Shore Files: Hang em High

So yea, summer is over. What better time to get a few of those projects crossed off down the shore? This weekend we took a trip down to spend time with friends, catch a few last rays before the cold gets here and hang curtains in the living room.

If you need a refresher, check out my full on cry for help for improving this room here.

ShoreLivingRoom2

I was really torn about what to do with the windows. I was thinking of maybe sheers but I thought that might be a little bit too delicate for the look I had in mind. And then I found some grommet panels at Pottery Barn that I got fixated on. The problem is that it would have cost me about $500 for the drapes alone. Of course I wanted it to look right but I really didn't want to shell out a lot. So when I was pointed to some pretty similar looking grommet top sailcloth panels at a online store called Curtainworks, it was a done deal. I also ordered hanging rod from them as well.

BeachLivingRoomWindowsBefore
excuse the weird color - sun was setting and I just wanted to get a few quick snaps off while hanging

Out came the drill and a kitchen chair in place of a ladder. The rod was very simple to hang - a couple of screws for each bracket and it was in. (Of course I can't manage any project that requires holes in the wall without making a mistake - I eyeballed the width the first time and made it a bit too far out and the rod wasn't long enough to reach. Doh! I'll just have to fix that later with some spackle.)

BeachLivingRoomWindowsWithRod

After the rod was hung, I pulled out the panels. So glad I went with the grommet tops. They seem a bit more beachy than pole pockets or clip rings, don't you think?

BeachLivingRoomWindowsGrommetDetail

Honestly, it was one the quickest windows I've ever dressed - I don't know why I was putting it off so long. Its such a small thing but makes all the difference. (Even if its not really finished yet, its something, right?) Just having the drapes there balances the window side of the room with the couch side so much better.

BeachLivingRoomWindowsAfter1

Now for the specifics: The drapes are 95 inches long. I put up two panels on each side (a total of 4) to give it a little bit more of a full look. And of course I hung them high. If you are wondering about the quality of the drapes themselves - I'm pretty happy with them. They aren't lined so as you can see some light comes through which I expected. Because the description said it was made of "sailcloth" I sort of expected a much heavier weight material but other than that, everything is exactly as I expected. They are 100% cotton so they can be washed (although I hope I never need to). They came really quicky too. Overall, I'd definitely recommend them because of their prices and their options in the longer lengths (which seem impossible to find affordably)

I'm also thinking of adding a little embellishment to the drapes themselves. Maybe dying them gray (anyone know anything about dying panels??)? Or adding some ribbon like I did with the roman shade in my guest bedroom? Thoughts?

You'll notice I still have those nasty mini blinds up. That's because I haven't quite figured out what to do in the middle. Should I leave it bare and just close the curtains when I want privacy? Should I get some bamboo shades to add some more texture in here? Maybe I should get those transparent roller shade thingies? Or make my own roman shades in an interesting fabric? Still undecided. What do you think?

46 comments:

  1. I like the idea of a bamboo shade to add texture. But the "transparent roller shade thingies" will keep the room light and airy feeling.

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  2. I would def remove the blinds. Great deal on the drapes~ I spent an arm and leg on my Pottery Barn ones!

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  3. I love the puddling of the curtain fabric. Nice touch.

    Will you be coming down here in the cold of winter? If you are then you might like a bit more of the snug feel that roman blinds give under curtains.....

    Otherwise, I rather like the sound of bamboo for added interest.

    Sarahx

    .

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  4. I vote for either bamboo or roller shades. The drapes look great!

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  5. I vote for bamboo shades.

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  6. I def think you should dye your drapes gray!

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  7. Yay for simple and quick projects with big results!!

    Mos def the bamboo shades.
    And I like just adding a single stripe to the inner most edge with a contrasting color.

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  8. The panels are a nice addition to the room. A simple fabric tape added to the leading edge and sides of the panels would be a nice touch as would some bamboo shades.

    I'll definitely be checking out that source for longer panels for my kitchen.

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  9. Anonymous8:50 AM

    These are fantastic. I've been hunting for low-cost longer drapes, so thank you! Hanging the rods at ceiling height is such a good idea.

    My vote is for bamboo shades too.

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  10. I think Bamboo shades would be so perfect for the room- adding texture and would definitely fit with the classy beachy look!

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  11. Another vote for bamboo shades!

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  12. I also vote bamboo - I think of it as casual and beachy.

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  13. I think bamboo shades would look good.. especially since you're going for a beachy vibe.

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  14. It's looking SO GOOD! I attempted dying linen gray for my sofa slipcover. You can see the results here:

    http://jennandtay.blogspot.com/2010/07/while-children-are-away.html

    It turned out a lot more blue than I'd anticipated...so I'd just say - you can do it - be careful with your color selection and test it first if at all possible and go with a packet you can use in your washing machine (like idye) because dying by hand is VERY hard to get even color coverage (been there, done that, and missed a few spots).

