Curtains Extravaganza
Curtains can make or break any room, but they can be so freaking expensive. Even Target’s curtains, at $30 a panel aren’t really feasible, not for my budget anyway. And then there is the hardware and the hanging - let's face it, curtains can get out of control. Here are my tips for buying and making fabulous window treatments, on a budget, of course.
Fabulous Window Treatments for $30 and under
CB2 has some fabulous window shades on sale for $9.95. Perfect for layering under your newly-made curtains.
I found this super-cute valance on Etsy for only $20.
And these funky vintage curtains for $14.50.
Never forget to check Ebay. We found these lovely sheers for $4.46 as the “Buy Now” price. Compare that to Pottery Barn’s sheers which start at $39 a panel!
Kmart has some cute curtain panels in their Essential Home collection, and starting at $9.99, that some prices you can’t beat.
Okay, sure, these are shower curtains. But think about it. Cloth shower curtains can make fabulous curtains, all you have to do is swap out the rings and hang them on a cool curtain rod and voila! Instant cheap curtains. We love this funky Linens n’ Things shower curtain for only $7.19 on sale. Beat that, if you can.
Also, who can resist this fabulous curtain from Target? For 16.99, you sure can’t. (Sure, it maybe for a shower, but your friends never have to know).
If you are lucky enough to live near an Ikea or know someone who does, pick up some fabulous inexpensive and fun Hedda curtains. $29.99 for a 2 pack of panels. That’s why I heart the Ikea.
DIY If you are a sewing master, or Sew-ista, as I like to call you. You can make curtains your self. I found a great round up of free patterns from Denver Fabrics. Some of these patterns even look easy enough for a Sew-ophyte like me.
If you want to make your curtains quick and easy, use bed sheets. Flat bed sheets in fun funky fabrics are easy to find at your local thrift store, consignment shop, or even Wal-Mart. They come pre-hemmed and even have that handy seam at the top. You can sew ribbon tabs or rings to the top of your sheets for an easier version of café and tab curtains. Don’t worry about lining the sheet. Just layer your bed sheet curtain over a white sheer curtain. Like this look from Pottery Barn.
Also, I’ve been known to snip the edges of the seams on bed sheets open so I can slip a curtain rod through them. If you want two curtain panels, get one king size sheet and cut it in half, then make a nice hem to hide the cut edges, or use bond-tape and iron yourself a quick hem. [Vintagetea Etsy Pic] I found these awesome bed sheets for only $11.95 from VintageTea’s Etsy shop that would make fabulous curtains.
These bed sheets $18.00 Uncommoneye’s Etsy shop would really make your bedroom fierce and feminine.
When hanging your curtains layer them over a curtain sheer, which can be found at Wal-Mart for little to almost nothing. This makes your DIY job look professional and takes the hassle out of opening and closing your curtains everyday, as a sheer provides protection from your noisy neighbors while still letting in the sunlight. Which brings us to curtain rods. Sear’s has curtain rods that seem to always be on clearance. I found some fabulous ones there. Or lots of people sell or give away those simple metal curtain rods at garage sales. Or, if you want to make your own, think about using cool hooks like antique door knobs, bent spoons or forks. Nail or screw your unique hooks over the window and hang your curtain tabs on the hook. Do you have some fabulous curtain finds, ideas, or patterns? I’d love to hear about them. Leave your suggesstions in the comments section below.
Lyz Lenz is the Community Editor over at the Budget Casa where you can find more great looks for less.
cheap, curtains, shades, ikea, window, window treatments, pottery barn, target
