Hanging a Window Scarf

A window scarf is an easy way to give plain blinds an updated look, add drama to a dull room, or create a touch of elegance over sheer curtains. A window scarf does not cover much of your window, allowing light to come through while adding interest to your window and wall. You can drape a scarf over a curtain rod, through sconces, or get creative and use towel rings or other items to hang your scarf. Hanging a window scarf is not difficult, but it might take several tries until you achieve the look you desire.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Curtain rod or sconces
• Fabric tape measure
• Sfety pins

1. Browse through magazines or catalogues to select the look you hope to achieve. Home furnishing catalogues and home design magazines typically have the most photos of window treatments, and both are excellent sources for ideas. Because different types and weights of fabrics hang differently, you need to make certain you choose the appropriate fabric for your scarf.

2. Measure the window to determine the length of the fabric you need for your window scarf. The easiest way to estimate the length you will need is to drape a flexible tape measure around the window in the same way you want the scarf to hang. Hold one end of the tape measure at the end of the curtain rod or at one sconce, and then drape it in an upside-down arch. Bring the other end of the tape measure up to the other end of the curtain rod, and then measure down each side of the window to determine the length of fabric needed to make the tails. The length of the total arch, from one end of the curtain rod to the other, plus the length of each tail, should be added together into one final figure.

3. Visit your local fabric store and purchase your fabric. To be safe, you should purchase twice as much fabric as you expect to use. Some fabric stores also carry curtain rods and sconces, but you can pick those up at any major department store if needed.

4. Lay the fabric on a flat surface, such as the floor or your dining room table. You will need plenty of workspace, and a view of the window is always a good idea.

5. Gather the fabric at the longest measurement point, and work your way out from the middle. Fan-fold starting at one end if you are pleating your window scarf. Each pleat of fabric should be about 4 inches wide, but larger or smaller is okay.

6. Use safety pins to hold the gathers or pleats in place. Put one pin at each end of your window scarf, and attach additional pins wherever you believe your window scarf will drape over or through your sconce or curtain rod.

7. Thread the fabric scarf through your sconces or raise it up onto your rod. Allow it to drape down as far as you desire.

8. Remove the safety pins one at a time, adjusting the fabric as you go along. Adjust the swags or pleats in order to attain the fullness you want, and then place the pins back into the fabric to hold the swags in place.

9. Walk away from the window and examine your window scarf from the other side of the room. Gradually walk closer to the window, taking note of any areas that need further adjusting.

10. Make any final adjustments before removing the rest of the pins. If your window scarf will not remain in place without the pins, you can staple the fabric to the sconces or leave the pins in and hide them from view.