Finally got (2/3) rods up in LR!

We put the rods and 2 panels up last night, now I'm thinking I really want to hide the ugly brackets above the TV. So, hang panels on either side of each window (slightly larger dark table going in b/t once I stain it - this one is 43" and new one is 46"). The TV will be mounted on the wall a little higher than it is now (sitting on the table). Maybe hang a few small B&W pictures over the TV too.

Here's what it looks like with only 1 panel per window - not quite as I had pictured.

sketch

That first pic was taken from corner of room - only way I could get both windows in. Here are pics sitting on couch

Here is a pic of the panels slid over to center.

If I put 2 panels on each window, I worry that 1) they'll be too close to TV and 2) I only have 2 panels left to hang on the double window on the other wall. Will that look funny? I plan on hanging them a foot to the outside of the large (81") window, there will be no hiding the bracket(s) and the joints in the rods in the center of that window.

Or...I could hang a single panel to the outside as in the first set of pics, and put a valance going the whole width of the window. I have 4 valances, they would hang pretty flat, not gathered on rod, since I have now placed these rods 54" bracket to bracket and the valance is 55" wide. Sorry no pics of that idea since I need DH here to help take down rods with panels, and we'd have to put a flat rod tucked under/inside the decorative rod to put the panel on. But something like this

I remember your earlier posts about this.

I think the reason the single panels on either side look different than the sketch is because the panels are not as full as those in the sketch, and your windows look fairly wide. Also, your rods are less substantial than those in the sketch. I see your dilemma, though, because if you put panels on both sides, it crowds the TV area a bit, especially if the new TV will be larger.

Hmmm . . . is that the only location you can put the TV in the room?

Also, are you able to order more panels, if needed?

I dont think I would do panels or valances unless you move the TV. I would just leave the roman blinds you have.

This *is* the new TV, we just haven't wall-mounted it yet. I can't get more panels, these are discontinued. The rods (these or others, though DH won't be happy about buying new ones since these can't be returned) will have to stay since we've made holes in the walls and I don't feel like trying to patch and paint. This paint doesn't touch up well, so I'd have to paint the whole wall. And I like the look of the drapes with the shades - softens it a bit. We've gone more contemporary with romans only in the FR, but planned on drapes in the LR and DR (haven't gotten the DR ones up yet, but they're the same as these in a green).

Valances would hide the brackets (except from the side as you walk in), and not crowd the TV. What do you think?

Why don't they make pretty brackets for decorative rods? All I could find online this AM were wrought iron or wood (more like sconces or scarf holders).

Do you have 4 panels and 4 valances? Can you sew? What if you sewed them together so you have 2 panels and 2 valances. That way they would be fuller and you could put the valances on the windows on each side of the TV and the panels on each side of the wider window.

I think maybe it isn't what you had pictured because your sketch shows much fuller drapes. The drapes you hung seem to narrow for the width of the window.Also, are the hung with rings, hooks? Hard to tell, but they look a little bunched up. Try hanging with clips or better yet, rings and hooks for a smoother look. For fun, put two panels on one window for fullness and adjust the rings so they hang just right. Then take a picture and see if it looks more like what you had envisioned. Minor adjustments can yield big results!

I hung them with clips, clipped in the back since they're too long. Rod is hung at 93", panels are 95". Windows (incl trim) are 41" wide, panels are 42". I know they need some "fluffing" but here is another pic with 2 panels on the right hand window. We tried a valance but it looked strange with 55" valance across 54" rod (we bunched it at the end near the panel to see how it would look flat across the window) and the gathered panel. So I'm thinking 2 panels per window is my only option.

I have 6 panels and 3 windows (one of them is a double window though).

Would it look strange to have valances only on the windows flanking the TV, and panels with no valances on the double window?

We would have to move the rods to be centered over the windows rather than 1 foot to the outside - and there are 3 holes to the right of the right hand window b/c the stud finder was off. But maybe I could patch the holes and touch up with an artist's brush.

I love panels. And I've always remembered a decorator's comment I read years ago, that if you have to choose between a nice full treatment of cheap fabric, or a skimpy treatment of a great but expensive fabric, to go with more. Window treatments never look good when they are not full enough or look like they had to be adjusted to something else in the room to fit. I think that is the problem here. Panels on each side are going to look better, but they do crowd the t.v. I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think you have to make a choice. Find a better spot for your television and put a table in that space or chairs or something else so you can hang your drapes.
Get rid of the drapes so you can keep the tv in it's current location.
I don't at all like the valance idea. But if you do, then, by all means......

And from my vantage point, sitting on my sofa with your room on my laptop, the rods look too thin and too short.

As others have mentioned, the drapes in the mock up are fuller. The drapes in the mock up also have more visual weight so they hang straighter. The rods are chunkier and have more presence. The table in the mock up has more visual weight and seems wider, reaching almost to the molding on the windows. And there's no adjacent door just to the right of the drapery panel or piece of furniture showing right next the left corner of the wall in the mock up. Your inspiration drawing feels right because it represents a different actuality. I did a drawing showing my t.v. armoire flanked by two black bookshelves and then tried to recreate it. It didn't look right because the drawing represented spatial relationships that didn't exist like that in my house, and my bookshelves were not in real life, as tall or as narrow as those in my drawing. I ended up giving away the bookshelves, repainting the wall, and adding a chair.

Red

I think that would be a great solution. The tv will look terrific once it is mounted and the valances won't interfere with it.

We have no other place to put the TV. I know the rods are thin - but what do you mean too short? I went out 11" on the outside of each window, but had to keep them close to the trim on the TV side.

The secretary in the corner is going up on CL, so don't worry about that. I can't do anything about the door, but instead of doing "up and out" would it help to just go "up" (I left 3" for future crown molding) and keep the rods close to the windows? And/or chunkier rods?

Oops cyn we were posting at the same time. What do you think is a great solution?

I've had these drapes nearly 2 years, waiting for TV to hang them, and now while I love the fabric, the hanging is driving me crazy!

Oh, red, your comment about the table in the sketch being larger/weightier. I have a new table, 46" instead of 43" that this one is, it will be stained dark like end tables so will look heavier too. There is 55" b/t the window trim (more like 53.5" b/t the "horns" of the stools/sills). TV is 40(and 1/2?)" wide.

Here's what my new table will look like once it's stained (and assembled).

May add slats to the back

Think I should get chunky dark wood rods?

ajsmama, Since you have four panels and four valances I'd try this on the two windows using one panel and one valance on each rod with the panels to the outside where you extended the rods.

On the wider window use a panel on each side with the two valances in the middle.

Before you try that, if you even like the idea, I have a couple questions...
1. What style are these panels? Rod pocket, back tab, or meant to be hung from the top by clip rings?
2. Will you hem them once you know how you will hang them, or will you let them puddle?

If it is really just the rod brackets you do not like the looks of can you tough them with the matching wall paint just where they are on the wall. Might help them to blend in. I know weird but it might hide them enough.

An alternative solution would be to paint a panel of dark brown between the two windows. Place your t.v. there and it would hardly be noticed. You could also paint the entire wall a nice brown.

IS there a rod pocket or do you have to use clips/rings?

These are rod pocket unlined drapes. DH and I tried the valance and single panel look, but I stretched the valance tight thinking it would be on the front rod and I'd have to get another rod for the panel. Option 1: I'll try Becky's idea of gathering them both on the same rod. That would hide the joint in the middle of the large window too.

I'm not sure I like the single panel to the side, but the panels on the inside crowd the TV *and* are bunched together more than the outside panels unless I move the rod to be centered over the window. What about Option 2: cutting a panel in half lengthwise so it's 20" instead of 42" and putting the narrower panels on either side of the TV? That way it would not be as wide but would have the same "look" I think as the outer panels that are covering a foot more rod?

Option 3: we could just move the bracket so the rod is centered over the window and put a panel on each side, very bunched (about1/4 of the width of the panel) like this.

Option 4: same as option 3 but use 20" panels on each side instead of 42"?

Option 5: Put valances only on the front windows, and panels (only?) on the double window? I don't know about this, could try it (would have to center the rods), I like the height the panels give the room and I'm not sure valances would gve the same effect.

I would like to see how they hang rod pocket style instead of on the clips you have now. The clips as you have them attached are not working IMO. Also, I don't think cutting the curtains in half will work for you. You need the fullness. Another option would be to have really full double width curtains hung on the rod pocket and pulled back on either side of the tv. It would add the softness you want and not interfere with the tv. For now add two curtains on the rod pocket, pull them back and see how that looks before you move any hardware. That just might be the solution you neeed!

kcmg - the only problem with doing the holdback look with 2 panels on these windows is that I only have 6 panels and can't get more, if they are that full on this pair of windows then the last pair of panels will look skimpy on the larger window. What about doing 1.5 panels (so about 62") on all the windows?

