I've found that curtains can add a lot to a room aesthetically, brightening a room while blocking the sun and keeping the space cooler, which here in Austin is key during the summertime.
There are a few really fun and easy ways to recycle linens to make your own curtains for smaller windows in rooms like the bathroom or kitchen.
For years I've held onto a pillow case that belonged on my parents' bed when I was a baby. I love this pillow case for its colors and its memories, but becaus
e of its age, I haven't used it -- I knew that it wouldn't survive multiple washings. So, when I moved into my new apartment and needed curtains for the bathroom, I cut the pillow case in half along the seam, removed some stitching and used the already existing ends as the loop through which to put the curtain bar. Now, I get to see this pillow case all the time and it makes great curtains. So, if you need new curtains for a small window, head to a thrift or vintage shop and look for a cute, single pillow case. I especially love the antique ones that have been embroider
ed.I have a dish towel addiction. I love them. I love the patterns, old ones and new ones. I love the colors, and the dense canvassy material. So, when I needed something to block the sun that comes streaming into my kitchen window right about the time that I'm usually cooking or doing the dishes, I could think of nothing better to hang up there than some brightly colored watermelon dishtowels. This is another simple fix -- by measuring your curtain rod, folding over one end of the towel and basting it, you'll have cute curtains that are already a perfect size and style for kitchen windows.
And finally, my favorite purchase of the week:
these really great, bright, happy curtains in a thick canvas that I found for ten bucks at a yard sale across the street. They are LONG, which is great because I'll have extra material if I ever want to make smaller curtains (or pillows) for another room!
