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Over the past few months, a search for the ideal curtains for bay windows has led to valuable discoveries. For those seeking ready-made curtains with a drop of approximately 300cm at a reasonable price, the affordable Umi Curtains are worth considering.
This journey included a creative approach to modifying IKEA curtains to meet specific needs. Here is a detailed account of that experience.
Understanding the challenge of bay windows
The living room features a beautifully curved bay window measuring about 3.5 meters wide. This unique shape complicates the selection of appropriate window treatments. Regular curtain poles are impractical due to the curvature, and installing shutters would require drilling into the plastic window frames, which is not an option. Additionally, an angled bay window pole is unsuitable since the wall is rounded rather than angled.
This situation presented considerable frustration. Upon moving in, an outdated curtain track was inherited, originally intended for unattractive pink curtains. Consequently, exploring the potential of pencil pleat curtains that could be hung on that track became necessary.
Assessing my options
Before embarking on the curtain adventure, it is essential to consider the living room’s state before transformation. The curved bay window was just one aspect requiring attention. A significant hurdle encountered was that most ready-made curtains on the market only offered a standard drop of 229cm.
To achieve the desired full-length look and complement the shorter window, curtains measuring at least 240cm in length were essential. An exhaustive five-hour online search for extra-long ready-made curtains yielded no results.
Initially, hiring a custom curtain company to create a tailored solution seemed like a viable option. However, upon reviewing quotes starting at over £700 for basic fabric, that idea was quickly dismissed.
Creatively repurposing IKEA curtains
Research indicated that IKEA provides curtains with a generous drop of 300cm. While the length was ideal, another issue arose: most IKEA curtains tend to be relatively narrow.
Determined to make the solution work, two sets of IKEA’s 300cm drop curtains were purchased, resulting in four panels—two for each side of the window. The fabric was appealing, and the price was reasonable, but the curtains featured eyelet headers, incompatible with the existing curtain track.
Executing the curtain hack
With a plan established, the eyelet section was carefully removed from the top of the curtains. This adjustment achieved the desired length while providing enough fabric for seam allowance. Classic curtain header tape from IKEA, versatile enough for both curtain poles and tracks, was acquired. Utilizing a sewing machine, the tape was stitched onto the tops of the curtains.
This journey included a creative approach to modifying IKEA curtains to meet specific needs. Here is a detailed account of that experience.0
This journey included a creative approach to modifying IKEA curtains to meet specific needs. Here is a detailed account of that experience.1