Cylindrical Foam Pieces for Windows, Lamps and More

If you've never visited a business that sells foam you'll be surprised at how many different types they have. At a foam shop, the foam is cut for you, or sold as-is. There are many choices including density, color and types. Sometimes you'll find shapes that are pre-cut and ready to walk in and purchase.

Cylindrical-shaped pieces of foam, which are dense, make fabulous touches around your home, particularly after you cover them in fabric. Before purchasing any foam pieces, though, know ahead of time which projects you want to do and how much foam you'll need for each.

One project that lends a striking look to most any room is a valance made from the cylindrical foam piece. Measure the length of your curtain rod and have a piece of foam cut to that length. Be sure you have a nice density to the foam or it will be difficult to attach it to the rod. Ask the foam store clerk to go ahead and put a slit in the cylinder, from one end to the other, or just do this step at home with an electric knife.

The reason for the slit is to make it easy to slip onto the curtain rod. It's necessary to hang one rod for the curtains or drapes, then another for the foam valance, since the foam is somewhat large. Also, there's no way to slip the foam piece into place over the curtains or drapes.

The diameter of the cylindrical shaped foam is up to you. You can make it rather small in diameter to add a soft but elegant look to many window treatments, or you can make it massive, then cut a slice from one side so it will lay flush against the wall. This gives an extra-padded effect to the window and will give the impression of a deeper window. The giant cylinder foam piece is perfect for large windows, side-by-side windows, and even bay windows.

Now, you'll want to cover up the bare foam and you have several options. One choice is to wrap the foam in a curtain which matches the others. Simply wrap the curtain around the foam, cut off some of the excess, then tuck the rest into the slit which travels the length of the rod. Or, you can choose a coordinating fabric in which to wrap the cylinder. Even a sheet makes a great wrap for the cylinder.

At the end of each cylinder, you're also faced with choices. Cut the fabric close to the ends then tuck the remainder into a hole at each end of the cylinder, around the rod. Or, sew several pieces of fabric together to make one long wrap, cover the foam, then allow the remainder to hang out and down, with or without additional curtains already hanging.

If you're using a large diameter cylinder, and you need to cut a piece off so it'll lay flush against the wall, be sure the slit is placed in that area. The slit will not need to be as deep with the cut-off foam pieces as they will need to be for the round cylindrical pieces. The foam cornices give a unique elegance to the room and it's a window treatment you'll rarely see.

Something similar can be done to chairs, lamps and more. Obviously, you'll choose a cylindrical piece of foam which is not nearly as large as the one chosen for the curtain rod. The smaller diameters make it easy to add a quick new look to a floor lamp. Just make the slit, cover the cylinder in cloth, nice paper, foil or another choice. Then simply place the pole of the floor lamp inside the slit of the foam.

Purchase giant column-type foam pieces and make a unique headboard frame for your bed. The columns (no slits needed) can be covered in fabric, then wire used, at the top and bottom, to hold it in place on the wall. You can use one column on each side of the headboard, then top it off with another that is placed horizontally on top of the first two.

Make other pieces, cut the slits and cover in fabric, then place along the top back of kitchen chairs, around the perimeter of coffee tables, around the legs of a table, or even around the edges of the vanity. There are lots of uses for the fabric-covered cylindrical foam that can help make a baby safer - or just to add a colorful punch in a room or two of your home.