Bedroom Curtains Progress — Did I Make The Wrong Decision?
I’ve been working on the bedroom curtains for a few days now. I haven’t been fully focused on this project. I’ve been getting sidetracked by other things, like designing striped pillow fabric, picking up my matted and framed chapel picture for the foyer and trying to figure out how to hang it, dealing with the leak in the roof and coordinating with my contractor to have the cracked sun tunnel skylight replaced, among other things.
But in between all those other things, I’ve been working on the bedroom curtains. I thought I might be able to get them all finished yesterday, but when I hung the first panel so that I could pin the hem in place, I had doubts about my decision on the trim. I had two options — wrap the trim around the edge of the panel so that it wasn’t quite so bold and wide and just gave a hint of orange, or use the trim so that the full width of the orange trim showed.
I think I chose the wrong one. Here’s what the panel looks like with the trim wrapped around the edge. This panel is finished except for the hem.
Here’s the thing. I like the width of the trim when wrapped around the edge. What I don’t like is that the design loses its impact when it’s folded in half.
It would be a pain to change course right now, but there’s nothing other than my desire to get these finished ASAP that’s keeping me from doing it over if it needs to be done. I still haven’t put the pleats in some of the panels, so if I’m going to change my mind, this is the time to do it. They do have the trim sewn on the edge, but it can be easily removed, ironed, and reused.
Here’s what it would look like with the full width of the trim showing. And of course, with my love of (and really, my need for) symmetry, I think I should have gone this direction. Hindsight is 20/20, right?
I do wish it was narrower, but there’s nothing I can do to change that at this stage. So I either keep it folded around the edge, in which case the amount of orange showing is perfect (to me) but the design is cut in half, which looks incomplete to me. Or I use the full width, which will be much bolder, but the design is complete, which is a lot more pleasing to the eye and gives me that symmetry that I love.
Not using the trim is not an option. I hung the fabric on the rod for a couple of days without the trim to see if I liked that, and I don’t. It’s way too plain and blah. The curtains need trim and that punch of orange for me to be happy with them. I’m just (still) torn on how to use it, especially now that I actually have one panel finished (except for the trim) and hung in the room. Let me know your thoughts, but as of right now, I’m thinking I need to redo them. While I want to get these (and the whole room) finished ASAP, I also want it done right.
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Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Full width like you show in the picture looks best in my opinion. Love the drapery fabric and color!
YES!!!! I’ve been trying to sway you for months now. Use the full width trim.
Can you reduce the width by folding in each edge? You will end up with a symmetrical design and you can control how much of the design you see.
I tried that, and I didn’t like it.
What about full width on trim and flipping it over so there is more white to tie in with the sheers all while getting the orange in the pattern?
I agree! First thing I thought when I saw the other side of the trim was that it would look much better, brighten it up a lot and tie in some of the white!
I agree that you need the full width of the ribbon especially since those drapes are so heavy. The trim will lighten them up! They are gorgeous!!
Full width! Once everything else is in place, I don’t think the trim will be too wide at all. And it will look “more correct” full width and set back from the edge as you show in the second picture laid out on your work table.
Of course you realize that if you choose to use the full trim, it will appear much different once you gather and pleat the curtain panels. It still won’t give you the perfect symmetry you desire.
I don’t understand why this would be. When making curtains with trim on the leading edge, you start the first pleat after the trim so that the full width of the trim is flat.
I commented previously about the position of the trim and still believe the trim should not be wrapped around the edge of the drapes. The trim looks bulky wrapped. I think seeing both borders of the trim with the narrow strip of teal velvet on the leading edge looks much more professionally executed. I do not think the trim looks too wide. It appears the pleats are stitched about 2″ below the top of the drapes which looks off to me. I would stitch the pleats 4 inched below the top of the panels at the bottom of the buckram.
I agree about the teal edge looking good with the full trim.
I prefer Parisian pleats to French pleats. 🙂 They’re stitched one inch from the top. I would have done it higher, but the pleats wouldn’t stay folded because of the bulk of the velvet.
