How to Make Curtains for a Shelving Unit

Choose a fabric that matches your style and decor.

Shelving units are excellent for storage, but they can be unsightly. Curtains hung on a rod are ideal for hiding the items being stored, while still allowing easy access to them. The decorative curtains can also compliment your decor. Make curtains for your shelving unit yourself at a fraction of the cost of having them specially made.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Tape measure
• Sharp scissors
• Common pins
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Curtain rod with brackets
• Cordless drill with 1/16-inch bit
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Measure the shelving unit's width and height with a tape measure. Multiply the width (in inches) by two to determine how wide to cut your fabric. Add 2 1/2 inches to the height to determine how long to cut the fabric. Use sharp fabric scissors to make your cuts.

2. Lay the sized fabric pattern-side down and fold the top edge towards you 1/2 inch. Secure the fold by inserting common pins every 2 inches. Do the same for the bottom edge. When the top and bottom is securely pinned, fold the left side over 1/2 inch and pin. Lap the left side over the top and bottom sides at the corners. If there are pins already in place where you overlap, remove them and insert new ones through both layers. Repeat on the right side of the fabric.

3. Stitch each side using a needle and matching colored thread or a sewing machine. Stitch twice for extra strength and durability. Remove all common pins. Double check to make sure that none are missed.

4. Lay the fabric face down and fold the entire top edge down 2 inches. Insert common pins 1 1/2 inches down from the fold. This fold will become the pocket that the curtain rod will slip through. Sew on the right side of the pins--the side farthest from the fold. Remove all pins.

5. Use a screwdriver to attach the curtain rod brackets. Place the brackets on the top right and left corners of the shelving unit, flush with the top and side edges. Pre-drill holes using a 1/16-inch drill bit to prevent cracking and splitting of the unit. Slip the rod through the curtains pockets and hang.