I finally made curtains for the dining room last week. After having the fabric for over 6 months and dragging my feet... they are finally hanging in our dining room!
But there is something that might surprise you about them...
Only one side of the window has a window treatment. No, it's not a mistake.
My dining room has had no curtains for 18 years. I love the handmade wainscoting and the arched windows in the dining room and just could not think of covering them up.
Another big dilemma was the large arched windows are close together. I just could not see this room with lots of fabric hanging all over it.
Here's how I solved that problem...
I treated that whole wall as one big window. And the side window has no curtains on it at all.
My friend Linda, a designer at Ethan Allen, gave me that solution.
It might be a little unconventional, but it works... at least for me!
It might be a little unconventional, but it works... at least for me!
The fabric I chose is from Ethan Allen. They really have such beautiful fabric! This one is a linen-looking textile that really doesn't wrinkle much at all. It was a dream to sew!
It's soft white and light taupe damask pattern works very well with the head linen dining room chairs.
I gathered the curtains on a 4 inch rod and let them fall into small puddles on the floor.
Ohhhhhh! I have never had curtain puddles before!
I'm still working on art for between the windows. I would love to find something in a weathered chippy frame. Maybe a little modern.... to relax the window treatments a bit! Nothing stuffy.
I am so noncommittal when it comes to art! It's so hard to chose just one!
I've been buying vintage ironstone soup or vegetable dish tureen lids to display on either side of the mirror. I have a couple coming from Etsy and I was outbid tonight for a set of 5 gorgeous lids on Ebay! Oh well. I'll keep on looking
I'm thinking 3 to 5 on each side of the mirror would make an interesting statement on that wall.
I am also looking for a small bar cart for in front of the right window.
I am also looking for a small bar cart for in front of the right window.
Bobby and I have been working on the stairs and they are finally done.
Look for a post about them on Saturday.
Now, we are s-l-o-w-l-y ripping off yellow marble wallpaper in the foyer! You can see just a peek of it behind the flame stitch settee that is going to be slipcovered.
But for now, I 'm enjoying my new dining room curtains!
Remember to
I love your curtqains. I am about to make some sheers to pull across in front of the blinds at night to soften the room. I was wondering if I should do puddles with them or not? I don't think I am game.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Kay
A-Ha! I tricked the system (per email). I like what you did and it totally makes sense. We have two picture windows in our family room that flank the fireplace and I did the same thing as you. I had a bolt of burlap so I just did some quicky panels. I'll probably change them out once we start re-doing that part of the house. I just needed something fast to make it a little more homey. Love the fabric you used. Very pretty.
ReplyDeleteYour dining room looks gorgeous. I wish I could make curtains! Your's look lovely! x
ReplyDeleteThe room is stunning - seriously one of my favorite dining rooms in the blog world! Your solution is perfect for those windows. I have the same windows in my living room and have always had trouble with them!
ReplyDelete-Shelley
You have a gorgeous dining room; may I ask where you got your rug?
ReplyDeleteCheri, my rug came from Overstocks.com. It was quite a buy!
DeleteThe curtains are fabulous! I can't wait to see all of your lids on the walls, what a great idea. Yvonne, could you tell me where you got that wonderful plaid throw in your header?
ReplyDeleteI went to ebay and ordered it from a Scottish company. The pattern is Antique Buchannan. Hope this helps.
DeleteThanks so much for the info ..been wanting to know myself..will go look now!!
DeleteThanks!
DeleteI think there perfect and once you get the art between them it will be a show stopper.
ReplyDeleteLove your curtains as they very similar to mine(Belgian linen with damask pattern). I also treated all mmy windows the same way as one window. I do that with many clients as well.
ReplyDeleteYour curtains are a definite accent in an already beautiful dining room! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for sharing!
Very pretty, Yvonne. Can't wait to see your lids displayed. Thanks for sharing. I, too, would love to know where you got that gorgeous plaid throw in your header. I love perusing your blog.
ReplyDeleteMary see the comment I left for Penny! Happy day!
DeleteYour dining room curtains look fabulous Yvonne! They really add a lot to the whole room. I have such a difficult time finding art, as well. It takes me forever to find something I love and want to buy.
ReplyDeleteHow spectacular!! Great job Yvonne...I am so impressed, what a beautiful room it has turned into! I cannot wait for the front porch posts..how fun:)
ReplyDeleteStunning, Yvonne! Great idea tricking them into thinking that they are one! I love the fabric ... perfect complement to your already-incredible dining room!
ReplyDeleteYour drapes looks great, Yvonne! I like this look just to add a bit of softness. Your windows are so pretty it would be a shame to totally cover them up.
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne! Oh, your curtains look beautiful and I love how you fashioned them to not cover up the lovely arches on the windows. Your dining room is just gorgeous. You always do it good! :)
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L! Everything looks amazing! Love your style :)
ReplyDeleteHi Yvonne. Your dining room is absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine seeing it in person! May I ask where you got your chandelier? So very pretty! Thank you so much
ReplyDeletePam
Hi Pam. the chandy came from Overstocks.com. Here is the link:http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Chandeliers-Pendants/Chandeliers,/lighting-type,/34/subcat.html?products=6784078&TID=L2LC_Chandeliers#
DeleteIt is called the Ttribecca Silver Mist.
It is really beautiful in person but it was a pain to put all the little crystals on! We love it. Hope this helps!
