Have you ever heard of ceiling drapes? I asked my husband what to title this post. He was stumped at first, but when he thought about what he would google to find a project like this it was ceiling drapes. I laughed at first, then he actually typed it in Google. Sure enough it is a real thing. Ceiling draping is commonly used for weddings and events to create a glamorous or romantic feeling. Sometimes they are lit and sometimes not. Draping fabric on ceilings or elsewhere always makes a dramatic statement.
We changed out two light fixtures this weekend without touching an electrical wire. The secret to making over these unattractive lights in our foyer was ceiling drapes. With just 6 yards of fabric and three adjustable shower curtain rods, we turned the existing lights into something magical. The fabric had an added benefit of making the foyer more welcoming. At 15-feet long and with 9-ft ceilings, the foyer felt long and narrow. Not the inviting feel we were after.
I set up shop to iron the 6 yards of fabric right in the foyer. I used the shower curtain rods to help keep the freshly ironed fabric off the floor.
I sewed three rod pockets in the cream linen fabric, large enough to accommodate the shower curtain rods. I placed one pocket in the center of the fabric. The other two pockets were sewn about 10″ from each end of the fabric. I used fusible hem tape to quickly hem the ends of the fabric. On this linen fabric the selvages have no printing and a nice fine fringe, so I left them raw.
With lots of help from hubby, we hung one shower curtain rod centered in-between the two light fixtures with the fabric hanging from it with the aide of the middle pole pocket. We inserted a pole in one end pocket and hung the rod up on the other side of the light. We repeated for the other light fixture. The great thing about the adjustable shower curtain rods is they install only with tension and don’t leave any permanent marks on the wall.
This project started as a simple, relatively inexpensive way to deal with two light fixtures we hated. Now that it is up, I think it might be a more permanent solution. If we decide to keep it around, we want to replace the semi-flushmount lights with inexpensive flush mounts. This will allow us to pull the fabric up a little bit closer to the ceiling. We also want it to be a bit brighter, so we will look for flush mounts that take three bulbs.
For now, we are simply going to enjoy the magical evening glow in the foyer. It comes just in time for the holidays. The glow will definitely be inviting and welcoming for guests or carolers.
Sharing this project here:
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what an amazing solution…the glow it gives off is gorgeous.
What a beautiful addition to your entryway. The billowing fabric looks perfect in that space. Great job! Tell your husband I like the post title as well.
I love this! What a stunning entry to you home!
I really like that! With no lights on, it looks very Mediterranean. And it’s so warm and inviting when you turn the lights on.
Unbelievably Gorgeous! I love lighting, and I love this! Great way to hide boring light fixtures. AMAZING. Found you at AtoZ, congrats on your feature, you deserved it.
I love that you did this in your home! I wish I had tall enough ceilings to do it in mine.
Wow! So different! Love your creative and unique idea! Found your through the PoPP feature and have been poking through your blog – love your whole house color scheme!
Wow! That is beautiful! What a creative idea…I would never had thought of something like this. I found your blog via YHL and am loving your house decorating style!!
I really like how the draped fabric compliments the curved insets in the wall. The shapes naturally compliment each other and the fabric seems like a natural fit. What a great inspiration.
Ohhh, this is really pretty!!
I am going to do this to my Massage Therapy Room. When my Patients are lying on their back, they are looking at an ugly popcorn ceiling. I can not wait to have my patients see it!
My office needs this treatment so very much! I rent a space with the standard cork board ceiling, and one of the light covers is cracked. I’ve been puzzling over how to go about the project.