skip to main content

Home Decorating Design Dilemma Windows

Keep or Replace these Vintage Curtains?

3 years ago

Ok so we are slowly updating this cabin. The curtains are old but in pretty decent condition and a workable color- would you keep or just start fresh?

Pros: not having the buy new curtains for entire house, box pleats are pretty cute I think, matches pretty well, saves money ( maybe)

Cons: I have to replace the rods so either I have to find a way to convert from these traverse rods it I have to buy expensive new ones (so maybe I don't save $$ vs just buying basic rod pocket ones), possibly less creative, are they outdated?

I am including the color we plan to paint the paneling and a pic of the fireplace the curtains flank. Orange carpet being replaced by warm toned, light to medium wood colored flooring. popcorn ceilings will go too, I don't know if you really see them in the photo. Please forgive the mess it's been a lot of hard work but we have a long ways to go

Comments (12)

Lori East
3 years ago
They look a bit outdated, especially with the wood rounds. The fabric looks OK. Save it for a future quilt or pillow covers. Hang new rod higher. Good luck!
beckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
3 years ago
AmazonBasics 1" black curtain rods and curtain rings are fairly inexpensive and look good, and you can also get the rods in a variety of lengths and in 2-packs and 4-packs,

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Curtain-Round-Finials-Black/dp/B01N1O0KHU/

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Wall-Curtain-Rod-Finials/dp/B01MQRRJAC

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Curtain-Round-Finials-Black/dp/B01N1O0KHU/

