January is traditionally the season for white sales, when retailers mark down their stock of home textiles: bedding, linens, pillows, towels.
I wanted to share with you my affordable solution for curtains that takes inspiration from a different kind of sail. I’m really happy with how it turned out, aside from the relief of not having to look at miniblinds: the scourge of every stylish renter.
Using unbleached cotton canvas painters’ drop cloths for window curtains
I was honestly surprised to find these in my local home renovation big box store- most of the alternate options for drop cloths in the painting aisle are “disposable” plastic sheets or nonwoven synthetic cloth (also plastic). But there I found them in a variety of sizes and proportions.
Measure twice
You’ll still need to do careful measurements and “curtain math”, but it’s much more straightforward than trying to stitch up a even a simple set on your own.
The brand I found is imported, and the quality is a far cry from fashion or decor fabric- expect lots of imperfections and slubs in the weave, even inconsistencies of yarn which will shrink differently and create unexpected textures.
Pre-launder
I do recommend you wash and dry them several times in a large capacity machine at a laundromat. These were not intended to be used for home fashion, so the fabric has not been processed the way it would for upholstery or clothing- it’s quite loose and produces lots of dust if you don’t launder before you hang them.
You’ll end up with plenty of crinkles and creases, which adds character, to my mind- and I have no desire to press or steam this much yardage, so it suits me fine.
Install
To keep the job simple, I used clip rings to attach the panels to the curtain rods- also purchased at the big box home store.
For looks (and, admittedly, laziness) I left the edges raw where I had to trim the length. When I have time, I’ll finish them off with nice wide hems.
If you’re handy, you may wish to do some sewing to create different finishes, or if you need to customize the size- be sure to plan this out in advance to buy the right size accounting for volume, casings, and hems. Or you may want to take the material (pre-laundered) and your measurements to a tailor or upholsterer to get the look you want.
Sustainable options and alternate materials
Whenever possible, using existing materials that have already seen one (or more) lifetimes of use is usually a more sustainable option. Think outside the box to find a source of huge swathes of medium to heavy-weight fabric, something that’s relatively clean and of healthy materials for your home interior.
Bedding, deadstock vintage fabrics, bulk food sacks, etc. are probably safe options. Theater curtains may be treated with flame-retardant chemicals, so be aware; outdoor fabrics are treated for sun protection and water repellancy.
Of course, if you know a boater with authentic cotton (or hemp?) canvas sails, you’re golden.
Unique and affordable
Still cheaper than custom drapes, or even a DIY project using expensive decor fabrics, and more interesting and durable than the plasticky packaged pairs that everyone else has. Not including hardware, I was able to dress each window for around $30. Look for coupons or rebates to get your costs down even further when you buy new canvas dropcloths.
I feel so much more relaxed and “at home” with the light filtered through woven cloth rather than spliced through slats of dusty white plastic. For me, it has totally transformed our home-for-now.
Updating your space?
I love these painterly pillows from Tom Dixon. Click through the image to learn more about how they were commissioned, and browse the rest of the studio’s gorgeous lighting, furniture, and home goods. (The image contains my affiliate link, so if you click through and purchase, Manuma will receive a small commission that helps us fund our launch.)