Like many new construction homes, our front entry has a nice tall door and sidelight windows on either side. These are great for letting in natural light during the day, but not so great for privacy in the evenings.
It was Ryan’s idea to hang curtains – brilliant!
We originally hung white IKEA panels, but I decided to play musical curtains and move pretty much all of the window coverings from one room in our house to another. With all the moving around, our front door was left bare.
And then I remembered this gorgeous fabric I had ordered months ago:
It’s called Westminster in Aqua from Calico Corners {and happens to be on sale right now!}
Because the fabric was fancier than I usually go for with long drapery panels {I’m an IKEA girl} I really wanted them to be sewn correctly – and lined. So I followed these instructions and surprisingly, they turned out beautifully.
Curtain tiebacks are not usually my favorites, but they work great in this instance – keeps the curtains out of the way when pulled back during the day.
Here’s how they look when pulled.
They add a nice dose of pattern and color to an otherwise neutral area in our home.
Want to see more of our house? Click below for the tour.
And for the winners of the art print giveaway:
Each will receive one of every art print in the shop!
Thanks again for all of you who purchased a print this weekend. Your support for my artwork and business is encouraging, humbling and a great blessing.
What is the name of the fabric? If you ever get tired of your curtains, just let me know :)
Hi – Thanks for the tip and fantastic details! I just put up some sheer curtains over my side lights, but my problem is that they fly all around when the door is open. I would like some privacy, but still let the light in. Any suggestions?
I also have sidelights on either side of my front door. I have big pots outside in front of the windows with wooden trellis and Jasmine planted in them so I have privacy and the fragrance is wonderful.
This is so pretty! I am debating on painting my front door black, so this was great to see. Great job on the curtains. It must be cozy at night–shut the world out. Thanks.. going on the house tour now..
How many yard did you use to create the curtains?
I bought 6 yards and used probably 5 1/2
Great, thank you!
I had the same problem with my front door – had tried many different ideas in the past but nothing just seemed the right fit….until I found your website and saw your front door (painted black) and the IKEA curtains, black rod with clips. I emailed you and you were kind enough to tell me exactly which curtains (from IKEA) you use. I made a trip to IKEA (love that place!) and painted my front door and what an amazing transformation. I get so many compliments! I loved it so much that I also painted out my door (that goes from the house into the garage) black and did curtain tie-back on it. Thank you so much for your many inspiring ideas (and so basic and simple — I love that).
Wendy, from Uxbridge, ON Canada
love your ideas. very good for a new first time homewoner like my daughter. How do I subscribe?
What a great idea to put curtains there! And I love the new ones!
Every picture I see of your house, I just absolutely LOVE! I’m loving these curtains. The pretty pattern adds so much to your entry way. I want to create this!
Beautiful! AND lucky me! Thank you!!!!!!!! You MADE my week!
This is one of those moments when i say to myself “why didn’t you think of that”! I seriously hate the long windows at night, kinda creepy to think someone could be staring in at you. In all my houses in England there were velvet curtains hung to help keep the drafts out, I’m kicking myself for not thinking of this sooner…cheers for the inspiration. ;)
That fabric is gorgeous and I love how just a change in the fabric completely changes the look in there. Lovely! And, what a great solution for the privacy issue! I put up some frosted film on our sidelights for privacy, but this has me thinking my entry now looks so boring and could use some fun curtains :)
Great fabric choice (!) and thanks for the link to the how-to…
Your curtains are so pretty! I love the fabric! Thanks so much for linking to my curtain tutorial. I’m glad the tutorial was useful for you. xoxo
Allison @ House of Hepworths
I love this! Our entry way is just like this and this would have never dawned on me. Thanks.
Looks GREAT!!! I absolutely love your actual front door itself with the two long windows… any way you could tell me where you found it, or which builder it came from so I can research it? Much appreciated!!!
Love the curtains, but can’t keep my eyes off the vanity. It’s beautiful!
Wow! The new pattern adds so much impact to your entry. I love it!
Great idea, great pattern … great solution!
So pretty, I love that fabric! I wish our front door had those panels on the side, I could sure use some more natural light! :)
The curtains are so fabulous and such a great idea!
I really love seeing some color in your house! and i’d love to see what changes you’ve made?! your home posts are my favorite!
LOVE the curtain idea! We have the same type of entry and my husband has been wanting to put up blinds (um, NO!). This is the perfect solution!
Beautiful! Love your lamp too… do you happen to remember where you got it?
Curtains looks great! Nice to add a little color. White feels fresh, but sometimes blah after a while.
Super idea!
That looks wonderful! I like the added dose of pattern there. We have been playing musical curtains around here too…I can’t even remember which room some of mine started out in! ha ha.
Love this idea! Your beautiful entry now looks even better! That fabric is gorgeous…great choice. It adds just the right amount of color and pattern. Looks cool from the outside too!
sigh! what a gorgeous entryway! the curtains look fabulous.
I am a HUGE fan of privacy film! Easy to apply and remove when needed and it looks classy! Great for kids too cuz little fingers can’t get it grubby!
I love that idea. I saw that awhile ago , too, on another blog post. Cant remember which one. That also is great for the winter to keep drafty doors warmer! I want to do that in my home too.
What a great idea!!! Had I not had a pocket door in my entry hallway leading to my family room I would have needed to do that in my last house. The light is great, but at night, especially when home alone, the privacy is a good thing. Love the dramatic fabric, too!! And now that you’ve done it….sewing and lining drapes is super easy, don’t you think?
I LOVE these curtains. You house just keeps getting more and more gorgeous! Just curious – how many yards did you use?
I love your fabric!!! It’s such a fun punch of pattern and color without going overboard!!! Love your little sideboard too! I wish we had an entry big enough for an entry piece…no such luck! But looking for a fun light to hang!
That fabric is so pretty! It really makes the entry look warm and welcoming. Love seeing little glimpses of your home!
I love them! You have a beautiful home!
I bought that fabric a few months ago but haven’t done anything with it yet!! I was going to uphoster our our headboard but we needed a fabric that would look good on its side and this just didn’t. It’s beautiful!!
That really is a great idea. Pinned for future reference! Also, fabulous fabric.
Now that is a stroke of genius, and so pretty, too! Have a great week!
Take care,
Trish
Hi Emily!
I have read your blog for quite a while but have never commented. I had to comment on this post, though! I have a similar front door situation, and for years I could not think of a solution to not only the privacy issue, but the afternoon sun that beats into those windows (and ours has a transom window overhead as well) and heats up half the downstairs! I wanted to avoid blinds, but was about to give in until I saw your front door curtains (brilliant!). I ordered a pair of off-white thermal lined panels and we absolutely love them! Not only did they solve our problems, but I get compliments all the time on how beautiful and cozy the foyer looks as a result!
Now, if only you hadn’t just shown me how great a print would look there…
Thanks for the great idea. Love your blog!
Love those halls!
Would you put some rug like this one in one of those halls? http://brabbu.com/rugs/sandstorm.html
Great solution! This weekend I played “musical lampshades”…gotta mix it up sometimes. Do you happen to know what the fabric pattern is on the pillow on the chair???? Gorgeous.
I love that pattern – and the curtains look fabulous in such an unexpected place!