Don't worry about the mess : ) .
Related Discussions
Vintage 40" 6 burner in good condition, should I keep it?
Q
Comments (1)
Vintage ovens in good state of repair with insulation in good condition will preheat faster in part because they are generally smaller and because of the pilot light they have a head start being preheated. Modern gas ovens are more energy efficient but natural gas is so cheap you will not really notice a difference in your gas bill. "They don't make them like they used to" is a common refrain from reactionaries looking at the past through rose colored glasses. I read an article about "they don't make appliances like they used to." The article was written in 1962. Slate.com had an article a few years ago comparing vintage stoves to 50s Pontiacs rolling around Havana implying there are more reliable because they are still being used. A modern Lexus LS 460 is far superior to anything ever made by Pontiac. People don't lovingly maintain and restore old low end stoves. They do so with old premium ranges. I would rather have a fully restored Chambers C stove with open Daisy burners to a new Frigidaire with sealed burners from Lowes too. But I would rather have one of the premium ranges of today than a premium vintage range. If looking at ranges in the Thermador class I would look at Bluestar RNB/Platinum, American Range Performer Series, and Capital Culinarian. Wedgewood has residential type open burners usually 12k btu up front and 9k btu in the rear. Thermador has sealed burners in the 18-22k btu range. These don't have as even a heat pattern. The ranges I recommend have open commercial style burners in the 8-25k btu range with much better heat pattern. The top end power is good for searing steaks, woking, sautÃÂ©ing, boiling water for pasta quickly, recovering temperature from dropping cold food into pan/pot.There are several threads discussing them all you need to do is google gardenweb plus the name of the range. * Your gas smell issue can be due to any number of things. Gas pressure from the gas company to your house may be off, the thermocouple or gas regulator in your Wedgewood my be broken or dirty with debris. These items may need to be cleaned, reconditioned or replaced. Only a competent tech would know. BTW Your wife my just want the peace of mind of getting rid of the pilot light oven. Maybe she does want to think about sniffing for gas when she walks in the door. Even though the chances of your house exploding due to a faulty pilot light is extremely rare some people just can't handle certain type of risk they are not used to.
...See More
Yikes - should we keep our vintage radiators??
Q
Comments (5)
It's really up to you what you'd like to do. Sure, it would be more efficient to put some insulation behind it. You could also move it a few inches into the room or mount it totally in the room, although you'd have a hell of a paint line to get rid of. Those style cabinet radiators are still made today. I don't know what you mean by "antique" but it's possible they are original to the house. The following steel kind would be more recent. I've seen these recessed in a bathroom while the rest of the house has regular fin-tube baseboard. If you price new cast iron, you'll understand why it's a luxury and not used much in new systems. Here is a link that might be useful: Cast Ray radiator This post was edited by DreamingoftheUP on Sun, Apr 6, 14 at 21:49
...See More
should I replace my PB kitchen table with a vintage Stickley?
Q
Comments (15)
Thanks all. Val, I was wondering why you sold your drop leaf table? Part of the reason for my post is wondering what the down side of it could be. I did put all three leaves in and the table still seemed solid, although there would have to be some "give" when you add so much to the surface. Probably too much analysis here, but I wonder why they don't make these tables anymore? When you expand them fully, do you give up a lot of stability? Oh, and the leaves were just placed under the table temporarily. They come in a box, and would be stored elsewhere. After reading my own post over again, I guess it sounds obvious that the Stickley table has a lot going for it. Just the concept; "Stickley vs. PB" is really a bit of a no brainer. The biggest reason to keep the PB table (besides cost) would be the solid, sturdy feel that it has. It also has a nice golden pine finish that is kind of a nice contrast with all the cherry I have in the kitchen already. I've got another photo that shows the whole kitchen a little better: The PB table has a chunkier, slightly rustic look that I actually like especially with a lot of the SW art and decor I have. The Stickley looks more refined. Bottom line is, it's got a name going for it, it's solid cherry, more of a "one of a kind" piece, and it wins the versatility award for sure. As far as $$$ goes, net loss for me after selling the PB table would be $850-1000 depending on how lucky I get on CL. For that, I would gain the aforementioned features of the Stickley table plus four additional chairs. I don't really need the chairs as I have 7 of the Windsors already, but they are nice and solid, and again very versatile. So, it's not like a CL find that you have to snap up before someone else does. It's definitely an investment that I need to think through, and I do appreciate your help. Does it still sound like a no-brainer?? Thanks
...See More
Repairing or Replacing vintage stove? (pix)
Q
Comments (14)
Ginger, if the burner/grill/broiler pilots are on but not the oven pilot (it has its own), it might be your safety valve -- look inside the warming drawers, etc, and see if it's mounted somewhere inside there. You hold down the red button and let it out slowly as you light the oven pilot. These darned pickle safety valves are the one thing that have broken twice on my own old OKM stove, still in regular daily heavy use in my house. (There's a dude out in CA who can repair them, name escapes me but easy to google and locate him.) If the oven pilot works but the oven element isn't lighting when you turn up the oven dial, it may mean there's a blockage, usually gunk in one of the holes that feeds the gas or air to the oven element (or else the pilot has been knocked around and bent somehow too far away to reach the element). Get a flashlight and open the floor of the oven to take a look. To clean, *turn off the gas completely for safety*, get a sharp darning needle (a toothpick is the right size but may break off and make things worse) and clean each tiny hole.
...See More
PRO
The Wonder Ways
3 years ago
I like the texture of the fabric, especially if you are going for a mid century or boho look. We used Amazon Basic rods, for our entire downstairs. They are great for shorter windows, but the ones over our sliding glass door are starting to bend with the weight of the curtains.
olychick
3 years ago
Are they wide enough to actually cover the window? They remind me of some we had when I was young and they were always being adjusted to try to get them to meet in the middle, then also cover to the side of the frame. The fabric looks fine, but I fear they may be a little skimpy.
olychick
3 years ago
You didn't ask, but wonder if you're interested in changing the fireplace at all? If so, take a look at this thread. The difference is amazing:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/6007455/need-advice-on-rock-fireplace-makeover#n=79
Allison0704
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I like the textured fabric, so I would vote to keep. Reminds me of grasscloth wall covering. They will look great with your new wall color. If you want to update, can these curtains be put on hooks and regular rings, then you could update the rods now and curtains if/when you want to change.

