I searched high, low and everything in between for fabric, I've been to every fabric store in the Greater Vancouver Region, I'd even been to a different country (USA) for fabric and I finally found it, although in an unlikely place.
I was shopping in Target, looking for place mats when I saw . . . TABLECLOTHS. Not being a person who uses tablecloths I walked by, but then I thought what is a tablecloth but fabric!!!
So I went back to see what the measurements were. 60" x 84" long (a ready made window panel is 84" long so I bought them). But I knew that our windows are taller then standard windows so I bought an extra tablecloth in a contrasting pattern to add to the bottom.
Also Did I mention they were on SALE!!!! $11.88 each. I bought Three tablecloths in total.
Lee mounted the bar wall to wall inside the little alcove. And I used these curtain rings to hold up the tablecloths :) I love these clips!
So I picked out one of the colors from the pattern and chose that for my accent. Because we already had a green lamp it made perfect sense to pull the green out of the pattern.
Using the trusty Envelope Pillow Cover method I sewed up a couple of green velvet pillows.
And that's our Fully Finished LIBRARY! :)
Here's View Number 1:
View Number 2:
View Number 3:
and
View Number 4 (from the Dining Room):
So, what did you think of our tablecloths I mean Curtains :)?
Love what you did with these drapes, very resourceful!! Janell
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful! And what a great idea to use tableclothes. I'll have to keep that one in mind :)
ReplyDeleteI saw that floral tablecloth a few months back and almost bought them for our Thanksgiving dinner. Now I wish I had so I could do this :) Gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteTablecloths are great! I have one that I think I want to make pillows for. I need to check our your envelope pillow some more.
ReplyDeleteYou are a genius! Those look awesome! The whole room came together beautifully and I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of your house comes together.:)
ReplyDeleteThis is a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteOooh! This is super pretty! I don't use tablecloths either but I have a hard time finding curtains I love -- currently our living room has been bare for 3 years, and it wasn't until recently that I hung some up in our bedroom (plain ikea light blockers). So this post has inspired the search again and this time I think I'll look in the kitchen isles ;)
ReplyDeleteI am SO in love with this little nook!
ReplyDeletedrooling!! looks fabulous :)
ReplyDeleteAshli this is BEAUTIFUL! This library nook is fantastic! And the room is completely pulled together! So talented girl! I did an envelope tutorial as well...a bit different tho! Too Funny, great minds think alike!
ReplyDeleteBecks
Really lovely!! You are so talented and have such a great eye! Love those green velvet pillows and your curtains. The Library is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty. I love the contrast fabric on the bottom. You have such a nice way of decorating.
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on those tablecloths at Target for pillow covers. I'm going to go see if they are on clearance at our store.
~Lisa
Everything in the room looks beautiful! I love the curtains with the contrasting fabric. What a thrifty idea to use tablecloths and getting them on sale is an added plus.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe those are tablecloths!! Fabulous. :) I really like the pattern. Way to think outside the box. ;)
ReplyDeleteI got the same tablecloth at Target on clearance too! I added the fabric to my plain panels. You can see them here: http://thriftydecormom.blogspot.com/2011/01/drab-to-fab.html
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your library! I wish there was a corner somewhere in my house that I could do that!
Lori : )
Thrifty Decor Mom
Funny, I was just at Target on the weekend and was checking out those floral tablecloths too! But like you, I'm not a tablecloth person so I didn't buy them. Great way to put them to use!
ReplyDeleteRoxanne
I love the curtains! They look beautiful! Check out my post here: http://alimoll.typepad.com/ali/2010/12/diy-sunday.html You might see something familiar! :)
ReplyDeleteI bought the same things to use for curtains-great minds think alike!! Now I just wish I could be as organized as you are!! I am surprised someone hasn't approached you to do a magazine spread on your house...and your wonderful organizational skills. I always look forward to seeing what you blog about and am anxiously awaiting to see more of that new house of yours!!
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever! I love your curtains and your green velvet pillow. Your library is beautiful and so fresh, light and airy looking. What a happy place to sit and read a book. You've done a gorgeous job, Ashli.
ReplyDeleteLove it! And, I had to laugh. The other day I was showing Mark the first pictures. And, he said, "I like it, but the chairs need a little color" LOL
ReplyDeletelovely room, so fresh and inviting. Do the curtains draw across the window, or are they just side panels.
