Redoing Plain White Curtains

Decorative Trim

• There are many ways to create an attractive decorative trim, producing a number of finished effects. Sew a plain material in a color that complements the rest of the room along the bottom of the curtains. For a striking modern effect, use a material with a bold geometric pattern. Use floral prints for a country cottage look. Alternatively, decorative trim can be created with ribbon, fringe or items such as buttons sewn in place along the bottom edge of the curtains. Another option is to embellish lace with sequins and apply it to the bottom edge of the curtains.

Embellishments

• Decorate your curtains with buttons of all shapes and sizes scattered in a random pattern across the fabric and sewn in place. Sequins can be positioned in the same manner or used to completely cover the fabric for a bold, glittery look. Other items that are suitable for embellishing curtains are decorative artificial flowers, shapes cut out of felt and sewn in place or iron-on embellishments. For a quick and easy way to jazz up curtains, thread beads onto a piece of cotton and attach with a quick stitch to the two top corners of each curtain.

Dye

• If the white curtains are made from a natural fabric such as cotton, use dye to completely change the color. Synthetic fabrics will not dye. However, if the curtains are a mix of natural and synthetic fabrics, this will create a two-tone effect. With white fabrics, the color of dye you select is the color your curtains will become. With colored curtains, dye mixes with the existing color, rather like paint. For example, red dye on yellow curtains will produce an orange finished effect. For a funky bohemian effect, try a tie-dye technique.

Decorative Patchwork

• Collect a selection of fabric scraps with a range of colors, patterns and finishes. Cut all the scraps into identical size squares. For even more texture and embellishment, sew sequins and beads onto each fabric scrap. Cover the entire curtain fabric with fabric squares and sew in place for patchwork curtains. Alternatively, choose a bold fabric such as animal print, cut it into larger squares and sew three or four patches onto each curtain for a contemporary feel.