A Designer Dishes Her Etsy Source for the Colorful Curtains You’ve Been Asking About

The news of JOANN Fabric and Craft Stores closing all its locations has left crafters across the country seeking alternatives for their high-quality fabric needs. While JOANN stores are currently offering going-out-of-business sales to clear inventory, the impending closure necessitates finding new reliable sources for crafting materials. This situation has prompted textile experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute to offer guidance on selecting suitable fabric retailers, emphasizing the importance of specialized stores, cleanliness, material range, and avoiding damaged fabrics, especially for projects like quilting. In response to this need, a comprehensive list of top brick-and-mortar stores and online retailers has been compiled, drawing on insights from experienced DIYers and crafting experts. Mood Fabrics, with locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami, offers an extensive online selection and is praised for its customer service and quality options. Gray Lines Linen, based in New York City, provides a diverse range of linen, silk, and cotton blends, with the convenience of sending sample swatches to customers. Stone Mountain Fabric in Berkeley, California, boasts an impressive online inventory covering various fabric categories such as knits, wovens, cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and wool, sourced globally. B&J; Fabrics, a staple in Manhattan's Garment District, is recognized for its curated selection of textiles from around the world, popular among fashion students and designers. They offer a wide array of fabrics, including velvets, cotton lawn, embellished tulle, and linens, all neatly organized and accessible through their online inventory. FABSCRAP stands out as a nonprofit organization dedicated to recycling and reusing fabric waste from brands, offering an affordable and accessible resource for creative communities, with a warehouse in Brooklyn and an online shop. A Thrifty Notion, located in Ogden, Kansas, specializes in selling secondhand fabric through its warehouse store and online platform, providing extensive filter options for specific needs. Brooklyn General Store, a favorite among Good Housekeeping staff, offers a vintage atmosphere, a beautiful selection of fabrics and yarns, and various crafting classes. It also provides online ordering for accessibility. Fabric Mart, a small, family-owned business in Pennsylvania, is known for its high-quality service and materials, attracting crafters nationwide. Finally, Britex Fabrics, which moved from New York City to San Francisco in 1952, is described as a 'visual candy store' for generations of fabric lovers, offering a delightful sensory experience. #FabricRetailers #CraftSupplies #TextileShopping #DIYProjects #CraftingCommunity #FabricSourcing #SustainableFabric #HomeDecorFabric

Curtains are considered an essential element in interior design, contributing significantly to a room's finished aesthetic by adding height, layers, and softness. Designers Jen Dallas and Sarah Montgomery emphasize their role in making a space feel complete and tailored. However, selecting the right curtain color requires careful consideration, as it is often one of the final design decisions made for a room. Experts advise against making curtains the first purchase when designing a room from scratch. Instead, it is recommended to choose them after selecting paint colors, rugs, and furnishings. This approach allows for a more informed decision, enabling designers to determine whether the curtains should subtly complement the existing decor or act as a bold accent. Amy Peltier of Amy Peltier Interior Design & Home suggests this sequence ensures the curtains harmonize with the overall design scheme. When it comes to selecting a curtain color, looking to the wall color is a common strategy. For modern homes, Jen Dallas recommends choosing a drapery fabric that is either a shade darker or lighter than the wall paint, allowing the curtains to blend into the background. Daria Demin of Circa 22 Design Studio concurs, often matching curtains or shades with the wall color to create a minimalist and tailored look. Alternatively, curtains can be chosen based on a complementary color to the main piece of furniture in the room, creating visual contrast and interest. White linen curtains are often favored by Amy Peltier for modern, clean aesthetics, providing texture while maintaining a fresh feel. For those seeking a more vibrant look, patterned curtains or those with bold colors can be introduced to add punch to a room. Matching curtains to the trim color is another option for a subdued window treatment. The type of room can also influence curtain color decisions. Sarah Montgomery notes that in living rooms, she often opts for small-scale prints, woven textures, or stripes. In dining rooms, where there is typically less upholstery and fewer soft finishes, a bolder color and pattern might be introduced to add visual weight and interest. Regardless of the chosen approach, ordering swatches before making a final commitment is crucial. Sarah Montgomery stresses the importance of seeing how the fabric appears in the actual room, as lighting conditions change throughout the day and can significantly alter the perception of color and texture. There is an exception to the rule of choosing curtains last: if a specific fabric pattern is exceptionally captivating and intended to be a central design element in the room, it can be selected first. Amy Peltier explains that such a pattern can become the room's statement piece, around which other design elements, such as rugs and upholstery fabrics, are then chosen to complete the palette. Jen Dallas echoes this, mentioning instances where an amazing pattern inspires the entire room's design, making the curtains the focal point. #CurtainColor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecorating #WindowTreatments #DesignTips #RoomDesign #ColorMatching #FabricSelection

