Can You Use Scarfs for Modern Windows?

As Valances

• Since the ends and sides of ready-made scarfs are already finished, draping one or two across a curtain rod above a window can make an instant valance. A valance is a short curtain that adds just enough softness to the tops of windows without obstructing the view. There are several ways to make a window valance from a scarf. A no-sew method is to wrap the scarf several times around the rod, loosen and even out how each loop hangs and spread it evenly across the rod. Another way is evenly drape the scarf over the middle of the rod, tie a knot at the center, and then tie each end of the scarf to the rod far enough apart, but not too far, so that it has a nice drape.

  Sewing a hem wide enough for a curtain rod to fit through, along one long side of a scarf, is another way to make a valance for the modern window. Dress up the window with several hemmed scarfs to give the valance a lot of volume.

Along the Sides

• Window treatments that flank both sides of the modern window add visual height and softens the vertical lines along the edges. A no-sew approach to making long window treatments is to tie two to three evenly spaced knots along one end of the scarf, around the curtain rod. Do this to two scarfs, or add volume to these window treatments by adding two to three hanging scarfs to both sides of the window.

For Privacy

• Beyond simply decorating a modern window, hanging scarfs as a window treatment can actually provide some privacy. Measure the width of the window and use the number of scarfs necessary to cover this width. Add two to four more scarfs to add body and a pleating effect to the windows, even when the scarf curtains are closed.

Coordinating Interchangeability

• Among the appealing factors of using scarfs as window treatments is the interjection of the fabric's colorful detail and soft textures. Scarfs are very easy to find, inexpensive and not difficult to coordinate with other room accessories. Find coordinating throws and throw pillows, or make pillows from a few extra scarfs.

  A few matching sets of scarf curtains and pillows makes a nice way to interchange the look, feel and style of the room. This technique can easily change the look of the room once a year, or every season if you like.