Of course DH asked "Who's going to cut them?" b/c I can hem a 42" wide panel but doubt can *cut* and hem a 95" length...at least not straight!

Oh ok. Then for now, hang one panel on each rod pocket, strung all the way across and pull back and see how it looks. Don't use the rings and ignore the length for now. You can always deal with that after you get the look right.

If you plan to use decorative rods, I think you need to use more substantial or "heavier" rods with bigger finials. You have nice big windows, but the current rods look too thin and therefore, take away from the overall look. I think this is one of the reasons that you aren't getting the look you created in your sketch. I do like the look in your sketch.

I understand that you can't return them, but I would use them in another spot in the house or perhaps you have a friend or family member that would be able to use those rods.

Do you plan to trim out the bottom of the windows(below the sill). I see that you are leaving room for crown, but I would still finish the trim even if it is a temporary fix until you install the crown. Having replaced all of the windows in our home within the last few years, I still have 4 upstairs windows that remain trimless because DH wanted to do them himself rather than have the carpenter finish them. It drives me nuts and I wish I would have had the carpenter do the finish as it seems one thing or another has gotten in the way of doing the staining, etc. that needs to be done in order to finish the trim work.

I know you don't want to eat the cost of the rods and panels, but if you aren't happy with them, it may be worth spending the $$ to get the look you envisioned in your sketch.

You are trying to do a lot with not enough panels, and not enough valance, you said it would have to lay flat and it's supposed to be gathered. I would put up what you have with those rods and let it be until you can redo the treatments to better match up to your inspiration sketch.

kmcg - we tried that, the panel is basically the same width as the window so no fullness to pull back.

work_in_progress - yes, we plan on putting aprons under the windows but have other trim in the house to finish first. It drives DH crazy but doesn't bother me (as much as the untrimmed doorways). Since I want to add returns to the aprons, and the builder just cut angled ends with the cuts showing, I have to use the longer ones for shorter windows and buy new stock to make the longer aprons. So I'm waiting til all the casings in the house are done, see what we have to work with (some door casings might need to be replaced), see what we have to buy.

mitch (and W_i_p) - I bought these curtains almost 2 yrs ago when I didn't know anything about WTs. I *really* like the fabric, can you suggest anything that will use what I have? I can replace the rods - maybe I can use these in the FR if I can find panels that coordinate with shades in that room. Will getting more substantial rods (that are close to the dark color of the tables?) allow me to achieve the inspiration look with a single panel that is basically one window width? Then I can put more panels (and maybe out farther) on the larger window. Oh, and the valances are 55" wide, so if I center the rods over the windows (41" incl casing) would that be full enough?

Thanks everybody

ajamama, I was the WT lady for eight years at House of Fabrics. Give me the size of the panel and the size of the valance and I'll see if I can figure something out that will work. Oh and the size of the single windows and the size of the double window. Width and length of all the above. I'm sure we can figure out a way to make this work the way you want it to. Email me if you want.

It looks like you have a lovely view outside so my first perference would be to skip the panels and just use the roman shades. However, if you want to explore some other options, how about moving the panels to cover more of the rod and then swagging if off to the outer side similar to your inspiration pic. You may need to have two panels to get the right look. Then you may need to lower the roman if you want it to peak below. However, this will both cut down on your light and view--not sure you want to do that. I was experimenting with this look in my house awhile back and ultimately abandoned it for that same reason.

Also, if you do not like your brackets showing, you can paint them your wall color.

I know this isn't a suggestion that matches your drawing, but what about using 2 valances on each window next to your television and all 6 panels on your double window? That way, all windows will look nice and full and you won't have to deal with the panel hanging next to the tv.
Dee

Okay, got ya. I would definitely try to find different rods. What are you hanging the current panels from? Whatever you've got, you need to change in order to get the look of the panels in your sketch. Hardware is expensive but it may make or break whether your can make these panels work. Also, even tho I don't close mine, I used double the number of panels than I actually needed to get a "fuller" look. I know the last thing you want is to scrap these panels, but I don't think you want it to look like you didn't have enough material to work with.

Personally I do not like valances, I've used them in my kitchen, but I don't like them in a more formal setting. Just personal preference.

I found drapery rings that have clips. I couldn't find panels that I liked, but I had to do something to soften the windows - a temporary fix. I purchased JCP pinch pleat sheers and used the ring part only. I put the drapery pins in all of the pleats and then hung the pins from the tiny ring that attaches the clip to the drapery ring that goes onto the rod IYKWIM. I can't tell what kind of hardware you are using.

Could you achieve the look you want by:
a. the kind offer of help from justgotabme in figuring out how to make the best use of the amount of fabric you do have; and
b. purchasing the rings with clips and then pressing each panel to make the appearance of a pleat at the top. Hang each "pleat" on the hook part of the ring. I think that may give you the look you are after. When I bought my hardware there were oodles of rings to choose from. My sheer panels are from JCP and I seem to remember that they had a big selection of rings as well as rods at that time.

Part of the problem that I see is the way the top of the curtains look bunched up and aren't hanging right. I think I read that they are actually pocket-type panels? That could be adding to your inability to get the more flowing (for lack of a better word) look at the top of the panels.

What is the fabric makeup? I think another component is that your inspiration pics show panels that seem to be a more flowing fabric than what you have IRL. Also, I am not sure if you posted whether you have tried to find more of these panels. Do you still have the original packaging?I see that you purchased them a couple of years ago, but don't see if you have tried to find more?

Becky - the valances are 55" wide (and something like 18" long) each, I have 4 of them. The panels are 42"x95" and I have 6 of them. The two smaller windows are 41" wide from edge of casing to edge of casing, the double window is 81" wide casing to casing. Not sure of the exact height, but my other windows the same size in FR I have inside mount custom romans 54" long, so I'd say top of casing to bottom of apron (when I get them installed) is probably about 60" but I really want the panels to hang from close to the ceiling (about 3" below) to the floor with just a slight break, no puddling. I bought 95" panels b/c I figured 84" panels would be too short. I can sew a straight hem - at least for a short distance. The panels are unlined and not pleated. Thanks for your help.

W_i_p - I've got clip rings on clipped just above the seam, was just trying to get the right length and see how they look b4 hemming. A trick Thrifty Chick recommends, these panels are too long to make permanent but I wasn't sure I wanted to use the rod pockets, thought clip rings would be more modern look. Of course I found last night that I kept one package the "pewter" color rings that matched the rods, returned the others and kept 3 unopened packages of "vintage silver" that I thought was right color (I thought Pewter was darker than Silver) so it's a good thing the rings don't show. JCP is good about returns, I just bought those 3 months ago so maybe I can exchange/return. JCP doesn't have any more of these panels - at least not when I dd a search on their website, and they weren't sold in the stores.

I'll be the lone dissenter here, but I would like to see two panels on each window. For a one panel window, I think the material needs to be a lot heavier and fuller.

I've always heard to double the material by the width of the window.

I can see a valance helping out the top where the rod is thin.

If you can sew a straight line and have a sewing machine, panels are sooo easy to make. You could do it in one afternoon! Or get a friend to whip some up for you.

Thanks for the measurements ajsmama. What I should have asked was for the measurement from the top of the rod to the floor and if you want a header above the rod pocket. Header = that little ruffle like above the rod pocket once WTs are gathered on the rod.

Thanks oakley, but I *really* like this fabric, don't want to give up on it yet. Plus we don't have any good fabric stores around here where I could buy fabric (no JoAnns or such) - unless I want to go to Calico Corners and pay $$$$! That or Walmart - but I don't think Walmart has much of a selection.

Oh, OK Becky - I know 95" is enough to work with since the ceilings are only 96" (and I think that was b4 the carpet went in). The curtains have rod pockets, I think there is about 1" header but I don't care for the header. These rods are hung 91.75" from the carpet, I'd like them to break a little plus we should allow for HW floors (not as thick as carpet with 1" pad) in the future. I just measured a valance, too, it's 19" total with 1.75" header and 2" rod pocket - I'm assuming panels are the same so they're probably not counting the header, that would make panel 96.75" long which I can believe since I have them clipped so low and they're still puddling quite a bit. 1" header is OK but I didn't like the look when valance was on the rod - 1.75" was just too close to the ceiling.

Another quick question, will the TV be pretty much flat against the wall once mounted? If not, how much space from the back of the TV to the wall will there be?