Curtains offer both aesthetic and practical benefits, including temperature regulation, energy conservation, dust protection, draft prevention, and privacy. Selecting the right store is crucial, emphasizing quality products, customization options, and good customer service. Research was conducted on various retailers, evaluating their selection, styles, material quality, customer service, return policies, and website navigability, with insights from Raf Michalowski, president of Meble Furniture, and Shelby Girard, vice president of creative and design at Havenly. Amazon is highlighted for its affordability and wide variety, including options for different sizes, colors, patterns, materials, and hanging styles, though shoppers should be mindful of third-party seller return policies. Target is praised for its affordable and diverse range, suitable for various styles, from nurseries to movie rooms, with convenient shipping and returns despite potentially less personalized customer service. Pottery Barn stands out for its high-quality, sustainable materials, custom options, and excellent customer service, catering to farmhouse, traditional, French country, and rustic modern styles, offering durable and well-crafted curtains. Anthropologie provides unique and eclectic designs with bold colors, playful patterns, and textural details, featuring designer collaborations and efficient customer service, though its selection and sizing options are not as extensive as other retailers. Wayfair offers a vast selection across various budgets, with frequent discounts and sales, making it a popular choice for furniture and home decor. Its comprehensive filters help navigate the extensive options, and while quality can vary among sellers, its flexible return policy is a plus. West Elm is the go-to for mid-century modern aesthetics, providing sleek, high-quality curtains, including custom options and ethically sourced materials, albeit with a smaller selection and higher price point. Walmart offers the most affordable options and a broad variety, including its own Better Homes & Gardens collection, with easy website navigation and filters, though custom options are not available. Etsy is ideal for vintage, handmade, and custom curtains, often more budget-friendly than traditional bespoke options, offering unique styles and customization. However, shipping times and customer service depend on individual sellers. CB2 is known for its modern, high-quality designs, featuring various materials like velvet, linen, cotton, and silk, and offers free swatches and design services, though it is on the pricier side. IKEA provides a large variety of budget-friendly, Scandinavian-inspired curtains, including extra-long options and machine-washable choices, with interior design services and discounts for family members. The best choice ultimately depends on individual style preferences and budget considerations, with Pottery Barn recommended for quality and Amazon, Wayfair, and Target for affordability and variety. #HomeDecor #CurtainShopping #InteriorDesign #HomeImprovement #WindowTreatments #HomeFurnishings #DecoratingTips #RetailerReview #ProductRecommendations

Curtains are a key element in home decor, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits such as light control and privacy. The process of selecting the ideal window treatments can be overwhelming due to the vast array of styles, materials, and customization options available. This guide identifies the best retailers for purchasing curtains and drapes, evaluating them based on criteria such as product variety, price range, shipping policies, and return policies, alongside insights from design experts Jocelyne Galaviz, design lead at Bloomin' Blinds, and Ana Cvetkovic, principal of Rowhome Design. The Shade Store excels in customization, providing a comprehensive, turn-key experience that includes in-home consultations, free professional measurements, and an extensive selection of over 500 exclusive fabrics. While its pricing is premium and lead times are longer, it offers precise, personalized solutions across eight core styles, including Ripple Fold and Goblet drapery, and a wide range of shades and blinds. Society6 serves as a vibrant online marketplace for unique, art-driven designs from independent artists. It offers ready-made sheer, light-filtering, and blackout panels with creative patterns, though customization and sizing options are limited to standard dimensions. Pottery Barn is synonymous with timeless design and quality, providing both ready-made and custom-sized options in various fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Its collection includes functional features such as noise reduction and thermal insulation, exemplified by their Peace & Quiet Noise-Reducing Blackout Curtains. Pepper Home offers modern, artistic window treatments with a focus on bold prints and unique fabrics. It provides extensive made-to-order personalization, allowing customers to choose fabric type, hanging options, thickness, and trim, though made-to-order items are non-returnable. Crate & Barrel is recognized for its clean, classic designs in premium fabrics like organic cotton and European flax linen, suitable for modern and transitional interiors. It emphasizes quality and offers standard, ready-made options, with limited customization but a generous return policy. West Elm blends modern style with practicality, offering curtains made from sustainable materials like flax linen and velvet, often with functional benefits like room-darkening and energy efficiency. While its prices are mid to high, it provides competitive choices for shoppers seeking both trendiness and quality, with some limited custom sizing. IKEA stands out for its budget-friendly, minimalistic, and Scandinavian-inspired designs. It offers a range of sheers, light-filtering, and blackout curtains in standard sizes, making it an accessible option for cost-conscious consumers, with flexible return policies. Anthropologie targets those who view home decor as an art form, featuring unique, artistic designs with luxurious fabrics and intricate details. Its curtains act as statement pieces, though they come with higher price points and limited customization. Ballard Designs provides upscale, European-inspired window treatments with extensive custom options and a meticulous made-to-order approach, ideal for those desiring precise detailing and expert consultation, albeit at a premium cost. Urban Outfitters caters to trend-lovers with bohemian-inspired designs that add a youthful flair. Its selection, though smaller and with fixed sizes, offers distinctive ready-made panels like ruffled or velvet tie curtains. Target is a popular choice for budget-friendly window treatments, offering a wide range of styles through its Threshold brand and other in-house labels. It provides functional, ready-to-hang options with convenient shopping experiences both online and in-store, along with frequent sales and a generous return policy. Overall, selecting curtains involves balancing personal style, functional needs, and budget. For comprehensive customization and expert guidance, retailers like The Shade Store, Pepper Home, and Pottery Barn are recommended. For artistic and unique designs, Society6 and Anthropologie are ideal. For practical, everyday options that balance quality and affordability, Target and IKEA are top choices. Proper measurement is crucial for achieving a polished look, with experts recommending curtains be mounted near the ceiling and skim the floor to create an illusion of height and elegance. The width should be at least double the window's width for a luxurious, textured appearance. Material selection should align with the desired function, considering factors like light control, privacy, and aesthetic. Sheer fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for light-filled spaces, while velvet and silk offer luxurious, formal aesthetics. Polyester provides a durable, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly option. Blackout curtains are highly effective for bedrooms and media rooms, offering light blockage, noise reduction, and energy efficiency, despite being heavier and requiring more care. Curtain style considerations include various rod types, track systems, rod pockets, grommets, pinch pleats, and decorative tiebacks, each contributing differently to the room's overall design and functionality. #CurtainBuyingGuide #WindowTreatments #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CustomCurtains #BlackoutCurtains #HomeImprovement #ShoppingGuide #FabricSelection

