Making Homemade Bamboo Curtain Panels

Making your own bamboo curtain panels can be a fun and inexpensive way to add an eco-friendly touch to your home. All you need is a sewing machine and some unused bamboo bedroom sheets. The wide variety of bamboo sheets available at most retail stores gives homeowners a lot of flexibility in color and pattern choice. This allows you to match your new bamboo curtains with your home's existing decor.

Making homemade bamboo curtain panels: Select your fabric

The bamboo curtain panels will be made out of regular bedroom sheets that can be purchased at any bed and bath store. Using bamboo sheets gives you a great selection of colors and patterns to use for your homemade window coverings. Measure the amount of window space you will need to cover and buy the proper size. This makes it easy to save money if you only have a few windows to cover with your homemade bamboo curtain panels. Instead of being stuck with the extra fabric of a king-size sheet set, you can simply buy a twin or double set of bamboo bedroom sheets.

Making homemade bamboo curtain panels: How much fabric to use

If you are only using these bamboo curtain panels as a decorative window covering and not planning to use them to completely cover the window, you can get by with less sheet fabric. A good general rule is to use a sheet that is around 75 percent of the window's width. For bamboo curtain panels that must provide privacy, it is better to buy a sheet that is larger than the window, usually 1 1/2 times its width. If your windows are very larger, it may be easier to buy two smaller sheets than to work with one massive king-size bamboo sheet.

Making homemade bamboo curtain panels: Finishing the job

After you have chosen the right bamboo curtain panels for your home's windows, it is time to purchase the mounting equipment and any other accessories you desire. Of course, the curtain rod is the most important piece. This is easy if you are simply replacing an existing set of curtains. If you must purchase a completely new curtain rod, be sure to measure the window before shopping. Look for a curtain rod that is at least a few inches wider than the window on each side, allowing for room to bunch up the bamboo curtain panels when the window is open. If you wish to add a decorative trim, you can sew on a ribbon of your choice to provide a visual accent.