When you are renting your home, the last thing you want to do is invest a lot of money in things like custom window treatments that may or may not work well in your future home. The good news is that there are many do-it-yourself options to create custom, high-end looking window treatments without spending a lot of money.
There are several different types of window covering options depending on your needs and the size of your windows. For example, some types are merely decorative, while others are fully functional and provide privacy. I’m excited to share some tips and ideas for creating your own DIY window treatments, and hopefully one of these suggestions will work for your home.
DIY Roman Shades
There are several methods you can use to create your own DIY Roman Shades. You can sew them, or you can go the easy route like I did. I made no-sew faux roman shades.
While you can adjust them, they are mostly intended for decorative purposes. I simply used a long panel of fabric and 3 pressure rods to create the look of Roman shades.
No-Sew Valance
For an easy way to make a decorative valance, simply adhere two panels of fabric together at the top and bottom using fabric glue or fuseable webbing, leaving the sides open. Insert a curtain rod through the opening and hang it up!
Modify Store-Bought Curtains
Photo via The Frugal Homemaker
There is no rule saying that you have to leave store-bought curtains as they are. Get creative and modify them to your liking! You can purchase inexpensive curtain panels and give them personality by stenciling a pretty pattern on them or painting stripes.
Another way to add stripes is to attach strips of colored fabric onto plain white curtain panels by sewing them on or using hem tape or fuseable webbing. You can add ribbon to finish off the edges of the stripes.
Photo via DIY on the Cheap
Think Outside the Box and Upcycle
Photo via The Frugal Homemaker
Even something as simple as a bed sheet can be upcycled into curtain panels! You can also add “no-sew” back tabs to existing curtains for a different look.
Skip the Fabric Window Treatments
![Add Privacy to a Glass Front Door for a buck - The Silly Pearl_thumb[1]](http://diyonthecheap.com/wp-content/uploads/Add-Privacy-to-a-Glass-Front-Door-for-a-buck-The-Silly-Pearl_thumb1.jpg)
Photo via The Silly Pearl
For windows on doors or in bathrooms, you could always add a privacy film which can later be removed. This can be done on a budget and is very easy.
You could even use vinyl to create a fun pattern while providing privacy at the same time. When it’s time to move out, you simply peel it off.
Photo via A Turtle’s Life for Me
Modify the Length of Pre-Existing Curtains
Do you have curtains you love but they don’t fit your current window size?
You can add length by sewing on a panel of coordinating fabric creating one wide stripe at either the top or the bottom. If they happen to just be a few inches too short, purchasing curtain rings and clips can add a little bit of height.
Too long? No problem. Sew a hem, or use a “no-sew” method by using hem tape, fuseable webbing or fabric glue and an iron to get a crisp edge.
Window treatments can really warm up a room and finish off your design, so hopefully one of the above solutions will work for you so that you can have budget-friendly window decor in your home!
