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Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CUSTOMIZING IKEA CURTAINS AND A DIY INDUSTRIAL CURTAIN ROD


Most of the time I make my own draperies, but for Caleb's room it sure was nice to pick up a ready made pair at Ikea for next to nothing!  I chose the Lenda, two panels that are a really nice weight for just $19.99!  However, the 98" length was a little too short.  They come in a longer length but I knew I wanted to add some detail to them anyway so I saved about $10 by getting this length.


I planned to add some stripes at the bottom, and wanted them to be more incorporated than just adding a piece of fabric to the bottom of the panel, so I did some cutting and piecing together.  I was going to give measurements for what I did, but since everyone's would be different I'll just give you the basic idea.

First, I wanted to use ring clips instead of the tabs at the top, so with some sharp scissors I just cut those off very close to the seam.  Then, I decided where I wanted the bottom stripe to start, (my bottom stripe is about 3 1/2 inches up from the bottom hem), and while adding about 1/2" for a seam allowance, cut my panel all the way across there.  Then, I used some black fabric to make a wide stripe (mine was 7" finished) and sewed it to the top section of the panel, then to the bottom section.  So, now I had one panel again with a wide black stripe at the bottom.  Be sure to press both seams open for a professional look!


For the thinner stripe I sewed a piece of grosgrain ribbon on.

Now, this window faces the east, so it gets bright very early in the morning.  Even though we have blinds on the window, I wanted to add some blackout lining to the panels.  I had some old panels that I wasn't using anymore, so to save some money I removed the blackout lining from them and sewed them right to the back of the new panels.  I didn't do right sides together and turn them inside out like normal, I just sewed it right to the back as close to the edge of the lining as I could.   My goal was to stitch right on top of the stitch lines that were already there.  Along some edges I ended up with a double row of stitching, but I think it looks fine.


So, with a few adjustments and using what I had, I have a custom pair of blackout panels for under $25!


Now, to hang them.  I bought a plain Hobby Lobby curtain rod a while back when I actually made the curtains (this room has been underway for over a year!), but as we worked on the wood wall I wanted a more masculine look.  I started seeing industrial gavanized pipe curtain rods all over blogs, and I knew that would be a perfect choice!


I'm not giving my own tutorial, since I followed Cassie's (Hi Sugarplum) excellent tutorial and it was super easy!  My only piece of advice (that I finally figured out after my third store) is that your pipe needs to be from the PLUMBING department, not the ELECTRICAL department! I thought the employees didn't understand what I wanted when no one could help me cut and re-thread a 1 1/2" electrical pipe.  Duh...can't be done!  A 1 1/2" electrical (conduit) pipe is NOT the same as a 1 1/2" plumbing pipe, even though they both look the same!


My original rod was cheaper, all of the parts for this one came in at around $35 for me.  However, it's so much sturdier, and WAY cooler looking!

Now his room is like a cave when the curtains are all closed up...I think I want to move in!

One step closer to this room being done, and I actually think I'm going to be able to show you the reveal next week.  For now, here's one final sneak peek!



Edited:  Click here to see this completed room!

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Would you like to comment?

  1. Jennifer! What a timely blog!! I am customizing the Aina curtains for my bathroom today! I totally love the galvanized rod for my son's room.... I am going to copy you on that. The rod he has in there is quite flimsy. Have a beautiful day!! xo, Emily

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  2. I love all of your projects for this room. Goes to show how much cooler a room is when you mix and match and create something unique!

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  3. those look fabulous! we did the same thing for rods in sawyer's room but used the black- i LOVE them! they are sturdy and look cool!

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  4. Brilliant! both the curtain and the rod! putting this on my to-do list today!

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  5. Cannot wait to see the whole room!! Love the curtains and the rod!

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  6. You are too good with that sewing machine - your curtains look great! Oohhh and that headboard!! Can't wait to see it!

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  7. Such a smart idea!! I wish you were closer so you could help me learn to sew better. :) they look fab!!

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  8. Love how you customized it Jennifer! You make me wish I could sew!

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  9. This is the perfect curtain for a boy! And I love the sneak peek

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  10. The room is really coming together! I love IKEA curtains, they are so affordable and easy to customize. The blackout lining makes them look so much better too!

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  11. I love your curtains! The bold graphic across the bottom is fantastic. I've considered doing the pipe curtain rods, thinking it would be a cost saver. Once I priced it out, I took a different route! I love the look for a boys room, however. Absolutely worth the money!

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  12. Love the custom stripe detail and re-using the blackout is so smart! I haven't shared mine yet because I've been waiting to add some trim detail, but I did Ikea panels in my LR, DR and FR before Christmas! It's hard to beat Ikea's prices!

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  13. Love those curtains! Those simple stripes make all the difference!

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  14. Love it all! I'm sure your son is very happy with his room. That "Duh" moment is so totally me, I have been known to describe thingies to the Lowes or HD people, and I always manage to get the "she's nuts" look.

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  15. Great idea with the stripes on the bottom. I always have to add length to our curtains too. And I love the price of the Ikea ones, but you are right, they need liners. These look perfect!

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  16. great curtain rod idea

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