"ours ended up looking more 'rumpled laundry pile' than 'cozy farmhouse chic,' haha."
Linen can definitely be tricky—it's naturally prone to wrinkles, especially lighter blends. Cotton canvas was a good call; it's sturdy and holds its shape well. Another option worth considering is a linen-polyester blend, which tends to drape nicely without looking messy. Also, if durability against pets is a concern, heavier-weight fabrics or even lined curtains might be beneficial...just something to think about.
Honestly, linen-poly blends can sometimes look a bit too shiny or synthetic for farmhouse style. I've had better luck with washed cotton—soft, casual, and wrinkles just enough to look intentional rather than messy. Plus, holds up surprisingly well with pets around...
"washed cotton—soft, casual, and wrinkles just enough to look intentional rather than messy."
Totally agree with you on the washed cotton. Linen-poly blends can indeed feel a bit off for farmhouse style, especially if you're going for authenticity. Another fabric I've found surprisingly good is natural linen (100% linen). It has that subtle texture and matte finish that complements wooden window frames beautifully. It does wrinkle more than cotton, but if you're okay with a slightly more lived-in look, it's worth considering.
One thing I'd add, though—if you're choosing curtains specifically, think about the weave density. A looser weave lets in more diffused light, giving your space that airy, farmhouse feel. On the other hand, tighter weaves offer more privacy and insulation. You might even consider layering: sheer linen panels underneath washed cotton curtains. That way, you get the best of both worlds—soft filtered light during the day and cozy privacy at night.
Also, good call on durability with pets around. My cat loves climbing curtains, and washed cotton definitely holds up better than synthetic blends... learned that the hard way.
Good points about layering curtains, hadn't thought of combining sheer linen under cotton.
"My cat loves climbing curtains, and washed cotton definitely holds up better than synthetic blends..."
Ha, same here with my dog pawing at windows. Anyone tried bamboo shades for farmhouse style—do they hold up well with pets around?
I've used bamboo shades in a couple farmhouse-style projects, and honestly, they're a mixed bag when pets are involved. On the plus side, bamboo shades do look fantastic—warm, natural texture, and they filter light beautifully without blocking it completely. They're also pretty easy to install yourself if you're handy with basic tools.
But here's the catch: durability really depends on your pet's habits. If your dog just paws gently at the window occasionally, bamboo shades might hold up fine. But if you've got a pet that's determined to see what's outside or tends to scratch persistently, bamboo can fray or splinter over time. I've seen some shades start looking pretty ragged after just a few months of persistent pawing.
One workaround I've found helpful is pairing bamboo shades with curtains or drapes. That way, the curtains take most of the abuse from pets, and you can easily wash or replace them as needed. Another option is mounting the bamboo shades slightly higher than usual—just enough that your dog can't easily reach them when pawing at the window. It doesn't always look perfect aesthetically, but it can save you from replacing shades every year.
If you're set on bamboo shades, I'd recommend looking for thicker woven styles rather than the thinner, more delicate ones. The thicker weaves tend to hold up better against claws and paws. Also, consider applying a clear protective finish (like a matte polyurethane spray) to help prevent splintering and make cleaning easier.
Bottom line: Bamboo shades can definitely work in a farmhouse setting with pets around, but you'll need to be strategic about placement and possibly reinforce them a bit. Hope that helps!
"Another option is mounting the bamboo shades slightly higher than usual—just enough that your dog can't easily reach them when pawing at the window."
Good call on mounting them higher, but I've noticed some determined pups just take it as a challenge... 😂 Have you considered plantation shutters? They offer that farmhouse charm, are sturdier against pet mischief, and cleaning paw prints off wood is way easier than fixing frayed bamboo. Might be worth exploring if durability becomes an ongoing issue.
Plantation shutters do have that nice farmhouse vibe, and they're definitely tougher than bamboo shades. We had bamboo at first, but our lab took them as a personal challenge—within weeks they looked like they'd been through a hurricane. Switched to shutters eventually, and they're holding up way better. Slightly pricier upfront, but honestly worth it for the peace of mind and reduced maintenance. Plus, wiping off muddy paw prints is way easier than untangling chewed-up bamboo threads...
Plantation shutters do look great and all, but I'm not totally sold on them being the best farmhouse choice. We went with simple linen curtains—easy to wash, cheaper upfront, and honestly, they soften the room way more than shutters ever could. Sure, they're not dog-proof (our terrier thinks they're his personal hide-and-seek spot...), but swapping out a curtain panel every now and then still beats paying a premium for shutters everywhere. Just something else to consider before committing.
I totally get your point about linen curtains—they really do add warmth and softness that's hard to match. Plantation shutters can sometimes feel a bit rigid or formal for a farmhouse vibe, especially if you're aiming for that cozy, lived-in feel. If anyone's still leaning toward shutters though, one trick I've found helpful is mixing them with softer elements—like pairing shutters on lower windows with curtains or fabric valances above. It balances practicality (pets, kids...) with the charm of fabric textures. Just another angle to think about.
Mixing shutters and curtains can definitely soften things up nicely, especially if you're worried about shutters feeling too stiff. Have you considered café-style shutters? They cover just the lower half of the window, giving you privacy and practicality (pets, kids, etc.) but still leaving room for softer fabrics above. Might be a good compromise if you're torn between the two... Have you seen that look before? Curious if it fits your farmhouse vision.