This might be an unpopular opinion but I don’t love the blue velvet on the blue grass cloth. It feels like you’re looking for contrast to separate the curtains from the wall. The two options you have presented for the trim use feels forced and neither feel like the right design choice.
Since you are no longer doing the bird print on the headboard I actually think the Bird fabric would make lovely curtains and the velvet would be great on the head and footboard. You could then have more freedom to accessorize the bed with the stripes and other printed fabrics and make a bird pillow for your chair. The trim could even become a trim on a pillow instead of such stark vertical lines.
I know it’s unpopular opinion too, but I agree with you Stephanie, 100%. I like more contrast between walls and drapes. I have loved the white against the teal grass cloth and the layering of the velvet over the shades and sheers just seems so heavy to me. But we all have different things that we like and don’t like and it’s not my house. Kristi always makes things look perfect in the long run.
I HATE having to redo but in this case I would bite the bullet and redo them to show the entire trim. Your style is bold and this seems to scale that back as well
As not being able to enjoy the design of the full trim. Good luck making your choice.
Trust your gut, and remember what my first sewing teacher said, “So as ye sew, so shall ye rip”. Go bold or go home!
Since you’re asking, full width for the win.
I know it’s a pain to redo, but the other way doesn’t look like it was intentional. Also, with all the teal you can afford a wider trim band…you have that nice edge of teal peeking out for extra measure. I think you’re going to be glad you fixed it.
I prefer the full width. It looks more intentional.
Full trim.
Team Full-Width. The folded trim looks very “make-do.” Neither is the perfect option in your eyes, but the folded version looks off-kilter, while the wide version is classic and professional.
I prefer the wider trim.
I really like the full width option that you show. In my opinion, what makes it look so much better is the small blue edge, so that it isn’t ending with the orange trim.
I agree with you. Full width.
For me, what’s more important is seeing the trim stepped back from the edge. I like seeing the blue next to the white curtain and the orange trim stepped back from that. The width isn’t an issue for me. I’ll be anxious to see your final decision.
I prefer the wide width, but Im a suckered for a good trim 😃 I also think with the teal on teal (which I can appreciate that decision) the wider bolder trim with the teal edge does look more intentional and the space can handle it with everything else going on.
I really like your curtains! My thoughts are to go with the full width of the orange. It seems to me to look more finished…. You always so a great job!
I think the wrapped was right when the orange was brighter, but now that you’ve toned down the orange, I think it looks better with the full width of trim showing.
Whole trim.
I know you’re itching to get this done, but I agree, you need the whole width of the trim showing for the impact of the pattern. Otherwise, you could have just used any matching orange trim or any pattern. (yeah, like it’s that easy?!?! 🙂 )
I’m on team “full trim with teal edge”. You’ll be glad you went with your gut.
That trim is so nice…would love to see the whole width. When it’s all up I don’t think you will think it is too wide anyway…love the look of the full trim. At least you only have one to correct right now…ripping out is a big part of sewing! 😉 Looking forward to the reveal! I truly hope you and Matt will enjoy your new suite very soon. It is all so incredible and comfortable, and close to your closet, laundry and your bathroom!
Can you be happy with the trim folded in half? It looks fine to me, but it’s not my bedroom. I kinda like the folded in half because it continues around to the other side of the panel. But if it will aggravate you every time you walk into the room, now is the time to redo it. On the other hand, if you don’t like the trim being wider, that may irritate you if you do that. So, wider trim, or folded in half. Which will you like better?
I think you should find a new, smaller trim!! I get wanted to check a project off the list, but this trim isn’t right. I agree it’s way too wide and looks strange folded. If you attach it flat, and then don’t start the pleat until after the trim, you’ll have a very large flat part which I also don’t think will look right.
Go back and change it to full width; it will drive you nuts if you don’t.
Instead of wrapping it on the edge, fold the trim in half and stitch onto the very edge of the velvet. It will lay flat compared to being bulky.
