Monday Musings: Curtains

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Using curtains to decorate a home is nothing new.  But how they are used can offer a refreshing take on an old standard.  Today, we’ll discuss some alternative ways to use curtains in your home.

As mentioned in my previous posts on rugs and pillows, curtains are textiles that can quickly, and inexpensively elevate the style of your home.  Consider these five cool and unconventional ways to use them:

1. As a head board
2. A room divider
3. For outdoor spaces
4. As a tub surround
5. On the bed

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As a Head Board
If you have a small headboard - or none at all - a well placed long length curtain may be just what you need.  The trick is to hang the curtain as close to the ceiling as possible.  This will soften dramatically, any starkness in the room.  Curtains measuring up to 84" can easily be found in discount stores like Marshall's, Target, or TJ Maxx.  For longer lengths, I suggest Kirklands, Tuesday Morning's (if there is one in your area), and of course, the "Wal-mart of the internet" - Amazon.  

In the photo below from Young House Love, curtains were used, not only to frame the bed under a window, but to conceal storage.  The capiz chandelier finishes of the space, giving it a very hotel-like feel.      

Photo by Young House Love - Curtain wall ideas

A Wall or Room Divider
If you...

• Live in a studio apartment
• Have a multi-purpose room
• Have a space too small to accommodate a swinging door, or a barn door 
• Need to hide a storage area

This next tip is a refreshing way to up-style your space, and make it more functional - and chic.  Notice how the clever use of curtains in the photos below addresses these problems.  Some of the curtains below were mounted on expensive tracks.  Hack this look by simply mounting curtain brackets like these, or these onto the ceiling.  Are you beginning to see how this idea can be adapted and used in your own home?       

Photo by Tobi Fairley Interior Design - Contemporary curtain wall

Photo by Carolyn Reyes - Home office/Guest room

Photo by Susan Manrao Design - Loft living

Photo by JKRC- Jason Klinge Residential Contracting - Contemporary closet design inspiration

For Outdoor Spaces
Wanna to turn your outdoor space into an island-like retreat?  Drape it with curtains.  Most people think about using them on their deck or patio. But why not consider handing curtains on your front porch or balcony?  Just be sure to treat the fabric with a waterproofing spray like this one here, to keep them fresh.     

Photo by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti - Browse eclectic balcony ideas

Photo by Debra Yates - Browse contemporary porch ideas

As a Tub Surround
Sheer or semi-sheer curtains hung around a free-standing tub are incredibly luxurious and spa-like.  They also offer just the right balance of privacy and light if the tub sits under a window.  And a pair of curtains flanking a standard tub add warmth to an otherwise stark space.   

Photo by STUDIOMINT - Transitional bathroom

Photo by Starr Sanford Design - More beach style bathroom photos

On the Bed
Finally, one of my favorite places to use curtains is on my bed.  Can you detect how I've used curtains in the photo below?

I've actually used curtains in two places in the photo above.  The fabric draped across the foot of the bed is actually a curtain!  I also used two old curtains to wrap a bolster that I had purchased at a resale store for $5 (Stay tuned for the post on how I did it).  Ha!  It's just that easy.      

Can you think of any other unconventional ways to use curtains in your home? Please tell me in the comments below.  I'd love to hear from you. 

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