Also, since you'll have a table underneath the TV, does it have to be moved to the wall for any reason other than you'd like to have it on the wall?

Sorry I didn't see this til now (shower and dinner and Girl Scouts). The TV should be about 4" away from the wall when mounted, and the table doesn't *have* to be pushed right against the wall. In fact, we have to allow room for cable from DVD player to TV (also power cord and antenna coax, at least until/if I move the receptacles up on the wall behind the TV - which could take a year the way this house is going!).

If it helps, the ends of the table are also rounded, so allows a little room behind the curve too but I don't know where the back edge starts to straighten out. Here's the undoctored photo

Do you think it'll be OK to have the curtains behind the (46") table a little? The TV isn't that wide (40") and we have 55" b/t window casings (plus 2.25" trim on each window that I plan to cover with edge of panel), so we have roughly 10" from glass to edge of TV for stackback on each window. If that's too little we could cover some of the glass since I'm not really concerned with light - the less the better for TV watching - or view.

Thanks for spending so much time on this. How are your drapes going?

ajsmama - Are you hanging them from the rings as shown in your sketch? If so, there shouldn't be any fabric above the rod. That's why is suggested finding rods a bit more substantial than what you have. Since the rod is a decorative element of the entire "look", you should be able to see the rod above your panels. In other words, the panel tops will be below the rod. I am attaching a pic of my sheers so you can see what I mean by there isn't any fabric covering the rod. It is an odd thing to explain (for me) so I just snapped a quick pic:

You can't see it in my pic, but there are actually clips attached to the rings. I have just hung my sheers with drapery pins in the pleats and have put the pin through the tiny ring that attaches the clip to the ring. You can use the rings like that, or you can use the clips depending on what you are hanging or what look you are after.

Also, I selected rings which matched the rods. I used the sheers as an interim solution - sadly it is now over 2 yrs and I am just now investigating panels I saw in a post on this forum. DH would prefer no drapery, but the windows were too stark at night with no WT. Two plus years later and the sheers are still in place. LOL

Can't wait to see your finished windows.

I'm so sorry I didn't get this posted before dinner. I thought I did just before hubby got home, but I can see now I didn't.
Just curious what you think of this idea? Don't feel bad if you don't care for it. I'm just coming up with some ideas that might work.

I pinned one of the panels up today. I've been working on packing up some fabric from a cabinet that I want moved when our son picks up his son tomorrow after work. Which means I won't have much time to do anything tomorrow but have fun with our grandson tomorrow. There's always nap time though. Thanks for asking.

Forgot to mention that I'd cut two panels in half lengthwise and sew each section onto the other four full sized panels after opening the side hem to sew to the raw edge. I know you'll have to hem the bottoms too.
One valance for each single window and the two remaining valances in the middle of the double window between the panels.

I agree with work_in_progress about hanging the drapes below the rod. I also think a more substantial rod in Oil Rubbed Bronze would work much better with your color scheme.

Becky - what do you think of a dark wood (not sure about ORB) rod, showing, no valance, as W_i_p suggested?

I'd have to find someone to cut the 2 "spare" panels and use them to widen the other 4. I don't think I'm up to that. But would one 60" panel on each 41" window and two 60" panels on the 81" window work w/o valances? OR to avoid having to find a seamstress, could I use 2 panels on each of the smaller windows, use the other 2 panels on the outsides with a solid-color linen or sheer in the inside on the large window? Something in one of the lighter colors in the pattern?

Darn, I had found 2 ORB rods I loved at Walmart last year, but they only had 2, I needed another for the large window so I didn't get them. I'm sure they don't have any more now since they were on clearance then. Maybe JCP has something. If not, I can easily find wooden brackets and closet poles (if I go a foot out to each side of large window that would be 105" - can I find one that long?) and stain them to match the tables. I *think* you can even find unfinished rings. What do you think?

The only thing is, these drapes aren't pleated - will that be a problem? Oh, W_i_p, I *did* buy (or intend to buy - I messed up and returned the wrong rings) matching rings, I just clipped the panels high so I wouldn't have so much puddling on the floor, trying to decide on proper length b4 I hemmed them. But even with the rings showing, you think these rods are too light-colored and too skinny?

These are on sale at JCP - too ornate? I'm also not sure about ORB metal door knob finials with my brass door HW so close to the window. Would stained wood look better?

I saw some dark wood end caps (PB? RH? can't remember) at GW yesterday - for about a 2" rod? They were pretty flat, very simple (almost like a thick coaster?). Would that be better?

Here is a link that might be useful: Linden Street doorknob rods

Okay, I take it you don't like the above idea.

I wasn't sure myself, but thought it was worth a try since this is what you have.
I like the idea of adding sheers or solid panels(?) in one of the lighter shades of your panels. I didn't know if you were wanting to spend extra. Window treatments can be so costly when you have so many other things to finish too.
As for how many panels on each window, I think I'd use just one on each of the smaller windows and two on either side of the double windows or it could look a bit lopsided. I have never understood why they even make such narrow panels, but as I was looking on JCP just now I saw some that were only 36 inch wide! I didn't even know they made fabric that narrow anymore. Mine are fifty five inches wide. With two on each of my 36 inch windows it's just perfect.

Here are some of what I found while surfing JCP.

Solid and Print Combo

Panel and Sheers

Pulled Back w/o panels covering the full rod

Solid panel to go with your panels?
Or This Back Tab
Or Even this Back Tab
Blackout Back Tab
Since you'll be using clip rings these back tabs could possibly work.

I like those, but it sounds as though you are not convinced. I like them. I have a different rods in each room and none match our brass door hardware.

Becky - it's not that I don't like your idea, I just have to try it. I originally was going to do that, that's why I bought the 4 valances (but I was going to put 2 panels on each window). Then after a year of reading this forum and blogs I got stuck in my head that I wanted the rods to show, so bought clip rings at Halloween.

The only problem with the JCP doorknob finials is that the ends are very ornate, and you'd see 2 of them as soon as you walk in. Not in fitting with my clean-lined furniture (though I admit the drapery fabric is loud, it's more of an ethnic print in an earth-tone so I think I can get away with it). That's why I'm thinking plain flat end caps might be better if I am going to change to heftier wood rods. The JCP finials also look like doorknobs, and they're a lot more attention-grabbing than my plain shiny brass builder's knobs (that I may switch out for levers, but would still probably be brass b/c of brass caming in sidelights to front door). It's just this is the only room where I have a window right near a door.

I just scrolled up to see your first post - how do you add links like that? I'm still doing the one-at-a-time "optional link URL".

Anyway, I only peeked at the first one, they had the dark solid on the outside, print on the inside. I was thinking of the print on the outside (one panel on each of the single windows) and the solid (sheer?) on the same rod to the inside (2 42" panels to the outside of the big window). Not sure if I'd buy more for the single windows, but even if I did it would only be 4 panels instead of 2 (and I'd pull them to the side on the small windows, so would just use the plain panels to add fullness) and I was thinking I could find something inexpensive. Certainly would cost less than scrapping these and buying *8* new (wider) panels for this room.

Something like this, but not as high contrast (like beige instead of white) and of course my outside panels are not sheer.

Here is a link that might be useful: dark and light sheers on same rod

This is what I was thinking until Cathy did that sketch (but with clip rings) - I even have the holdbacks but 1) It's shirred (OK, I can do that) instead of clip rings , 2) The rod is *right* on top of the window instead of close to the ceiling, 3) the rod is centered over the window so the single panel covers more of the glass and still has fullness to pull back and not sure it matters 4)it's a dark rod, maybe 1" instead of my skinny (1/2"?) rods.

So, how can I make my treatments look like this? I don't mind moving the rods so they're centered (though I'll have some patching and painting), I can forget the clip rings (use the rod pocket on all the windows? Or clip rings on the large window with panels hanging straight down?). I would *prefer* not to lower the rods or buy new rods. Will this work on a 41" window and 42" panel or would I still have to make up 60" panels?

Here is a link that might be useful: The look

I had a really crazy thought - I have 4 panels of the same pattern in green I was going to use in the DR. So waht about mixing them to gve fullness? Probably not.

But as I was looking in DR for the green valance I had stuck in the drawer, I saw the view into the kitchen. I *knew* it was bad but had no idea *how* bad.

So what about using the 6 beige panels in the DR (2 on each 41" window and 2 on the 52" (outside of trim) door to hide the kitchen? They're not lined, but maybe I can line the kitchen side with some drop-cloth-like material I picked up at GW? Either that or we have to do (solid) French doors like we have in the LR.