I agree that the trim needs to show full width, It is so pretty!
In the full width camp!
Before changing the finished curtain, why not do the next curtain with full trim showing and then hang both and see which one you prefer ?
I think I like the full trim but let’s see….
I’m on team full trim (when working within the confines of it HAS to be this curtain fabric and it HAS to be this trim), but this is exactly how I’d approach this. I’d do the other curtain with full trim and then see which I liked better.
Ripping out is a pain in the rump…….but…I’m also team full width! I dont care for it folded around the edge. Jmho 😁
Sorry, I think redo to full width! Several steps forward, one step back.
I thought one time I saw you turn it over so there wasn’t so much of the coral. Maybe that would make the change your looking for?
I like the folded trim. It’s ‘quieter’ and is there in all of its beauty, not screaming “Look at me”. I’m sure you’ll make the decision just right for you. I love the bolder pattern on the Spoonflower material, it’s perfect for the chair. This is great progress.
Has there beeen any news / updates on your cyber bully?
Can you fold the trim in from both sides so it is narrower but still symmetrical? Fold under the T like shapes on both sides so just the ellipse shape is visible?
Full width, without a doubt. It is looking fantastic!
Use the full width. It has much more impact.
Put the trim on the way you want or you’ll never be happy with it. ❤️
Full width. I know you tried earlier, but try flipping it now. The orange balances out more and the white hides alongside the sheer color.
Wait to take that one apart. Make one with full trim and you can compare actual curtains side by side.
stay the course. You can always change it later, but I think when both panels are hung it will satisfy your need for symmetry.
Not sure how to say this so hopefully it makes sense. When you do half width trim on both panels and put the two panels together does it look like full trim?
I had this thought too, but I think she’s only putting one curtain on each window. So never the twain shall meet. 🙂
Im on team full width of the trim showing! It’s such a luxury to even HAVE trim like that on curtains! The design on the tape is awesome and is effective in its full glory…
Another option might be to set the trim in from the lead edge 1/2″ – 1″ to couch the trim in the teal velvet…
Run full width trim across the bottom or the top of the drapery panel and see how you like that. Or if you have a lot of trim, across bottom and turn the corner to go up the length to the top of the panel. If these ideas don’t work, I vote for full width of trim, dull length on the panel.Maybe set a foot over from the edge?
My vote has always been for the full trim. To me it doesn’t feel finished correctly if it’s folded over, and I do think the width will look amazing once they’re all in place. A PITA to fix, but think it’ll look amazing!
I’m sorry because I know you said this wasn’t an option. I like them without the trim.
Team Whole Width!
I actually think the issue (for my eye anyway). is not full or half trim, but
rather the lack of the edge of curtains on the other side of the trim.
make sense?
Looks a little strange and ‘unfinished’ having the trim wrapped around.
If the balance feels off with full – i’d sew the trim in half and place it so that
you can have half trim, but also have that bit of curtain on the end as it
looks more polished and finished that way. hope that makes sense.
also, yay for you not being afraid to change it as many times as you need to
get it right! it’s all coming together so amazingly – i hope you can be in by
Christmas. much love to you all xx
Kristi~ where is your sewing machine? I don’t think I ever saw where you keep it in your workroom. Did you have a designated place for it? It would be very convenient for you if you did.
If you leave it “full width”, are you going to have a little of the blue showing on the outside like the pic above? If so, I really like that! I think that would look great!
Kristi, can you fold both sides of the trim in and just have the center part of the design? That’s what l would try first.
Two days later than this post, I’ve read how ready you are for the break. I also sense that you are looking at the curtain trim under a microscope. Perhaps step back, pin the other panels up, with the trim pinned in place. When you can see ALL of the curtains at once, from across the room, does it change how you see the trim? With that large amount of fabric in place, does it settle the trim down?
You will redo it because if you are already unhappy with it, making it right
is the only way to make yourself happy. Every time you look at it you will wish you had fixed it.
I just wish you had calmer trim.