Curtains are more than just decorative elements; they play a crucial role in regulating room temperature, conserving energy, protecting interiors from dust, preventing drafts, and ensuring privacy. This guide identifies top retailers for purchasing curtains, considering selection, style, material quality, customer service, return policies, and website navigability. Insights from Raf Michalowski, president of Meble Furniture, and Shelby Girard, vice president of creative and design at Havenly, also contribute to the recommendations. IKEA is highlighted for its extensive, budget-friendly, and Scandinavian-inspired collection, offering a wide range of colors and light filtration options, including hard-to-find 118-inch lengths. While patterns are limited, the availability of machine-washable options and attractive pastel hues makes it a practical choice. Target is praised for its diverse, inexpensive options that cater to various styles, from minimalist designs to bold patterns. Its private labels, like Threshold and Room Essentials, provide numerous choices, and while personalized customer service might be less prominent, the budget-friendly prices, quick shipping, and easy returns are significant advantages. Pottery Barn, a long-standing retailer, is recognized for its high-quality, well-crafted curtains suitable for farmhouse, traditional, French country, and rustic modern aesthetics. Many of their curtains, including the popular Emery Linen Curtain, are available in various sizes, with some customizable options. The brand's commitment to sustainability, sourcing GOTS-certified organic cotton, appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. West Elm is the go-to for those seeking a mid-century modern aesthetic, offering a selection of sheer curtains with delicate motifs and canvas options. The retailer prioritizes ethically sourced materials, such as fair-trade organic cotton and linen, and provides custom sizing, though these are non-returnable. Amazon offers a vast selection of light, sheer, and blackout curtains across various sizes, colors, patterns, materials, and hanging styles to fit any budget. While popular brands are available, Amazon often provides lower prices. However, buyers should be cautious with third-party sellers to ensure smooth transactions and returns. Wayfair, a popular home decor retailer, boasts thousands of curtain options with frequent discounts and sales. Despite the overwhelming variety and potential for quality discrepancies due to multiple suppliers, its comprehensive website filters and flexible return policy (excluding clearance items) make it a viable option. Anthropologie stands out for its unique, whimsically designed curtains featuring bold colors, playful patterns, and textural details like tassel trims, appealing to bohemian and eclectic styles. Despite a smaller selection and limited sizing, its distinct designs and designer collaborations make it a preferred choice for those seeking one-of-a-kind pieces. Walmart offers the most reasonably priced and varied options, with quality curtains starting as low as $4 per panel. Its website facilitates easy filtering by brand, style, and type, although custom options are not available. Finally, Etsy is the ultimate destination for handmade, vintage, and personalized curtains, including custom linen, blackout velvet, and macrame designs. It provides unconventional sizing and customization, but shipping times and customer service can vary significantly by individual seller. When shopping for curtains, it's essential to consider the warranty and return policy, especially for custom orders, and to check for free swatches. Quality is paramount, with durable and easy-to-clean materials like cotton, linen, or polyester being ideal. Natural fibers such as silk offer a lightweight and sophisticated touch. The material also dictates longevity and maintenance. Style is crucial; curtains come in various types, draping, hanging, and light filtration options. Cafe curtains suit kitchens and bathrooms, while double-panel curtains are common in bedrooms and living rooms. Experts advise hanging curtains high, 4-6 inches above the window frame, and choosing a rod wider than the window for a luxurious appearance, ensuring curtains "kiss the floor" for a chic, custom look. #CurtainShoppingGuide #HomeDecor #WindowTreatments #InteriorDesign #CurtainStyles #BudgetDecor #SustainableMaterials #BlackoutCurtains #SheerCurtains