Custom Long Drapery Rod For Under $20

Today I'm sharing how to make a custom drapery rod (~30') for under $20 - you'll never buy one again!

First, you'll need 1/2-in electrical tube conduit - it's only $2.48 for a 10' section (super affordable!)

For the hanger, you will need the following parts:

1/2-in dia copper pleated steel split ring hanger // 3/8-in dia steel ceiling flange // 3/8-in threaded rod // clear plastic tube

Plan on one for about every 10' section - so that the conduit can be joined inside the hanger. 

Since we wanted it black, it would need to be painted, so we weren't concerned about the metals matching. But the copper hanger could be swapped with a steel hanger - it was a little more bulky, so we preferred this one. Also, you could most likely find a steel tube to fit over the threaded rod (try Ace Hardware) but we couldn't find one locally, so we just went with a plastic tube. 

Sorry for the nighttime IPhone photos! We primarily worked on this at night .. 

The process was pretty simple - we planned to place a hanger on each post and measured the conduit (the rod) to fit (for each exposed end, we inserted a copper end cap - found in the plumbing section). The threaded rod was cut into 4" sections with the angle grinder and a cutoff wheel (clamped to the bench) The plastic tube was also cut into 4" sections. (Note: I know Home Depot has a pipe cutter, so they'll cut it in store for you, maybe they have a machine to cut the threaded rod in store? I'm not sure, but might be worth asking if you don't have a tool to cut metal at home.) 

Then the threaded rod just screwed into the ceiling flange, the plastic tube slipped over, then the split ring hanger screwed into place. (Note: when the conduit is placed inside the hanger, the split ring hanger  sits with about a .25" gap, so it doesn't sit flush as shown above) 

Next, prep for paint. Sand (as much as possible, the metal isn't super important, but you want to give the plastic a good sanding since it's glossy) Also, it's easier to sand the plastic tube prior to installing it, so I'd recommend trying that. 

For paint, we chose gray auto primer and satin enamel paint. We found this combo very durable, so I'd recommend!! 

To paint, we set up two ladders (with paper over top to protect the ladders) and a cardboard box in between. This worked well to easily access most of the surface - we just had to flip it once dry to get the ends. The hangers were clamped on an extra piece of pipe - this made it easy to paint everything that was visible (though it's not necessary, just make sure to open them up some prior to painting) (Note: we also painted the screws used to install the hangers, they were just screwed into the side of the cardboard) Also, David is just checking to see if the paint is dry .. you want to make sure to use a respirator while painting, especially since it's close to your face. 

Once dry, we installed the hangers on each post.

Since we were going into wood, we just used wood screws, but if you're going into drywall, make sure to screw into the studs or use drywall anchors to support the weight. 

Once the hangers are up, remove the front of the hanger (or do so before installing them on the wall) and place the rod inside. Re-install the front of the hanger (make sure to put the drapery rings on prior to installing the front of the hanger). 

I forgot to take non-christmasy photos (we were in the process of completing The Home Depot Holiday Style Challenge, in case you're wondering why we're decorating for Christmas in October :) .. and I'm currently in TN, so I couldn't take new photos. So sorry! I'll include better photos with the full living room reveal (mini living room reveal here). 

To prevent the rings from slipping off the end, we simply placed a hidden screw behind the end of the rod. 

Our preference would have been to connect the two rods in the corner, but since the window on the left is only 6" from the wall, the drapery panel would have been in the window, so we made the best of it! 

Total cost for the conduit (rod) and hanger supplies was under $20, SUCH a good price for a long rod!!  It's so easy too!! Only requiring a few cuts! 

I hope you'll give it a try! 

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Damage Free Renter Friendly Draperies with Black Tassel Trim

I originally shared these damage free - renter friendly draperies at East Coast Creative, but I forgot to include a photo of what it looks like on the top, so I included one below!

I love draperies, but since we're only here short term, I didn't want to take the time to hang a rod (and fix it upon moving out) so I used 3M clear hooks for a temporary solution. They are fixed, so I can't open and close them (easily), but there are translucent pull down shades, so it's not needed here.

First I added a black tassel trim (purchased on ebay) to Ikea Lenda white panels (and added a hidden tab for a cafe rod for future use, tutorial here). I sewed, but permanent fabric glue is a great option for those without a sewing machine.

1. Measure desired height, place piece of painter's tape.

2.  Measure spacing. For my 54" wide panel, I spaced mine 3" apart.

3. Place 3M hooks according to directions on package.

4. With upholstery thread sew a couple of loops on the back of the panel. (confirm placement for height taking into account hook placement.

5. Hang your panels on the hooks!

These were SO easy and a perfect temporary solution!!

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How to Embellish Simple White Draperies for Less

Way back in January I started talking about replacing the draperies in our room, and yesterday I finally decided and finished! I was originally thinking that a 3" trim on Ikea Lenda drapery panels would be great. However, once I added up the total cost and realized that the trim would be more expensive than the panels itself, I decided to consider another route.

After I finished the DIY Zimba inspired draperies I realized that paint and a border stencil would be the perfect low cost (and time) solution. It only took $3 about and a few hours!! Read on to see how I did it!

I wanted something subtle that would repeat the chevron pattern already in the room.

So I created a 4" stencil in Illustrator and cut it on my Silhouette Cameo. Mixing fabric medium into latex paint, I stenciled along the edge. I then created an inner border using painters tape next to the edge and then a 1/4" away to make a stripe. I kept the paint fairly light so it wouldn't glob up in places. 

*Update: I just added this stencil to my Etsy shop!

