Tree Branch Curtain Rod

>You may remember about a year ago I shared a picture of an aspen tree (gnawed down by a beaver), tied to the top of my truck. Or maybe not, since you probably have a lot better things running through your head! Anyhoo, I've been collecting branches and well, trees, to use as curtain rods in my master bedroom.

I kept moving this project to the back burner because I couldn't envision a solution for sewing tabs on the curtains that were large enough to fit through the tree. Due to the curve of the tree and branches, I was trying to think up ways to accommodate various sized tabs so the curtains would be evenly touching the floor. Basically too. much. trouble.

Meanwhile, this gave the branch time to dry out and for the creepy crawlies to creep out (and onto my bedroom floor where I was storing the durn thing fo-eva).

I then sprayed all the branches with a clear varnish to seal them. This would also cut off the oxygen to the inside of the wood, killing any left over creepers and giving the wood a nice finish.

I decided to just go for it and see how much of the branch I could thread through the hidden tabs on the back of the curtains and go from there. Lo and Behold the whole tree fit (although some places felt like putting on skinny jeans after all you can eat sushi). I prefer a step by step approach when decorating, especially when faced with a decision or predicament. In other words, I'm not a big planner and I don't always think out all the steps before starting a project....that's not a good thing.

The branches are held up by plant hangers from Home Depot. I had a couple to choose from and decided upon the ornate design. I spray painted them white and distressed them with sand paper.

All 'rods' dip down in the middle and I had planned to wire them in way that would support the 'rod' so that it curved out into the room, but after placing the curtains in their spot for a week I decided to leave them as is.

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To secure the 'rods' in place, I drilled holes on both ends of the wood.

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Then I threaded small gage wire through and around the plant holders, twisting them together in the back.

This is pretty important step. We left ours in place without being secured for too long and I'm surprised there weren't any casualties.

I love the natural element they bring to the design of the room.

My curtains are the aina curtains from Ikea. And how bout that bed canopy? Pretty slick eh? More on that one here!

P.S. My son loved the idea so much he carried a huge branch for over a mile while on a hike with friends. "It's for my mom...." Isn't he cute? Honestly it was way to big around to use as a curtain rod, but I have it leaning against the wall in the corner of my room cuz I don't have the heart to part with it.

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