A Solution for Vertical Blinds

My long time followers may remember when I first posted my living room to do list back last June.  Well, I started with a new coffee table, got a new lamp and added some art.

Here was my most recent update after adding some new baskets for our coffee table.  The only thing left on the list was to find a replacement for my ugly vertical blinds!  Blech!

Well I have to say the solution for these ugly blinds has been a long time coming.  I first came up with an idea last summer.  And then I bought everything for it in November.  And then I got into the first trimester and the holidays – so nothing got done then.  And then I thought I lost some pieces.  And then I found everything and by then it was March!  So I hope you guys are finally ready to see the result!  Behold my new sliding fabric panel solution! 

Ack!!  I love it!  The pictures really don’t do it justice!  The fabric is a different color than the walls – I promise!! 

This was set up using Ikea’s Kvartal system and I chose their triple rail system.  My reasons?  One – I wanted to have a solution that allowed light in but also keep up the privacy.  Our sliding glass door faces our neighbor’s sliding glass door so privacy is important!  Two – I wanted something that we could still slide to one side to access the sliding glass door as well. 

The Kvartal system offered all of that.  But I just wasn’t falling in love with the fabric options that they had at Ikea.  So that is when I decided to get really creative.  I cut up a set of cheapo Wilma panels and used those to make my “back layer” of sheers.  You can see there are three of them back there.  Just enough to let in plenty of light during the day but keep the privacy! 

Then I made my front panels out of a blogger’s best friend – a drop cloth!  I can spread out both layers of the front panels to cover the window completely and they are pretty opaque at night.  

Here is a close up of the fabric!  I really am loving the drop cloth!  It gives it that perfect (and cheap) linen look. 

So while the fabrics are fairly traditional – the application and structure of the drapes and the hardware is a little modern.  It totally fits my “little bit modern and a little bit traditional” vibe! 

Now – cause I can’t leave well enough alone – I am thinking about adding a subtle embellishment on the drop cloth panels.  What do you guys think about a faux nail head treatment?  Or some sort of trim?  I am back and forth on it myself so I would love for you guys to weigh in! 

Linking this up to

Show and Tell with Becca @ Blue Cricket Designs
Whatever Goes Wednesday with Michelle @ Someday Crafts
Make it Yours Day with Carolyn @ My Backyard Eden
Hooking up with HOH with Allison @ House of Hepworths
Transformation Thursday with Gina @ The Shabby Chic Cottage
Metamorphosis Monday with Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today’s Creative Blog

Tutorials & Tips Tuesday with Beth @ Stories of A to Z