Why just hang curtains when I can install a window dressing? Have you looked at all the ways you can dress up a window lately?

Ive had the same old tired curtains hanging in my house for 20 years now. I decided that this year Im going to change the look of every room in my house, one at a time, starting with changing all my curtains! Youd be amazed how much of a difference that can make. Changes the whole room. Curtains have an effect on how much light comes into the room, for one thing. You can darken the bedroom with darker, thicker curtains and brighten the living room with white sheer curtains.

I had to get a new vocabulary going for this project, too. It helped to know what I was talking about when I went shopping. One great resource I found on the web was at CountryCurtains.com Theyve got information on measuring, fabrics, curtain styles and installation. There are also some articles on decorating there. I particularly read the link at the bottom called Learn About Curtains. Id always wondered what some of those styles were called. Theres a whole list of curtain styles from A to Z. Read about balloon curtains to valances.

I also looked for sites with pictures. You can talk about valances all day long, but until I see a picture of it, I have no idea what its going to look like on my window. Im no seamstress, but there were lots of pictures on PateMeadows.com because theyre selling curtain patterns so you can make your own. They have a great photo gallery that will give you more new ideas than you can imagine.

If you dont see what you like, keep looking. You might like the shape of some curtains, but not the fabric theyre pictured in. Dont worry. Someplace else will have a similar design in a fabric you will like. Have fun!