Sorry to go off on a tangent with another room but this is awful! I didn't think about seeing the sink (and dish drainer) when I review floor plans, and they didn't get the deep panels for the sides of the fridge that I wanted so short of buying new panels and moving the fridge cabinet out (and building a "shelf" to help support the back?) I don't think I can bump it out to cover the painted steel (not SS) side of the fridge. And then I'd still have the messy sink area!

Here are the (currently LR) panels with the shades I have hanging in the DR - close to the dark color in the pattern

and with the oriental rug

So even if I have to buy new drapes for the LR, at least these won't be a total loss! Since I have fewer of the green, didn't pay as much for them as the beige.

The drapes in "the look" are foam backed sailcloth, so they are heavier than yours. In order to get that look with your drapes, you would need to sew two panels together to get them wider and also line them.

Thanks dekeoboe. I guess if I hired someone to sew a half panel to the panels I have (would 60" do it?) I could have them line them. But that would cost more than just adding solid-color panels. I liked the first and the last back-tab ones Becky provided links to. The first (Solid panel to go with your panels) is a twill, so a little smoother than my nubby patterned panels. The last (blackout) is a nubbier fabric. Both are back-tabs.

Would a mix of back-tabs and rod pocket (held on with clip rings) work? Use clip rings on all? Or is there a way to add back tabs, since I'll be hemming a good 6", I could cut the panels shorter and put back-tabs on rather than just making a deep hem?

OK, I know dekeoboe and deeinohio suggested this, but I just now got up the courage to try to take the rod (with 2 panels!) down by myself - managed not to hit the TV *or* the ceiling. Here it is with 1 valance on one rod to right of TV. The valance is hung from the header instead of rod pocket b/c I don't want header near ceiling - b/c of cording not continuing past rod pocket I'll have to fold this over and shorten it so I have trim all the way up the sides. Is this full enough if we move the rod to be centered over the window? I don't think it makes the room look as tall as full-length panels do, but since it's hung so close to ceiling does it help? Again, it's 55" valance on 41" window. I am afraid we'd have to center the rod if we do valance only and 2 valances might be too wide? It might shir better with the rod pocket but fabric seems stiff (it's heavy), doesn't gather as tightly as a sheer. And how will the room look with panels only on the large window (where we really need to draw them for glare - we have a line on the TV from the light leaking from edge of shade that's in middle of window)?

And here is Becky's idea. I forgot to mention that the valances have cording on the edges (just up to the rod pocket so I will have to take it off if I do this since panels don't have trim).

I love "The Look" picture and if you notice, they hung the rods much lower, which I think would look better for your windows.

When I see high rods and the curtains are open, it looks unfinished or off to me. That's what I was having a problem with when looking at your curtains.

Sheers would help and they're very inexpensive.

If you hung two curtains per window (my favorite, lol) use tie-backs which will help prevent the curtains from touching the tv.

I haven't seen your whole room. What is your decorating style?

ajsmama, I belong to a group at NING that replies are done in html so I write my replies there, with links and copy and paste them here. I cheat in other words. Ha ha ha!

Your The Look link is the same as my third link. I think you can acheive that by centering your rods, but it won't be quite as full. It would look much better if you add width to each panel like I mentioned before. It's really easy. If you can cut and sew a somewhat straight line, I could talk you through it. It's a bit time consumming though. I wish I lived closer, this is some of the work I do on the side and would be a breeze for me.

Are you saying you have more of the same exact panel for the dining room only in green? If so things could change.....Hmmmmmm. My head's working, but not going to say anything until I know for sure.

Back tabs also have a rod pocket so you could either hang them all using the rod pocket, or add rod pockets to your current panels too. Either of which could work to your advantage IF you knew how to sew. Since you don't I'd advise using the rod pockets if you wind up with either rod pockets or back tabs. That's my opinion though.

Just looked at the one panel with one valance on the smaller window. It looks much better than I thought. You could even use the hardware pullbacks. Forgot what they are called. You mention needing to cover the center area on the double window. How about use three panels on the double window. One on each side and one in the middle, to take care of the glare, and use one valance between each panel. One double window it would be panel, valance, panel, valance, panel. If you can get up the courage to cut one of the remaining three panels left than you can add one half to each of the other two and hang them with a panel and a half to outside with the valances near the TV.

I agree with the others who said that in order to achieve the look that you want, you really need to hang those panels differently, with rings below the rod. I'm not sure if the fabric that those panels are made of is right either, and I do think that you need a bit more fullness to create the look in your sketch.

AJ, do you get the Country Curtains catalog? I got mine today and saw so many neat ideas for your windows! They may have the same pictures on their website.

And if you need a panel or two, or even a sheer, CC is very inexpensive. :)

I also noticed they hung their curtain rods low. I like that, I really like the space between the top of a window and the ceiling in a room.

If I use rings and not a rod pocket, I will have the rings showing. If I can exchange the wrong colored (dark) rings I kept by mistake, or get new (dark wood) rods and rings.

Becky, I wish we lived closer too! I can cut and sew a straight hem, but 90-something inches (esp. the cutting part) scares me. What about the cording on the valances? Take it off (take it *all* off)?

Oakley - thanks for your opinion, I didn't know about the painted wall showing b/t the window and rod, but it's a common designer look and the lesser of 2 evils since I really like the height the higher rod gives to the room. I've posted some pics of the rest of the room (not much to it so far) b4, but here's the other wall with the sofa, end tables and rug (with DD) - I plan on hanging 3 Ansel Adams prints in "floating" frames over the sofa. I still have to get lamps and a recliner (palimpsest suggested Mission) for DH. We're changing the table the TV is on to the one I showed above, stained to match the end tables. The TV wll go on the wall and the DVD player will go on top of the table, then I can use the green plastic box up in the attic LOL!

CC is a little out of my price range too, though I did splurge and buy their circle rods for my MBR (still have to put those up).

OK, just to throw *another* monkey wrench in, I stopped at Job Lot today and found fabric, I got some silk-like striped green and beige panels 60" x 140" for $6! I found 5 of them, there's another Job Lot not far from DS's school, maybe can make it there Thursday and luck out find another matching one if I need it. I'd probably have to line them (with what?), but I could cut 50" off the bottom and hem them much easier than cutting my existing panels in half (and sewing them together to get 60" width). I'll post pics tomorrow taken in natural light. The only hard part would be keeping the stripes straight. How many of these (unfinished size) 60" wide panels would I need? Would the smoother (thinner?) lighter (but not sheer-weight) fabric hang better than the heavy kind of nubby panels I have now?

ooh, Job Lot - are you in RI? How many panels you need depends on how heavy they are and what style you decide to do. But at that price, more is better :)

Try it with the dark colored rings - it may look good with the contrast, plus you will get a better idea of how you like it with rings.

dekeoboe - are you in RI? We moved from RI to CT in 2007. I love Job Lot! At least here's one near us in CT and another not too far (near DS's school) just over the border in MA. If I can't find a match there, maybe you can find one for me? I don't like it as well as the JCP panels I have, but if I can't make those work then this might be inexpensive alternative. I got the roman shades in this room from Job Lot - $10 each.

terriks - I have 14 "pewter" rings that match the rods - enough for 2 panels. I have 42 "vintage silver" (darker like tarnished silver) rings. I'll hang the striped fabric with rings tomorrow and take pics. I have 2 odd lamps in the LR that don't give much light.

ajsmama - whatever fabric/drapery material you chose, you still need to change out the rods. They are much too "light". You need a more substantial rod. I like the Linden Street rods you linked as I think ORB is a good look for your room. However, you need to decide on whether you like the look of the doorknob finial. I wouldn't be concerned about the name of the finial being "doorknob". That is just a decorative term someone created to describe the product. It's just the marketing department's idea of what best describes the look of that finial.

I used antique gold rods and rings in my foyer, LR and DR, all have the same PP sheers on the rings as I explained previously. I could have used something different in my DR, but I would have chosen something that complemented the rods in LR and foyer.

The rods you have just aren't enough for the size of your windows or the fabric weight of your panels. There are so many different decorative rods out there to chose from. There has to be something that will work that is within your budget.

I think the rods you currently have are more for use in a BR or bath. They are very delicate and the rest of your room seems to have a "heavier" feel to it. The rods you currently have would look nice with a fabric with an "airy" feel to it. Nothing heavy. I think the size of your nice big windows is compounding the inadequacy of the rods as well.

Unless you have to, I don't think I would use cut stained closet poles. It will be much easier to buy rods that come with the appropriate hardward needed to hang them. If you want to use wood, you can buy rods that are either wood or faux wood. This being your LR, I would try and get past the fact that you need to use different rods. I think you will be much happier with the right rods.

