Simply Window Treatments: All You Need to Know to Make Curtains, Shades, and Swags

Simply Window Treatments: All You Need to Know to Make Curtains, Shades, and Swags

The dressing on a room’s windows can mean the difference between a decorating scheme that doesn’t quite work or one that is truly successful. But custom-made window treatments can be terribly expensive, and many do-it-yourselfers are afraid to tackle anything more complicated than a hemmed rectangle of fabric stuck on a pole. As this attractive and thorough guide points out, most curtains start out as exactly that; their uniqueness and appropriateness to a particular setting is a matter of proportion, color, trim, and other detailing. Embodying Sunset’s winning how-to series format (see also Simply Slipcovers and Simply Upholstery), the book explains how to choose the right treatment and supplements its extensive step-by-step instructions with good, clear photos and diagrams. In addition to actual construction information for various curtains, valances, swags, and shades, the projects explain planning, measuring, and cutting and include loads of great tips on achieving a professional appearance. Many projects also feature design variations and occasionally “designer details,” ideas for finishing touches like tiebacks, rosettes, or sheer mitered hems. Following the 20 projects, the “basics” section explains hardware and mounting considerations, yardage calculations (including photocopy-ready worksheet blanks), installation directions, general construction techniques, and an overview of essential equipment. Even the novice sewer can create dynamic, professional-looking window treatments with the excellent guidance here. –Amy Handy