The Complete Guide to Stylish White Drop Cloth Curtains
Looking to add some breezy, carefree style to your home? White drop cloth curtains just might be the perfect solution. Typically made from cotton, linen, or muslin, these casual curtains can infuse any room with light and airy appeal. Though inexpensive, they have a relaxed, elegant look that works well in both rustic and contemporary spaces.
Read on to learn how these budget-friendly curtains can elevate your rooms with chic coziness.
What Are White Drop Cloth Curtains?
White drop cloth curtains are made using unbleached, natural-colored cotton canvas - the same material used for drop cloths to protect floors and surfaces during painting or renovations. The heavyweight fabric has a loose plain weave that gives it a textured look and feel.
When hung as window curtains, drop cloths take on a breezy, casual elegance. The natural canvas colors vary from light brown to creamy ecru shades that coordinate beautifully with white walls and trim. The muted neutral hue allows them to fit a wide range of decors from modern farmhouse to industrial.
Benefits of Using Drop Cloths for Curtains
There are many advantages to using an inexpensive material like drop cloth canvas for stylish window curtains in your home.
- Very affordable, usually between $5-$15 per cloth
- Durable thick fabric blocks sunlight and insulates windows
- Easy to launder in washing machine and air dry
- Can be bleached white for brighter, coastal look
- Textured natural look complements boho, modern and traditional spaces
- Plain canvas backdrop highlights other decor accents
With some simple DIY sewing, you can transform basic drop cloths into beautiful, breezy curtains for a fraction of the cost of fabric by the yard. Keep reading to learn how!
Choosing Fabric for White Drop Cloth Curtains
The best drop cloth curtains start with quality canvas. When selecting fabric, consider weight, texture, and how the curtains will drape. The most popular cloth options include:
Cotton Canvas
100% cotton canvas has excellent durability and a flexible plain weave that forms pretty ripples when gathered onto a curtain rod. The medium-weight fabric offers airflow and insulation. Unbleached cotton has lovely, light ecru tones.
Linen and Muslin
Lightweight linen and muslin drop cloths have a refined drape and movement. The tighter weave filters more light compared to cotton canvas. Bleached white linen has a beachy, Mediterranean style. It does wrinkle more than cotton.
For the coziest feel, choose medium to heavyweight drop cloths around 12-16 oz. Light canvas under 9 oz. can appear too flimsy. Check labels to ensure 100% cotton or linen fabric. Polyester blends won't bleach white or breathe as well.
Making DIY White Drop Cloth Curtains
Sewing your own drop cloth curtains is simple and much less expensive than custom drapes. Follow these steps for beautiful window accents on a budget. Be sure to pre-wash and dry your fabric before sewing.
Take Accurate Window Measurements
For floor-length curtains, measure from the top of the window down to where you want the curtains to rest on the floor. Add an extra 4-6 inches at the bottom for a neat hemmed edge.
The curtain width should be 1.5 to 2 times the width of your window frame. This fullness allows for attractive draping folds when pulled back.
Cut Fabric Panels to Size
Using your measurements, cut rectangular panels from the drop cloth rolls to size using sharp scissors. Cut two panels for each window at the desired finished length and width.
Sew Side Hems and Rod Casing
To prevent fraying, press under 1/4 inch on each long side of the panels and sew or fuse hem in place. Make a wider double hem at the top edge to insert the curtain rod through. Iron on interfacing first for more stability.
For bohemian texture, leave edges raw and unfinished for an artfully frayed look. Raveling can be minimized by pulling any loose threads at this stage.
Styling Tips for White Drop Cloth Curtains
Neutral ecru drop cloth curtains act as an elegant, textured canvas that complements your room. Decorate around them to create casual elegance or modern drama. Here are some top looks.
Minimalist Modern Style
Crisp white walls and streamlined furniture provide contrast to textured drop cloth curtains for an effortlessly chic vibe. Add pops of color with art, pillows or fresh flowers.
Farmhouse Cottage Charm
A relaxed country mood is created when drop cloth curtains frame antique windows in a white paneled room with distressed wood accents and cozy textures.
Boho Eclectic Mix
Go bold by pairing unfinished frayed drop cloths with vibrant exotic prints and globally inspired handicrafts for free-spirited exotic warmth.
Have fun playing with different looks to find your perfect style. Change up the vibe each season by switching curtain panels, art and accessories while keeping the neutral window backdrop constant.
Caring for White Drop Cloth Curtains
Keep your drop cloth curtains looking fresh by caring for them properly. Here are useful care and cleaning tips.
Washing
Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Air dry or tumble dry low to avoid heat damage. To brighten whites, bleach with hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach cleaners.
Ironing
If wrinkled, iron curtains gently on medium heat. Use light spray starch for added crispness on cotton panels. Touch up hem edges so they hang straight.
Pre-treat oil-based stains with dish soap or an enzyme prewash. For mud or dirt marks, lightly scrub with a soft brush before washing. Avoid harsh cleaners that could yellow the natural fabric.
By caring for your drop cloth curtains properly, you can enjoy their breezy style for many years. With a textured neutral backdrop added to your windows, it's easy to give any room a stylish makeover by switching out decor accents.