The rods are a significant component of the overall look of your WTs which are going to be noticed given the size of your windows. You want them to be noticed for what is right, not that you missed the mark. The right hardware is just going to make your drapery look better. If you don't use the right rods, and the drapery isn't right, the whole look will be off. JMHO.

Have you tried HD, Lowes, or any of the big box stores that carry home improvement items?

I was looking through some of my old inspiration photos and came across these three pics from when I was considering doing a similar WT. Hope they may help give you some more ideas. What they all have in common is that the drapes are swagged off to one side.

I prefer either of the first two for your house.

Also, BTW, you could alternatively spray paint your existing rods and rings in ORB using Rustoleum. I am always hesistant to tell someone that they purchased the wrong thing and need to go out and get something different when what they just bought cannot be returned. I'd try the Rustoleum first on what you have now.

Thanks val - I like the first two as well. The last one I think was done with a scarf. The first one looks really full, and the large window with panels on each side looks interesting with that valance(?) underneath. I wonder if that works b/c the solid color WTs are so close to the wall color.

I'd love to do something that looks like #2. Think 1.5 times the width of the window will do it for fullness?

I've been looking at the fabric that I just threw over the rod (I'll clip it tomorrow) and while the stripes are nice, and *may* be a good color with my walls and my carpet, I just don't like it as much as the ethnic print panels. I like the heavy texture with the chunky dark furniture (makes me wonder why I chose such skinny rods - though I think I bought the rods b4 the end tables). I'll take a pic tomorrow and let you all see.

As far as the rods, I think I have to look for chunkier ones unless I'm going to use the rod pockets, so Rustoleum won't help. Maybe I can find new rods for under $100 at Lowes or Walmart. Closet rods would be cheaper though.

I like #2 as well--both the rod and WT style. The weight of the fabric seems similar to what you have as well. I'd try to find a rod like that along with the hold back (they sell them with the curtain rods). I've always had pretty good luck with Lowes for curtain rods. Have you checked JCP and Bed Bath & Beyond? Don't forget you can order online since you now have a clearer idea what you are looking for.

Do you have a Big Lots or Christmas Tree Shop for curtain rods?

CTS is a ways away, but Big Lots is right next to GW. Job Lot never seems to have chunky rods, only skinny. I linked to some JCP above that may work.

Here are pics of the striped fabric. DD has the stomach bug so I've been up all night and may be interrupted now. But I hung it with rings - 60" wide still isn't draping well (it's not as supple as silk - maybe I should try washing it?). The colors seem to work even though the green isn't the exact color of my walls.

with leather ottoman (ignore rods and junk on the floor)

with my $1 votive (I have 2) from GW

With end table (and packages of clip rings, holdbacks shoved under!)

with throw pillows

I forgot to take a pic with the area rug but the green in the rug is a little more grayed, the beiges are almost exact.

Hanging with clips

They're not gathering well - is 60" width not enough? Maybe just let it hang straight (back to the single panel on each window, but at least it's got more width) rather than trying to tie back? Or do I need 2 panels (would be almost 120" wide on 41" window), in which case I need more fabric? I'm not going to try to cut these to 30" and make a 90" panel.

I take back what I said about liking the JCP panels better - while I'm not sure the stripes go with the end table A&C style, I think they look much nicer than the print when viewed from the foyer:

What do you think (those of you who are still with me LOL)?

I am no expert in WT at all so I've been watching this thread for with interest, but I had to chime in at this point and say that I love the striped fabric. I think it adds color and interest - very pretty fabric!

I know you had been planning a long time to use the first fabric but I think the striped fabric is perfect. They really compliment the walls, pillows, and other furniture. I still think you need a beefier rod. Such luck!

Well, if I need 2 panels per window then I still need to find 3 (or 4 since the one I draped over the furniture has flaws, haven't checked the other 3) more. If I can't find them, would something like this top treatment work with the romans? I'm not fond of the horizontal stripes, but I would only need 4 lengths for this.

These were custom made, but Lindsay figured out how to make them, and I don't know if it's her floral fabric or the way they fall, but I like hers better. I think I could make these (once I find the extra glue sticks for my glue gun LOL!)

Here is a link that might be useful: Living with Lindsay - custom toppers

The striped panels are a huge improvement! The fabric hangs and drapes much more nicely than the other panels. The stripe looks very familiar to me. Where did you get them?

I have no idea where they came from originally - I got them at Ocean State Job Lot (same place I got the silk pillows - the microfiber pillows are from Big Lots).

Ugh, I took the snagged panel and folded it, clipped it, pinned it and it looks *nothing* like Lindsay's topper. Maybe it's b/c I left the cut edges at the bottom (figured it would be easier to handle with the fold at the top since I didn't take the rod down, just unclipped the length I had hanging this AM). Maybe it's b/c the length is a little more than 2.5 times my window width. Maybe the fabric's too stiff (it was really hard to get the pin through 6 thicknesses of it!). So, ignoring the horrible fluff job, provided I can't find any more of this fabric, and I can find someone to make me the "Lindsay toppers" (maybe I can try a sample one since I have this spare piece), would a topper over the existing romans work in this room? Or is the tail going to be too close to the TV? Do the horizontal stripes work?

She has tab top so that the material goes straight across the top ..Lets see a pic. with the valance pulled straight along the rod...

Go with the stripes ones.

I went to JCPenny and looked at the drapes in "the look." The tabs on these drapes are 2" wide and there is a 6" space between the tabs. Using those figures, a 42" wide curtain will have 6 tabs. (2-6-2-6-2-6-2-6-2-6-2-6-2) When you put these drapes on a curtain rod and pull them to the side, like in the inspiration picture, the tabs will have a tendency to slide to the pulled back side, so they would only cover about 12" of the rod. The way to avoid having this happen is to use a thick rod, so they can’t slide so easily. Or, you could sew through the tabs so they are not so long. If you are making your own drapes, you can alter these numbers to get the look you want. You could use wider tabs or you could space the tabs closer together to get smaller folds.

The stripe fabric would be easy to use. Stripes and plaids are harder to use when making clothes, but I think they are easier to use when making drapes. And lengthwise cutting and sewing are easier because you just follow the stripe. The only thing you have to worry about is which is top and which is bottom.

My suggestion would be to sew two panels together. I am not sure how wide a piece of fabric this would make because you will need to match the stripe so that it looks like one piece of fabric. I think you could probably get a drape with a finished width of 106", which would equate to 14 2" tabs with 13 6" spaces between the tabs. 14 x 2" means that would it cover at least 28" of curtain rod. If that is not quite enough coverage for you, you could place the tabs closer together, and have the folds be not quite as deep.

I hope this makes sense to you.

To answer your other question, I currently live in TX as my husband is in the military and we move every couple of years. But, I grew up in RI, so I am familiar with shopping at Job Lots, the Bldg 19s, Grossmans outlets and similar places.

She said in her blog you could use clip rings so that's what I did for mockup. I just adjusted the clips so the top s straight but t still doesn't look right - either I've got too much fabric (length? width? both?) or I did a really bad job pinning it to create the "scoops".

Take a look at her blog, I think my mockup (without a pin) is close to her WT before she pinned and fluffed. What do you think the problem is with the "scoops"? Ignore the lopsided fabric, I moved the clips so more is hanging to the left, I'd center it once I got the right length (actually width going across the window). Just seems like it needs to be pulled up at the ends more - pin it there too, though she doesn't mention having to do that? I think the tails are too long (even the right one) too, someone questioned the 2.5 times width and thought it should be more like 1.5 - 2 times width of the window (so I should start with 61.5" - 82" length of (54" wide) fabric rather than 140" of 60" wide fabric, though I don't know if those extra 6" (only 3" when doubled to "self-line") really makes a difference in the way it drapes. I'm hanging mine higher too, so thought I could use 60" width. Maybe it's a difference in the fabric weight and hand?

I'm going to look for more of this fabric at the other Job Lots in the area (maybe DH will look for me at one he can swing by on way home tomorrow). But can I get a vote for vertically striped panels vs horizontally striped valances (if I can find enough fabric for panels)?