    And since you asked, I think you should go with one very wide bamboo or natural stick like shade that spans the entire width of the windows, and you should hang it right at the rod level - butted up to the crown. You could leave it down a bit to cover the sheet rock and the very top of your window trim to make your windows appear much taller than they actually are.

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  15. I always like leaving windows bare without shades and closing curtain panels when needed. Definitely do some ribbon embellishement on those puppies!

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  16. If you end up dyeing them, you have to be careful about the kind of thread that they used on them. Depending on the kind of thread it is (cotton, polyester, etc.) the fabric itself may take the dye, but the thread might not. I can't remember which one doesn't work - you might just google it. That's the only hiccup I've ever had. The thread needs to be PFD - prepared for dye.

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  17. Another vote for bamboo! I also like the idea of adding some ribbon along the inside edge of the drapes for interest. Great job so far!

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  18. Oh, the magic of curtains! Such a perfect quick fix!

    I'd love, love, love to vote for you to make your own fabric panels for the blinds - as well as see a tutorial :) What a great way to really put your stamp on the place. On the other hand, bamboo would be easier (just buy 'em, right?) and still add great texture...

    Maybe I'm just always looking for another project - as if we need any more!

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  19. I like the idea of the bamboo.

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  20. White plantation shutters would be beautiful, no rolling up and down and trying to get shades even.. for three windows they are well worth the cost. I have them at the Jersey Shore and love them. They look great from outside also..Love your site..

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  21. I say don't dye the curtains. I think it's a bit risky. But another idea would be to stencil on them with fabric paint.

    I like the idea of bamboo or matchstick shades and you can even paint them, too, if you don't want them the natural color. I think the texture would be a nice addition an contrast.

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  22. I say bamboo or matchstick shades. But then again I seem to be obssesed with those and always use. Love the curtains - makes the room look so much more finished.

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  23. I love grommet tops! That room has a nice, airy feeling without being too cliche beachy. Great choices!

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  24. The panels look great! I'd vote for bamboo shades for the middle.

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  25. I am a big fan of the bamboo shades. I think they add a layer of texture.

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  26. Why not return the curtains and just get some grey ones?

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  27. Good deal, great look.
    Bamboo shades only if you really need the extra layer for practical reasons.
    xo xo
    PS Loved your comment at Design Blahg

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  28. love the off white with the white furnature! Great contrast!

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  29. Anonymous11:52 AM

    Yes to the bamboo, and why not just dip-dye the bottom 20" of the curtains, bluey-gray? The wavy, watery line is artless and attractive.

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  30. I vote for bamboo; it adds great texture and is beachy without screaming "look at my seashells!"

    Or, I've been wanting to try this on a rollershade but don't have anywhere to put it right now:
    http://www.aestheticoiseau.com/2010/05/diy-monogram-roller-shade.html

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  31. its a beautiful home, i just love, it the decor is so simple yet so elegantly done,

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  32. wow, the furniture is too good, i love the white sofa, the while chairs and the curtains in a light shade, everything is just picture perfect

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  33. I think bamboo shades would look great!

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  34. I just found your blog and i LOVE; LOVE; LOVE it! ;)
    I read every post you wrote i think:)
    I hope you come and visit mine
    http://pudel-design.blogspot.com/

    Lovely greetings from Germany...

    PS: I´m your new follower;)

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  35. Sooooooooooo much better!

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  36. The grommets were the right move, definitely. And I am a big fan of bamboo shades. Go for it!

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  37. Anonymous7:10 PM

    It's completely revitalized! Love the idea of removing the blinds.

    Have finally gone through your archives-your renovation is quite the achievement. But, I've been dying to know (it's silly really): what program do you use for making the picture collages?

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  38. It's really coming along. I vote bamboo shades. They add a lot of texture and color. I also think roman shades would be great too.

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  39. Definitely bamboo; the texture would rock the room. Love what you're doing with the beach house!

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  40. What a lovely addition!

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  41. What I would do... is get a custom size bamboo (or something else with texture, some good ideas above!) that is one piece, and fits across the ENTIRE window. Wouldn't that make the window look incredibly long and lengthen the wall?

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  42. Anonymous9:22 PM

    What a difference! I agree with The Girl about the bamboo blinds for the full width of the window!

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  43. I love the idea of bamboo shades or plantation shutters. Definitely don't lose the shades and leave the windows bare. That is what I have right now and my curtains are so dingy from the constant contact with hands.

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  44. Definitely a bamboo shade. It will add depth and texture to the room. Plus if you add in a few other "wood" elements it will tie it all together nicely.
    Just make sure to get one large shade, not one for each window. I would also hang in just under the rod, not on the molding. It will bring the eye up and give the illusion that the window is larger than it is.
    Nice touch with the curtains and a great deal. I put them around a set of French doors we have in our main floor bedroom and it really warms up the space. Have fun!

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  45. Anonymous7:58 AM

    I gave you some award love on my blog today. :)

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  46. Still in envy of your weekend getaway!

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