K Butler's Profile

I have used leather belts (thin brown leather belts over ivory linen curtains - fabulous), necklaces, heavy rope (tie and fray the ends), and sea shell strands.

If you are going to be using the shade every day then I would definately recommend getting one with a pull chain as they are so much easier to operate. IKEA has some great shades on chains in stock.

Have custom curtains made with a very heavy interlining. Sometimes, readymade curtains will say they are interlined only to have an extremely thin piece of fabric used which will not do you much good. I own a drapery workroom and have actually interlined curtains with fleece (like a blanket) with good success.

If you do roman shades, do an outside mount shade rather than an inside mount. Raise them several inches above the window so almost all the glass is showing when pulled up. You have so much room above the window, this is where you can make the windows and room appear taller. Mounting inside the glass will make the room darker and do nothing to emphasize height.

We began using blackout curtains in our nursery so my son would nap - we now have them in every bedroom in our home - they are fabulous!

You can order custom length blackout curtains at http://www.idreamofdrapery.com - you can order them using their fabric or mail in your own fabric and they will add the blackout lining which is a nice option if you have access to a fabric store.

Their are also differences in blackout lining. You will want to use a higher end lining that feels like fabric and not like a plastic bag. Unfortunately, most of the retail fabric stores carry the really cheap lining so you may have to contact a professional drapery workroom for the good stuff.

Here is a link to show you how one rod and four panels might look in the room. It's a little tight on one side and you may need to loose one finial, but if you really like the look of one rod then I think you could do it.

http://www.idreamofdrapery.com/window_treatment_design_s/173.htm

You should try

http://www.idreamofdrapery.com

They have a good selection of fabric, but if you tell them what you are looking for they will search it out and email you pictures until you find the right fabric. You can also order panels in any length which is really nice.

Try www.idreamofdrapery.com. You can choose fabrics (have a free sample sent), style and length. Add blackout lining or interlining as well. Best of luck.