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Changing Pocket Rod Curtains into Grommets-HELP

14 years ago

Here's the plan:

I have a 6' slider in my kitchen, and a 6' window close by in the family room area. I have platinum panels to use on each side of each door/window. Actually, two panels on each side since material is thin. I have ordered bamboo roman shades (72" wide) for both door/window opening.

I am now wondering if I should, or if I can (I know there are kits available) to convert these pocket panels into grommet panels. The panels are 96" in length, 8' ceilings, I want to hang them at the ceiling.

If you have done this, do I need to reinforce the material to make it stiffer around the grommets? Any help is appreciated.

Look at the photos below.

The curtains I have (not the sheers) They show then being hung with rings, which is odd because there are no loops to do this as they come:

{{!gwi}}

The bamboo roman shades that are coming:

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Candice Olson Inspiration Pictures. I will have one shade. No valance planned in the platinum curtain material:

{{!gwi}}

See the grommets? Another Candice Olson:

{{!gwi}}

Featured Answer

bestyears

14 years ago

You have a couple of choices. If you want to convert to grommets, you could look into the kit, though I have never done this, and suspect it might be a bit pricey. You CAN buy a header stiffener in the drapery section of Joann's or a similar store, and I would think you would definately want to use it.

A couple of other options:
You could buy clip on rings. There is a small clip on the bottom of the ring, which clips to the top of the panel. Then the ring goes over the rod. Probably want to clip a ring every 4 inches or so along the top of each panel.

If you want to hang them on rings,but don't want the look of the clips, here is an easy solution. Go to Joann's or some place similar and buy rings which have little metal eyelet-screws at the bottom of them. Unscrew each little eyelet-screw from the ring, and you will stitch it onto the back of the drapery, by hand, probably every four inches or so. You will stitch around the eyelet part. The stem end will be sticking straight up. Where the stem meets the eyelet -that part should be right a the top border of the panel. When you have stitched them all on, simply screw the rings on to all the eyelets and then hang the rings from the rod.

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Comments (6)

drybean
14 years ago
ooo--no advice but I love the inspiration pictures. Do you mind sharing where you ordered the shades and panels from? I'm planning on doing the same thing in my son's bedroom.

I think you can buy the rings that clip on to the top, which would make it similar to the first photo, but I don't know how to change it to grommets.
beekeeperswife
Original Author
14 years ago
The curtains and the shades are from JCPenney. Since I hate not having the option to return things. I went with non made-to-measure blinds. I really wanted them to be shorter for the slider because I'm afraid when pulled up (as I plan to have them ) they might be too bulky. I guess if I like them, I can then custom order the length.

The curtains are Chris Madden's. I found the 96" length on Black Friday at the store for $14.99. So of course I bought them!

There are no-sew kits to convert to grommets, but I just wonder with the slinky material will they look ok, or do I need some sort of stiff material in there. I guess a trip to the sewing store might be in order.

Here is a link that might be useful: curtain panels
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One more reason to like the rings - with them, the top of the curtain sort of extends the line of the trim (see 1st picture), and together with the rod uncovered, creates a cleaner, stronger effect.
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Grommeted curtains, unless the grommets are large compared to the rod, and sit on it loosely, are not that easy to open and close. The simplest option would be a rod pocket sheer, you would just need to make sure you have adequate clearance. However the thing about opening and closing these daily is that one one generally pulls on the curtain edge to open and close them. I think this gets them dirty in that spot unless you are very careful. They do make traverse rods with hooks and a pull rod to open and close them. Look at Country Curtains for an example. Here is a link that might be useful: Track Rod Set
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I think that the sage panels will look great. I had the black checked ones in my living room years ago. I hung them with the tailored valance and instantly wished that I had hung the panels only. I like a traditional look, but the valances made my home look more old-fashioned/country cottage than I wanted. I think you've made a great decision to try only panels first. If already mentioned, forgive me, but I recommend that you use a long curtain rod and extend it beyond the windows. Hang the panels against the wall to leave as much window space open as possible. I'm all for natural sunlight! If you need privacy in the evenings, then sheer panels underneath the panels could be used.
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I really think dummy rods are strange looking. Curtains are supposed to cover windows...dummy rods throw out the pretense of that. I’d use a full rod and thick drapes that would look like they could fully cover the window. I remember a designer I worked with once told me things needed to look authentic and make sense. Dummy rods do neither.
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jejvtr
14 years ago
Beekeeper

A couple of instructional links that may help

http://www.curbly.com/modhomeecteacher/posts/4275-diy-ten-minute-grommet-workshop

Here is a link that might be useful: video how to install grommets
ruthy1
14 years ago
When I clicked the video link, it was how to install the rod for the grommets, but this video 'Grommet Top Drapery Demo Video' was listed on the side & it showed how to install the grommets in curtains. Looks very easy! Do your curtains already have the pinch pleats? If so, those could be a problem.
beekeeperswife
Original Author
14 years ago
They are not pinch pleats, so if I decide to do it, it sounds like I will need to stiffen up the header, and go for it.

Another question, if anybody looks at this thread--I was going to use a nickel curtain rod, but with the dark blinds, I think it will look odd having the silver line running across the top of them. The panels will be pulled back 99.99% of the time. I looked at some decorating books yesterday at the store, I do want to mount the blind up at the ceiling, with the pole running across the front.

So, do you think a dark pole (which will work in the room too) would be better than the silver?

Thanks again.

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