Here is a link that might be useful: Lindsay's blog again

I didn't leave, just got busy and when I checked back read you have bought fabric. Decided to wait and see it.
Sorry your DD is sick. I hope she's feeling better soon.
I don't care for the toppers. They're okay in the floral, but so not made for striped fabric in my opinion. But it's not my home. If you like them then by all means go for it.
Personally, I'm still with you on feeling the panels hung high, will add height to your room. I'm doing that in our home. Obviously many here don't care for that style. I do, it's my home, I do what makes me happy. You should too.
Rule of thumb for panel width: 1-1/2 times for patterned or picture lace or fabric, 2-1/2 times for casual/minimal gather for everyday rooms, 3 to 3-1/2 times (or more for fine fabrics or sheers) for country or formal curtains.
For your window and the fabric you have I'd use two lengths of fabric for each of the single windows and two lengths for each side of the double window. Personally I think rod pocket panels would be the best for your room and it's decor. Rings are more contemporary leaning a bit to modern. I had planned to use them in our Ladies Parlor, but now that I'm redoing the room I realized they just won't fit the rest of the "new" room decor.

We were posting at the same time. I don't necessarily need tabs, or sailcloth. I just liked the way those JCP sailcloth panels draped and was wondering about width. Rings and tabs that are too big *do* tend to slide when you try to tie panels to one side, so if I decide to do that with these striped panels (if I go with panels), I'd have to do a rod pocket, get a thicker rod, and/or sew tabs on just barely big enough to get onto the rod.

Funny, my DH is from TX, but we spent 15 yrs in RI (most of those working for the Navy). Are you in San Antonio?

Building 19 is no more (at least not in RI), I think Grossman's went out too (the only one I knew was just over the border into CT, Groton I think). Job Lot just keeps expanding though! Oh, if you're originally from the area, you'll remember Bernie's - they just filed Chapter 11.

Hi Becky! I figured you got busy with Owen or your own drapes. I'm not crazy about the horizontal stripes either, though they're OK since the colors are good in my room, I'd try them if I can't find any more of this fabric. But if I do fnd some, can you spell out for me (I'm an engineer, I need numbers LOL) how much I need for each window? If the raw measurement is 60" wide, do I need two of those (120" minus seam allowances) for each 41" window (counting the 81" window as 2, obviously 120" to each side)? Would I seam them together (oh no, a long seam on a stripe I have to keep straight!) to make one panel, and swag it back to one side, or do I make two separate panels and then decide if I want to pull them both back to one side or leave them hanging one to each side?

DD is feeling better, drinking Pedialyte and just ate some Cheerios (I had to run out to get, she wouldn't eat dry toast or saltines). Probably won't send her to school tomorrow since she had diarrhea at 10am. But I think the worst is over. Poor baby was in the bathroom pretty much from 7pm to 9pm last night, and I had to change her Pullup twice overnight (just a little leakage, not major). DH took over at 2am, I had been giving her sips of water since she was so thirsty and then sometime b/t 2 and 6 she threw the water up. I woke up at 6, checked the school closings, then went back to bed for 2.5 hrs. Started giving her Pedialyte at 9am, 1 oz every 10 min just to make sure she could keep that down.

I liked the way they draped in the picture too, which is why I stopped in. Plus, I wanted to know how the back tabs worked.

Yes, we are currently in San Antonio.

I'm not familiar with Bernie's.

dekeoboe check the second picture in the link below to see what back tabs look like from the back.
I love how they work and they look so darn good from the front too. Most come with a standard casing built in as do the ones in the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Back Tabs

The first picture Val showed with the blinds would be perfect in your room! The whole thing comes together. I like how there's a lot of width to the material to be able to drape over to the side and hide the top part of the window.

The blinds are like icing on the cake!

I figured out why I'm not too fond of the original fabric. Looking at the striped fabric made me realise that the other fabric looks too washed out & they appear to be a very thin fabric for a curtain. A bolder & heavier fabric on the windows would be gorgeous. As long as they're full and have the blinds. lol.

Thanks. Seeing them in person this morning gave me a good feel for the proportions needed to get certain looks. Good information since I will be moving again in a couple of months. (To the house where I want to cover up that huge arch.)

Oh, you're the one with the arch! I have to look up that thread - dd you get many good ideas?

Oakley - I like the first pic Val posted, but it is a more formal room. I agree, those wood blinds (TDBU? Or just shutters on the bottom part of the windows) really make the look. I'm partial to the 2nd and 3rd pics, as well as "the look" with back tabs from JCP, b/c the panel only comes partway across the window. Hard to get them to stay there though, so I may go with the wider (118ish"?) width and go all the way across like the first pic (though sadly no wood blinds/shutters). Oh, and actually the striped fabric is much lighter than the original JCP panels. You're right, the color wasn't good for the room (though it matched the romans and the wool rug), the stripes are better, plus the thinner fabric hangs better. I just need to line it.

Becky - it looks like back tabs really wouldn't be any harder to do than tab-tops. Just cut and fold and press a tab then sew it along the rod pocket. How many tabs/how close together would you make them? If it makes the panel pleat better I'll do it! I really don't like panels shrired on a rod pocket.

Did you read what I wrote at 14:56?

Here's another idea. I made extended rod pockets to soften the look on the panels in our GP.

Asjsmama,

You would need 120", or two 60" widths sewn together, to make the drapes you are proposing. If you're talking about sewing fabric like the striped fabric you've shown, (which is very pretty, BTW), I can tell you what you would need to find. For proper fullness, you would need 5-1/3 yards of fabric for each single panel, because you have to allow enough additional fabric for hems and a header for each panel. A rod pocket at the top would give you better control at positioning the drape to stay in place. If you have two windows needing a single panel, and one double window needing two panels, this means you would need a minimum of 21-1/3 yards of fabric. Is this making sense to you?

While I do like Lindsay's WT, she's used it in a kitchen. I think it is a bit too informal for a LR. JMHO

The vertical striped material is great for your room. You can use the rings without using the clips. Just use drapery pins and put the pin through the small circle that attaches the clip to the ring.

Again, I think you need more substantial rods, especially in light of the overall look of your room. Your key pieces are not small in scale or overly feminine looking so you need rods that go with the overall look and feel of your LR.

If it were my LR, I would consider not using the romans with the striped material you've found. The material is silky and more formal looking. Whereas, your first fabric had a more earthy organic feel that didn't fight with the roman shade look. If you notice the sample rooms pictured, none have romans. If privacy is an issue (think you don't have an issue from your previous posts) perhaps you could use the half plantation shutters as shown in the samples posted by val.

Sorry to hear your little one isn't feeling well.

Becky - yes, I did read the 1456 post, just looking for clarification which I think nanny2a provided. I can hopefully find more fabric and put 118-119" (? depends on if I have to match stripe, then it may be more like a single 113" wide panel) on each single window (41" or if I leave the rods where they are more like 52"), and two panels on the 81" (again, may extend to 105") window. I'm just leary of trying to match the stripe and seam 2 pieces of fabric into a single panel. Will it work if I just use two separate 59ish" wide panels (allowing for 1/2" seams) and let the stripes fall where they may if I stack them back to the same side?

What would I line them with? And do you think I could manage back tabs?

nanny2a, thanks - I have 4 "packages" that are roughly 60x140 and another that has some flaws (maybe I can hide them at the floor b/c I can't cut them off) that is the same size (I have to inspect the remaining 3, they may have flaws too). They were sold as "3-yd" lengths but the two that I measured were longer so I assume they're all that length. But the length isn't double what I need (finished length app. 90") so I have to assume I need 2 of these packages for each window to get the width *and* the length I need, I'll have some shorter (app. 4ft) lengths left over. So I need 8 packages to do the room at the length I need. I can't really go by yds b/c they're all cut to 9ft lengths.

W_i_p - thanks, DD is feeling much better tonight. I found some double rods at Walmart.com, those would work if I do sheers under or a valance over (since I will have 8 4ft lengths left over). Should I do valances? I don't mind getting rid of the romans if I have lined drapes I can pull (another reason for rings or back tabs?) for light control. Do I need to sew in pleats to use pins? That's outside of my skill set.

The romans aren't lined and don't do much for light, but at least they were something until I could (can) get drapes up. The room has southern and western (though shaded by the porch, late afternoon can get hot) windows and we need to cut the glare on the TV. Privacy is not a concern. Unfortunately the plantation shutters are not n the budget. Plus then I'd feel I'd have to put them on the DR too. I have romans on all my other windows (except bathroom in back of the house upstairs, kitchen and mudroom back of downstairs) so would it look best from the "street" to have romans (though not these inexpensive ones) on all the front windows?

In fact, I'm wondering if I should make romans out of this fabric, but mount them over and outside the windows for light control and height? Thought just occurred to me, this is an option if I can't find more fabric. Or would that not work in this room?

ajsmama: My personal vote is to skip the valances, use the roman shades with the striped material. Actually the second example pic I posted does use a shade. It is just pulled lower than where you have yours--which is an option for you as well. If you feel that your roman shades are not formal enough, you can add some decorative trim/tassles--pulling the shade of green from the striped material. In addition, perhaps I am missing something, but I don't care for the striped material railroaded for a valance--it just looks like it needs to be flipped 90%.