ReplyDeleteJane
I love it! You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how creative you get! I totally want to run down to Target now to see what kind of table cloths they have!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all the Tablecloth . . . .I mean Curtain LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear others thought of this idea too, Great minds do think alike!!! :)
And JANE
Yes they do close all the way across the window. Function before Fashion!!! :)
Beautiful! I love how the library has come together. :)
ReplyDeleteYou've struck GOLD with another resourceful and elegant design idea. LOVE everything about it! thank you for sharing your finds with us!
ReplyDeleteI love this idea!! I actually have the napkins that match this table cloth, so I'm already a big fan of the fabric! :)
ReplyDeleteThat looks wonderful!! I need you to come do the interior design in my house! I love the clips for the curtains. I have used napkins before and made a triangle with them and tacked them up for a little swag.. but hadn't thought of table cloths! Might be a great idea in my newly organized office.
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to stop by and link this up to my link party. I found you on We're Organized Wednesday.
I'm a new follower. I love your tablecloth curtains.
ReplyDeleteSusan
oh my gosh, i am eying the same table cloth at target. was waiting for better than 30%. i did get the red version napkins to make pillows. yay! i want the table cloth for a table cloth for my stamp club snack table. you reminded me to go back and check the status. they had so many i thought for sure i could land it 50%. i hope i'm not too late!
ReplyDeleteAshli, this room gives me heart palpitations! It is beautiful. I am definitely not a "great mind" because I never would have thought of your brilliant idea! I was at an antique mall recently and saw a fantastical Chinese style birdcage that would look incredible in your library! Great job!
ReplyDeleteSindy :)
Those look great! What a great idea. I love it.
ReplyDeleteYou are always so resourceful! And with always the most lovely outcome! Great idea!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Jen
Brilliant!!! LOVE it! Your library makes me want to grab a cup of tea, a good book and curl up for hours!
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful, lovin' the tablecloth, I mean curtains, they are awesome. domesticdeadline.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI love it! Can you tell me where you got your chairs? I love them
ReplyDeleteCheck it out, another blog I read, she used the SAME Target fabric to make pillows!
ReplyDeletehttp://mckevitts.blogspot.com/2011/02/pillow-talk.html
I LOVE IT!!! Do you want to come to north carolina and design my house!!! Your home is so cozy and beautiful...I just want to curl up in one of those chairs and read a book! Im in awe! I can't wait to see how the rest of your house comes together!!!!
ReplyDeleteWOW I'm so grateful for all the wonderful comments!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Megan,
I got the Chairs from Scan Designs,
Model Number: A-622#
Color: oatmeal/ CW-018/L001
Thanks for asking!
I'm speechless! It's gorgeous. The curtains, the chairs, the pillows, the books, the table, everything. I love the soothing colors too. Thanks for linking to We're Organized Wednesday. I'll be featuring your library.
ReplyDeletethe room looks great and the pre-hemmed table cloths make fabulous easy curtains. you could always change them out for something richer during the colder months.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.. I could spend days in a library like that! Love using table clothes for curtains. What a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteI can't get over how perfect your new drapes are for the space - colour, pattern(s), style! To think... made from table cloths! HaHaHa! :-) I think my favourite part of your new drapes is the accent panel across the bottom. You'd done a wonderful job finishing off the windows... and your library!!
ReplyDeleteVictoria
I, too saw the clearance Target tablecloths and thought they would make wonderful curtains. I purchased the polka dot pattern (the one used for your accent band) with plans to convert them into window coverings for our bedroom. Seems like a lot of other readers had that idea as well - maybe Target should hire us! As always, excellent work - what a stunning addition to your cute little library nook.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! I saw these on clearance too but was hoping they drop a bit in price. It looks awesome. Very cozy and sweet room!
ReplyDeleteJust went back to Target...they are now marked down to $8.88.....Has anyone seen the tablecloths with bird motif?? I see another tablecloth/curtain in my future!!!
ReplyDeleteFantastic, inexpensive, creative way to make fab curtains! I really love that idea! I so want to grab a cup of coffee and a warm blanket and park myself in one of your chairs and read my little heart out.
ReplyDeleteI linked up at organize your stuff now "Laundry Room Reveal"
New follower now!
Megan
Everytime I go to Target - I can never find cute table cloths (let alone curtains!).