Curtains are lovely. I had puddles on my dining room floor but not from the curtains, from our Westie puppy! I have a small collection of ironstone lids I'm thinking of selling. PM me if you are interested and I'll send you some photos.
ReplyDeleteBarb F
Barb, I would be very very interested in your ironstone lids!
DeleteNot being a camera buff, I'll ask my granddaughter to come over and take a few shots to send you. Where should I post them?
DeleteI really set the house on fire when I told a friend I was thinking of selling my ironstone lids. She wants them and so does my sister. I'll have to sit on this for a while. I saw the collection on Ebay and it's very similar to mine except I have a few more. Sorry.
DeleteBarb F
My sister and best friend both want the ironstone lids so I can't offer them at this time. Jeepers, I never knew. I did see the collection on Ebay and it's very similar to mine except I have a few more. Sorry, Yvonne
DeleteBarb F
Beautiful curtains Yvonne....your dining room is gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteOh I love, LOVE the curtains. They look beeeeutiful in your gorgeous dining room. The idea of the lids is great! XOXO
ReplyDeleteThat's a great solution with the drapes. I'm anxious to see what bar cart you find. I'm using an old tea cart from Granny, but would love a real bar cart!! Your colors are right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Yvonne! I love your style of decorating and would love to have it in my home. Little bit by little bit I'm changing things :-)
ReplyDeleteOh wow, these are just gorgeous Yvonne I love how you hung them too. Such a lovely room. I would love for you to link up to Inspire Me this afternoon. This is very inspiring. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your dining room curtains. I also love your vignette on your sideboard.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I'm needing a rug....I will definitely check Overstock. May I ask the dimension of both your dining room & kitchen rugs? The sizes look perfect! Love your home...thank you for your awesome daily posts!!!
ReplyDeletePerfect solution, Yvonne! I love the curtains and the fact that they don't hide the beautiful window trim!
ReplyDeleteStunning! I delight in unconventional!
ReplyDeleteYvonne... your curtains look positively gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove your curtains Yvonne. I would have been stumped on how to hang curtains on arched windows. Thanks to you, now I know! I'm not sure I will ever get the hang of how to make them look nice near the floor, sigh.
ReplyDeleteSam
You have creating an enchanting dining room, Yvonne. Incredibly lovely.
ReplyDeleteYvonne...you do everything with such taste. What colors have you used in the living room and dining room ?
ReplyDeleteYvonne
ReplyDeleteI can see why you wouldn't want to cover your beautiful windows.
But your curtains are lovely.
I look forward toseeing the wall after your goodies arrive!
Hi Yvonne, I too have arched windows all over my house and I understand just how difficult they are to dress! I have used various solutions but I love yours. The fabric is gorgeous. Linda
ReplyDeleteBeautiful room - curtains, mixed seating and swan all wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Always look forward to your updates.
ReplyDeleteYvonne, these are gorgeous! The perfect solution to your dining room windows. I did the same thing in my living room because the windows were placed so close to the fireplace and I didn't want to block the light with 2 panels on each side. I love it! It takes a bit of getting used to if you're very symmetrical :) but it's a great alternative!
ReplyDeleteI adore your dining room!!!
I am having the hardest time in the world choosing fabric for curtains! This is so lovely and an inspiration to me! So serene and dramatic at the same time!
ReplyDeletexo
Andie
Very pretty-you are so talented and it shows in your beautiful home :)
ReplyDeleteKathy
What a gorgeous dining room Yvonne. I love the curtains, they are classic!
ReplyDeleteI love it, Yvonne! Just the right amount of softness and that fabric is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteLOVE LOVE!!! The drapes and the entire room.. would love to know where you got the pineapple with the plant in it and the swan.
ReplyDeleteLUV!!!! The room is so beautiful. The curtains, the fabric on the chairs and bench, the rug... different but beautiful together. I luv puddling drapes :-)
ReplyDeleteHugs, gee
I love the curtains, Yvonne. The fabric is gorgeous...a classic beauty.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed.. Your curtains looks gorgeous, the work which was done by you is quite neat and fantabulous..!!
Good effort..
Just exquisite...the drapes, the entire room....Fantastic job as always!
ReplyDeleteLouise
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful . . . the curtains as well as the entire room!!!
Gorgeous Yvonne...your curtains and dining room...just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
They are beautiful and so sumptuous, Yvonne! I just adore the fabric that you chose. I would have treated those windows exactly as you did.
ReplyDeleteI love your curtain solution! My new house boasts lovely moldings that I hate to cover. This idea may just what I've been searching for!
ReplyDeleteI love your curtains. Where did you find the shorter rods to hang them? I'm wanting to do something similiar on the walls beside my breakfast area windows, but haven't had good luck finding the rods. I'm thinking of making my own.
ReplyDeleteGwen, I scavenged for the hardware. Some came from an outlet, some parts from Lowes and the pole from somehwere else. If I would have bought the whole hardware package together it would have been so expensive. I just painted them all the same color and fit them together. Each rod was under $10.00.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response! I think I'm going to have to scavenge for the parts as well! I'm thinking of a wooden dowel, some cute drawer pulls from Hobby Lobby for use as the finials and then hardware to attach it to the wall.
DeleteI have fabric I have been sitting on to make drapes for my bedroom. Did you line them?
ReplyDeleteGreat question Barbara Ann! Yes I did line my drapes. Just sewed an off white cotton lining right to the drapery fabric. Happy New Year!
Delete