Draperies and Top Treatments - Mini "awning" style cutains in kitchen?

Hi -
I've just refinished my kitchen cabinets and walls, and am trying to figure out what style curtains to go with. Here's the scenario - the cabinets are gloss white, walls are tan, trim is white, with an ivy top border with a greco-roman swirl at the upper edge . I have a 64" wide window that views a wooded area, and bird feeders, so I don't want to block the view. The window is on an outside wall - no countertop or sink to worry about.

I was thinking of a "cafe awning" type topper, with shorter sheers ( the window is 64" long) pulled back to allow the view. I want to keep the view open, as it is a smaller kitchen (10 x15 ), with no other window.

My question - how hard are these to make, or price range for these awning style curtains? Is there a better way to go?

Thanks -
Debbie

sorry, i've never made them or even sold them or seen them in person for that matter (the ones i've seen in pictures look cute, though). anyone else?

i think i'd start by going to a fabric store & see if you can find a pattern. look at it & see if it looks doable. i'm sure the sewing part is pretty straightforward, but i'm not familiar with what hardware is needed to get the awning effect. also, think ahead & imagine standing at your window and being able to look up underneath such a treatment. you'll want to make sure the inside/underneath is as attractive as the outside. might even do a contrasting fabric there.

good luck!

I would suggest a curtain with a rod pocket sewn into the top and a rod with a shallow return ( 1-2") and then another rod pocket sewn about 10-12" below with another rod shirred on, but the lower rod could have a much larger return (approximately 8 to 10" return). This would allow the lower part of the curtain to "awning" out. I would also suggest leaving a bottom header or ruffle to hang down below the lower rod. When you hang the curtain, clear the upper part of the window as much as possible to retain your view.

how simple!! and you could scallop that bottom header, or skirt as it were, in any shape! how fun!

are 8-10" return rods easy to find??

Thanks for the assist !

Debbie Long

I made an awning stye top for my kitchen window. I painted my cupboards gloss white with red trim and made an awning from red and white wide-stripe awning fabric. As carol e. said, after putting the awning on the top curtain rod, I put another rod 12" down and 12" out and just draped the fabric over the lower rod with about 7" scalloped bottom hanging down. My window is between two cupboards so I used a tension rod between the two cupboards for the lower rod. Also it's not gathered it at the top -- it's just straight (like an awning - besides the canvas is too bulky to sheer on rod). Then I put a little black design in the center to give it some character. My kitchen looks kind of like a 50's retro candy store! :) ... cheery -- makes people smile! I also put silver fabric on my ceiling so it looks like a tin ceiling.