ReplyDeleteFantastic find! Think I am going to head out there now! lol..
The room looks amazing!!
OK! I am back... I literally threw on some clothes and mascara and grabbed my daughter and made a run for Target! Whew. I grabbed the LAST four of these tablecloths (still $11.88 in my neck of the woods). I am in LOVE. We just moved into a new house in Sept, and have been trying to figure out what to do with our fomal living and dining rooms (that share a space) - and you, my dear, have solved my problem! I am so excited about putting the space together now!
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I haven't seen any with a bird motif, but if you find some, Let me know! I would LOVE a little birdie pattern and I have plenty more window to cover :)
ReplyDeleteJamie,
I'm so glad target still had them!!
I was so inspired that I went to Target today (Washington) and bought the tablecloths for $11.88. My daughter thought I was brilliant but I gave you the credit. Our family room is coming along now. Thank you for the ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks So much Anonymous!
ReplyDeleteYou should have taken all the credit, I wouldn't have minded ;)
Thanks for the very sweet comment!
Ashli, you have completely outdone yourself with this space! How much are you going to charge for admittance to your house? ;) It's so so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteTo funny! -Well of course I love your new curtains. I found the same tablecloths on sale also @ our Target a few weeks ago and have turned them into curtains for our office :)
ReplyDeleteIt’s fun to think ‘outside’ the box sometimes!
Beautiful! Your new curtains are fantastic!You definitely scored at Target!
ReplyDeleteI just put up a post using tablecloths as curtains. I have admired this pattern by Target for some time. Simply BEAUTIFUL as a curtain!
ReplyDeletethis room is just lovely! great job! susan
ReplyDeleteWOW!
ReplyDeleteThis room is fabulous, perfection!
I love the tableclothes turned drapes!
XO
Kristin
You have a beautiful home. This was a good plan and the drapes turned out beautiful! Love everything about this room! So cozy!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Michelle :)
I love the curtains!!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course everything else!
*screech* BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't believe how crisp and comfy that is!
ReplyDeleteI'm now your newest follower. Would you return the love? =D
http://bargaincornerdesigns.blogspot.com/
what a great room to have! you've inspired me to try and create something like this...i need a special place to poor over my decorating/design books and magazines!! love the curtains too!
ReplyDeleteI love that you thought out of the box with those tablecloths as drapes! What a great space, too!
ReplyDeleteI did the same thing with some tablecloths that I purchased on Target's website. Unfortunately I didn't consider shrinkage and my "panels" shrunk something awful the first, and only, time I washed them. If I do this again I'll order tablecloths that are 102 inches and pre-shrink before hanging. (You can see it at the link below if you're interested.)
ReplyDeletehttp://strictlysimplestyle.blogspot.com/2010/04/easiest-window-update-ever.html
Love the pattern that the tablecloths add to your room.
Hi, I featured your library today on FInding Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteJane
www.findingfabulousblog.com
good gracious these are beautiful!! So fun for spring!!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from Finding Fabulous. Using tablecloths for curtains is a very clever and creative idea. The pattern is perfect for your space. Love the contrasting band on the bottom.
ReplyDeleteThat's such a great project. I thought about doing the exact same thing a few weeks ago and wondered how it would look. I don't have to wonder anymore...I'm definitely going to try it. I saw the perfect tablecloths at Home Goods. You should come by my blog and join in on a party I am hosting today. This would be an awesome post to link up. Hope to see you later. www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe curtains are wonderful. I love both fabrics. The pillow is great also. Wonderful idea. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI keep looking at this tablecloth at my local Target - it's on clearance! Now I'm even more tempted to get it! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely stunning space! Such a creative idea with the tableclothes!
ReplyDeleteA darling combination of fabrics- tablecloths!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet area you have created!
Absolutely fabulous! I love the whole space. Great choice of colors.
ReplyDeleteShawNa~
Your room turned out beautiful.. good idea with the tablecloths and I so like your black banister on the staircase... wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSandy
thewondersofdoing@blogspot.com
I'm so glad you stopped by and joined in the party. Don't forget to stop back and become a follower. I hope to see you at next week's party again. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog on Finding Fabulous and I love it. Your drapes turned out beautiful. And I love that room. I'm looking forward to following you and getting to know you better.
