Recently I installed new bamboo shades in the family room and they’ve been a game changer. I love how they control light and heat, but I also wanted curtains to soften the space and introduce another layer of texture. Curtains can add warmth and a finished look that shades alone sometimes can’t provide.
Finding affordable, long curtains that feel unique can be a challenge. In my office I splurged on crewel curtains from Anthropologie and they’ve been worth every penny. For the dining room I repurposed leftover fabric and extended the panels with a blue band along the bottom — a simple tweak that made a big difference.
For the family room I wanted something understated—no bold pattern or bright color—just a supporting element that frames the window and softens the room. I like curtains that don’t compete with the rest of the decor but add a subtle, thoughtful detail.
I aim for a cozy feel year-round, with pieces that make the house feel warm in cooler months while still working in summer. That meant choosing neutral curtains that would be seasonless and comforting.
IKEA had affordable long curtains that fit the aesthetic, but they were a little plain and just short of the length I wanted. I prefer curtains hung high, often close to the ceiling, so hanging them where I wanted made their length an issue.
To add length and interest without sewing, my mom helped by cutting an extra jute-striped sheer panel and attaching it to the bottom of the IKEA panels with iron-on stitch tape. The sheer panel we used was lightweight, so the no-sew solution worked perfectly and added a subtle stripe detail along the hem.
Instantly the curtains gained personality and reached the floor—mission accomplished.
The back of the curtain isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. If you prefer a cleaner finish you can sew a border on instead; that’s how I extended other panels in the past. For lightweight fabric, though, iron-on fabric tape available at craft stores is an easy and effective alternative.
After a bit of ironing the panels looked finished and polished. I was initially unsure about adding curtains since I liked the room without them, but they quietly complete the space and add that cozy, layered feeling I wanted.
Instead of a full-length curtain rod, I decided to make the panels stationary and used short rods on each side. With the window trim and molding, I didn’t want an additional horizontal line across the windows or large finials drawing attention. Short rods let the panels frame the openings while maximizing the light that comes through.
Next up: the living room. My living room window is very tall, so I’ll be adding considerably more length to those panels. This time I’m tackling it solo, so I’ll share how it goes once it’s done.