[mama2riley]

choosing drapes/window treatments! I have been told I have an eye for decorating, but when it comes to putting something on the window I have the hardest time visualizing it and picking it out. And then when I do...I have ended up buying curtains, keeping them for several month, and deciding I really don't like them, but it's too late to return them. They are just way too expensive to do that! I need help!

I just finished decorating my dining room and I love it, but the curtains I have in there do NOT go with the room. I have spent hours online and in the stores looking at all different styles/patterns/colors and cannot decide what to get. Maybe one of you out there will be able to help! The walls are a red, cranberry color, with crisp white trim. I have a huge (6 ft wide) picture window and a 29' wide smaller window that need something. I would love to have something that can be closed up for privacy at night with such a big window, but its not necessary. I am thinking a chocolate brown but will that be too dark? Ok now I am rambling...I really have issues with this so if anyone can offer advice on how to pick something I'd appreciate it. TY!

[QueenAngie]

I also find that windows are difficult!

My MIL has roman shades that she likes for the night time,
but hide under the curtains (at the top) during the daytime.
They give privacy.

[LeanyBean]

I don't like window treatments much at all. I get funny looks and lots of criticism because I live in town ~across from an apartment building, no less~ and I do not have a single window that has anything on it. I love the natural light coming in and most of my walls are white to help bounce the light around.

I doubt I could really ever 'decorate' my home. Perhaps if I had the money to do so or a house in better shape~long list of issues, I won't go there.

If you aren't a big fan of what you are finding already premade, how good are you with a sewing machine? It's really easy to make curtains and then you can pick out whatever fabric you'd like and have a completely unique window treatment to suit your taste.

[mama2riley]

Yeah I have considered making them myself...I do like to sew. My hesitation is that fabric is sooo expensive...at least anything I like enough to hang on my wall and look at for years and I would need a lot of it because I am covering 2 windows, one of which is just huge. And I would be afraid of buying something and deciding it really doesn't look right and you can't take it back then. Leaving it uncovered just looks unfinished to me in this particular room. Angie, I like roman shades and actually have them in the bedrooms, but it would take several shades to cover the one window and I'm not sure that would look right... Thanks for the help though ladies, I am still thinking this through

[QueenAngie]

LeanyBean, just curious......do your bathrooms have windows?

Where do you get dressed and change your clothes?

Inquiring minds wish to know. *giggles*

***************

Another thought would be wooden 1/2 shutters.
Open during the daytime and close them at night.

*************

I found a link for home interior designs that may be
helpful, Melissa!

[LeanyBean]

Yup! Angie, both bathrooms have windows. One is on the second floor and there is an empty lot on that side of the house. (We live next door to a large park. A big L shape of land on 2 of our sides is part of the park. 2 neighbors on the 3rd side-we have a large lot. And the 4th side faces the street)The other bathroom seems kind of tucked away and no one can see into the window because of the 7 ft height from the ground and no neighbors windows have a good angle into it. My mom hates that I don't have any curtains in the bathroom but after inspecting them from all angles she's ok with it.
Eventually I may get curtains or something up on these windows but I don't foresee an extended existance in this house even though it's been 3 years already. Plus I have had some really bad experiences with blinds and curtain rods with my boys. No matter how safe we think it is they find a way to make it dangerous. But c'est la vie.

[mama2riley]

*giggles at the bathroom comment*

Thanks for the link Angie! I will take a look - any help I can get I will take! I am ready to tackle the living room ones next! Actually...I went to a store called The Christmas Tree Shops today, my first time there, and they had a huge selection of drapes for el cheapo so I bought some and I just hung them and....(drumroll please)... I think I am really happy with them! They are a microsuede, sand colored, and embossed with a very subtle swirly viney pattern. They are the right color and look elegant, but not overstated, cause I'm more of a casual gal . I think I may have found a winner...now to see if dh like them when he gets home . Thanks again ladies!

[becca802008]

Take a look at Kathy Ireland’s Home Brand. She offers a great selection of window treatments, and also won’t leave you hangin’ when it comes to deciding on what’s RIGHT for your specific situation and style.