There’s just a few more things to do after tackling one of my favorite parts last night—window treatments.
Here’s the space a few days ago:
It was feeling a little cold and empty. I needed to bring some softness to the space, and flowy curtain panels are always great for that. Not only that, but this room has zero pattern (aside from subtle striped sheets). Everything is a solid color. Boring!
I knew from the very beginning that I wanted navy toile. I considered using it in the bedding but decided that it would be more commanding on curtains. Remember my mood board?
Yep, they were in there.
After scouring the internet for the best deals and coming up short (literally) when trying to find curtains long enough in the right fabric, I commissioned a seller on Etsy to sew some custom panels for me. I went with two 50×94″ panels and it came to $96 shipped (which is actually not bad compared to other places online). It was worth it.
Then I had to figure out how to mount these. I couldn’t use a traditional curtain rod because there was a wardrobe in the way, and the top of the door is 2″ from the ceiling. That meant I had to come up with a ceiling mounted solution. I found tons of tutorials on Pinterest using galvanized metal pipes and fittings, but even those methods would make the curtain rod stick out too far.
So I went to Lowe’s and found this 1/2″ copper pipe (in the plumbing section) for around $10:
It came in 10′ sections which was perfect, I didn’t even need it trimmed down. I preferred this over the 1/2″ galvanized pipe because a) it was $5 cheaper, and b) it was super light weight (the galvanized steel is so heavy!)
To hold it up to the ceiling, I grabbed a bag of these plastic U shaped brackets for a couple bucks (that makes this 10′ curtain rod around $12 total… nice!) I couldn’t find any metal brackets (I think those are in the electrical section) but the copper pipe is so light, and everything would be spray painted black so the material didn’t matter.
After giving the pipe a good buff with steel wool, it was time to paint.
I used a satin black for both the pipe and brackets (it’s shiny here but dries satin).
Once dry, it was time to hang!
Since we weren’t drilling into studs (just bead board & drywall) and didn’t want to deal with inserts, we used wall dog screws (best invention ever) which grip the drywall so well that you don’t need inserts.
We attached the first clamp all the way up to the corner of the crown…
Then a clamp in the middle to keep it from bowing…
Then a third a the end. The first end was in a corner and would be completely hidden by the bracket/curtains, and I used a small glass cabinet knob to plug the visible end.
When I was at Ikea earlier in the year, I picked up a couple packs of these curtain rings. I thought I might need them for the living room but that didn’t happen—luckily they were perfect for this occasion:
After trying out a few possible ways to hang them, I decided to clip them in the back so you wouldn’t see the clips.
It makes for a nice, clean look when hung. And I’m happy to report that the paint doesn’t chip off when the rings slide across (I think buffing with steel wool helped).
And here they are!
I snapped a couple shots after we finished up as the sun was setting…
And then a few more this morning at sunrise…
There’s just something about navy and toile…
It adds the perfect touch of french farmhouse.
And also a bit of romance next to the chandelier.
Here’s a shot looking into the mirror…
Sigh. I’m just in love. Curtains make such a difference. Every week this room takes on a slightly different feeling with every change we make. It’s so fun watching it evolve. In less than two weeks it will be complete!
Frances says
About your DIY Curtain rods… how did you cap off the one end? It looks like a little glass knob.. what did you use and how did you secure it in place? Thanks!
Anonymous says
I say buy another chair in a different color. One that pops. I love your color choices, but to me I love a room that has just one thing in it that is kind of bold. And as far as the TV goes, I think I would find another room to put that bad boy in and buy a small radio or stereo. Because one day, watching the way you decorate and all of the DIY you do, you might want to decorate your mantle and it just won't look right with the TV above it. Your home is turning out to be so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us and giving us ideas as well. Good luck on your decision.
Janet Grey says
I like the chair and ottoman – and those curtains are fantastic!
Gail king says
Not sure if my comment went through. I thought about a solution for your living room. Just one idea, what about building built in bench seating along the window? Bringing the couch away from the back wall and doing tall bookshelves behind the couch ( as already suggested) to add height and symmetry. Also giving more space for decorative accessories and style. Then two matching smaller profile chairs beside each other facing the fireplace. Giving the option to enjoy the TV, fire and the view. It's all about that view!! Wouldn't it be amazing (given free reign financially, of course) to install two sets of french doors, bringing the outside in? I've always been a fan of those arched windows that are installed above french doors and the name of them is escaping me at the moment) that would be phenomenal. Anyway, just thinking out loud.
Anonymous says
Couch back to sectional facing fireplace and tv . I love to be able to face my fireplace, and it woyld help define the room lines from the stairs. Cute console table behind sofa too.
Laura Lynn says
I am a huge fan of symmetry with a “splash”
In my imagination:
Moving the chaise back to the couch but on the stairwell side.
Purchasing another chair (or 2 matching…which is spending more money…) with a pouf at the chair closest to the fireplace.
Also, rather than adding a whole table behind the couch, I love to put a shelf hidden behind the couch to add some pieces and dimension. And sooooo much less expensive!
Good luck!!!
Jill says
Your room looks great, Jenna Sue! The curtains were so well-chosen, adding color, pattern, and soft texture to your space. I love following your blog and I'm excited and privileged to watch your home's transformation. In regards to your living room, I just thought I'd offer a couple of ideas to consider since you solicited them.
1) If the TV and fireplace are not the desired focal point in the room, I would make sure the breathtaking view is. As a result, I wouldn't move the couch to the opposite side of the grouping or add a console table behind it with lamps, etc. as suggested because it would take away from the view and also make the area behind the couch seem even more like just a walkway to the back deck. I actually prefer your previous furniture arrangement, adding the chaise back to the loveseat and keeping the chair/ottoman where it was. It seemed quite open and inviting given that you said it's such a small space. I would simply add a small scale chair like the IKEA Tullsta to anchor the other corner, nearest the fireplace, with a small scale side table beside it so that it doesn't look like it's out in left field. I suggest the Tullsta because you're working with a smaller space, it has rounded contours to break up all the linear contours of the room (sofa and chair, windows, brick, railings, planking), adds seating, would cost less than buying a new chaise, and doesn't compromise your view or conversational seating arrangement. It would also give you the relative symmetry you desire with two chairs anchoring the space across from the sofa.
2) If you choose to go with your current plan, I would suggest keeping the chair/ottoman combo for visual interest and versatility. Even though I love symmetry as a math and science teacher, the basic outline of the chaise and chair/ottoman are roughly the same. Also, I would consider using the same fabric slipcovers for the chaise lounge and loveseat in the event that you choose to put the pieces back together. It would save you money in the long run to have those two pieces match.
Thanks for letting me join in your fun! I'm sure that no matter what you choose, it will be stylish and perfect for your needs.
Gail king says
Wanted to add that although I understand where people are coming from with the idea of not lounging in someone else's home. I respectfully disagree. If I were a guest in your home, I'd be okay to lounge. But, I would, however avoid sitting next to someone already sitting at a chaise lounge. Unless of course, it was my significant other already sitting there. If you happened to have two arm chairs with matching ottomans, most likely people would park their butts on an ottoman, or a pouf, as already suggested. You'll do what's best for your lifestyle and home in the end. But it is interesting to see other people's ideas.
Snaffy500 says
Keep the chair!