fwiw, I've found rod pocket curtains are hard to open and close vs curtains on rings. If you decide to replace what about shades without cords?
HU-319349808
3 years ago
I have curtains like this in our living room but the rods are better and they fit better and look just fine. I vote to replace these as I don't feel they really fit the window, seem a bit too small. Also, not sure if they are vintage as you can still buy these curtains easily enough. The rods seem old and broken so they need to be replaced.
orchidrain
3 years ago
I would wait until you've painted the walls, then see if you like how the drapes look. If your budget is on the tight side, you can always paint the rods. Keep us updated. I would like to see your progress.
njmomma
3 years ago
Keep!
Janelle H
Original Author
3 years ago
thanks all. we are definitely changing the rods. I think I'm going to attempt to switch to regular rods and somehow hook these into them, at least for now. they may not actually qualify as vintage but are likely at least 30 years old so if I must replace them I will. I think I'm going to paint first then decide as suggested. I will post pics!. I will look into the fireplace- I honestly don't hate it right now although I have had a few people suggest to update it so maybe I should. I sort of felt it helped
keep a rustic vibe but it is quite imposing abd well, rustic.
PRO
Norwood Architects
3 years ago
They do look 60's or 70's vintage. Not sure they will enhance the rustic feel of your house. It is a good suggestion to paint your paneling first and then see how these curtains go with the new color. They might not coordinate well with a green color. Please post new photos after painting. Good luck!
Angel 18432
3 years ago
Yes they do look old and they are not full enough in the first place. Get new drapery down the road that is fuller and hung at the ceiling. Good luck with the project.

ps Not a fan of the green. Would go with a lighter color with a green undertone.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

HOME TECH Is It Curtains for Curtains? Smart Glass Eliminates Window Coverings

Windows can now control light and heat through electricity and high-tech formulations, making blinds and shades optional

REMODELING GUIDES Reuse or Replace? How to Save Money on Your Remodel the Smart Way

By Hannah Kasper

Find out when you should keep your appliances, fixtures, tile and countertops — and when you should replace them

VINTAGE STYLE Kitchen of the Week: Vintage Charm in Southern California

By Jeannie Matteucci

A designer helps a Los Angeles family keep the Art Deco vibe of their kitchen while increasing counter and storage space

TRADITIONAL HOMES Houzz Tour: A Family-Friendly Home Keeps Its 1930s Charm

By Becky Harris

This updated Los Angeles home is full of cozy nooks and period details, giving it lots of vintage appeal

ROOM OF THE DAY Blush Pink Keeps This Formal Living Room Light and Inviting

By Erin Carlyle

A Connecticut designer uses vintage pieces and a neutral palette to create a welcoming space in her family’s home

FEEL-GOOD HOME Stop That Draft: 8 Ways to Keep Winter Chills Out

By Laura Gaskill

Stay warm without turning up the thermostat by choosing the right curtains, windows and more

KITCHEN DESIGN Vintage Furniture for Real Kitchen Appeal

By Lisa Higgins

Keep cookie cutter and clinical at bay in your kitchen with old-fashioned pieces that bring warmth and personality

Dressing Up the Bath: Cool Shower Curtains

KITCHEN CABINETS Keeping Cabinet Color on the Down Low

Give just base cabinets a colorful coat for a kitchen sporting character and a spacious look

HOUSEKEEPING How to Keep Your White Spaces Looking Great

By Laura Gaskill

Brighten up your white walls, floors and furniture with these cleaning and maintenance tips

Sponsored

Rodriguez Construction Company

1 Review

Industry Leading Home Builders in Franklin County, OH

More Discussions

I am interested in opinions re this new listing

29

Paint DR set or pass?

21

Help with dining room

2

What Furniture Finish Looks Better?

3

A Classic & Traditional Home in the Virginia Countryside

0