DIY Network

Dormer Seats and Portière Curtains Dormer Seats and Portière Curtains From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-304

Figure A

It's day two, and we're going to create some cozy seating and give the doors a special Old World look. Family rooms need special hideaways, and Nancy Golden thinks nook seating (figure A) will fit right in with the Moroccan ambience (you can build seats into any cubbyhole -- or try a built-in triangular bench in a corner of the room). Nook seats are cozy -- but there's one element missing here. When you're going for a North African or Mediterranean look, you need lots of draped fabrics -- like portières.

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Project time: 3 hours.

Materials:
Plywood
2x4s
Level
6" foam
Raffia blinds
Screws and screwdriver
Fabric and pillows
Curtain rod
Curtains
Tassels
Cup hook

Expert tip: Nook seats make great storage bins. Just hinge the seat so it doubles as a lid.

Portières are panels of tapestry or cloth hung inside an interior door. They can be flat, narrow cloth panels hung side by side inside a door opening, or they can be fancy draperies held back with heavy rope and tassels. For a lighter, airy look, you can even make flat portière panels out of lace curtain fabric.

Figure B

Tiebacks are an important feature of portières, and to tie in with the den's lush, ornate look, Golden is using large rope and tassels (figure B).

Expert tip: For an even more decadent look, add costume necklaces like glass beads or faux pearls to your tiebacks.

Steps

Before you begin, if there are electrical outlets in your nooks, move them to an outer wall before building in the seats.

1. Measure up 20" on two sides of the dormer window. Using a level, mark a straight line where the seat will go.

2. Using a stud finder, locate the wall studs and mark where to predrill.

3. Attach 2x4s on the level line on both sides by predrilling and screwing into position.

4. Measure between the 2x4s and attach another 2x4 to the back.

5. Insert 3/4" plywood into the opening and screw to the 2x4s.

6. Measure the front of the bench seat and attach a 1x6 for decorative trim.

7. For the curtain, use a decorative tension rod and a single panel curtain. It's simply positioned at the dormer opening.

8. Hammer in a cup hook and, using a cording and tassels, swag the treatment.

Time spent so far: 7 hours.

RESOURCES :

Smith+Noble window treatments
Smith and Noble
Website: www.smithandnoble.com

Hand Tools
Tomboy Tools, Inc.
Website: www.tomboytools.com

Ceiling Fan
Emerson Fans
Website: emersonfans.com

GUESTS :

Richard Lehner
Construction Innovators
10710 Coward Mill Rd.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-560-1970
Website: www.constructioninnovators.com

Amy Calandra
Devine Color
E-mail: info@devinecolor.com
Website: devinecolor.com

Paula Clancy
Nouveau Classics
Phone: 865-909-0044

Kari Openshaw
Allied ASID Designer

Kara Roberts
Website: smithandnoble.com