How to Make an Indoor Awning

Posted in Articles, Home Decor, Homemade Stuff by admin on the May 5th, 2009

Have you ever wanted to spruce up your kitchen or sitting room window?

Here is a simple idea to add a custom cafe touch.

This project is to basically put an awning up inside to look similar to those on the outside of many popular cafes and coffee shops. We recommend that this be used with a larger window with a nice view.

Indoor Cafe Awning

The basic layout of this project is to have two curtain rods with a piece of cloth stretched between them. The top rod will be close to the wall while the bottom rod will extend out from the wall anywhere from 6-12 inches.

Supplies and Materials

The first step is to get the hardware and supplies. Head down to your local hardware store and get a curtain rod in a style which goes with your current decor. Make sure that it wide enough for the window. Most kits will be adjustable so if it is larger than the window it should be fine.

Next head to your favorite craft store and select the cloth you will use for the awning. Something which provides a nice contrast to your wall color and goes with any upholstery in the room is a good place to start. Make sure to get more cloth than would be needed if it was just vertical since you will need more cloth to cover the same area due to the slant.

How to Assemble the Awning

Now we will start to assemble our awning. First verify the measurements of the window and decide on how wide you want the awning and how far from the wall you want it to protrude.

Cut the cloth to the correct size, making sure to measure carefully and follow any of the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are unsure of the correct size to cut just leave it extra long since we can trim the extra latter.
Carefully fold the fabric over the top curtain rod making sure that you have enough slack to reach to the top. Then pin the fabric and remove the rod. Stitch along the seam line while making sure to leave enough room to put the rod back in.
Now do the same thing for the bottom rod but only pin it, don’t stitch it yet.
Carefully measure and then cut to triangles so to close off the sides of the awning. Allow at least an inch extra vertically and horizontally to make sure you have enough cloth for a good seam. You can trim the extra off later if you want to.
If you want to add trim, tassels, or some other artistic touches add them before proceeding with the installation of hardware.
Install the cafe awning hardware carefully and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you can use a stud finder to locate the structural part of the window and screw the brackets into these, otherwise us drywall anchors that are rated for the proper weight.
Slide the top rod in and put it in the now mounted brackets.
Now slide the bottom rod into the pinned area. If there isn’t enough length, undo the pins and allow for more room. This is why we didn’t stitch it. Once you have gotten the right length, take the cloth down, stitch it and remount the bottom rod.

Congratulations! Enjoy your new cafe style awning and a nice cup of coffee.