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lizzie_borden44

Still Decorating Our 4 Year Old Home

6 years ago
last modified: last year

Hello Dear Houzz Friends,

Still looking to decorate and make my home feel like home.

Artwork, rugs, drapery, etc. all help with that task.

I welcome your thoughts, suggestions, and advice as I go forward with adding items that will help me reach this goal.

I have searched on Houzz in the past. Whether it was to decide how to decorate a room, or what color paint to use; or what appliances to get; and much more; you all have always been so helpful.

Thank you so much!

Comments (3.1K)

  • 11 months ago

    Yes Lizzie that is the best solution new wider rod hung higher..was just trying to suggest a cheaper solution for you…it will all work out!

    Lizzie Borden thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • 11 months ago

    I would definitely be opting for the new rod solution. If it means you don’t have to use the pull backs… it’s a nuisance now, but you’ll always be glad that you did it. And some kind of energy exchange with your son-in-law is the perfect solution.

    Lizzie Borden thanked liasch
  • 11 months ago

    Thank you Julie. Thank you Liasch. I agree that after it's done I'll be glad I opted for the new rod. The rod I have now is 96". The next size is 108", non-adjustable. Same vendor Tekno.

    rod · More Info



  • 11 months ago

    So happy moving forward Lizzie, looks great. Excited all over again 👏 so that’s 6” wider for each side. Perfect!

  • 11 months ago

    So only 6” more-on each side? What's the size after 108?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Julie, the next size is 120". Right now with the 96" I have 12" on either side of the window. From where the end of the rod is I haven't much more space on the right to extend.

  • PRO
    11 months ago

    So that 108 rod will be wall to wall?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Flo Mangan
  • 11 months ago

    Flo, if I get the 108" it would go to the end of the wall on the right.

    height taped for 104" and width 12" extended from window opening · More Info

    Here is a photo of the previous drapery. As you can see there is more space available on the left.

  • PRO
    11 months ago

    Ok. Just wanted to make sure. That rod is very pretty too.

    Lizzie Borden thanked Flo Mangan
  • 11 months ago

    Flo do you think the 108" is good? I want to be sure this time I get it right.

  • PRO
    11 months ago

    As long as you have room for the bracket and that side if the rod. How will that wall switch be if drapery is hanging in front if it?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Flo Mangan
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    The wall switch there is for the family room, kitchen, and patio, and it would be covered by the drapery. Only the patio light is not repeated elsewhere, the other two I can easily get to on another wall..

    I'll have to figure out about the bracket.

  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    I won't be ordering the rod until I hear back what is the best course to take. Should I possibly consider a different rod? Another traverse rod that is expandable or a rod other than a traverse?

  • 11 months ago

    What side is the door handle again?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • 11 months ago

    So if you went with the 120” rod where would it end on the left side and using all the wall on the right?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Home Interiors With Ease
  • PRO
    11 months ago

    Maybe you can set up rod to pull all to right side. That might work for the way you use that side of the room?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Flo Mangan
  • 11 months ago

    Is the door handle on the right?

  • 11 months ago

    I had mentioned pulling it all to the left if handle is on right, but you have the bands on the curtains? Yes if you’re going to have a pull back mounted on right, have to watch for that. Lizzie were you just going with a new wider rod to try to keep from using a pull back?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Honestly I think what you have can work and use the pull backs, considering the fact that the right side is a narrow space there. You may still want SIL to raise the rod if you are wanting to hang curtains below the rod. The way it’s hanging now looks really nice as it is. Less heavy there with out the rod showing bc the window side doesn’t have a rod, that’s my defense 😊

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Hello all, and thank you all for your responses. The handle to the slider is on the left. The light switches are on the left. The right side has less space to extend a rod further than the left side. I will measure everything again tomorrow. In the meantime, Alice I was going to use a wider rod so that when the drapes open on the left side....there would be enough of an opening to open the slider handle and exit the door without any drapery being in the way. If I were to open both drapes to the right (which is possible of course) it sort of defeats the purpose of the edging. Also, I do like to have a full view of the outside. I like to watch the hummingbirds and butterflies that we get.

    What I will do is measure everything again tomorrow and post it in the hopes that you will all help me solve this dilemma. I know with all the designer know how on here, I will have an answer. Thank you all so much, I do appreciate everyone here.

    Nighty night.

  • 11 months ago

    Nighty night Lizzie :) this will all work out. You are so kind in absorbing thoughts and patience with us here 💗

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Good Morning All. It looks like it will be a beautiful day here in Monroe, NJ.


    So, I am ready to begin again with the drapery.

    Here are the dimensions of the area:

    The sliding door measures approximately 72" wide

    The door opens with handle on left side

    Three light switches are on the left side, and will be hidden with a longer rod. I have all but one of these three switches on another wall.

    The total width of the wall is 127"

    The ceiling is 10' tall

    Right now the rod is 96" non adjustable

    The Two Pages Drapes are (2) 100" W, each with leading edge at center. 103" H.


