We hate to break it to you but if you're only using your drapes to cover windows, you're doing it wrong. Curtains are a natural option for window coverings but their use extends far beyond windows. In order to prove it to you, we've gathered 6 great examples of how drapery can be use to conceal unsightly radiators, closets, shelving, curves or room partitions. The soft gathers of fabric make for a very elegant textural appeal and hanging them on a track or rod gives you lots of flexibility to quickly cover a storage or unsightly area whenever you want.
DIVIDER
Separate a shared space by hanging customized extra long drapery right from the ceiling. You can choose a neutral color from within the room if you want a more subtle approach or an accent color, like this rust shade shown above, to add additional color to the decor. Whatever shade you choose, enjoy the ease of blocking light or defining a space with a curtain divider.
CLOSET COVER
A fabric door, like the one that covers this closet would be difficult to do in another material like wood, especially if you want to cover corners or curved wall. With curtains you can overcome irregularities in shape and go for a more minimal look. This is also an easy way to do double duty by covering a nearby window as well as a closet in one broad stroke. Get this closet feel with Belgian Linen Drapes in Optic White. You may remember this bedroom from our post about How To Style Your Window Coverings!
BATHROOM & LAUNDRY STORAGE CONCEALER
In a bathroom like this that uses glass as a splash guard from the shower rather than a curtain, using drapery on the other side of the room is not overkill. Some houses have the hookups for laundry in unique places. Many homes in Europe keep them in the kitchen or bathrooms like you see above and below, but you may not always want to look at them. Conceal your washer and laundry area with hanging drapes rather than doors. An added bonus is if you're in a tight space like a bathroom, you won't have to worry about having space to open closet doors to access laundry, a cover made of curtains requires no additional space!
BED CANOPY
Create a relaxing or practical place to sleep. If you live in a loft or a space with an open floor plan, create a canopy of curtains around your bed keeps light away from your sleeping space and helps to further define your bed from the rest of the room. The example above doubled up on drapery, using a darker color inside and a lighter color outside but if your goal is to totally block the light, use a blackout liner when you order!
UNDER THE KITCHEN SINK
Keep under-the-sink tools and supplies hidden but still easily accessible with a small row of shortened curtains customized to the length you need. The look does not have to scream farmhouse if you don't want it to, the image above is a perfect example of how to use this without sacrificing a sleek, modern look. Get this look with Belgian Linen Drapes in Stone Grey. Use a tension pole with pocketed curtains or metal rings that slide across a rod.
