After pining over curtains for evvver I finally bit the bullet and bought some! It only took multiple trips to IKEA, which is an hour away, 2 returns, and lots of internet stalking. I started out buying their cheapo curtains at $10 a pair. Then found some on Ebay that had the grommets (which is what I really wanted!) for not much more $. So the cheapo IKEA ones were returned. The new Ebay curtains arrived, and look sooo cheap. So, those are waiting for me to stop procrastinating and ship them back.
Another trip to IKEA. I ended up buying the ones I really wanted for $30 a pair. Now that doesn't sound too bad, until you factor in that I needed 6 sets (I got enough for our master bedroom, just haven't hung them yet) plus curtain rods, hardware, and finials. For both rooms it was $80 for rods and hardware and $180 for the curtains. o u c h. This is one of those times I'm glad that my husband never reads my blog.
Quick Curtain Hanging Tips
Kiddo helped me hang them up! It was really easy. Just measure 6 inches past the width of your window and just low enough from the ceiling to allow clearance for the rod. So, I measured 1.75 inches down from the ceiling and 6 inches wider than the window on both sides. Then just drill in the hardware (no need to pre-drill unless you happen to hit a stud). Your curtains should fall so they gather slightly on the ground. I didn't bother hemming mine.
We're both very happy with them! Hubby, however, was unimpressed. He just looked at me like I was crazy. lol Ethan and I giggled about them for days talking about how faaaaancy they made the downstairs look. We might have slipped a few Lord of the Rings Precious jokes in there! (Please ignore the leggings, day old makeup, and the bun that I slept in over night. Getting to IKEA was urgent. #DontJudge lol)
I just need to decide 2 things. Because of course nothing I do is ever finished! First, I was originally planning on stenciling them a nice dark charcoal. Something like this:
 |
| Source |
Second, should I remove the original blinds that are hanging behind them? Part of me kind of likes the current look, part of me doesn't. And the part of me that likes them knows my husband would be less than pleased if I took them down. Not that that ever stops me if it's something I really want to do. I see lots of people doubling up on window treatments. Blinds/etc plus curtains.
Thoughts?
Here's some more photos to help you decide! ;)
Another huge plus, we just had the carpets steam cleaned the day before. I feel like it's Christmas or something!!!!
Other projects I spy in this post: