(Image courtesy of dora_c)
One of the best parts of moving into a new place is the opportunity to inject your personality into your new surroundings - but due to lease restrictions it may be difficult to add too many updates. Obviously, every apartment has windows and with a little creativity yours can be a great opportunity to add color, texture and excitement to your apartment.
Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean that you’re doomed to deal with plain white curtains or blinds. This article from renters.apartments.com has all the basics you need to get you started designing your own curtains. Keep reading to learn more:
Creating Your Own Design
Before beginning anything, you will want to decide on a plan for a design. Look through the HGTV website or magazines for ideas, or go to a hobby or craft store to look at their stencils for design ideas. Rather than covering an entire piece of fabric with a design, Martha Stewart suggests using stencils or fabric cut-outs to create a border. In addition to saving time, you'll get a more customized look.
For an even more unique look, arrange the images so that they're not in order. Randomizing or skewing them will create a high-end look that will be uniquely yours. You can either paint on stencils, or cut shapes out of fabric. Martha Stewart provides a template for a ginger flower that can be used as the shape. If you intend to use stencils and paint the design on the fabric, you will have a longer list of required supplies, and the project will take longer to do. If you don't have a sewing machine, take advantage of no-sew hemming tape. You can find that in fabric stores.
Customize Store-Bought Curtains or Drapes
HGTV's Design Star finalist Alice Fakier offers tips for people who want to create their own look without having to spend a lot of money. Dress up store-bought drapery or curtain panels by adding trim. Depending on the look, you might want to add braiding, tassels, balls or beads. For a simpler look on a sheer curtain, add a border of elegant ribbon.
Be sure to measure the width of your window and the height from the place where you'll place your curtain or drapery rod to the floor. If your window is off center, or in an awkward place, you may want to purchase wider panels to create a sense of symmetry or make your room look larger. If you live on a ground floor or within view of other apartments where people can look into yours, consider purchasing panels that are lined. In addition to providing you with privacy, the liner may help keep heat and cool air in during the respective seasons. This will potentially lower, or at least moderate your utility bills.
The design of your curtains or drapes will depend on several factors, including the look you want, the purpose for which they will be used, and where they will be in your apartment. For a bedroom, you may want something that blocks light - especially if you work at night. Long curtains will give the illusion of taller ceilings. Sheer, lightweight curtains will allow light to enter, something that is important in smaller spaces. If your apartment already has window blinds, adding sheer curtains may allow you customize an otherwise generic-looking apartment with a design that is uniquely your own.
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