Options for DIY Window Treatments
In today’s installment of “Bridget learns the real price of home remodeling,” we are talking window treatments. More specifically, curtains, because we already forked out a ton of money for shades throughout the house. But guess what friends?! Windows also need curtains. And guess what else?! Curtains are very expensive. So today I am going over some “lower cost” budget window treatment options for everyone who can’t afford $1000 curtains.
First off, $1000 curtains you say?! Oh yes. While that may be at the high end, curtains can easily run up to $1000. And if you’re anything like me, you have unfortunately been blessed with expensive taste and overused patterns from T.J.Maxx aren’t going to cut it for your windows. (No offense T.J.Maxx, I still love you). After installing our bamboo shades last month, I went on the hunt for beautiful curtains to compliment the shades. Hours and hours of scouring the internet for something unique that fits with the overall feel of our house left me with a big ol’ goose egg. Sure, there were some nice options on Etsy, but even those got to be pricey when I considered the length and width needed for each window. There were some even nicer options on fancy designer sites like Kravet. Cue scene from Wayne’s World as I drooled over all their fabric.
One day, Kravet, one day. But todayyyy we are still on a budget and still need affordable window treatments. So what’s a person with champagne taste on a beer budget to do? DIY of course! There’s just a teeny tiny problem with DIY curtains – I don’t know how to sew. The DIY part will have to be minimal sewing. But I also don’t want them to look homemade. If you know what I mean. The following list is everything I could find on DIY budget window treatments that look fantastic.
Convert IKEA Curtains to Pinch Pleat
This option is very intriguing because pinch pleat curtains were so popular in mid century homes. Not only does it keep with the style of our house, but it is also very attractive. It makes a window look so polished! This DIY from the Grit and Polish shows you how to convert IKEA curtains to pinch pleat with very little sewing involved!
Pinch Pleat Curtains from Rod Pocket
If you don’t want to be stuck with only IKEA options, this DIY from ehow shows you how to convert rod pocket curtains to pinch pleat curtains. This one definitely involves more sewing, but if you can work a sewing machine you will have so many more fabric options!
DIY Curtains using Hem Tape
Don’t want to use curtain fabric from a big box store? Me either! Lantern Lane Designs shows you how to make curtains from any fabric you like using hem tape. This DIY is truly no sew. If you pick an inexpensive fabric, this is probably the most budget friendly option. I personally wouldn’t choose this option for a room that is used often, but it is a great choice for a guest room or office!
DIY Blackout Window Treatments
The price of curtains goes up significantly when you add a blackout liner. This tutorial from the DIY Playbook shows you how to add your own blackout liner to curtains. This is a great option for those of you who found curtains you like, but want extra privacy. There is no need to buy new curtains! The tutorial is even no sew! Hoorah!
DIY Pleater Tape Window Treatments
This DIY option is certainly more involved than the other tutorials, but it also gives you the best result. Onlinefabricstore.net shows you how to make pinch pleat curtains using your fabric of choice. You will need a sewing machine for this DIY. Oh and you need to know how to sew. But these curtains look sooo good.
I hope one (or all) of these tutorials will be helpful as you pick budget window treatments for your home. As for me, I will probably end up using a combination of all the tutorials to make our window treatments. I’m thinking about a practice run on the guest room and once I feel confident, DIYing the living room picture window treatments. More updates to come on that! Happy curtain-making!
