Do you ever feel like your home decor could use more personality? If your rooms tend toward the neutral and expected, corn on the cob curtains may be just what you need to inject some cheerful style. With their rows of plump corn cobs, these playful curtains can instantly enliven lackluster spaces. Let’s explore the origins of this unique fabric pattern and how you can use it to give your home a boost of whimsy and vintage farmhouse charm.
Far from a staple found only in catalogs, corn on the cob curtains have an unexpectedly fascinating history behind them. In the early 1970s, students in Indianapolis printed an underground newspaper featuring this fabric pattern and social commentary, sparking conflict with officials over censorship. Though born of controversy, corn cob curtains emerged with new popularity. Today they prompt smiles rather than scandal.
Corn on the Cob Curtains Defined
Corn on the cob curtains feature a decorative fabric or wallpaper showcasing imagery of corn bursting with kernels in rows. The lighthearted pattern looks as if giant ears of corn have been nailed in sequence across the material. This gives spaces dressed in the fabric the atmosphere of a charming barn or farm-style kitchen.
In addition to curtains, the corn cob design can commonly be found on other home accents like:
- Throw pillows
- Tablecloths
- Quilts and blankets
- Placemats
- Wallpaper and murals
No matter how you incorporate it into your rooms, the result is sure to be warm, welcoming and full of spirit.
History and Origins
To understand the appeal of corn on the cob curtains, it helps to know the history behind these distinctive prints. In 1971, students from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis published an underground newspaper called Corn Cob Curtain . It included political commentary that soon met with censorship efforts.
School and city officials pushed to halt publishing and discipline the student writers over concerns about vulgarity. Their fight against the newspaper escalated into a heated legal battle over free speech rights. The case rose to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1974, bringing national attention to the corn cob fabric used by the students.
A Fabric Born of Conflict
Though divisive at first, the eye-catching corn motif ultimately emerged from the controversy with wider admiration. As the court ruling recognized students’ free expression rights, so did the public embrace their chosen background design.
Today corn on the cob curtains and wallpaper symbolize charming Americana style rather than political turmoil. The rows of corn broadcasting their kernels have an endearing innocence and playfulness to them.
Purchasing Ready-Made Curtains and Fabric
Part of the recent comeback of corn-themed decor is increased availability of ready-made cob curtains for hassle-free style. You can instantly inject personality into a boring bedroom or basic kitchen with these cheerful curtains.
Some top retailers offering corn on the cob curtains and fabrics include:
- Amazon – Affordable prices, wide selection
- Etsy – Unique handmade and vintage finds
- eBay – Auction site with discounts and bargains
- Society6 – Artist-designed prints, wallpaper available
- Spoonflower – Customizable fabrics, wide variety
Prices can range from budget-friendly at $10-$25 per panel for simpler designs up to over $100 for more intricate or luxury curtains with thick linings, embroidery, or carving work. Measure carefully and read reviews to ensure satisfaction with your online order.
Complete Your Corn Cob Collection
Once your curtains set the foundation, have fun curating complementary corn-inspired accents. Brands like Kirkland’s, Cracker Barrel, and others sell matched sets with table linens, throw pillows, ceramic plates, and figurines flaunting the famous vegetable.
Mix and match these accessories for a cohesive corn-centric style that looks professionally designed. The coordinating pieces make it easy to carry the fabric pattern through multiple rooms for big decorative impact.
Making Your Own DIY Creations
If you enjoy arts and crafts, roll up your sleeves and whip up customized corn on the cob printed projects. Making your own curtains, pillow covers, and other decor allows for personal flair at low cost.
Sewing with Corn Cob Fabrics
Using corn-adorned material ordered online or found locally, try sewing no-fuss curtains, throw pillows, table runners, potholders, blankets, and more. Square and rectangle shapes without much shaping work best for beginners.
For guidance, search for corn cob sewing patterns and video tutorials appropriate to your skill level. Simple designs come together quickly but make a decor statement.
No-Sew Decor Ideas
Without any stitching, use printable corn cob wallpaper or fabric for easy embellishments:
- Decoupage paper or fabric onto home accessories like trays, vases, and lampshades using Mod Podge
- Cover magnets, notebooks, and clipboards with corn-patterned scrapbook paper or printed photos
- Line shelves and drawers using corn cob contact paper or fabric
Experiment with these and other no-sew techniques for cute, budget-friendly corn decor you can change up anytime.
Customizing Solid Curtains
Jazz up a plain curtain panel using:
- Fabric paint to freehand corn cob rows
- Iron-on patches featuring the design
- Corn-shaped sequins or lace trim
- Appliques and stitches using corn-hued thread
Add pops of sunny yellow or autumnal orange paint for even more vibrancy. Kits are available, or brainstorm your own original embellishments.
Styling and Decorating with Corn Cob Fabrics
Ready to try corn on the cob curtains but not sure where to begin? Consider these fun and functional ways to display corn printed textiles throughout your home:
Kitchen Style
- Brighten your cook space with lively layered cafe curtains at the sink or window
- Use corn fabric to line open shelves or cabinet doors
- Top the table with a checkered or solid tablecloth plus corn overlay
- Display ceramic corn cob salt-and-pepper shakers and planters
Bedroom Theme
- Showcase curtains with complementary quilt and shams
- Paint an accent wall or mural with corn vignettes
- Toss corn-printed lumbar pillows on the bed and bench
- Try wallpaper on a feature wall or inside closets
The options for infusing rooms with this happy-go-lucky pattern are endless. Have fun brainstorming creative vignettes!
The Comeback: Contemporary Trends
While corn motifs maintain retro appeal, modern designers are also reinventing cob prints for contemporary times. The comeback includes:
- Digital corn graphics with vivid colors and exaggerated dimensions
- Abstract art interpretations like smeared or pixelated corn images
- Sculptural corn decor items such as planters, lights, and wall art
- Unexpected products like yoga mats, phone cases, and sneakers boasting corn
The revival embraces corn’s versatility to express heritage yet also daring individuality. Seek out forward-thinking finds or intermingle classics with innovative styles.
In recent years, interior design has spotlighted appreciation for nostalgic, artisanal goods often labeled “grandmillennial style.” The look features elements of granny chic and cottagecore coziness.
Within this movement favoring handicrafts and heritage recipes comes greater adoration for corn on the cob curtains and wallpaper. The aroma of comfort food may practically waft from their hand-hewn, harvest-themed prints.
For many, it conjures happy memories of backyard barbecues and family living rooms. Unabashedly homey, corn cob decor uncomplicates design to pamper its audience like warm apple pie.
