Today's sheers offer colors and patterns that promise more decorating punch than yesterday's plain whites. Refresh a room with these delightful design ideas.

Café Curtains

In this living area, we accented the walls with an easy-sew yellow-and-white sheer curtain that hangs horizontally around the room. To transform a boring ottoman, we created a floral sheer slipcover that simply ties in place.

Lighten the look of your walls with a curtain that hangs at chair-rail height. This panel hangs from curtain clips attached to thick picture wire.

What You Need:

• Tape measure
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Curtain clips
• Heavy-gauge picture wire
• Eye hooks
• Stud finder

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the area you wish to cover, and determine desired height (chair-rail height is 33-36 inches). Multiply the total width by 1 1/2. Cut fabric to these measurements, adding 1 inch all around for seam allowances.

2. Press under edges 1/2 inch; press under an additional 1/2 inch, and sew hems. Attach curtain clips in 7-inch intervals across top of panel. Thread clips onto heavy-gauge picture wire, and suspend wire from eye hooks screwed into wall studs or window frames.

Shortcut
To make fast straight cuts on sheers, use a rotary cutter and a large cutting board with measurement markings. The board is especially handy because you can see the cutting lines through the fabric. Use scissors to cut curvy lines.

Quick Tips

• Sheer fabrics are available in widths ranging from 48 to 118 inches and cost $9-$25 per yard. You'll find a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from checks and plaids or leaf and flower motifs to swirls or geometric prints.
• Before pressing sheer fabric, set your iron on the lowest setting with the steam off. Test a scrap first. Gradually increase the temperature setting on the iron as you continue to press the test fabric to determine the most effective setting. If you prefer, use a pressing cloth.