    Thoughts on getting a new rod? Adjustable, non-adjustable, traverse, regular????

    Right now there is 12" on the right and 20" on the left of the 96" rod.


    Here is a photo of drapes and shade before that will give you an idea of how the room flows.


    Bathrooms · More Info


    Here are the new drapes

    lizzie_borden44''s ideas · More Info


    As always, I appreciate your suggestion, advice and thoughts on this.

  • 11 months ago

    Good morning Lizzie. I’ll let the pros weigh in but… is it possible to get a picture of the new drapes backing up with the all space like you did with the previous drapes, please and thank you 💗 and what are your first gut feelings here?

  • 11 months ago

    Hi Alice. Here are two photos I just took this morning. DH and I are wondering if maybe moving the rod to the left a couple of inches may help us reach and open the slider without having the drapery in the way. Just an idea we are going to try while we wait for any other possible solutions. Thank you Alice.

    lizzie_borden44''s ideas · More Info


    lizzie_borden44''s ideas · More Info


  • 11 months ago

    The only thing first came to mind on that is the bands on the panels and the center of the opening might look wonky? Just first thing i thought of? Unless you can bunch them more on one side, but might not look right?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    What if, and I said I’ve been “wronged “ before on this, but it has been done, to have the bands on the outside. I’ve seen many many window and slider openings Lizzie. Was top sales person at a walls and windows department. So many ways to make things work and rules to follow or break to fit one’s visual of appealing.

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    .

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Alice, you are so helpful. I understand what you mean. We may try that.

  • 11 months ago

    It won’t hurt to try! May or may not, but to make it work for you :)

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    It makes the opening look bigger as well :). Like nicely framing that space for you.

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Lizzie, another number that might be useful is the width of,the drapes on each side when closed. That would help determine how long your rod should be.

    Lizzie Borden thanked lisalane
  • 11 months ago

    I was picturing this for future, I would ultimately think you want the rod extended the same distance up there on both sides. Having the left extended further may not be the better option for balance aesthetically. Panels won’t be dispersed the same on both sides, is what entered my mind?

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Lisalane, thank you.

  • 11 months ago

    Lizzie, another question-is 6" going to allow the drapes to clear the door? How much do they overlap?

    Lizzie Borden thanked kcooz07
  • 11 months ago

    The edging is nice inside not to show on the outside also it'll be more UV protected that way

    Lizzie Borden thanked happyleg
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Kcooz07 I'm not really sure if 6" is enough to clear the door. The next size rod is 108" which after checking today, would not work. Not enough space on the right.

    I think I may give up 🤷🤷.

    I just may add the holdbacks and use them only when we are going in and out.

  • 11 months ago

    Sorry I wasn't clear. Yes, you said the rod was 12" longer so I was wondering if the 6" on each side would make the drapes clear the door.

    Lizzie Borden thanked kcooz07
  • 11 months ago

    I think the rod you have there looks good. You can’t just reach behind the drape to open and close the door? Does the drape then cover over the opening I guess? Which is why you need the pull back…? For what it’s worth the pullbacks I use on my drapes are not installed they’re magnetic. Drapes are lighter though.

    Lizzie Borden thanked liasch
  • 11 months ago
    last modified: 11 months ago

    Hi liasch. Right now I am inclined to just keep everything the way it is. I am glad you think the rod looks good. My DH of course thinks it is fine the way it is. I myself think the drapes look fine, but not perfect. So, I am going to settle for fine. Nothing wrong with that. :))

  • 11 months ago

    I think that’s a really good idea. I’m wondering if you actually need a tie back. In my case where the curtain blocks the opening I use the magnet to just hold a few of the folds out of the way and the magnet works right through the fabric.

  • 11 months ago

    You could easily make your own, with the same kind of trim that’s along the edge of the curtain. You just need a couple of strong magnets.

    Lizzie Borden thanked liasch
  • 11 months ago

    liasch, thank you that is an lovely idea.

  • 11 months ago

    One magnet is on each end of the tie back and my tiebacks are about 16 inches but I have various types. These are really lightweight I have some that are a bit heavier I use these in the summer.

  • 11 months ago

    But you could easily make one out of your trim and whatever kind of decorative end piece you wanted on each end.

    Lizzie Borden thanked liasch
  • 11 months ago

    That is if you even find you need a tie back?…glad you are opting to enjoy them the way they are… they’re lovely!

    Lizzie Borden thanked liasch
  • 11 months ago

    Thank you so much Liasch. I appreciate the photo you shared of your trim with magnet, and your comments.

  • 11 months ago

    I myself think they look good too Lizzie.

    Lizzie Borden thanked Alice
  • 11 months ago

    Thank you Alice 🤗

  • 11 months ago

    Me three-they are very pretty!

    Lizzie Borden thanked kcooz07
  • 11 months ago

    Kcooz07 thank you 🤗🤗. Then it’s a done deal. It will stay as is. I will give the crafty tie backs a try! You are all so kind and helpful!