Here, here!!

Yes, I think a room's look can be ruined by the use of skimpy curtains. The rule of double the width for the fabric needed is important as is the use of the two curtains. One curtain panel on a window would look funny to me unless you could tie it back on one side but it would need to balance out with the other windows.

Maybe you could wait for them to go on sale, a lot of times the store will tell you the next sale date. Or see if you can get a discount buying 8...many times a store would rather have the sale and give you 20% off for buying so many. Its worth a try. If you searched high and low and found curtains you love, dont skimp on them, find a way to go for it:)

If you could post a link or photo of what you are debating on maybe we could find you a cheaper sourse or something simular.

I know it sounds harsh, but don't skimp on your window treatments. Save money elsewhere. Your window treatments will be with you for way longer than you might think now. Get them right and be happy with them for a long time.

Jenna, I've seen smocked curtains. Dunno if they're the ones you're looking at, but the ones I saw sure were pretty. And yes, expensive... although you can bet they paid some poor old Chinese lady 50 cents a week to make them. But anyway, if you're thinking of what I'm thinking of, I can sure see why you're tempted. We need pictures, please! If you don't know how to post pics, google "how post pictures" in the upper search window here and a couple of great posts will come up to tell you how.

Jenna,
Do you mean one panel per side of the window? Do you need them to function for privacy or just to soften the window itself. I had a very little window budget myself and bought target silk lined panels and sewed cut-up runners on the bottom to add length. I thought sending you this pic might help. They cost next to nothing, but do not provide privacy ( we are never in those rooms) Best of luck and let us know what you decide

Alicialeo

What a great idea ,adding table runners to add length!

May I ask where you got the curtain rods? I have been looking all over trying to find some. I then thought that they might be just 2 short ones.

I bought similar short rods (14") from JCpenney (on sale for $12 -online outlet section)

Isn't the rule for curtains, that the width has to be double the width of the window?

I bought wooden rods pre-made from (Lowes or Home depot)(6ft) and then cut them into 16 inch sections, pre-drilled holes into each end and added the finials. It was very inexpensive.....which is about all I have for my budget. If you want any other budget friendly ideas....that is me.

Mlraff53,
That rule is correct for a "functional window covering". Some people, use non-functional treatments to soften the windows and add fabric to the space, but do not use them to provide privacy ( they may already have blinds, or wooven shades, etc, but wish to add fabric).
I will be adding wooven shades one day.........

mlraff and alcialeo

Thanks for your info on the curtain rods.

We did a similar thing with curtain rods years ago. I even went cheaper. I used a closet pole and stained it and cut it to size. Then DH cut brackets on his jig saw and I bought finals for the ends.
I'm all about budget too. Maybe you can start a thread on budget ideas and everyone can add their own.

Holy smokes...I can't believe what a response I've gotten...and I agree with you all...I need not skimp, each window needs two panels!!
Good suggestions, thanks so much.
Not sure if this how to post picture of these must have curtains but I will attach the link~ Thanks again everyone!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Must have curtains

How funny denali- The great thing about the Lowes rod is that it fit perfect into a PVC .47 (cents) bracket that allowed me to do a 90 degree corner window installation. How cool is that!!!!

must have curtains INDEED. Stunning curtains, I can see why they are $90 per pannel.

one more thing that may be of use to Jenn,

You can buy pre-smocked fabric at Joannes fabric. They have a nice selection too.

Oh I am loving this thread! Maybe it's the pics, or how I had so MANY questions, but I'm learning so much here.

alicialeo~You ROCK! The closet rod and your runner idea will save me so much $$ and grief. Thank you so very much. I need an 11 foot pole, and I want to hang the curtains high on the wall for drama. I think a 12 foot closet pole might just be the perfect solution.

And really make up for the shipping charges I'm out for ordering the wrong rod and panels in the first place, in my impatience to finally get something up there, LOL.

I am just now getting around to WT in the DR and maybe LR.
I suppose since they're open to each other (separate rooms, but an open casing between them), that I should do a similar treatment in each room, or at least use the same fabric?

I have no need for privacy in the LR, but actually do need it in the DR, so maybe one set can be functional panels and one can be decorative only. That sure would help matters, with those funky swing out casement style windows I have.