How to extend your curtains with style

First I would like to extend a HUGE thanks to all of you who have voted for my submission in the Ivory Homes design contest.  Voting ends tonight at midnight MST, so please take a minute to visit Ivory Homes Facebook Page, "like" Ivory Homes, and then "like" my picture.  I so appreciate the support!  Now, onto today's tutorial.

Remember these fabulous curtains I revamped for my Master Bedroom Makeover?

Here's what they looked like before:

Here's why I needed to make a change: 

My existing curtains were plain white Pottery Barn canvas curtains with grommets.  I loved the simplicity about them but was disappointed that I didn't know when I purchased them to buy them based on the height of my ceilings, not the height of my window.  Longer curtains make your window seem much larger, and your ceilings taller.  I was eager to accomplish both with our small window.  

I also had originally hung a curtain rod that barely covered the window.  The rod didn't extend past the window on either side, so even when the curtains were completely open they still covered part of my window.  Big woops.  Because we use our curtains for a purpose and not just for decor, I needed to have a full rod (in lieu of mini rods on each side, which is a fantastic way to create an expensive look for less $). By extending the rod on both sides, I would be able to push my curtains away from the window (barely covering it) to create the illusion of a much wider window.

I also wanted to bring in a pattern that wasn't too feminine, and something more modern to balance out the vintage and feminine touches.  I considered using the leftover black and cream damask fabric that I used for our French Wingback Chair but decided it would be too harsh of a contrast against the white, particularly in a bedroom with such a neutral pallet. 

Once I decided on this fantastic print by Waverly, Cross Section in charcoal, I went to work. 

This fabric was super difficult for me to find, and ended up buying the last 7/8 yard in Utah.... no joke.  I have found it for the lowest price online HERE at fabric.com for about $9/ yard, but it is rarely in stock.  Joann fabrics carries the exact same print (by PKauffman) for a much higher price of $25/yard and can be purchased HERE.  Never pay full price for fabric through Joann.  Their home decor fabrics are almost always on sale for 50% off, or you can use their 40% off coupon.

First, I ironed my existing curtains and new fabric well. 

Second, I cut my existing curtains 6" down from the seam below the grommets (this can be whatever number you choose- I decided to do it low enough that I still had a significant amount of white at top and so that that I didn't have to sew in new grommets or loops).

Third, I cut my fabric being inserted to size.  My existing curtains were approx 82" long by 50" wide.  My new rod would be hung approximately 94" high on my wall.  I would need an additional 14" for each panel, plus approx. 2 inches seam allowance for the height, and 4 inch seam allowance for the width (since I would have to fold it over twice with a 1" fold to match the fold of the existing curtains).  So I cut each piece to be 16" high by 54" wide.

Fourth, I stitched my hem on each side.  To match my white curtains, I folded the fabric inside 1" and ironed it well in place. 

I folded it over again and ironed it well. 

Once I had a perfect 1" fold, I stitched it in place to match the hem of my white curtains.

Next, I lined up my new fabric with the top portion of my white curtains, right sides facing each other.

I stitched a straight line at 5/8", using a back stitch on each side.  I repeated the same process with the bottom portion of the white curtain.

The last (optional) step which I have yet to do (but promise I will) is to serge the back side edges that you just stitched previously.  Serging is very permanent so I wouldn't recommend this step until your seams are perfect and where you want them.

There you have it, longer curtains with more character! 

Here's how I made a longer curtain rod to match my existing finials for super inexpensive!

As I mentioned previously, my rod was not long enough to extend past the window the way I wanted it to.  I loved my finials, and the color of my existing rod but couldn't find any individual extender piece to add to my rod without having to purchase a full new set (with finials).  I wasn't willing to pay $30+ for a new set.  Walking through Home Depot, I was ecstatic when I came across this 1/2" electrical metal tubing rod:

It was the perfect width, 10' long (plenty of length for what I wanted) and best of all, it cost $1.98.  SOLD!

I already had the rod hooks from my existing curtain rod, but you can purchase them in packs of 2 at Home Depot for about $3 a set.  For this long of a rod , I would recommend using 3 rod holders. 

Once I managed to get my 10' long rod home (I wouldn't recommend trying this with a toddler in stow and a very small car- trust me), I measured my window and marked the desired width of my rod with a sharpie.  My window is approx 60" wide, so I added 22" additional on each side, making my desired rod 104".

I sprayed the rod with several very light coats of Rustoleum hammered dark bronze spray paint, while leaning against the wall so that the rod wasn't on the floor and wouldn't stick to the floor, creating a sticky mess on the bottom of the rod.  If you do your coats too thick, or spray too close, the paint will run and create drips, particularly on metal. I sprayed right up to the line I had marked. 



Image shows Krylon- I actually used Rustoleum, my Krylon was almost out



Once the paint had dried completely, I cut the rod to size using a hand saw while holding the rod in place with clamps. 

Lastly, I hung my curtain rod holders where I wanted them (one on each end and one in the center for support) and screwed in my finials on each end. 

Note- I still need to spray my rod holders to match the rod... coming soon!

If you don't have finials from an existing rod, I found some fabulous ones sold separately (without the rod) on clearance for $1 each at Home Fabrics.

Viola!  Sit back and enjoy your ever so inexpensive and glamorous curtains and rod.

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Please remember to vote!

~PW

 

 

 

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