How to Frame a Shuttered Window With Curtains

Dress windows with external shutters for eye appeal, not function.

Windows with shutters fitted don't need curtains for practical purposes, as the shutter blocks out light and noise. However, dressing the window with a fabric frame will soften the effect from inside the room, tie in with your room decor and make the window more of a focal point. As the frame will be decorative rather than functional, use lightweight, gauzy fabric such as voile, chiffon, silk or netting to create a light, airy effect. Use a curtain rod that's at least two feet wider than the window for the best results.

Things You'll Need

• Stepladder
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Rod brackets
• Drill and drill bits
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Curtain rod with decorative finials
• Carpenters' level
• Lightweight fabric
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure 6 inches up from each top corner of the window, and mark a pencil cross. Hold a rod bracket against the wall so that the bottom hole of the L-shape is over the pencil mark. Mark through the top hole of the bracket. Repeat for the other side.

2. Drill out the four holes for the rod brackets, two each side, and put in wall anchors. Screw each bracket into place.

3. Hook the curtain rod into position, supported by the hooks of the two brackets. Check that the rod is level, then tighten the integral retaining screw on each side to fix the rod in place.

4. Measure the distance from the floor to the curtain rod, and treble this measurement. Cut a length of lightweight fabric to this size.

5. Lay the fabric right-side down, and fold the short edge of one end over by 1 inch. Fold the hem over again to create a double 1-inch hem. Pin into position, then machine-sew along the hem and remove the pins. Repeat for the other end.

6. Drape the fabric over the curtain rod. Arrange one side of the drape so that it hangs around 18 inches off the floor, then wrap it round the curtain rod to create loose swags of material framing the window. Let the other tail of the drape hang down on the other side, making sure that both sides are level.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let the tails of the drape fall to the floor, because they may cause a tripping hazard.

References

• Love Home: How to Make Curtain Swags
• Life Tools for Women; Do It Yourself Swag Window Treatments; Susan Wells

Resources

• Start Sewing; How to Make Swags and Jabots; Laura Farrant; September 2010