I am regularly inspired by decorating duo Sherry & John Petersik of Young House Love. However, it is pretty rare that I can put that inspiration to good use in my own home. So after my search for fun, organic window treatments for Ja’Naya’s room turned up only solid curtains and drapes, I decided I’d look for an organic fabric instead, and make the curtains myself. Except for one little detail. I’d never done it before. Ever. That, and I don’t own a sewing machine — yet. So imagine my joy when Sherry and John shared the steps behind their no-sew curtains!
Curtains
Even after more than a year of writing about greening the home, it is still difficult to find manufacturers who are making eco-friendly curtain panels or drapes. Custom window treatments are easier, but if you’re looking for ready-to-hang options, they are few and far between. That becomes painfully obvious if you take a look at my relatively small curtains category. So when I find curtains that are A) made of recycled materials and B) modern and stylish, I’m thrilled! These Radiant rod pocket curtain panels have both descriptions all sewn up.
Finding green steals is sometimes a science. After months of doing this, I tend to know where to look and which retailers’ newsletters to subscribe to. But sometimes, I happen upon a great deal completely by chance. And anyone who says these sets of organic cotton grommet-top curtain panels aren’t a steal must not have seen the prices on other eco-friendly window treatments. A set of 2 84″ curtains for just $50 is almost unheard of and by far the best deal I’ve found anywhere.
The world of eco-friendly window treatments is still fairly small. A handful of larger retailers — most notably West Elm — have gotten into the market with some stylish, affordable options. But for the most part, unless you’re willing to shell out $75-150 per curtain panel, your best bet is still to make them yourself from sustainable fabrics like hemp, organic cotton or even plain old linen.
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I’m Jennae Petersen, and I’m a lot of things. A mother, a graphic artist, a connosieur of beautiful interiors and a purveyor of all things design. Green Your Decor was borne of frustration in my attempts to find eco-friendly housewares that were also beautiful, and inspiration to do something to reduce my own carbon footprint and help others do the same in a beautiful way.
