Do you have a room in your house that needs a decorating lift but you don't have a big budget for a complete makeover? Sometimes you'll find that a simple and inexpensive change can bring a whole new look to that room that's become just plain boring. Maybe you can't afford to buy new furniture or hire a decorator. So what can be done to bring new life to that old, tired look? You'll be happy to know there is a solution, where you can have your cake and eat it too! Plaid curtains are the answer to this decorating dilemma!
Usually your room has a color scheme, where furniture, carpeting, lamps and accents coordinate with one another. You may think that, short of getting new furniture or slipcovers, there's nothing to be done. What about your curtains? If you've got a sewing machine and are handy with it, you can make that room look completely different with new curtains as your only change. Plaid curtains fill the bill admirably.
The versatile plaid can be the perfect solution. Most plaids consist of several colors. Professional decorators know that the most successful color schemes pick up subtle variations of different colors found in art work, throw pillows and accent pieces in the room. Complementary colors also add interest and spice to your color scheme. For example, if your sofa is navy blue, a warm rust tone in a pillow or lamp will set off the blue of the sofa. A patterned pillow with shades of blue and accents of rust has the same effect.
Using a plaid fabric in your curtains, put this principle to work for you. Make a list of colors you already have in your furnishings and decorative items. Include artwork, sculptures, lamps and carpeting in your notes. You'll likely find there are many colors and tones you've never noticed. A picture framed in gold leaf can be picked up and used to your decorating advantage in your color search.
Now, among the colors found in your room, decide which you'd like to emphasize and identify those you'd rather downplay. These are the colors to look for when choosing your plaid curtain fabric.
Plaid fabrics come in a variety of materials to create a look that fits in with your style of decorating. Plaid curtains of cotton fabric are well-suited to a country look, while velvet plaid curtains lend an elegant touch of style. A sheer polyester threaded with gold creates an airy, light look. Dark tones are more formal. Pastel shades give a feminine touch.
So, you can see that plaid curtains may be just the answer to an outdated look. Whether you buy fabric and make them yourself or choose to buy ready-made plaid curtains, you can have a fresh, new look to a room at little expense.
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