I applied a small black pom pom trim to the backside of the panel with Fabri-Tac adhesive. It is similar to the consistency of hot glue, but you don't have the risk of burning your fingers (I did that once and I'll never do it again! SO painful) and I would guess much stronger. It's also washable! 

I ironed the hem and sewed it, but no sew adhesive would work too. I then created inner tab tops by folding the tabs to the back, sewing along the existing to stitches so it would blend in and then cut off the ends (making sure not to cut the front panel too!) This worked perfectly with my cafe rod!

and that was it! Each panel took about 1 to 1.5 hours to finish.

I missed having my writing desk in the room, so I moved it back! I love using it as a second desk!

I used the rest of the mint polka dot scarf  from the euro shams as the cushion cover. I just folded it under, but I plan to upholster it once I pick up some thick white fabric to go underneath. Since I won't be sitting in this chair a lot, the scarf will work ok, but I wouldn't recommend for a heavy use chair.

Isn't lavender the best? I picked a little fresh lavender a few days ago from a nearby bush and adore how it smells great and lasts forever! 

I love how draperies can really make a room! They can add drama and interest, like the Zimba draperies or bring the perfect touch of softness and repetition, like these draperies.

I also love the endless possibilities of paint and painters tape or stencils! You can do pretty much whatever you want at a super low cost! These panels took a tiny amount from a sample size and a quart for {4} Zimba panels.

Price Breakdown: 

Lenda panels $20

Pom Pom Trim: $3 (6 yards @ .50 with coupon) 

Paint, fabric medium and glue (already owned) 

Total: $23

Time Breakdown:

About 45 minutes per panel to paint and apply the trim an about 30 minutes to sew the top tabs and hem. 

Since I was going to spend more than that on trim, definitely a DIY success!!

and thanks Kate for your tip on bright interiors without blowing out windows!

Click to see how Kate did it!

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Also, did you know that this is "National Painting Week"?

Stop by to see a few great projects from some amazing bloggers!

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{charcoal} DIY Zimba Draperies in the Office

You might have seen last week that I decided to paint the light gray DIY Zimba Schumacher draperies charcoal. The plan was to always make them charcoal, but for the knockoff week of Creating with the Stars, I thought light gray would be best. Looking back, I think that the charcoal would of been great, maybe even better than the light gray! Hindsight, right?

I finished two panels (in charcoal) right before Creating with the Stars started and then was left with one set of charcoal and one set of light gray. So I decided to paint the light gray to match the charcoal. I painted 6 panels total, so I was definitely ready to be done! But I'm in love with the look!

The charcoal is great because it adds a punch of contrast! Here are a few pics of the office area. I'll take a few of the living room side soon.

Currently we have one of our almost finished Eames chairs upstairs. The base still needs to be polished some and we are rethinking the sealant on the chair to something that is more shiny. The rug is from Ikea and the Moroccan pouf is from ebay (I love having something to rest my feet on!) 

I purchased the orchid for Creating with the Stars, but didn't use it. The scale is perfect for my desk! Trader Joes has the best prices in town!

I love how they turned out! For $20 for two panels and cost of paint this turned out to be a huge cost saver compared to the $100/yard Zimba fabric!

Also, I forgot to mention on my first post, the Ikea Lenda panels come with a tab top, I simply cut them off (cutting as close to the top of the panel as possible :)

To see how I made the stencil and my process see this post

I'll take a few pictures of the living room side and share those shortly!

Hope you all had a great weekend! :)

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Custom Cornice for Draperies

Today I wanted to share the custom cornice for above our DIY Schumacher inspired draperies. Custom cornices can be super expensive, so DIY is definitely the way to go!

The window in our living room is pretty big, 60"x60", our finished cornice was 90" (to allow room for the draperies to sit without being in the window)  x 16"

First up, we were rush to finish it for the deadline, so I may be missing some information, so use this as a guideline :) 

Ok, here's how we did it!

First we cut the notches into the 1x6 with the jigsaw (We ended up cutting one off because it looked a little heavy), and used wood glue and screws to attach it to the 1x12 (and clamps while it dried)

We wrapped it in batting.

To inexpensively cover the whole piece (without seams), we used a 70"x144" white tablecloth from Target, it was only $14 because it was an open box item. That's a lot of fabric for $14!!

We then repeated with the fabric. To fully cover the seams from the batting we doubled up the fabric, which ended up being good for the corners. I don't have any more photos, because we were really rushed to finish! But I do want to mention how we handled the fabric on those tricky square steps. We cut the fabric at a 45 close to the edge. Having two layers of fabric allowed us to more cover the edges because there was more fabric to work from to cover the edges. This sounds a little confusing (honestly, I can't entirely remember how it worked because we were that rushed!) We then used the ribbon to cover any imperfections from the square steps. It was applied basically just like the greek key trimmed pillow shams by cutting the edges at a 45 and burning the ends and securing with heat n' bond no sew adhesive.

We then installed it on the wall using corner brackets! 

Ready to try it?

Price Breakdown and source list:

Wood: 1x12 ($10) and 1x6 (from our scrap pile)
Fabric: 70"x114" white table cloth from Target ($14 open box item, $20 regularly)
Ribbon: Free! Wrapped around throw blankets at Target around Christmas.
Heat n' Bond no sew adhesive: already had

Total Cost: $24!

We had a good bit of supplies on hand, but if you were buying everything new, it would probably be about $30-$40, still pretty good!

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Finally, last but not least, a reminder to vote for your favorite project in this week's Creating with the Stars at East Coast Creative! Voting ends tonight at 10 pm.

I love my project and I'm pretty sure you will too! :) I'm looking forward to sharing which one is mine tomorrow!!

Voting is super easy and quick, if you would stop by and vote I'd appreciate it! Thanks so much!! 

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