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leannmb

Plain or Patterned Curtains?

11 years ago

Okay, here is my next dilemma...Curtains.

Would you choose a plain curtain or patterned curtain? What color?

I have two windows in the front of the room...

I am definitely scared of color..so if you chose plain, would you do a darker gray (like the couch) or an off white?

And there is another window to the right of the chair.


Plus, we have a sliding glass door...

Thank you for your help! I will be forever grateful!!!!!

Comments (27)

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I could even change the blinds if that helps ;)

  • PRO
    11 years ago
    It seems that you have solids in your upholstery, so adding some pattern would be a good thing. Are you planning on purchasing ready made or investing in custom treatments?
    LB3 thanked Michelle Scott for Ethan Allen - Laguna Niguel, CA
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I have only looked at curtains online. I really didn't know where to start...colors, patterns...I think when I figure out what color, I could at least narrow the choices down. Thank you so much for your help!

  • 11 years ago

    Couple of ways you could go: Roman Shades or Panels. Panels could only go on one side of the FP but even then you only have a small amount of wall space so stack back would end up covering part of windows. Look at theshadestore.com they have solids and prints and lots are subtle prints. You are doing a great job with room just wish you did not have that huge TV over FP. My opinion it would look better on the wall with collage. Sorry I just have a pet peeve about TV's and FP and I know everyone doesn't agree.

    LB3 thanked jck910
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Panels for sure. You need the vertical lines and the softness. Something with a large, open and airy pattern. Something organic, even "scrolly". Very light field color with the pattern in a mid tone neutral, probably some version of your gray or introduce khaki or tan. Mount them the height of your kitchen cabinetry and take them to just brushing the floor. Perhaps put a "faux" Roman valance beneath the poles to raise the perceived height of the windows, which have a lot of negative space above them. You absolutely have sufficient space for the stack of the fabric, especially if you do single width panels. Grommeted panels, for example, stack very tightly, but I would do pleated. Probably Euro pleated for a casual relaxed vibe. In the corner where there are two adjacent windows, use a continuous length of pole with a corner connection and panels meeting in the corner. Pics attached. You have a really nice start to this space. Have fun.


    LB3 thanked Daniel Dionne Designs llc
  • 11 years ago
    Here's a faux linen patterned panel that would look nice in your room. This is from Overstock. I don't know if you have a Tuesday Morning near you but my local store has a great selection of patterned panels at great prices. Both of these stores have longer lengths so you can mount the curtains close to the ceiling.
    LB3 thanked linlac
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I agree about the fireplace and TV! I DO NOT LIKE it there either. I always dreamed of having a mantle with candles, art, etc...not a TV but that is the only place I was "allowed" to put it.

  • PRO
    11 years ago

    I LOVE LINEN!!!! I had 4 pairs in my cart at HomeGoods a while back (they were like a natural color) and I just wasn't sure it would look ok since I didn't have any of that natural. I am definitely starting my search for some patterned curtains. You will never know how thankful I am for all of your help!!!! I wish I could hug you all!!!!!

  • 11 years ago

    You seem to be missing something more vital than curtains, something I would choose before thinking about curtains, which would be the art over the sofa. Because that's what that wall was put there for. You knew that, right?

    LB3 thanked groveraxle
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    If you love linen (me too!), check out Country Curtains online. They have some brand new ones just added to their line that are linen in a soft watercolor effect. There are two color choices and the one in soft gray/green would look great.

    Get them in a longer length and mount the rod to the top of tv.

    Speaking of tv..I would remove everything from the mantle and think about painting the white surround very dark gray or black.

    LB3 thanked pcmom1
  • 11 years ago

    Off curtains again, but try putting that single upholstered chair into the corner in place of the small rocker.

    LB3 thanked pcmom1
  • 11 years ago

    Picture of black fireplace surround:

    LB3 thanked pcmom1
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Hahaha...I actually made a separate post about the "behind the couch" dilemma. I have tried mirrors and haven't found the look I am looking for yet. This is my first "real home" so it is taking me a little longer to decorate. (I am basically starting from scratch).


    I like the idea about the TV but there is one person in my house that would not be happy with that. We are literally polar opposites, which is a huge struggle when I am trying to do things that I really like. I have always dreamed of that perfect mantle, with candles, maybe a statement piece, etc. Those were squashed quickly...lol That was the only place I was "allowed" to put the TV. My goal is to get the basement finished, make a family room, and move the TV downstairs :) (That will probably take some time though)


    Thanks for your help!!!!


  • 11 years ago

    Monochromatic with natural linen:


    LB3 thanked groveraxle
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh my gosh! How did you do that!!!?? That is so neat :) I like!!! @groveraxle

  • 11 years ago

    I was thinking that in a perfect world I would move your gallery collection of things from the opposite wall to behind the sofa, the tv to opposite the sofa and art above the fireplace.

    LB3 thanked pcmom1
  • 11 years ago

    Like this:

    LB3 thanked pcmom1
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    leann, don't be afraid. You've done a really nice job (in spite of Hubby's insistence on TV over fireplace). I'm going to suggest you put the curtains on hold and go look at art. Find something in your comfort zone, something that will take up 2/3 - 3/4 of the space over the sofa, something you'd like to look at every day. Find something you love for over the sofa, and the curtains will follow from that.

    LB3 thanked groveraxle
  • 11 years ago

    I notice you have the barest bit of teal in a couple of places in the room. Here are some canvases with also the barest bit of teal. These are by a painter named Judy Paul.


    LB3 thanked groveraxle
  • 11 years ago
    I do like the art idea better than the mirror. It will add more texture and color to the room.
    LB3 thanked linlac
  • 11 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago




    I agree with grover. Pick your art 1st. Teal will be nice in your room. Go with grommet top or clip top drapes or curtains from just below the ceiling down to the floor. Great choice for slider doors as you can open & close them easily. Do them all the same. Good luck

    LB3 thanked sandradclark
  • PRO
    11 years ago

    Thanks again everyone! I went hunting today for some art & curtains but wasn't so lucky. I know it will take time. I have already planned a day of shopping next week to focus on this area :) I wish I could take you all with me!!!


    Could I use a vintage map as art? I could possibly even find one with color in it! (Since I always pick gray, black, or white!!! haha)

  • 11 years ago

    Yes, you can use a vintage map, or maps, but remember, you want to fill 2/3 - 3/4 of the space above the sofa. So it's probably going to take more like two or three.


    Here are two good places to look for art:


    http://www.gallerydirect.com/


    http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/

  • PRO
    9 years ago
    interior design
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    California shutters in dark wood & top with faux pleated shade valance in a printed fabric