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Master Bedroom Makeover: Window Coverings

Master Bedroom Makeover
Day 6: Window Coverings
** Note: This post is part of a 12-step series in my master bedroom makeover. Links to the other (previous) steps are listed at the end of this post.

(By the way, in case you're wondering, I'm not doing each of these things one day at a time in real life. In real life I'm eating cake and voting and playing and exercising and making meals and dreaming. This "12-day" business is happening over the course of more days than that on my end. Just being, y'know, honest.)

(And "cake" might be code for "many sugary and/or fattening things." Stinking honesty.)

Roman shades are awesome window coverings. I made these polka dotted numbers a few years ago, custom fitted to our windows and lined with blackout fabric (bonus!), and they've been great.
 
But. They're so dark! Had to go.
 
 
Initially I wanted roll-up bamboo blinds. I know, I know...they're not sexy or hip. But they're so earthy and textural, and with such a variety of hues available, I thought this would be a great option. However, having custom ones made just wasn't in the budget. I thought I could DIY some that *almost* fit into being custom and had them in my cart ready to purchase. Several times.
 
But...several times...I couldn't do it. Not when I had perfectly functioning roman shades at home. What a waste! Rats. Instead, I brainstormed ways I could make my existing shades work.
 
Enter (after a lot of failed ideas): Burlap. I've sung its praises before, and I'll do it again. If I just cut out the polka dottiness and replaced it with burlap, I'd have my earthy texture AND be recycling... at a fraction of the cost. B to the INGO!
 
So. $15 and an hour or two later, I had my "new" rustic burlap shades, and they're still blackout-lined. They do the job.
 
 
Now. Originally, I had planned on adding two panels of white ceiling-to-floor ringed curtains to add some vertical lines in the space. It would've looked exactly like this: (Yep. Exactly. My future as a graphic designer is super bright. Exhibit A.)
 
 
However, then I got to thinking (uh-oh), what with the headboard and nightstands in front of one window and a bench seat at the other, maybe I should think of a subtle way to keep the drapes off the floor. Our baseboard heating sits directly under our windows, and to block the heat with a bunch of excess fabric just didn't seem practical. Or warm. 
 
But I still wanted to raise the eye upward, and I found this drapery fabric (Premier Prints Chelsea Printed Cotton Drapery Fabric in Storm) on closeout for a ridonculously low price.
 
So I ordered some and did this:
 



I'm going to be a rogue blogger here and be brutally honest: I'm not sure I like it. The swathed look, I mean. It's not what I'd originally envisioned. Love the knobs and how they tie the burlap and drapes print together. But this one's not a sure-fire W. Good thing about drapes: they're modifiable, and I cut and sewed these specifically with that in mind. Maybe I'll change them in a bit. Who knows.

Once again, a Before & After shot of the same window:
 


Thoughts? Thumbs-up? Or tomatoes to throw?
 
Regardless, come back tomorrow for Day 7: Vanity. I have a cute, easy DIY tray to share with you!

Check out previous steps during the 12 Days of Master Bedroom Makeover:

26 comments:

  1. I like it and am now thinking of doing something similar in my sunroom. My only suggestion (take it or leave it) is maybe they are too light and airy with the polka dots? Just a thought. I'm not sure the light and airy-ness of the polka dots goes well with the more natural rustic looking burlap. I do love the style of the curtains though. I like how they raise your eye upward without covering up much of the window itself. You are so clever. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hmmm. Hadn't thought of that, Christa. Good observation, thanks for planting the seed of thought. :)

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  2. I like it. Maybe you just need some time to let it simmer. I'm betting it'll grow on you.

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    1. You know, I've tweaked them since the photos, and you're right, Rae. They're starting to grow on me. You're the smartest woman alive!!

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  3. I love the burlap! The new drapes seem to add stuffiness to the relaxed burlap. Maybe the contrast is a positive one in real life? Either way the palette is beautiful. Can I come sleep over?

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    1. Haha...I'd say you could come sleep over, but my husband might disagree. :)
      Thanks for the comment, Kendra! Always food for thought. (And I love food, so that's a good thing.)

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  4. I love it! It's looks like something right out of those amazing design magazines. You know the kind where you think it's so perfect that noone actually lives there, but it's so cozy and warm I'd love it to be my own! :) Excellent job on the recycling and accomplishing so much with 4 little ones around. I love your husband's comment about the painting - too funny. The gray is very soothing and lovely grown-up retreat.

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    1. Dear Ali, Remember when we were friends in real life? Why can't we still be? Oh yeah. Because we grew up and got husbands and kids and live in different states. Sad day for me. I miss you. Love, Britt

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    2. Um yes I think of it often! Every time we go to Provo and drive past the apartments we lived in as neighbors - I miss that. Girls camp- can't say I miss that exactly but I miss the friends. :) It's fun to get a glimpse of your life even though we're far away - air hug!
      love, alison

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  5. I love these. They came out so pretty. I have a link party and would love to have you share this and any other posts. It is called Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party. The link to the party is
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/wednesdays-adorned-from-above-link_14.html
    I hope to see you there.
    Have a great week.
    Debi @ Adorned From Above

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  6. I love them! Love! And I'm not a Window drapery person. I think they are fab.

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    1. That means a lot to me, Julie. For real. xox

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  7. Marilyn,
    These came out so cute. Thanks so much for sharing with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party last week. I have featured this post at this weeks party. Here is the link to the party to see your feature.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/11/mason-jar-center-piece-and-wednesdays.html#
    Debi @ Adorned From Above

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    1. Aw, Debi, how nice of you! Thanks for the feature.

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  8. Lovely. Now your bedroom seem to look and feel like a 5 start hotel. Those window shades are really adorable.

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    1. I love how it feels, for sure. The only thing I'd still change is the square footage, but that's not going to happen. So we love it for what it is now! Thanks, Michelle.

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  9. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts.

    shades marblehead

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  11. I know it's a bit late but I must say that your bedroom makeover is impressive. Everything was properly arranged, and it created an inviting atmosphere for the whole room. Your window treatment is great, but I think it looked a little heavy. I wish you chose a sheer fabric on either of them. Overall, it looks great!

    Benj @JaboInteriors.com

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  12. This post is part of a 12-step series in my master bedroom makeover. Links to the other ... windowbedroom.blogspot.com

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  13. It looks modern living room Curtains. The Perfect finish your room by designer drapes at best prices.

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