Swap Valances: The Lace Doily DIY That Adds Vintage Charm To Window Curtains

In case you didn't get the memo, all of Granny's favorite decorative accessories — particularly the doily — are back in style. (Though some would argue they never left.) The lace statement is starting to surface throughout different window treatment ideas, lending a gentle cottagecore ambiance to each room. Since valances are yet another nostalgic hallmark re-emerging, consider combining the best of both vintage elements by repurposing old doilies into a short, colorful drapery panel that mimics a valance. 

Valances do quite a bit of heavy lifting: They add a decorative element (naturally), maximize sunlight, and trick your eye into thinking the room is larger than it actually is when you look up. They're particularly popular when placed on the window above the kitchen sink, embracing the quaintness of a Parisian café. If this sounds très chic, follow Bottled Up Designs' lead, which replaces a valance with your Nana's colorful doilies, though this time covering just the top of the window. The finishing results are a small curtain with unique personality and intricate, handmade details — which are particularly sought after in the kitchen right now. The creator's multi-sized, multi-colored doilies lean more boho than French country, but the sentiment is equally delightful. To copy this aesthetic, grab a handful of doilies, a tension rod in the size that will adequately fit your window, and curtain hooks. 

If you're ditching the curtains and blinds and repurposing your doily into a valance of sorts, first consider where you're going to place the tension rod: inside the window frame or outside the frame, using mounting brackets to keep them in place. Once the tension rod is secure, add your curtain hooks and place your doilies in the order you'd like, switching up large and small pieces and mixing the colors to your liking. If you only have Nana's old ivory cotton doilies, you can take a bowl of water and acrylic paint and submerge them to get the hues you're looking for. For a deeper shade, just add more paint to the bowl. Make sure everything is dry before fastening any pieces to the hooks. 

A craft like this is entirely up to you. You can play with shapes, colors, and sizes of each doily. When all is said and done, you can give your curtains a charming upgrade by accessorizing with wind chimes, hanging plants, and other decorative accessories, too. Just make sure your doilies complement the colors and patterns you already have in the kitchen, as well as the neighboring wall decor. For safety purposes, make sure everything is securely fastened — both the tension rod and the doilies on the hooks — keep your creation a safe distance from the stove or other heating sources, and check to see if you're still able to access your window.