So, I decided to take a cue from Ballards and bring some more texture into my house in the form of curtains. Burlap curtains :) Who doesn't like burlap? I looove this stuff!
Now, I thought about adding some stencilling onto mine like Ballards did, but I decided I wanted to go for a little more subtle touch. I didn't want this room to become too busy. Simplicity is better, for me at least :) and only in some cases. lol. this is one of those cases.
At Ballard's, one single panel in the length I would want(and is still somewhat short of what I would need) is $229. Are you kidding me?! That's almost $460 for a complete set. Good grief.
The cost of mine? Albeit there's no pattern, which wouldn't even cost anymore money since I have all the supplies on hand, is just under $12...for both panels.
Okay, so to get to the point from burlap to curtains is simple. I bought 6 yards, cut it in half at 3 yards using the tricky burlap cutting method, which I'm not sure really works, it seems like a big waste of time for me. lol. Its where you grab one of the threads of fabric that is moving in the same direction you want cut, pulling it, and pulling it and pulling it until you get it to the end and its completely out, then cutting on the line where it was. I did this, my burlap still unravels. Maybe not as fast, but still. Anyway.
Next is to just fold the burlap over on itself, get some cafe curtain rings, and secure them in place equidistant from each other pinching both the front and back of the fabric flap. I used seven per side on mine. I put the the cafe rings a little lower initially so there was more 'flap' on top, but it looked ridiculous because the burlap isn't a stiff enough fabric. So, I just clapped the rings about two inches from the top to get this look.
I just love the texture it brought into this room. I had been debating keeping the original curtains, and changing out the blue on the bottom with some other color, but I'm glad I went this direction instead and changed out the whole thing.
Now I'm not so sure of the grayish blue with the burlap. But I guess it does go together...burlap is somewhat of the orange color group and grayish blue is of the blue color group. And aren't blue and orange complimentary colors??? I'll just keep telling myself this every time I look in here and it bugs me. lol. Cuz I'm not getting rid of that rug, I like it too much.
But now I have to address the over abundance of burlap in here with that burlap lamp shade....hmmm.
See...even Max boy likes it :) Just kidding, he's probably moping cuz I'm in there and he can't get on the couch when I'm looking...naughty dog.
So, maybe the time will come when I will add some pattern to these, but as for now...I love them!
Those look beautiful! I like simple myself and this is so easy. I will try in my living room.
That looks so great. It really makes the room feel a lot warmer and cozier. Where is your couch from?
great idea! I have been wanting some burlap myself. I found some that look like burlap at Bed Bath & Beyond. Your idea is excellent and looks great in your room!
Burlap curtains is a good idea. I liked the previous single color room as well.
Wow! Your room looks great! I too am trying to break away from my 'one accent color' habbit... this is great inspiration!
These look fabulous! And yes, I definitely think the blue-gray and burlap colors go together well; its the pillows on the couch that do the trick! Speaking of, where did you get those beautiful throw pillows?
I am a new follower...your blog is an amazing inspiration for me as a newbie blogger. Thanks!
I LOVE this idea!! And so much cheaper too :) I was wondering if it's a material that withstand being dyed? I really like the texture and the price but I think I would like more of a Burnt Orange color or even a Dark Chocolate color.. Hmm.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I am trying to do the same thing to my house - nuetralize it and lighten it up. I find it sooo hard to do and it scares me! I LOVE the burlap curtains and really want to do this. Did you fold the burlap in half so that they were double the fabric? I would appreciate your advice -thanks!!!!
Thanks for this easy and lovely idea. I live in Africa, and I love the challenge of getting the look that I want with resources that I can find right here. I really like the earthy texture with the more chic elements in your room- great juxtaposition!
I was just inspired to try using burlap for curtains, so I googled them and came across your site! They look great and I can't wait to do them in my spare room. (And I think yours look great with the gray. It gives it depth. Thanks for the instructions!
To keep your burlap or other fabric from unraveling get some 'Fray Check' from the notions section of JoAnnes/Hancock/WallWorld/Tarjay/Hobby Lobby/Michaels... wherever you get your sewing/craft supplies. It's been a lifesaver for me over the years.
I'm curious as to where you purchased your burlap. The link at the bottom of the blog seems to only sell it by the bolt.
Alicia pulling the thread insures your cut is straight. Especially with a fabric like burlap, it's easy to get it crooked. It still leaves edges that can fray, and that's where the Fray Check comes in.
The burlap looks great on your windows. I cannot understand how Ballard's can sell burlap for so darn much money ---- until they do something to their burlap to make it last longer.
Pulling a thread on burlap simply instills a straight grain so you can cut it. As a couple gals have suggested, I would use Fray-chek too.
Great job. The room looks awesome!
Sorry - my name is Ter'e.
Sometimes it comes out "goofy".
I really like this idea. Living in Africa we want to constantly bring the outdoors in so the colour, natural effect and fact that its not totally solid will make them ideal for curtains out onto a veranda or patio or swimming pool area. Even in decor at lodges and safari camps this will fit in perfectly.
wow superb ideas and I am becoming the follower. Nice experience.
where can I buy Birch color burlap?
Try using a stencil and some fabric paint......FABULOUS!
Awesоme issueѕ here. I'm very satisfied to peer your post. Thank you a lot and I'm looking forward to сontaсt уou.
Will you κindlу drоp me a e-mail?