Many people really like the way that swag curtains enhance the overall look of a window and yet are a bit confused about how to get the desired look. So, here are a few ideas about swag curtains.
We should mention that there are also swag valences and the main difference is that a valence is at the top, or even slightly above, the window area.
Draping, or looping, a length of fabric over curtain rods or horizontal poles is the most common way to create swag curtains.
Here is an easy 4-step process to create great-looking swag curtains that have one loop. For an even more spectacular swag with more loops, simply use a longer piece of fabric.
1. Mount the brackets and install a decorative curtain rod. It is best to mount the brackets on the outside edge of the window trimming and have the rod positioned just above the window trimming. The completed window treatment will drape down along the trim on the side and across the trim on the top.
2. Using a long piece of string, thread it up and in back of the curtain rod’s left side. Drape the string over the rod and let it swag to the right side of the rod. Thread the piece of string down and behind the curtain rod. Now, adjust the string on each side of the window as well as the swag in the center. When you like the overall length and the center swag, cut off the excess string. Measure the piece of string that you adjusted and that will tell you how long the fabric should be. It is suggested that the swag curtains be made from fabric that is 54 inches wide.
3. Fold one half-inch of fabric on one of the short ends to the wrong side of the fabric and press that fold. Fold the end a half-inch one more time. Press and pin the hem and sew a top stitch as close to the folded edge as possible. Do the same thing for the other short end as well as the two long sides of the fabric.
4. Hold the middle part of the length of fabric in your hand and center it over the window. Drape the fabric over the rod much the same way you did with the piece of string while keeping the right side of the fabric facing forward. Arrange the fabric along the sides of the window as well as the center swag to get just the right look.
WOW… You now have swag curtains!
You might be pleased to know that there is another way that is even easier and more affordable.
Start by screwing cup hooks in, or near, the top outside corners of the window trimming. Tie a ribbon around the fabric at the two corner swag points and hook the ribbon over the cup hooks. Adjust the fabric to get the desired look. Also, you can attach artificial flowers or other types of decoration over the ribbons if you want to add another decorative touch to your swag curtains.
By the way, floor length curtains are often used in a room where a formal look is desired while shorter lengths tend to be used more in casual and relaxed settings.
By Joe Merlin
Today, there are a variety of alternatives on the market featuring window shades. While there are many individuals who go for mini blinds or vertical window coverings, for me, they don’t perk up the look of the window very much. Get enough information on window treatment ideas and save hassles.
It doesn’t make much sense to me to stick to the same ol’ design when you can have some really beautifully decorated windows! Check out all the options I have here for window shades that are out of the ordinary.
Discount Window Coverings
If you are looking for discount window coverings, you can check out different shades and blinds, in manual or motorized mechanisms, which you can buy at a cheap price from auction sites, online stores, garage sales, and home improvement centers. It has been said that cheap window blinds can be very rewarding once you read more about it.
You may find it more fulfilling to purchase cheap window shades, but you might focus so much on their economical price that you’ll fail to evaluate their quality. The good thing is that procuring economical coverings does not mean that you will receive non-valuable merchandise.
Before you get shades at a lower price determine their features first. While you may get all the functionality you are searching for, remember that cheap window shutters are available in outdated designs and styles most of time.
You shouldn’t be anxious though. You can still choose shades that are in style but are not too old. Where you will install the vinyl or plantation shutters and how you will complement the room decor will make up for whatever the shades lack when it comes to current trendiness.
Although these coverings can be acquired in lower prices, don’t forget to take their functionality into consideration. Look for window shades that can block the harmful sun rays and let you control your room’s privacy. Select coverings that can insulate your space, filter UV rays, or can spread light across the room.
Bamboo Window Coverings
Bamboo is a bendable, environmental material that can be designed into numerous window treatments. Each kind of bamboo covering grants a little inimitable attribute, while all come with outstanding designs and great feel, that other kinds of woods can’t get.
When looking for window shades made from bamboo, find out the exact details and dimensions of your windows. The make of the bamboo coverings must be influenced by your intended purpose.
Cellular Window Treatments
These types of window shades are an assortment of shutters created from bamboo. They can furnish efficient shield against UV rays. You can purchase cellular models with cordless system if you have children at home. The mechanism of this cell shaped window shade allows maximum energy proficiency in rooms with large windows.
The cellular window shades have the facility to lock in heat during the winter while keeping the cool air in summer time. The bamboo can be made and shaped in various shades, thus they complement any home theme and decor very well.
You can buy these window covering designs for approximately $50 to $100 depending on the size of your window. You can also look for shops that offer custom cut window shades to fit in oblong shaped and irregular windows. You should note though that tailored designs are more costly than the regular factory sizes.
