fringe or ribbon to the bottom and you have an expensive looking blind!
Connie
"I have three chairs in my house: one for solitude, two for friendship, three for company."
Author: Henry David Thoreau |
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JennyJKerr
True Blue Farmgirl
55 Posts
Jenny
Kenosha
Wisconsin
USA
55 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 11:42:21 AM
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For our last place I went and bought dollar a yard fabric with a faux raw silk look to it and just folded it over on both ends and sewed. Then I shoved the rod through the top and hung them. I picked fabric where the salvedge edges weren't any different than the rest of the fabric so I didn't even have to hem the sides. Even if I used 6 yards per window I was coming in well under $10 each when you figured in fabric, thread and tax. Our living room here is all windows, so I bought a roll of backed drapert fabric and did the same thing but I had to hem the sides. With my Joann's 50% off newsletter coupon I was able to do the whole thing for about $500 less than identical store bought drapes would have cost me.
My Blog ~ http://www.kerrfect.com
My Etsy ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop/beletvieux |
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Nifty Thrifty: need help with cheap curtain ideas |
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need help with cheap curtain ideas
