When it comes to do-it-yourself window treatments, the old standbys are a heavy quilt held up haphazardly over the window, or even towels that double as curtains. While effective at keeping out sunlight, these options are not the least bit attractive. Here’s a list of stylish DIY window treatments you can make from items around your home.
Shower Curtains
Hey, they’re called curtains, right? In most cases, shower curtains already have holes at the top for rings, making it easy to put them on a curtain rod. If you use your shower curtains on the windows, it gives you a nice excuse to shop for a new bathroom accessory. Don’t forget that many shower curtains are washable. Give yours a run through the washing machine before moving it from the bathroom to the bedroom.
Maps
Maps make us think of the world beyond the walls of our home. So, what better way to frame a window that lets us gaze on the outside world than with a map? Use a guide for making a classic shade to transform the map into functional window curtains.
Contact Paper
Combine contact paper and a paint pen to create beautiful window films to provide partial cover to pains in French doors. Paint a design on the non-sticky side of the contact paper, then peel off the adhesive covering and stick them to the panes. Easy to remove, this DIY project creates a covering that’s thin enough to let some light seep through.
Drop Cloths
Let your creativity show when you take a plain drop cloth and paint it. Hang it to create the look of a Roman shade or a traditional shade. If you prefer not to paint it, use craft glue to attach a whimsical trim from a fabric store.
Wallpaper
Using wallpaper as a window treatment is especially easy if you already have roller shades in place. Take advantage of wallpaper’s colorful hues and fun patterns. Simply attach the wallpaper to the shades through a laminating process.
Bed Sheets and Tablecloths
If you’re crafty, you can transform sheets into curtains with some simple sewing. You just need to create a casing at the top through which you can slide the curtain rod. Sew to create the rod pocket, then hem the bottom to create the correct length and a neat edge. Take the same approach with tablecloths, which, due to their size, usually work better on small windows.
Leftover Fabric
If you have an ample supply of leftover fabric from another project, use it to create a fabric window roll. Just remove the vinyl, sew a neat hem around the edges and bottom of the fabric (properly measured to fit the roll), and attach it.
Hardware Options
Once you have your curtains, you may want some new hardware. Spray-painted tree branches, suspended rope, and golf clubs become curtain rods with tons of visual appeal. Women’s bracelets, men’s ties, and belts work well to hold single panel curtains.
What items around your home have you used to create one-of-a-kind window treatments? What kind of reaction did you get from visitors to your home?
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