Expand your idea of curtain material to include canvas, matchsticks or beads.
If you've attended fashion shows, you may have spotted makeshift, curtained enclaves set up near runway entrances so models can make quick wardrobe changes. These pop-up units are often fashioned of collapsible PVC pipe framework with grommets or holes running across the top so curtains can be hung from the frame on one or more sides. You needn't worry about building closet frames in your effort to make a closet using curtains, but you may be surprised to learn that there's more than one way to hide your stuff -- even if your place came with nary a closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Create a one-curtain closet. Close the gaping hole in your wall by hanging a single curtain from the framework to hide away your clothing or storage. Measure the dimensions of your closet frame to determine the size of the curtain rod you'll need to complete the project as well as the amount of fabric and thread needed. Set up your sewing machine and hem all four sides of the panel, including a wide pocket hem for the curtain rod. Choose a tension rod slightly bigger than the opening of the closet. Thread the curtain onto the rod and insert it at the top of the closet.
2. Build a two-curtain closet in a corner. Imagine a pup tent turned on its side and you'll understand how a two-curtain closet looks once it's installed. Identify the most convenient corner for your project. Hang two matching curtain rods from the ceiling so they meet up at one end to create a square closet area against the two corner walls. Stitch two curtains of matching fabric with wide channels at the top. Thread curtains into each rod and slip them into their hardware. Use the now-hidden wall for hooks from which to hang possessions or add shelving units with baskets to hold your clothing.
3. Fashion a roomy three-curtain closet. Earmark wall space that's away from the heaviest traffic patterns to construct the curtained hideaway. Hang three curtains from a trio of rods mounted to the ceiling. Fill the space with any combination of the following: a chest of drawers, wall-mount shelves, a prefabricated, stainless steel clothing rack like those used by hotels for coat storage outside meeting rooms and/or wall hooks. De-clutter a large portion of your bedroom by making an attractive, roomy enclave to hold clothing and other possessions.
4. Make clever substitutions. Change up your one-curtain closet if your definition of a curtain doesn't necessarily mean hanging swaths of fabric. You can substitute painted bamboo matchstick blinds or sets of pre-strung 1960s beads for cloth, securing either type of curtain directly to the ceiling. Make the most dramatic statement by designing a one-piece, wrap-around closet stitched of canvas cloth on which you can paint a cityscape, flowers or a message that runs around the circumference of the curtain. All it takes is fabric paint and templates to turn a piece of canvas into this style of wrapped closet. Use three curtain rods to hold the unit in place or hire a carpenter to mount a ceiling frame.
Tags: curtain rods, one-curtain closet, two-curtain closet, wall hooks, your clothing