Val - I wasn't going to run the stripes horizontally for a valance if I do panels, I would have about 4ft so could easily fold it in half (or cut it and line it) and use 18-24" running vertically as a valance. if I did that after matching the stripe and sewing the whole 9 ft length (yikes!) I could even make it match up with the panel.

Or are you talking about the mockup I did? I don't really care for that either. That was something I was considering if I can't find more fabric. But I *do* have enough fabric to make outside-mounted romans - what do you think of that idea?

The ivory romans are kind of a tone-on-tone "crinkle" look - not sure I like that with the striped fabric but like I said they were inexpensive, I could always find something else to put under if I need to layer.

I found this rod on Overstock - just a little more $$ than Walmart's, but reading the reviews look like better quality. Opinions?

Here is a link that might be useful: Overstock Clemson rod

I have no clue what your sewing talents are so I'd hate to say you could manage back tabs without more information. What have you sewn in the past? Personally I wouldn't classify them as a beginner, but not too advanced either. Since I've been sewing since I was a child it's hard to say just what level they really are. I can say, at the very least, they'd be time consuming.

I do have to ask this question though, how long is it from the top of the rod to the floor? I thought you had eight foot ceilings? But by what nanna2a says you need for each panel I'm thinking I must be wrong. Five and a third yards is over a hundred and ninety two inches or sixteen plus feet. I used to figure yardage in my head for customers making their own WTs for eight years at House of Fabrics so that's got me very confused. I must have missed something along the way, though I thought I've read everything. Entry and interior doors are generally seven feet high so in comparison to the door shown in one of your photos above, the wall look as though they are eight foot high.

Depending on the rod you use you'd add maybe three to four inches for the pocket and four or five for the hem. Your rods seem as though they are hung about the same height as mine are. From top of my rod to the floor is 91 inches. Five inches from there to the ceiling which makes for eight foot ceilings. Even stretching it to five inches for rod pocket/back tabs and five for hem you'd still only need one hundred and one inches or three yards/108" to be safe that it was cut straight on grain. That's nine feet. Again, did I miss something?
I do like the clemson rod.

I think you forgot to multiply it by 2 because each panel will be made out of two 60" widths.

dekeoboe, then there wouldn't be enough.

I think she said 5 1/3 yds (16 ft) b/c I'd need two 8ft long 60" widths. I just went back many posts and found top of rod is 92" (not 90) from floor so I'd need more than 96" for seam allowances - so 102" length for 5" hem on each end (using top for rod)? SO I still need nearly double the amount I already got.

So, can I get away with 2 separate panels on each window (4 on the large wndow) so I don't have to match stripe and sew a wide panel? That's got me running scared. I can sew a long seam but don't know if I can keep it straight enough to match a stripe. I figured on separate panels like I'd buy, it wouldn't matter, though I know the wide panels would look nicer.

Becky - I'd probably just do the rod pocket to start, time-consuming is not good right now, but think I could add the tabs later if it made it look nicer. I've never sewn anything from a pattern, but made (lined) denim stockings for DH and the kids like the one my mom made for us when we were little (well, I was a teenager), and a couple of dresses for DD from that fabric that has the elastic smocking on top, so it was just a matter of cutting it a little smaller than her chest, folding it and sewing a seam, then turning it inside right and adding straps.

I thought last night Overstock was slightly more $$ than Walmart but today the shorter rods are actually less and long rod is the same, so I'm ordering the Clemson rods. Need to know ASAP though, should I order holdbacks? 4 or 6? They're $24/pair.

I was figuring on a 96" unfinished panel, doubled, which would equal 192" per panel, or 5-1/3 yds. If the unfinished length needs to be 107" for a 95" finished panel, then you would need 6 yards per individual panel.

Justgotobeme, to get the correct fullness for each panel, you would need to use 2 -60" panels. This would allow for pattern matching for the stripe, as well as 4" on each side for side hemming, 6" at header and 6" for bottom hem. The finished panel would be approximately 108" + or - because of stripe matching x 95" length.

Asjmama, if the packages are each 9' lengths, then yes, you are correct in saying that you would need 8 packages to do the room. If you can't get what you need, you might consider roman shades out of this fabric, which would also look lovely with your color selections. The striped fabric is very attractive with those throw pillows and the ottoman.

The Clemson rod has a diameter of one inch. What is the diameter of the current rod?

What a beautiful little girl! I didn't think I could sew, but I think I could make that dress for my daughter. I'm inspired now!

DH said he'd look at the other Job Lot on the way home from work (let's see if he remembers - he went in last b/c he had to plow the 5" of snow we got last night). I'll check the one near school tomorrow. Maybe I should hold off with the rods til we see what we can find for fabric.

nanny2a - I did consider (mention) making romans out of the striped fabric I have b/c it's more than enough. What do you think of outside mount above the windows? Of course in order not to look funny when raised they'd have to be the same width ( or only slightly wider) than the window, what about using the skinny rods I have now to mount them?

If outside mount won't work than I can use the hardware from the blinds I have now, the fabric just Velcros on so it's just a matter of lining them and sewing in thin dowels and rings for cord. I can even scavenge those from the existing shades. Only thing is the inside mount romans don't add height, and I don't think they soften the room that much.

But assuming we can find all the fabric this w/e, would I use the holdbacks or just let the panels hang straight? Just looking to save some $$ at $24/pair. The doorknob rods and holdbacks from JCP are slightly less but I think I like the squared-off finials from Overstock better. I was also wondering though, since the CL end tables might not be my forever furniture, whether the doorknob finials might be more classic? Or since they're just held on with set screws, I could keep the rods and change out finials in the future if I order the JCP instead of the Overstock? I'm just so afraid of wasting *more* money!

Oops, posting at same time b/c I had to get DD some Pedialyte. She threw up again about 9am - nurse said this bug is lasting about 5 days! But my mom will stay here while go in to help with kindergarten Valentine's party tomorrow (and stop at Job Lot 10 miles away from school). Poor baby, missing her party! I'll bring her Valentines home, we can work next week making ones from her and she can bring them in after vacation.

Anyway, the current rods I think are 1/2" with 1" clip rings. The Walmart rods are b/t 3/4" and 1" according to reviews (website doesn't say), and the JCP ones are "1 inch in diameter and have a 3-7/8 to 5" clearance" - doesn't say how big the finials are. I'm afraid the holdbacks would be huge, but good thing about JCP is that I can return to store even if I order online. Does anybody know Overstock's return policy?

joanie - thanks, I think she's beautiful too. The dresses were really easy. I made the other one with 2 straps since the halter-type single strap was hard to get over her head - she grew last July/August! I bought a bunch of other (summer) fabric and some patterns I thought were pretty simple, but I wanted to wait until my aunt (who had breast cancer) was feeling better to help me make them since I've never cut and pieced a pattern. Gotta make them this summer b4 DD outgrows the size I have fabric for!

First off, your daughter is adorable! She looks so pleased with her pretty sundress. I used to make Katie similar sundresses using tube tops. They didn't have these ready to make ones way back then. Katie is 25. She loved those little dresses and wore them almost everywhere. I don't think you can buy tube tops anymore, can you?
Okay, let's just say, that I had NO chocolate yesterday and this morning I have one huge sinus/allergy type headache so I'm not even going to look to see if I figured the panel yardage right last night. The only time I had trouble figuring fabric yardage in my head was when my allergies were acting up and I was taking antihistamines. I have no clue what I wrote about or how I figured the length of the fabric, but I do realize now that I wasn't thinking straight. I need my Hershey's Special Dark or I'm brain dead. Obviously. Oh and I forgot to take my BP meds yesterday. Not sure if that made any difference or not. Just saying......
I think I'm thinking well enough to say, go ahead and make six individual panels using the three yard lengths. If you like my extended rod pockets for a softer look, as shown in my photo above, then make your hem first and use the rest of the fabric for whatever size rod pocket you can make.
Gosh, I hope this all makes sense.

Yes, DD loved her sundresses and was so disappointed when she outgrew them so quickly - hated to give them to her cousin. I don't think you can buy tube tops any more, and this fabric s nice b/c it's fuller at the bottom for the skirt. It comes in really short length (narrow widths) though so it's not good for dresses unless your DD is under 40" tall.

