Recently I installed new bamboo shades in the family room and they’ve been wonderful—great for privacy and keeping the house cooler when the sun is strong. I liked the look of the shades on their own, but I wanted curtains too: something to soften the space, add texture, and create a layered, cozy feel.
Finding long, affordable curtains that feel unique can be difficult. In my office I invested in crewel curtains from Anthropologie and they bring so much character to the room. For the dining room I repurposed leftover fabric and added a contrasting band at the bottom to lengthen the panels, which worked beautifully.
For the family room I wanted something understated—no bold patterns or bright colors—so the curtains would support the room’s style rather than dominate it. I aim for seasonless touches that feel inviting in fall and winter, even if the overall palette leans summery.
I’ve often struggled to find long curtains at an affordable price and usually end up altering or custom-making panels. This time IKEA had the length and price I wanted, but the panels were plain and still a bit too short for the look I wanted—I like to hang curtains higher, close to the ceiling, so they read taller and more finished.
To add length and a subtle detail without sewing, I used iron-on fabric tape and attached a lightweight jute-striped sheer panel I had on hand. My mom, an expert curtain-maker, helped me cut and attach the extra fabric. The result was a simple, tailored extension that added personality and reached the floor—problem solved.
The back of the seam isn’t perfect, but the front looks clean and intentional. If you prefer a neater finish you can stitch a border on, but for lightweight fabric iron-on tape is a quick, effective alternative available at most fabric stores.
After a bit of ironing the panels looked finished and balanced the room. I was initially unsure whether curtains would be necessary since I liked the look of the shades alone, but the added layer quietly completes the space and brings warmth without stealing focus.
If you have an exceptional view you might skip curtains, but for most rooms they help shift attention inward and make interiors feel more inviting, especially during darker months.
Instead of a single long rod, I chose to make these panels stationary and used short rods on each side. With the existing window trim and molding, I didn’t want another horizontal line running across the windows or large finials drawing attention. Short rods that overlap just slightly on the sides let in maximum light while framing the windows subtly.
I’m about to tackle the living room panels next. The living room window is very tall, so I’ll need to add a significant amount of length to those curtains. My mom isn’t nearby to help this time, so I’ll be doing it myself and will share how it goes.