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Simply put, tab top curtains are fun and stylish. The tabs themselves can be simple and straightforward, elegant, or whimsical. No matter what your style, you can find or make a tab top window treatment to meet your needs.
Tab top fashion
Tab top curtains can come in any color, and if you can't find them, they're easy to make! From blue tab top curtains to vibrant orange, any color scheme can work in this style. The important thing is to choose a color that matches your personality and the decor of the room.
Tab curtains are also great for experimenting with different fabrics and textures. A lightweight fabric works well for this type of curtain, although a heavier fabric can work. Keep in mind that the heavier the fabric, the more tabs you'll need in order for it to hang properly. If you double-up on hanging rods, consider using a sheer curtain behind the tab top to create an elegant look by pushing the tab top curtains slightly to the side, or by using side ties.
This style of window treatment also looks nicely when hung as tab panel curtains. This method allows you to hang a number of panels, which you can then separate along the window for an interesting contrast of light. Again, using a sheer curtain in the gaps allows for visual interest and allows you to maintain privacy while still enjoying the light. If you prefer a more traditional look, consider Logan curtains tab top draperies.
When making your own tab top curtains, experiment with various widths and styles of tabs. Even when you purchase this style of drapery, you can embellish the tabs with beads, pins, buttons, flowers, or other decorative accents. Alternating wider and narrower tabs makes for a nice variety, so long as they are spaced so that the curtain will hang well. For external tabs those that are sewn to the outside of the curtain rather than inside), use different shapes, such as a pointed or round end to the tabbed piece. Different colored tabs also add to the visual interest.
Hanging
Aside from colors and fabrics, this window treatment style demands that you pay attention to the curtain or drapery rod. Because the tabs create space between one another, the hanging rod becomes important. You don't have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful looking hanging rod. Many faux finishes are available on the market. If you're a big fan of wrought iron, for example, but can't afford the real thing, look for the faux versions. They're stylish, lightweight, and very affordable.
In the mood for adventure? Consider making your own curtain rods. For a fraction of the cost, you can create imaginative drapery rods out of materials found in the plumbing section of your favorite home improvement store. Choose the curved fittings to hold the pieces together, and you can have a fantastic, unique drapery rod in a very short time. If you don't like the colors available, consider a can of spray paint. With some PVC piping and a marbleized paint, you can create a beautiful hanging rod.
Fun with fabrics
Tab top curtains lend themselves to a variety of fabric choices, which means that, no matter what type of window dressing you need, you can find or make a tab top to suit your needs. From heavier, insulated tab curtains, to a lightweight tab top silk curtain, and everything in between, this is a very versatile style.
When choosing a tab top curtain, or looking for fabrics, consider the use of the room, your decorating style, and price. Aim for continuity in both the style of the room and its use. Window treatments in a formal living room, for example, would likely be heavier, or made of a finer material, than a kitchen. A dark study filled with mahogany furniture needs a substantial window treatment. The tab top style can work here, but should probably be a heavier, richer material (even velvet!).
How you use the room is also a factor. Do you want the area to be dark, such as in the study mentioned above? Alternately, do you need the room to feel light and airy, with as much natural light as possible? If this is the case, a lightweight fabric in a lighter color is a better choice than something heavy and darker. You can always add accent colors with the tabs, or by adding design elements such as flowers or buttons.
How to make tab top curtains
Making tab top curtains is quite simple, even for someone fairly new to sewing. The key to making tab top curtains that hang well is to use enough fabric width-wise to allow for nice rolls across the fabric when it hangs. There are a number of patterns available for sewing tab top curtains, but you should know a few things, particularly if you're ready to look for fabrics.
Determine how you want the overall presentation. If you wish to give the appearance of a larger window, you may want the curtains to hang to the outside of the actual window when open. Once you know the width you want to cover, purchase enough fabric to make curtains one and a half times the total width (this will be divided in half for each curtain).
The length of the curtain needs to be long enough to cover the window and allow for hemming. Your tabs will be made long enough to go around the curtain rod and allow enough extra to attach to the curtain and hang where you want it.
For the tabs, a very simple method is to calculate how much you need for the total length and width, and then fold the fabric in half. Then you need only sew the tabs to the inside (the side facing the window) of the curtain piece and hang. The actual curtain pieces only need to be hemmed around each edge to eliminate fraying. If you don't want to sew, you can even use iron-on hemming, which reduces the sewing time even more!
When reviewing sewing patterns, consider your sewing level and how easy the directions are to follow. Some tab top curtains include directions to create decorative tabs, but this also involves extra sewing. Overall, however, tab top curtains are easy to make, and are a stylish addition to any home.
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