In my attempt to make the wood room feel a bit more inviting and fresh, I’m layering other elements in the space. The wood alone can be a bit overwhelming, but so can a strong paint color until you start adding in art, furniture and fabric. I knew fabric would play an important part in this space when it came to window treatments.
When we moved in there were nice accordion blinds in place to help combat the afternoon sun, but they didn’t do much for the windows. They also didn’t address the light coming in from the half moon windows. I know keeping the harsh, west sun off of the wood will allow it to stay looking healthy much longer, so something that would cover up all of the windows was important.
Curtains were definitely the answer. Curtains can be very expensive, and I typically save money by making them myself, but these are the window treatments you see upon entering the house. They needed to be very well made and I wanted them to be a pinch pleat (something I don’t have any experience with). So I decided to invest in some custom linen drapes, and I’m so happy with how they turned out.
If you are in need of some custom drapes, Victoria and her team at Benjamin’s Alterations are so wonderful to work with. They answered all of my questions and suggested I get and hang the rod first (which actually kept me from making a big mistake on the length). I placed my custom order through Avisa Fabrics on Etsy and then they work with Benjamin’s to get your drapes made. I spent a lot of time researching rods and found these from Bed Bath & Beyond to be what I needed at the best price.
When something is beautiful, functional and classic you’ll never regret the investment.
Now, here’s to hoping I can keep dirty hands and resting dogs off of them.
For My Love Of says
Wow! Those drapes really soften all the wood. It's really so beautiful.
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Aaahhhh! The chairs! I can't wait to see them! Pretty, pretty drapes. I want to do something light, simple, and classic in my living room too. I've been debating (for the past year and half) whether to keep or ditch the blinds on my living room and dining room windows. They're nice quality custom blinds but they seem an odd choice for those rooms to me. They feel kind of bedroomy, you know? I've never closed them so……may as well ditch, right?!
Andrea says
I want to bite the bullet and purchase similar custom drapes, as I am using place holder Ikea curtains currently. I just need something more substantial in my living room with 2 story ceilings. Those are beautiful and the style I'm interested in. Can I ask how much they were? I've never even priced nice drapes.
Andrea says
I want to bite the bullet and purchase similar custom drapes, as I am using place holder Ikea curtains currently. I just need something more substantial in my living room with 2 story ceilings. Those are beautiful and the style I'm interested in. Can I ask how much they were? I've never even priced nice drapes.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Andrea, I believe I paid about 800 for the 4 panels. It's a lot of money, but when you divide it by four and then take into consideration the pinch pleat (that doubles the width of fabric) the cost isn't really that much more to have them made by someone else. They're Belgian linen, which typically runs $30 a yard, so by the time you get the lining too, it didn't really cost that much more to have them made and was much less of a headache than trying to figure it out myself. 🙂 Best of luck.
Sammy says
It all looks just lovely!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Sammy!
designchic says
The draperies add a lightness and softness to the room and give it such a finished look – so beautiful! Happy weekend ~
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Love the new drapes, definitely add some airy vibes in there. I love that peek of the blue sofa too 😉 xo
Blair Wilson says
the curtains are GORGEOUS! seriously nice job picking those.
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much, Blair!
theanatomyofdesign.com says
so elegant! i love the way they contrast with the wood and lighten up the space. also…i always forget about bed bath and beyond…gonna have to check them out next time i need a curtain rod!
Megan // Honey We're Home says
Definitely the right choice for where to invest. The drapes are lovely!
Jami says
Can you tell me where you found your chandelier?
themakerista@gmail.com says
This one is a Craigslist find. Sorry I can’t be more helpful, but eBay is usually filled with similar options!