How to Restore Old Curtains in 3 Easy Steps

Over the long, Columbus Day weekend, I got around to cleaning out my basement and found some old, faded curtains. Aside from the lost color, they were in good condition, so, I knew I had to salvage them. I decided to pick up some of the spray-on fabric paint that I used on my patio chair, back in May, and got straight to work.

The paint is called Simply Spray Upholstery Paints and it works on both indoor and outdoor furniture, carpets, curtains, cubicle, car interiors, etc. You can order it from http://www.fabricspraypaint.com/.

Here's how to get results like this.

Step 1: Find a Color that Matches Your Curtains
Finding a paint that will blend with the base color of your curtains is the most important part of this project. Naturally, you will want the color of the paint to be darker than that of the curtains. Once you have your color picked out, figure out how many cans you'll need. For two curtains I painted, I used 10 cans: 5.5 on the first curtain and 4.5 on the second. The more you use the paint, the better you'll get at maximizing coverage.
Step 2: Apply Two Coats of Paint
Once you have your paint, hang your curtain upright outdoors or in another well-ventilated workspace. Although the paint I recommend is non-toxic, this is simply a good habit.

Remember that this paint is designed for fabric and will take to clothing very easily, so dress accordingly. Fortunately, it washes off of your hands with just soap and water.

Before you start painting, make sure you shake your can thoroughly and to pull the blue safety tab. Pull the trigger firmly to ensure a steady spray. Remember than the first can is the hardest can, you'll become more accustomed to using the paint as the project goes on. If the can sputters, tilt it upright to ensure paint flows through the can's inner workings to the spray nozzle.

Once you've completed the base coat, let your curtains dry for about an hour before adding the second and final coat.

Step 3: Kick Back and Let It Dry
When you've finished with the final coat, let the paint dry for 72 hours. There is no need to heat set it or anything else. If you're looking for an even darker color, you can add additional coat or two, but--otherwise--you're done!

Best of luck and happy renovating.

Empty Space

"Clay is molded to form a cup, But it is on its non-being that the utility of the cup depends. Doors and windows are cut out to make a room, But it is on its non-being that the utility of the room depends. Therefore turn being into advantage, and turn non-being into utility."  From the Dao De Jing by Lao Tzu

When laying out a room or any other space, the designer is faced with the important questions of “what to put in it?” and “where, exactly, to put it?”

While a room’s contents define its form and function, without unoccupied space a room would be inaccessible and useless.

By keeping accessibility and utility in mind, a designer can arrange both the occupied and unoccupied spaces to grant easy and free movement around the room that provide transition between it’s functions and a constant vantage point towards all of its affectations.

• In order to have a free flowing space, every within furnishing should be accessible regardless of whether or not doors are opened or closed, with the exception of items stored in a closet. Likewise, to maintain fluidity, furnishings should not inhibit the opening and closing of doors. This will enhance both the form and function of the room, as it will provide constant access to its utilities and a full view of its décor.

• It is one thing for areas in a room to be simply accessible and another for them to reached in comfort. There should be enough empty space between the occupied spaces in the room for one to remain comfortable while moving through it.

• Items of related utility should be stored close to one another and should also be located near enough empty space to accommodate their use. This enhances both accessibility and function by making whatever tasks or projects performed the room easier.

By following these points and maintaining a sense of harmony between occupied and empty space within a room, one will keep it accessible, useful, functional, and beautiful.