Photo 1

Soft-Focus Foyer

Create a room divider without major renovation. Ready-made curtains and wooden rods form an easy entryway and cozy reading niche, as shown in Photo 1. In addition to privacy, this project provides a shelter from chilly drafts. To cozy up a living room in which the exterior door opens into the space, suspend a couple of rods from the ceiling using light chain and drapery rings (see Photo 2).

Photo 2

Hang the first rod over the window using wooden brackets attached to the wall. Using plant hangers, light chain, and drapery rings, suspend a second rod from the ceiling at the same height and roughly perpendicular to the first. Fasten curtains to the rods.

Ready-made curtains with tabs or ties are widely available and easier to get on and off for cleaning. For variety and an added sense of dimension, pick two coordinating fabric patterns -- such as a darker solid framing the window and a lighter colored check for the new "wall."