[julia*v]

I am trying to update the look of our theatre room. I am thinking of adding in red velvet curtains to replace the wooden shade that is currently there.

I am having trouble finding a red that is dark enough. So, I thought I would make some (not that I know how to yet... it was going to be an adventure!) but I can't seem to find the right material either... When I was in spotlight, the velvet there was very dusty and covered in other bits of fabric... which made me wonder if the curtains would then pick up and show all the dust/dirt.

So... I have another option of buying ready made curtains from a furniture store which are a deep red colour, but in more of a linen style material.

Do you think velvet curtains are tacky? Or do you think you can get away with decorating a theatre room in a completely different style than the rest of the house, because it is separate?

I am looking at the whiskey/cocktail bars for inspiration..the heavy materials, luxe drapes, wallpaper etc...

[YodaTheWrinkledO...]

Do you think velvet curtains are tacky? well, it's certainly not my style. Not sure I would call it tacky though - it would depend on the rest of the room and how it's been done.

Or do you think you can get away with decorating a theatre room in a completely different style than the rest of the house, because it is separate?
You can try, but I think it may hard to pull off if the rest of the house is consistently in one style and then one room is a totally different style and has a different feel.

If you are going to do it, do it with 100% conviction, rather than an half-rased wishy-washy attempt.

This post has been edited by YodaTheWrinkledOne: 26/02/2013, 02:37 PM

[julia*v]

Do you think velvet curtains are tacky? well, it's certainly not my style. Not sure I would call it tacky though - it would depend on the rest of the room and how it's been done.

Or do you think you can get away with decorating a theatre room in a completely different style than the rest of the house, because it is separate?
You can try, but I think it may hard to pull off if the rest of the house is consistently in one style and then one room is a totally style and has a different feel.

If you are going to do it, do it with 100% conviction, rather than an half-rased wishy-washy attempt.

They wouldn't be my style generally... but I went to a cocktail lounge the other day and they had a wall of velvet curtains and I feel in love! The rest of the house is all open plan - so it is all decorated to 'flow' in each room, however, the theatre room is completely shut off and away from the open plan areas - so I wondered if I could go a little more daring in there - complete with crystal light fitting, bold cushions etc

The rest of the house is fairly neutral with lots of whites, creams, browns and hints of silver and gold...

[Zesty]

We have just moved to a place with floor to ceiling velvet curtains. Not what I would choose, but it's a rental. Looking at them, they would have cost a bomb, it is a very well made fabric and like none of the velvet I have seen in Spotlight. The material is a thyme green (light). They definitely don't pick up everything and hide any marks well, but they are dust catchers. Mind you, I can imagine these ones haven't been cleaned in quite a long time.

[julia*v]

That is my other worry Zesty! The cost. I've not found any material that looks like it is good enough quality. The stuff at spotlight was really thin... but not being a sewer, I didn't know where to start looking for material!

[deedee15]

I know Ikea have a gorgeous purple velvet by the roll, could be worth checking if it is also there in a red you like.

[Jenflea]

A friend's mother did red velvet curtains in her house about 15 years ago, or maybe 10.
She got hers from her workplace (motel) which was remodeling. She LOVED them.
Look on Ebay or gumtree to see if anyone's getting rid of their old ones. they should be thick and heavy and fully lined I'm sure.

[JustBeige]

That is my other worry Zesty! The cost. I've not found any material that looks like it is good enough quality. The stuff at spotlight was really thin... but not being a sewer, I didn't know where to start looking for material!

The heavy quality stuff usually comes from Europe (in particular Germany) - well it did when I workd for an importer.

Depending on how many metres you want you may be able to get an account with a wholesaler that brings it in.

It is also usually well lined to add to the weight of the material.


You might want to look over in the hobbies / sewing section. The ladies over there may be able to help you out

[tamjk]

Have you tried getting in touch with one of the custom curtain companies? My Aunt got curtains made through the Spotlight curtain service in a fabric the local store didn't have.

I think the heavy velvet used for theatre curtaining is something that has to be bought wholesale and you might be better off getting someone in to make them rather than trying to DIY them.

[Banana Pancakes]

Im not a fan of velvet at all but I think it would look quite trendy and retro in a theatre room, particularly if you can find some good quality, thick velvet.

complete with crystal light fitting, bold cushions etc

I like this idea and I would also suggest with some colourful (yet tasteful) artwork, perhaps a crystal decanter and goblets on a flashy tray etc. Real old world glamour

This post has been edited by Banana Pancakes: 26/02/2013, 05:06 PM