Curtains add a lot to a room. Not only do they offer an opportunity to incorporate a touch of color into a living space, but they also provide privacy and block in the morning light so that we can get those important extra hours of shut-eye.
Curtains, however, can be expensive, not to mention the fact that it can be hard to find curtains that fit your own individual tastes. If you’ve read this site before, you know what we are about to suggest: you should make your very own curtains!
20 Creative DIY Curtain Ideas
Fringe Curtains
If you want your curtains to do more than just block out light and provide privacy, then here is an option for you. We are starting out strong with a tutorial on how to make DIY metallic fringe curtains, as seen in this YouTube tutorial. Bold, yes, but it’s sure to appeal to some palettes.
Tablecloth Curtains
Have you ever seen the design of a tablecloth and thought to yourself, “wow, I wish that I could use that as curtains instead”? You will no longer have to have this wish because it is now easier than ever to turn tablecloths into curtains thanks to the tutorial from Just a Girl Blog. We are pleasantly surprised by how well this really works!
DIY Ruffle Curtains
You need to have a bit of a sewing skill to pull off these ruffled curtains from Maison de Pax, but if you can make it work for you the end result is way worth it. We think that these curtains look so elegant that they belong in a kingdom!
Flat Sheet Curtains
We are surprised that the idea of using a flat sheet as a curtain isn’t more popular. After all, a flat sheet is generally the same size as a curtain and is also usually the same texture (if not softer). Sheets are also often less expensive than curtains, for the same reason that regular dresses are usually cheaper than wedding dresses. Find out how to make flat sheet curtains over at Must Have Mom.
Sharpie Script Markets
Are you a fan of designs that incorporate script? How about a design that uses your own personal script? That’s exactly the idea behind these curtains from Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza, which shows how you can transform plain white curtains using only Sharpies and your very best handwriting.
“Lazy” No-Sew Curtains
There is no shame in looking for a “lazy” DIY solution! After all, we don’t all have a ton of time to spare. We love the way that this tutorial from Designer Trapped shows you how you can make lazy no-sew curtains that come with a pattern at the top for a touch of design.
DIY Valance
A valance will not serve as a complete curtain solution, but it can certainly work as a design touch! You can follow this tutorial from Down Home Inspiration to make your very own valance in 10 minutes for a total of only $10.
Tie-Dye Curtains
Have you heard the news? Tie-dye is back, and with a pretty big vengeance! While it is obvious to tie-dye your shirts and sweaters, what is less obvious is tie-dying your curtains. But we happen to encourage this behavior because we think the end result is so impressive. See for yourself over at the White Buffalo Styling Co.
No-Sew Drapery Panels
Sometimes we use curtains less for a practical purpose and more for aesthetic appeal. If you are looking to make curtain panels out of patterned fabric, then this tutorial from Cleverly Inspired is certainly for you. You can use the fabric of your choice, of course.
No-Sew Privacy Curtains
Let’s face it: we’re not all exactly naturally talented when it comes to the sewing machine. That doesn’t mean that we should miss out on the opportunity to make our very own DIY privacy curtains. You can follow this tutorial from Shining on Design to make your simple privacy curtains using just a swatch of fabric and a bit of adhesive.
Pom Pom Curtains
These adorable pom pom curtains from Oh Joy! Are so simple and so, so cute. If you have young children, this is the perfect way to add a splash of color to their bedroom. We’re sure they will absolutely love it. Of course, you can use any color pom pom that you would like.
Oversized DIY Curtains
These curtains will involve quite a bit of sewing, but if you can muster up the skills then it is well worth it. Worst case scenario, you could always enlist the help of somebody else in your life to help you with the complicated sewing parts! The end result is a beautiful pair of large curtains that cost a fraction of the price of what they would cost at the store. Get the idea from Two Twenty-One.
Ikea Pom Pom Curtains
There is no denying that Ikea is a wonderful source for affordable home furnishings, and this includes curtains. However, what do you do if your room’s overall vibe does not match the generally low-key tones and patterns of Ikea? If you follow the example that is set by Beckham and Belle, then you will see that it is possible to turn regular white Ikea curtains into adorable colorful curtains using only yellow pom-poms.
DIY Roman Shade
A Roman shade is a type of curtain that has a gathered look when pulled up. This may sound complicated, but it is actually pretty easy to make your very own roman shade. You can see how it’s done over at the Gathered Home. We love the unique tiger fabric that they used for this curtain!
Burlap Valance
Here is another valance idea, this time out of burlap! This tutorial from That’s Crafty shows you how you can make your very own valance out of burlap. This is perfect for a country with a vintage-styled kitchen.
DIY Window Topper
Sometimes curtains just aren’t enough. If you would like to add a touch of design to your DIY curtains, then you can do exactly that by making this window topper from Curbly. One of the best things about making your own curtains is the fact that you can make them custom to fit the measurements of your window.
Tea Towel Curtains
We think that this idea from this home tour on Apartment Therapy is so cute! It uses small tea towels as curtains over a small accent window. Why spend money on fancy curtains for small spaces when you can just as well use a tea towel that probably comes with a more beautiful pattern anyway?
Ikea Curtains Turned Greek-Inspired
Do you inspire the culture of Ancient Greece? You know have an opportunity to express your adoration for this culture by transforming a set of plain Ikea sheets into something that looks like it’s straight out of a palace in Ancient Greece. Get the look over at DIY Decor Mom.
Floral Roman Shade
Here is another example of a Roman shade that you can make yourself. We love the touch of spring that a floral pattern brings, and love the way that it can brighten any room. Get the look also at DIY Decor Mom.
Sewing for Beginners Curtains
These curtains are ideal for beginners who do not feel totally confident in their sewing abilities but would still like to have a try at sewing curtains. This tutorial from Phat Quarters Fabric will show you how to make a curtain using easy-to-sew bar loops.
So there you have it—a whole litany of DIY curtain ideas that look expensive (but actually aren’t). Which ones are you going to incorporate into your home?