Betsie & Co. - Blog

Fall is the season of cozy evenings, golden leaves, and warm gatherings around the table. Bringing the beauty of autumn indoors is simple when you focus on rich colors, layered textures, and patterns that echo the season. Here are a few easy ways to create a welcoming fall home using table runners, pillows, and curtains. Set the Table with an Autumn Runner   A patterned table runner instantly sets the tone for the fall season. This burnt orange runner, featuring circular floral-inspired motifs, feels festive yet refined, making it perfect for everyday dining or a special dinner party. Pair it with simple white dinnerware and rustic wood textures to let the bold fabric stand out. Add a vase with dried flowers or branches for a natural centerpiece.   Add Warmth with Solid Pillows   Textiles are the quickest way to refresh your home for the season. A solid rust-colored pillow brings warmth and depth to your living room or bedroom. This shade mirrors the autumn leaves outdoors, tying your décor to the season. Mix it with plaid pillows, knit throws, or a patterned accent pillow for a layered, inviting look.   Frame the Season with Plaid Curtains   Nothing says fall like plaid. These warm-toned plaid curtains, featuring deep reds, golds, and browns, add instant coziness to any room. In the kitchen, they create a farmhouse charm that feels both homey and timeless. Pair them with rustic wood accents or neutral walls to let the fabric’s colors pop.   Bringing It All Together When decorating for fall, focus on a warm palette: rusty oranges, deep reds, and golden neutrals. Use patterns like plaid and florals sparingly, balancing them with solids to avoid overwhelming a space. A simple formula is to combine one patterned piece (such as the table runner or curtains) with one or two solid accents (like the pillow). With just a few key adjustments, your home can beautifully embrace the season—perfect for cozy nights in or hosting friends and family. 🍂 Ready to refresh your home for fall? Shop seasonal table runners, pillows, and curtains at Betsie & Co.

If you're looking to add a little charm and character to your windows without committing to full drapes or blinds, valances and café curtains are the perfect solution. These classic window treatments are easy to install, surprisingly versatile, and ideal for letting in just the right amount of light while still maintaining some privacy. Whether you’re going for cozy cottage vibes in your kitchen or a tailored touch in your laundry room, this guide will show you exactly how to measure, where to use them, and how to style them to suit your space. What Are Valances and Café Curtains? Valances are decorative fabric treatments that cover just the upper portion of a window. They add a finished, stylish look and are often used to conceal curtain rods or blinds. Café curtains cover only the lower half of a window, usually hung from a rod placed halfway down the frame. Originally popularized in French bistros (hence the name), they offer privacy while still allowing plenty of natural light. Both can be used alone or together, depending on the desired look and function. Popular styles include ruffled, tailored, box pleat, scalloped, and rod-pocket varieties. How to Measure for Valances and Café Curtains Getting the measurements right is key to achieving a polished look. Measuring for Valances: Measure the window width: Include the frame. For fullness, multiply by 1.5 to 2, depending on fabric and design. Determine the length: Standard valance lengths range from 10 to 18 inches. For taller ceilings or larger windows, opt for a longer length. Mounting placement: Decide if you want to mount above the window frame for added height or directly on it. Measuring for Café Curtains: Measure the window width: Like valances, multiply by 1.5 to 2 for desired fullness. Choose the rod height: Typically halfway down the window or slightly lower. Measure drop length: From the top of the rod to the desired endpoint, typically the window sill or just above it. Tip: Always use a steel measuring tape and double-check before ordering. Where to Use Them Valances and café curtains work beautifully in: Kitchens: Add coziness and charm while letting in morning light. Bathrooms: Perfect for privacy without blocking natural light. Breakfast Nooks: Enhances a relaxed, airy atmosphere. Mudrooms & Laundry Rooms: Softens utilitarian spaces with minimal fuss. Craft Rooms or Nurseries: Adds softness and a tailored touch to casual areas. They also suit homes with farmhouse, cottage, coastal, vintage, or traditional aesthetics. Styling Tips & Inspiring Examples Layering: Pair café curtains with a valance or Roman shade for a layered, designer look. Fabric Choices: Use linen or cotton for casual spaces; silk or velvet for formal rooms. Patterns vs. Solids: Stripes and florals evoke a country or coastal vibe; solids feel crisp and modern. Seasonal Swaps: Change up with the seasons—light cottons for spring/summer, heavier textures for fall/winter. Examples: A crisp white café curtain with a gingham valance in a country kitchen. A neutral linen valance in a bathroom paired with a bamboo shade underneath. Bright floral café curtains in a sunroom or craft space. Final Thoughts Valances and café curtains offer a stylish, budget-friendly way to update your windows. They’re easy to measure, install, and customize for any space. Whether you're aiming for quaint and cozy or sleek and tailored, there's a combination that will suit your home perfectly. Explore our handcrafted collection of valances and café curtains, proudly made in the USA by Betsie & Co.