The interior charm of a log cabin calls for simple window dressing, but that doesn't have to limit your choices. If you plan to make your window coverings, you'll have a wide range of fabrics, colors and patterns to use in curtains, valances or cornices. If you plan to buy them, you'll find many ready-made options in both curtains and window shades.
The Basics
Since log cabins are designed with natural materials, using natural fibers for window treatments will help to integrate your decorating with your home design. Log cabins also have a rustic charm that's more suited to straightforward, practical fabrics than fragile, high-maintenance materials. Choose cotton, linen, canvas and unbleached muslin rather than organza, lace, chiffon or silk.
Fussy styles in window coverings are also unsuited to the woodsy atmosphere of a log cabin. Avoid frilly curtains and intricate swags. Instead, choose tabbed curtains, roll-up blinds, simple valances and cornices.
Curtains and Valances
Tabbed curtains are simple enough to blend with a log-cabin interior and still add some decorative flair. Buy or make the curtains in a neutral color and add large wood buttons at the base of each tab, or choose large buttons in a color that coordinates with the rest of the room. Use curtains in a hue that complements your decor and stamp a design along the hem with a neutral shade of fabric paint.
Instead of curtains, hang simple straight valances on curtain rods. Buy or make them in muted plaids or a small print on a neutral background. For a western look, make V-scalloped valances using large red bandannas. Cut them in half, making two triangles, and sew them together at the top, using as many as needed to span your window. Sew a piece of wide bias tape across the back of the valance to create a rod pocket.
Roll-Up Blinds and Cornices
Roll-up blinds, popular during the summer for use on sun porches, blend nicely with the wood tones of a log cabin. Usually sold in muted color tones--predominantly tan and brown but also dark red, green, white and gold--they come in natural fibers, with a one-piece shade or matchstick construction. Install the built-in header at the top of your window frame and roll the blind up during the day for an unobstructed view.
Cornices are an alternative to valances. They're a little more formal-looking, but you can modify that with your choice of fabric, color and texture. Attach the cornice board over the top of the window frame and pin your valance to it, starting at the left side, working across the front and ending at the right side. You can choose a valance with a center pleat in plaid, which will look crisp but not stuffy, or hang a straight hemmed piece of unbleached muslin on which you've stamped a few flowers or animals with fabric paint.
Tags: cabin, window, treatment, your window, fabric paint, natural fibers, unbleached muslin, valances cornices, window coverings, window frame, with your
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