CasaSugar

Do You Use Curtain Tassel Tiebacks?

CasaSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:33 -0700

Curtain tassel tiebacks aren't really necessary unless you have pretty heavy or thick drapes. But they are quite utterly chic, so I definitely advocate trying them! Do you use tassel tiebacks?

Cool Idea: Fabric-Painted Curtain Panels

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:15 -0700

For an accent that's often merely decorative, curtain panels are expensive. You can buy affordable ones from shops like IKEA, but that means you only get the pick of the rather generic litter - and the same ones as every other penny-pinched decorator in the world.

So I was excited to see how High-Heeled Foot in the Door personalized a set of solid white IKEA panels using fabric spray paint. Inspired by a sunny yellow skirt she'd seen at Kate Spade, this resourceful lady painted 7" wide horizontal stripes on her basic panels. Want to get a peek at the project in action and learn how to do it yourself? Then read more.

She first taped off the stripes before painting, but all the project really requires is paint, tape, a tape measure, construction paper, and scissors. Learn the steps here.

Do You Have Café Curtains?

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:51 -0700

A café curtain is a style of curtain that only covers the bottom half of the window. It basically offers a bit of privacy while still allowing you to enjoy your view. I normally find them too country and kitschy for my tastes, but this chic and simple white linen one is making me reconsider. Do you have one?

Photo by Simon Brown

Casa Quickie: Check In to the Hospital

CasaSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 06:15:28 -0700

More and more homes these days are designed with an open plan layout, especially as developers swoop up old warehouses and factories and transform them into condos and private homes. For those with an innate need to separate your various living areas, this can be troublesome. But installing a hefty, costly wall isn't your only option. Consider, instead, hanging a floor-to-ceiling curtain on hospital tracking. The curtain can easily be slid open and closed for full privacy, but it offers more versatility and softness than a wall or room divider. And when you come down with the redecorating bug, you can always medicate your mood with a different fabric.

Source

Steal of the Day: Pearl River Bamboo Blinds

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:30:22 -0700

If you're visiting (or living in) Manhattan, you must go to Pearl River, an emporium for all beautiful Oriental things. Inventory runs the gamut from delicate dishes for less than a dollar to hand-painted cabinets for $1,350, so there's something for everyone. Right now, Pearl River is offering these 1/2-inch Slate Bamboo Blinds ($38.15, reduced from $54.50) for 30 percent off, as well as a few other blinds on sale. This is a great price for bamboo blinds, and I love their rich, brown color. No, they're not fancy schmancy window treatments like the ones from The Shade Store, but a good deal if you need to keep the neighbors from peeping.

Open House: Flags as Drapery

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:30:42 -0700

According to Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8, (d) of the US Flag Code, the American flag, "should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery. It should never be festooned, drawn back, nor up, in folds, but always allowed to fall free." But Austin's Hotel St. Cecilia has used Old Glory as drapery on hospital tracking here in a bedroom suite, and I applaud the look. To me, a flag displayed nearly anywhere (so long it's in one piece) looks patriotic. But some of you - and the authors of the code - may disagree. Then again, there are plenty of tiny US codes and laws that I don't follow (oops), so should this one matter? Tell me your thoughts below. Do you approve of this use of the flag as drapery? Have you done something similar in your own home? Or are you against it?
Source

Steal of the Day: Climbing Dahlia Curtain

CasaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 05:30:11 -0700

There's a reason Pantone named Mimosa color of the year. It's just the cheerful, nurturing hue we need in this downtrodden economy. It helps our wallets too if we can have our Mimosa at a discount. The Anthropologie Climbing Dahlia Curtain ($49.95, reduced from $98) is the best of both worlds - colorful and affordable. I love the vertical pattern of its floral vines. I'm envisioning it in this already stylish home office, but it would also instantly perk up a simple kitchen. I'd love to see it paired with a soft gray, like these guest quarters by Mae Brunken. What do you think?

Cool Idea: Real Size Roomscape Curtain

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 06:15:07 -0700

When you're living in a studio, or otherwise short on space, sometimes you must resort to trompe-l'œil effects to fool people into thinking your pad is bigger than it is. But, mirrored sliding doors on your closet are simply too '80s to even consider. Dutch artist Bauke Knottnerus knows what I mean. Knottnerus's Real Size Roomscape Curtain gives the illusion of more space, as it's printed with a photograph of a living room. Can't afford a sofa? Not enough space for a bulky TV? You've got one instantly with this curtain! And, like any old drape, it does a fantastic job of concealing your junk. I think this product is just a prototype for now, but I could totally see it in Urban Outfitters, couldn't you? What do you think?

Ask Casa: Cat Hair on Curtains

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:00:29 -0800

Dear Casa,
You recently posted a story about hanging curtains. All of my curtains have been hanging happily for a while now, but they get a lot of cat hair on them! Taking them down is a pain because the curtain rod has a little screw to keep it from moving around. I live alone, so using the vacuum was scary and I thought I might pull them down. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Scissorz

To hear my suggestions for Scissorz, read more.

Hi Scissorz,
Good questions! I'm assuming shaving your cat (kidding!) is out of the question, so I have a few other suggestions for you.

First of all, you might consider replacing your curtain rods with some that don't screw in. Check out Shopstyle for a range of choices.
If your vacuum has a long wand with a brush at the end, you should be able to safely vacuum your curtains hanging.
You can also just use a lint brush or a fur fighter to remove your pet hair directly from the curtains.
I'd also recommend purchasing curtains or shades with button tabs like the PB Solutions Button-Up Shade ($48), which you can just unbutton to remove without having to unscrew your curtain rod.
If you're partial to the curtains you own, you can just have a seamstress add button tabs to them, or do it yourself if you know how to sew.
You can also unstitch the foldover part of your curtains, and iron on velcro where the curtains were stitched together. So, instead of running the curtain through the rod, you just keep it wrapped around the rod with the velcro. Then, you can easily pull them off when you vacuum them.

Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Casa

Ask Casa: Affordable Patterned Curtains

CasaSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:00:30 -0800

Dear Casa,
I've been looking for some patterned or printed curtains that are reasonably priced, and I need some help. I love the Anthropologie ones, but they are too expensive. Do you have any ideas on where to look?
Thanks,
Bplane

To hear my suggestions for Bplane, read more.

Hi Bplane,
Your dilemma is a common one - Anthropologie is a wonderful source of inspiration, as well as credit card debt. Luckily, there are plenty of other drapery retailers that won't require you to sell your furniture to buy a new set of curtains. Since you haven't invited me to your home, I'm not sure what aesthetic you're going for, but I've rounded up a selection for you anyway. So, you'll have to do some of the legwork here, and choose what works best for you!

Hope that helps! And, Ikea is also a great source for affordable textiles, so be sure to check out that selection.
Cheers,
Casa

Sheer Medallion Print Window Panels - Amethyst - $79.00	Amelia Indoor/Outdoor Curtain Panel - $99.00
Key Embroidered Drape - $99.00	Acorn Curtain Panel - $65.00
Yoshino Curtain - $108.00	Muscadine Curtain - $108.00
"Metropolitan" Curtains - $60.00	Linden Street Stripe & Print Thermal Coordinates - $11.99
Sheaden Floral Curtain - $54.00	Bettina Drape - $109.00