More decorating help

[crz4mm2]

I am redoing the LR/DR in a terra cotta color with venetian plaster (hides a multitude of problems!). I have many windows to cover. I wanted this to look 'mexican country' or southwestern like. What am I going to do for window coverings? I have miniblinds now and want them gone. No covering is not an option for us. at least the bottom 1/2 needs to be covered in some way.
THis is an old house with LONG windows (floor to ceiling almost) so some 'standard' sizes don't fit. Don't want to spend an arm and a leg but want something to go with the room. I saw some darling rugs on ebay and thought if I could somehow figure out how to use them as curtains that would be wonderful.
THanks!

 

[bubie2.5]

Hang them in rustic iron rods.

 

[Shugardrawers]

What about faux wood shades or pale yellow sheers? Think outside the box here. I'd go with the faux wood shades, rustic wood or iron rods and drape the rods with a short scarf that doesn't hang down or even with just plenty of silk ivy.

 

[tkyes]

How about bamboo shades? These are from Target -

 

[LisaZoe]

I like the idea of iron curtain rods with woven fabric or rugs to act as a valance. If you want to go even "funkier", maybe get some serapes?

For the bottom, you could go basic (in case you want to change styles later) and use the type of blind that pulls up from the bottom. That way you could still leave the top part open to let in natural light but have the privacy screening you need.

Another option would be weathered/distressed shutters just for the bottom half. That could be expensive unless you lucked into a really good deal or you have someone who could make some. If you had them made, you could do a punched tin/copper insert to add a bit more detail.

My last idea is a bit "out there". Hang another set of rods where you want the privacy screening to begin. Buy a nice quality, light neutral colored faux suede and cut it so it looks like it's uncut leather - not so it looks like there are legs, etc. but more in an unstructured wavy line. Make some holes evenly spaced along the top edge and use leather cord, rouch twine or other material to create loops to attach it to the rod. Leave the cord ends long and add beads (in turquoise, silver, terra cotta), feathers, chilis or other items to add more detail and interest.

 

[janette]

I put blinds in my front rooms but they were just too plain after decorating. In the dining room I found some shawls at a flea market that worked great, they are beading and really pretty. I used shears under them since they needed something and those cover the blinds.

Really just look around and if you see something that works remember that it doesn't have to be a window treatment. If you'd like a picture of my dining room window lmk and I can take one for you.

 

[crz4mm2]

Great ideas.
I have seen the wood/ bamboo screens and did think of those. I also saw some iron rods that I could do with something hanging across at the top. I like that.
I would love to have distressed shutters, but have 5 windows and a door to dress soooooo.... I can't imagine how much that would cost.
Janette, I would like a pic of your DR window.
LisaZoe, Do you mean a blind that lowers from the top?I don't understand what you mean. And I would LOVE The punched tin. that would be very cool.
Thanks.
Cathy

 

[crz4mm2]

bump for the evening crowd

 

[ducklite]

IKEA has these fabulously inexpensive tab tops that are very gauzy looking. They are very long--would fit a nine foot window!

http://www.ikea-usa.com/webapp/wcs/...Id=10101&storeId=12&langId=-1&productId=10668

I'd just use white to allow as much light in as possible.

At that price you can't go wrong. Hang on an iron rod in a rust or black color.

Anne

 

[PoohnPglet]

I have a friend that lives in NM in an adobe house (very southwestern). She put long flowing sheers on BIG, chunky wrought iron rods on all her windows. It looks great.

 

[crz4mm2]

I am liking the idea of the sheers on wrought iron rods. I think that would look pretty. We were at big lots tonight and they had some sheers for 5 bucks

IKEA has a great price on those tab sheers! I may have to order some and see how I like them.
THanks all.

 

[LisaZoe]

Originally posted by crz4mm2
LisaZoe, Do you mean a blind that lowers from the top?I don't understand what you mean. And I would LOVE The punched tin. that would be very cool.
Thanks.
Cathy

Actually, I've seen blinds that mount on the lower part of the window and the cord goes to an eyelet or some other type of hardware at the top. When the blinds are not being used to cover the window, they are at the bottom. When you want to cover the lower part of the window, you pull the blinds up to the level you want and the part of the window above the blind is still uncovered. This gives you the benefit of privacy when you need it while not completely blocking the window.

Here's a link to a pic that shows them:

http://www.blindsbygail.com/lvngrea_pic.htm

 

[crz4mm2]

LIsaZoe,
I LOVE that window It is beautiful. looks so nice with that room.
Thanks for the link! I think I would like something like that!!