ReplyDeleteHugs...Tracy :)
P.S. I'd love you stop by and visit me at http://cottonpickinucute.blogspot.com
WOW gorgeous! Love the colors and the contrasting patterns. Guess I'll cruise down the tablecloth aisle now :)
ReplyDeletevery creative idea in having the tablecloth as curtain! I love the way you arrange the room, bright and ecoisme
ReplyDeletewow, love it! Gorgeous photographs! Checking out more of your blog now.
ReplyDeleteThis project turned out great! New to your blog, looks like I have something new to read!!
ReplyDeleteI love how you have a simple plant sitting on a stool..so classic and simple yet adds so much to that little space. I would really love to incorporate some greenery into my living spaces. What plants do you have around the house and what ahve you found that will last :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfectly beautiful use of that little space! Brilliant! The fabric is lovely and a great addition to your library. I also used tablecloths (white linen), for our family room windows and kitchen patio doors, found on clearance. I, too, am inspired by the simple, lovely greenery.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the drapes! I love the color scheme of the room. Looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteJen
Scissors & Spatulas
I featured your project. Please stop by and pick up your featured button. Also, hope you link up another project this week. The link just opened up.
ReplyDeleteLoving your Target curtains!!
ReplyDeleteThis room looks amazing! And I purchased the same exact tablecloth about 6 - 8 months ago and made outdoor pillows!!!
ReplyDeleteI love this room and your "out of the box" type of thinking. It turned out great. I'm off to read more posts on your blog!
ReplyDeleteWarmly, Michelle
I am visiting from the Lettered Cottage. I just love your home! I have to comment on your curtains because I bought the same "curtains" but I made a new "comforter" for my daughter's bed. She loves it!!! She is only 11 but with a 25 year old mind. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh I would LOVE those tablecloths as a duvet cover! That's a GREAT idea! I was the same was when I was little, I loved decorating and had a grown up style, now it's less grown up. haha
ReplyDeleteLots of Love
A
You are so smart! Thanks so much for sharing this idea...just bought some drapes myself that are just a tad too short and I am going to use your brilliant idea of the contrasting stripes! Thanks so much and your library is just lovely!
ReplyDelete~Pam
pamspaintparlor.typepad.com
what a great looking space! looks like it came straight out of a magazine..:)
ReplyDeleteLove your tablecloth curtains! I'll have to try that myself!
ReplyDeleteI am in love with this space. It is gorgeous!!! I have a strange corner in my house that I have had no idea what to do with and I think this may be it. I am so excited!!!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry if you have already answered this question somewhere else (I didn't see it anywhere) but I was wondering where the a-z bookends are from.
Thanks so much,
Danielle :)
Thanks Danielle!!
ReplyDeleteNo one has asked about the bookends before, they came from Barnes and Noble a couple of years ago, so I'm not sure if they'd still have them. But Homesense and Homegoods have great Bookends and Amazon has a set in white that were very cool :) here's the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Ideas-Bookends-White-Set/dp/B003JPC8LW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300561644&sr=8-1
Hope that helps :)
Lots of Love
~Ashli
We had a little room in our house that was in desperate need of a makeover. I stumbled upon your blog & your library. I WAS SMITTEN!! I used your room as inspiration for my space & am absolutely thrilled with the final result.
ReplyDeleteI loooooooooooooooove your library and want to model one of the rooms in our house on it! Can you tell I started reading at the beginning of your blog and now I am getting caught up haha!
ReplyDeleteI stumbled over here from Ikea Hackers and am pretty much in love with everything! I wonder though, where did those fabulous bookshelves come from??
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying the blog!!!
The bookshelves are one part Ikea's billy bookcases and one part custom touches from the husband!
Here's the link to our bookcase tutorial:
http://www.maillardvillemanor.com/2011/01/bookcase-tutorial.html
Hope that helps
Lots of Love
Ashli
Great idea! I love the paint color too. What is that?
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristine,
ReplyDeleteThe wall color is Mourning Dove by Martha Stewart and the trim color is Heavy Cream by Martha Stewart!
Hope that helps
Ashli
Ok here it is! I think you should really rent out your library room. Avid readers, such as me, could spend HOURS sitting in that comfort-filling room. It's incredibly cozy looking and I just love it!
ReplyDeletePlease come decorate my house...please?
ReplyDeletePretty please? PRETTY PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE!!! :o)
Great job, girl! Thanks for posting all your cost-conscientious ideas.