Taking Curtain Panels From Drab to Fab

Do you remember the fabric teaser I gave you a little while back? Well, I'm finally ready for the reveal.

I wanted to added some pattern to our living room and I wanted to do it for as little money as possible.

I took a pair of regular tab top brown panels that I have had for quite sometime and reworked them. I found a blue and cream square patterned fabric that I knew would work. It was purchase at Hancock Fabrics for 50% from a selection of outdoor fabrics. Remember it is okay to think outside the box. Because I liked the pattern, color, price, and it was going on windows I decided that it didn't have to be soft to the touch or luxurious.

I'm not a skilled seamstress, but I knew I could do this. I'm sure I didn't do the proper way, but it worked and I'm happy with it.

Here is what I did.

-I cut the tabs off of the top of the tab top panels.
-I knew that I wanted 5 stripes per panel, so I took my measurements. I chose to keep them at a standard 84" because this is a rental house and I didn't want to have to fix walls when we leave. I ended up needing 3 at 17" finished and 2 at 16.5" finished. Before you cut anything make sure to allow enough extra on each piece for a seam allowance.
-I then cut the brown panels and fabric according to my measurements.
-Then I stared sewing. I made a regular rod pocket for the top and then went from there.

I'm very happy with the way these turned out. The cost of this project will vary depending on your choice of fabric and if you already have panels or not. I used 2 panels I already had and purchased 2 yards of fabric that was on sale for a total of $15.


Now, you might be wondering about the brown linen fabric that was used in my teaser picture.


I had a little bit of the blue and cream fabric left and wanted to make new pillows for the couch. I had a brown linen skirt that never fit right. I cut it up and used it for the pillow fronts. I used left over fabric from the curtain panels for the back of the pillows. I did my best to use what I already had.

Just for the record, I know that my brown leather rocking recliner isn't the most stylish chair and that 2 different chairs would work much better in the space, but I can't give it up just yet. I bought that chair when my son was an infant because I spent a lot of time just holding and rocking him. I wanted a chair that I could sit in with him for hours and not care if he spit up on it. A couple of months ago I was ready to part with it and get 2 new chairs, but he still enjoys rocking, so for now it must stay, and I'm okay with that.

Here is a picture of the whole room. If you like the fireplace you can read about it here. I have finally decided that I want to tackle painting the living room, but I haven't landed on a color just yet. (any suggestions) Since I changed to blue as an accent color instead of green I had to change out my lamps. I plan on getting some new ones, but chose to use these that I had in the attic until I decide what I want. The sad thing about this room is that there are beautiful hardwood floors under this carpet that just needs some minor repair and refinishing. The landlords aren't interested in us tackling it for them.