It has definitely been a long quest for curtains for a couple of windows in my living room.
I think it has taken me seven months to not only find the right curtains but also the right curtain rod and at the right price.
Removing the Blinds
It all started when I decided to do away with my old window blinds. They were dusty and had broken slats which I taped together. They were just too messy to work with anymore and falling apart every time I opened or closed them.
So I removed them from the living room windows and tossed them out. They were not even worth recycling. To provide some privacy at night, I tacked up a couple of light weight table cloths with some clothespins.
New Curtains in the Quest for Curtains
I first found a set of curtains from Pottery Barn’s online site. The curtains measure 50 x 84-inches per curtain. This size provides ample coverage for the windows. They are made out of 100% recycled polyester and the back lining is 100% white cotton. What I love about these curtains is they are machine washable so no more trips to the dry cleaners with them.
French Return Curtain Rods
I found two very nice brass colored French Return curtain rods in Ballard Designs. The rods are adjustable for a perfect fit for my windows. I also received a discount on my purchase.
The curtain rods are super easy to install since I used one of the previously drilled holes from the old curtains to install the back plates. I only had to pencil mark and drill one hole on each side of the window. Due to the configuration of my window and the low wooden ceiling beam, I am unable to use the center bracket piece. The curtains seemed to be holding up fine without it but my windows are small. In the future, I may have to look for another type of center bracket piece.
Before tightening all the screws, I placed the curtains on the rod to see how they would drape. It seemed about right, so I did not have to adjust the side back plates by moving them up or down.
Curtain Tips in the Quest for Curtains
When hanging drapes, I try to keep the hardware near to the window frame since there is probably going to be a stud somewhere near it.
I ironed the curtains slightly before placing them on the rod but I really need to borrow a steamer to get the rest of the wrinkles out.
Installing the Cup Ring Hook
The last step was to install a brass colored cup ring on both sides of the windows to hold the tiebacks in position. I used my hand to twist the cup rings in. The below photograph shows the curtain tiebacks in the open position.
Project Summary on the Quest for Curtains
I found the four ecru colored holdbacks or tiebacks in Lowes very reasonably priced at a little over $3 each.
I am nearing completion of the curtain quest project, however, I am still searching for a some nice sheer curtains to go underneath the new curtains.
So the curtain quest continues. I will keep Farmhouse Magic Blog Readers updated on this project.
Please note I am not a professional drapery hanger only a Do-It-Yourself kind of person, so I am only stating what words for me.
Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, and Lowe’s were used to purchase items featured on today’s blog.