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Mixing draperies in an open floorplan

6 years ago

Here's my dilemma -- I'm moving from a vintage condo with very formal furniture to a contemporary house with an open floor plan. I wonder if I can reuse my custom drapes.

Here are the drapes in my old living room:

Here are the drapes in my old dining room:

Here is the new house, living area followed by dining area:

The two rooms are semi-divided by the utility chase/niche that sits in the middle. Before buying the house, I convinced myself that this would allow me to reuse both the living room and dining room drapes. I planned to further divide the rooms visually by placing this secretary between the living room and dining room windows on the long wall:

My sister (who is a lot better at decorating than I am) tells me that this will never work. It will look hopelessly awkward. So I'd like some more feedback! Luckily the light blue fabric has not been discontinued, so I could make another set of drapes for the dining room if I have to. (But it's expensive! And I love the old drapes.)

I will also alter the blue drapes to make flat panels, which I think will go better in this house.

Featured Answer

beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally

6 years ago

I think it could work, and I would definitely give it a try before you buy new fabric and plan on something new. Lovely condo and new house : ) .

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Comments (6)

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Lars/J. Robert Scott
6 years ago
I don't think you have enough drapes to cover the windows in both areas, especially if you cover the French doors. Have you measured all of the new windows?
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Cathleen H
Original Author
6 years ago
Well, you're right. The French doors are so close to the wall on one side and have that awkward window on the other. It seems like an impossible challenge, and making more of those floral drapes is not within my budget anyway. I was thinking of just putting the drapes on the dining room window and calling it a day. If you have suggestions about what might look better, I'm all ears.
torreykm
6 years ago
Hope you can make it work. Your drapery fabrics are classic.
ratherbesewing
6 years ago
Is the side with the ceiling fan the living room? The light blue floral panels could be used on those 2 windows. Personally, I would not use the cornice. Could you use the other floral in a bedroom? On the kitchen side (wi the slider), you might want to go with Roman shades in a solid linen. Beautiful home and the condo too!
Cathleen H
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes, the side with the ceiling fan is the living room. I agree with you about the cornice -- I'll get rid of the tie backs, too, and just do plain hanging panels to streamline the look for a simpler house. I could use the floral in a bedroom if I absolutely have to :(

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