The Ultimate Curtain Book

I've ordered 6 books, and this was the BEST of the lot! (published by Reader's Digest) Yes, it's a 1994 copyright, but the looks & styles haven't changed that much in 13-years. There are over 200 photos that lend to a myriad of ideas for each room of your home. Each chapter (there are 5 in this 192-page hardcover book) outlines what one needs to consider when deciding on a style/look for windows. I found the book VERY THOROUGH: advice on considerations for window shapes/sizes, room-by-room inspirational ideas, actual step-by-step instructions for creating each style (with sketches) for all levels of sewing ability, how to measure one's windows, photos & descriptions of all types of fabric, trims, & shades and the why/when/purpose of using them; sewing techniques & fabric care, etc.; I could go on and on! There are so many wonderful window treatments, that I wish I had more windows now! I'm certainly not disappointed with this book -- in fact I'm absolutely THRILLED. Had I received this book first, I wouldn't have ordered the other 5!

I recently received this book and I have read it over. It is full of information on fabrics and curtain styles. There are a lot of beautiful photographs for inspiration. However as a how-to book it is intimidating. The instructions are written for advanced sewers. As someone who can only sew a straight line, I think I need Curtains for Dummies.

I was pleasantly surprised by this extremely inspirational and exceptionally stylish book. It is detailed ,intelligent and clear. Unlike other books,this book is sharp,up to date and has a feel about it of an interior design magazine- better ,in a way, because it lets you in on the backstage information. Highly recommended,especially in view of similar books that hold a lot of promise and do not deliver. It's a paperback and the cover is simple and not very appealing, which may serve as a good lesson in life..didn't "they" say one shouldn't judge a book by its cover? There you go:)

I borrowed this book from the library to take a closer look before purchasing and am very impressed.I found ideas in this book very inspiring. It has page after page of color photographs, with excellent color illustrations on how to achieve the curtains of your choice. Author has clear running commentary throughout the book and the projects' instructions are in a "recipe" format; what materials you need, how to take the measurement, and step by step instructions. I notice on the copyright page it was originally published in 1993 in Great Britain (there is a english country style about it), yet looking at the timeless, classic fabrics and designs of the rooms in which these curtains appear show no signs of dated materials. That's what I think good decorating style is all about.The Complete Home Decorating Book by Nicholas Barnard would be an excellent companion book. These two books seem to share the same design sensibilities.

For those with little idea of what their style might be or the look they are trying to achieve, this could be the curtain encyclopedia. The style ideas run the gamet from truely traditional to truely contemporary. And, each composed picture of the curtain in a setting is accompanied by instructions on how to make the curtains. I found it to be indispensible