When my mom and I took a day to make the curtains for the living room, we also made blue and white checked curtains for the primary bedroom. I used the same tutorial, same , and same , but instead of the plaid fabric, I used this lightweight, linen blend, a few weeks ago. I also used clip rings instead of the rings I sewed into the header for the living room curtains.
And here is how the curtains turned out…
I was planning on using only the curtains for privacy and to block out the light, which is why I lined them in blackout fabric, but I realized while hanging the curtains that they would cover the air vents when closed—definitely an oversight on my part. I tried using some magnetic hooks on the air vents to hold the curtains up, but it was just a bit too fiddly, so I’ve ordered some new roller shades that will close entirely and blend into the window trim.
Roller shades are definitely the best option for these particular windows and trim. The ones currently in the house have lived a full life, though, and it’s time to replace them. Most are torn, taped, or don’t work without a lot of coaxing.
Even if we’re not using them as functioning curtains, the blue and white fabric panels add so much softness and interest, especially against the white walls.
Here’s a look at this corner the day we moved in…
So, let me share a bit more about the I used for the curtains for those who are interested. I ordered before we even bought this house because it was a relatively inexpensive fabric and I knew the blue and white check would work well in several rooms. I always had it in mind for our bedroom and the fact I could get so much yardage for a reasonable price meant I could make curtains, slipcovers, pillows, a duvet cover, or even a bed crown. It gave me a lot of options and the blue and white checked fabric worked well with fabrics I was already using.
When I received the fabric, it was a bit lighter in weight than I thought. This particular fabric will be great for a variety of home sewing projects, but it would not be suitable for upholstery. I have plenty of this blue and white fabric left after making the curtains, so I will definitely be doing more with it! The comes in other colors, too. Before I felt the weight of the fabric, I thought I might reupholster our bed with it, but since it is lighter in weight, I’m going to make a slipcover for the head and footboards. I’m pretty excited about that! This bed is gorgeous, but the footboard can look a bit like a wall, especially in photos. Putting a blue and white check fabric on it will add some more visual interest and, of course, it’ll look great with the curtains.
I love blue and white checked fabric, so why not go all in for this room? Here’s an idea of how it’ll look…
The fabric is just draped over, but you get the idea.
There is one more window between the two closets (to the left of the photo below) and I’m planning on making a valance for that window. It’s pretty tightly situated between the two closets, so curtains wouldn’t work. A complimentary valance out of the same blue and white checked fabric will look sharp, though.
It’s all coming along!
Sickness has been sweeping through our house, so I’m at a bit of a standstill, but that’s okay. All of the projects will still be there waiting for me. For now, I can enjoy the view of my blue and white checked curtains while I’m hanging out in bed sipping on ginger ale and cough syrup.
They are gorgeous! Can you pls share where you got the rods? I love the color and the curve coming off the wall.
I should read better. Just scrolled back up to the top and there it was!!!
The draperies are lovely!! Your mirrored armoire is a jewel in the room!
Marian, consider trying a magnetic air deflector for the vents. They are clear plastic so not that noticable. They also make extenders for vents behind or under furniture. back in the 90s it was popular to make custom roller shades with fabric or add fabric panel to bottom of shade that could double as a sort of valance when up. Love blue and white anything and the curtains and rod are just wonderful
Marian, everything you have done to date is incredible! The curtains are perfection. It creates such a restful finished vibe for your primary bedroom.
I love the idea of roller blinds. I was wondering if you would share your source for them?
I’m so sorry you and your family are under the weather. I hope you can snuggle into your cozy bed and give yourself permission to rest and recuperate.
I would also love a roller blind recommendation. Thank you!
The curtains look fabulous with those curtain rods and your decor!
This is cozily serene :). Thank you for all the sources. I do love those french return rods. Saving that bit of info for our next home. I am looking forward to hearing about your range too. I have had my eye on the ILVE Nostalgie in glossy black with brass knobs and bars….swooning actually over it. 😉 This too perhaps will go in our next home. Do share about your experience, thoughts, reviews, etc. when you get to that project. For now, rest well, and get better soon!
Love the blue checked curtains – they’re so fresh and happy!
What is the checked fabric over the footboard about?
This was in the body of the entry: ” Before I felt the weight of the fabric, I thought I might reupholster our bed with it, but since it is lighter in weight, I’m going to make a slipcover for the head and footboards.”
You are so talented…I just knew you were going to tell us that you were making your own roller shades!
Just a thought. I love your bed the way it is. It is elegant. A break from the color. If you put that blue and white material on it it may be too much plaid in the room.
I agree. I love the blue and white. But sometimes less is more. The bed is amazing as is. If anything I’d do a blue/white ticking. It’s a bit more subtle. But the bed is so elegant I’d leave it alone.
I agree with Nora and Karen. Keep the bed like it is because you will add pillows, quilts and throws and it will be too much having plaid.
Agree with the previous ladies, more of the same fabric on the large and high bed end would make the whole good look you have achieved so far will be too much.
Yeah, I’d keep the bed as is. It would look to busy. You don’t want it to look like you got a bolt of material at cheap and made everything with it!
I have to agree about loving the bed the way it is and thinking it would be too much of a good thing to add another huge chunk of the plaid (much as I love the fabric). That said, there have been several other times when Marian has mentioned something she planned to do that I thought, “Oh, that wouldn’t look nearly as nice as what she already has.” And then she completes the project and it is total perfection. So I bow to her on this one—especially since it’s her house. Haha! The only thing I ever disliked was the bed crown and curtain over the headboard in the last house, and that was just too fancy and elaborate for my taste. Otherwise I wouldn’t have changed one thing at that house! And this one is shaping up to be even more charming.
Can you share where you got your bed? I’ve been looking for something similar, but have struck out!
Marian, the blue and white gingham curtains are so pretty! You did a great job of sewing them. I like the idea of adding the gingham to your head and footboard of your bed. It will look lovely and tie everything together. I hope you decide to add a crown above your bed as it will look so pretty! The one you made in your last home was so beautiful.
Hope you and your family will be feeling better soon. Be sure and rest, Marian!
Thank you & I’m very glad to read this particular post-considering that bowser, my house NEEDS good curtains-the black-out type and I love the clips and the curved rod with the holder/brace in the center! If it is easy and beautiful and not too expensive, I am in need of it! That said, who wants to bet a quarter that Miss Marion will do at least something of her own to the pull up/roller up shades? Everything is turning out so nicely! Thanks. Terri
Can you describe your home design to me. I know it’s one level. Would you say it leans more modern or more traditional?
Your bedroom has come together so nicely! I agree leave the bed as is.
It’s amazing how much progress you have made in such a short amount of time. It’s looking so homey!
Just a thought …. I also love your bed the way it is, but I see what you mean about it looking a little bit flat, visually. I really loved your fabric wall in your Pennsylvania house–what about trying that here? Some sort of subtle pattern to give it a little pop?
Your bedroom looks so pretty already in such a short time!
Space your curtain rings out evenly – it will look better.
Your bed is beautiful, and the curtains are great, but the checked slipcovers may be a bit too much in your room. Just a thought.