I'm going to hold off hemming or doing anything with the fabric I have until I see if we can find more, just in case I have to use them for romans. How big is your extended rod pocket, and is it just one pocket or basically a 2" "header" that you put the rod through and then a larger "pocket" below just for looks? I'm thinking a 5-6" pocket would let the panel slide around too much and not shir? My "3-yd" packages are nearly 11 ft, so if I put a 6" hem on the bottom I'd be ending up with a 30" pocket! I don't think I want them *that* "extended" LOL. I'm going to have to cut some off - but then I'll have a lot left to make attached valances, or valances for another room, or throw pillows or something.

Take the BP meds now while you're thinking of it! Sorry about the sinuses. I like Nestle Chocolatier better than Special Dark (though that used to be my favorite).

Oh yes, I wouldn't start sewing until you know you can get enough fabric. Have you thought about calling the Job Lob locations in your area? If they have more I bet they'd hold them for you.
My extended rod pocket is approximately nine and a half inches. There is no header at all. Since my rods are hung high I have to buy panels that are too long and then hem them. With these I decided wanted a softer look so I seam ripped the header and rod pocket apart and made the rod pocket at large as I could, like I suggested for you to do before you told me how much extra fabric you have. I really like the look. In person you really don't notice the seam at all. It looks like the fabric is just folded over the top of the rod. As for it sliding, I put the side seam hem just over the edge of the bracket and that seems to hold it just fine when I do need to slide my panels closed for lighting issues. I suppose if you had to, one could use a paperclip as a double hook poking one "hook" through the fabric and securing it to the final with the other "hook".

As you can see in my photo that my rods are not fat. I think they are one inch in diameter. They look perfectly fine and I happen to love thick wood rods.

Speaking of rods, if you are able to make the panels and pull the fabric back on holdbacks the rods wouldn't show, like in the first photo Val shared, so the rod size wouldn't matter. Can you get holdbacks to match your current rods?

I can think of a really neat pillow you could make with the extra fabric. You can do so many fun things with stripes.

I already took my BP meds for the day. Thank you for the reminder though! That's how I knew I'd forgotten to take yesterdays. I keep them in one of those little weekly thingies. I alternate two different BP meds so I'd forget which I took the day before if I didn't use one.

I have holdbacks to match my current rods. Do you think I could use those instead of buying new ones? They're only 1/2", and I'm not sure about spray painting them - if I need dark finials and holdbacks I'd rather buy them and sell these on CL. Do you think the silver birdcage finials look OK? That would save about $160 on Overstock if I could just use what I have.

I would love to put 2 more (striped) pillows on the sofa, put the beige microfiber in between the striped and the floral ones. But don't know if that would be too many pillows. I'm going to have to think what I can do with the extra (assuming I find more). Maybe throw pillows for the porch furniture? Would that be too weird? That's the next sewing project (after curtains and DD's summer dresses). I found some heavy (neutral canvas color) twill at Job Lot too, was thinking I could use that for cushions but I don't know if it's outdoor. How can you tell? I don't want it to mildew. And I still have to find time to finish all my doors and window sashes, plus some missing baseboard and door casings, if we can resolve the loose tile issue. Oh, and to have a functional master bath before DS starts jr high in Sept would be nice, so he and DH aren't competing for the lone shower at the same time. It'll be a busy next 6 months!

I just got the new Country Curtains catalog, new arrival - Westport Stripe in Seafoam. It's almost identical to the fabric I found at Job Lot (so maybe that's where terriks saw it)! It has a wide light gold/tan stripe and darker gold/tan pinstripes, the Job Lot fabric has darker wide stripe and lighter pinstripe. But the CC fabric is $18/yd and I got it less than $2/yd! The JL in Southwick said they had some they thought looked like what I was describing, they are going to hold it at service desk for me til the AM (normally don't hold overnight but since I explained DD was sick they said they would). Maybe DH will find some in Bloomfield tonight (they didn't want to look), there may also be some in Windsor near the airport (they weren't sure, said they had lots of stripes) and I may have a chance to go there tomorrow if my mom will stay longer with DD.

This pic is from CC's website - what do you think of the valance (if I do skinny panels rather than wide and pulling them to the side?)? I think (if I find 4 more lengths at JL) that I'll have enough to do a valance. Or is this too formal for my LR/TV room? Maybe if I had Queen Anne furniture...but with the A&C type tables and transitional leather sofa, am I better with just straight panels like they show in the red?

Here is a link that might be useful: Country Curtains fabric

I think they would go well with your furniture. They are soft but still clean lined and not fussy.

I love this last look. And Continental rods are very expensive. You TV should stick out enough to not have to worry about the panels either. The TV in our sunroom will be attached to the wall with panels directly behind it. Only the TV will be on a shelf like that multi-shelf thing I showed you awhile back when you were looking for a table for under your TV.
Did you ever say why you wanted the TV mounted instead of on the table?

?? Becky, do you think I should make the valances and buy Continental rods or not? I thought they were less than decorative rods - in fact, I probably have 1 or 2 in the basement, my mom might have some.

DH had no luck finding the fabric, I'll have to keep looking.

Oh, and we'll have the TV on this table until I can finish the other one, just so we get the height right. In fact, it might sit on that one a while with the DVD player on the shelf below, since it takes forever to have DH do anything around here (and I can't mount the TV by myself). I've already bought the mount though. I thought a mount would be more secure with DD around.

I'm going to bed - was up with DD last night and now I'm not feeling well either. Shouldn't have had leftover chili for dinner. Hope I'm not getting the bug.

Are you talking just the valances? That would work too, but I thought you wanted the panels to give the illusion of heights. If you can't find the fabric then you can't. Bummer, I'm sorry you are sick too. Take care hope you sleep well.

Oh and yes, go for the continental rods. They'd look great and no worries about the finials or brackets showing! Yay !

Oh yes, I would do the panels as well as the valances (panels first, then take my time making the valances). Though now I won't be going anywhere for a few days, I might start a new thread asking folks in CT/MA/RI to look for this fabric at their Job Lots for me.

It hit me as hard as it hit DD - harder maybe since it's simultaneous (w/o giving TMI). Mom is staying far away, DH is taking tomorrow off to take care of me. Not that he's had to do too much, I cleaned up after myself, but I just had him disinfect the phones, the kitchen and now will have him do the computer. Just had to email the teacher and check in here.

I hope you are feeling better this morning!

Thanks Becky - Ds got sick right after I did Thursday night. I'm almost back to normal now (I'll dare to try something other than dry toast and gingerale today!), he's still got it. We both spent most of the day sleeping yesterday since we spent Thursday night in the bathroom. At least we managed not to be in there at the same time! Really have to finish the master bath (if I can get the floor in, we can set the toilet and we have a working shower, I can wait for countertops and tub deck).

Anyway, the hunt continues for the fabric - I did start another thread yesterday but no one has volunteered to help look. Maybe they're waiting til they find it to post/email me.

I'm glad you're feeling almost normal again. I hate the flu. so not fun.
I know you've been sick, but before you got sick, did you have time to call the stores? Some stores can even find out through inventory check what's available at other stores in their district, so make sure to ask them that. Good Luck!

Thanks, the only problem with inventory check is that they barcoded *all* the fabric the same, so someone has to physically go look at what they have and try to figure out if it's what I'm talking about (if I could email a picture it would help but no one's suggested that). I *did* call the 3 stores closest to us, 1 said maybe (but DH didn't see any), 1 said they thought they had 2 pieces and would hold them for me but didn't, the last one wouldn't even try to check but DH is heading there today.

I wasn't feeling well enough yesterday to call the main office, but I will on Monday and ask where they got their fabric from - if it's not multiple sources I may be able to go to the original store/manufacturer and find the rest. Or, it may have been discontinued and I'm out of luck :-(

I'm feeling normal - actually had a bagel with margarine for breakfast! Though I'm not brave enough for coffee. Lost 4 pounds in 24 hrs - not the kind of diet I want to recommend though. DS still has some lingering effects, he's sticking to dry toast. DD is acting fine (which is why she went to swim lessons) but I gave her a bath before I got sick, she must have lost a bt b/c she seems skinny, I mentioned it to DH and he said her eyes are still sunken and dark circles under *and* over so he was trying to push fluids on her. At least she got her appetite back - ate banana, strawberries, grapes and some turkey yesterday though I told him no cheese or milk. She wanted kielbasa last night with him, wisely he told her no.

RE: Finally got (2/3) rods up in LR!

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Change the rods?

posting at same time

Oh, red, will be replacing table

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gotcha!

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Making my own panels

Measurements

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We were posting at the same time.

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How do you do that?

THIS was what I was trying for

RE: Finally got (2/3) rods up in LR!

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dekeoboe

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