Embellishing Tricks for Cost-Effective Custom Curtains
Get curtains that look high end — even if you don't sew — with just a little trim here or a little banding there
One of the most expensive elements of a well-designed home can be custom curtains. Throw in the fabric, lining, rods, rings and tracks, and before you know it, you've spent thousands of dollars. In this economy that's a tough sell. But one easy way to get the look of fabulous custom curtains for a fabulous price is to simply embellish. Create your own custom look by adding trim or even sewing two curtains together to create stripes or banding. This is an instance when a little white lie won't hurt a soul.
Designer Naomi Stein used a particularly budget-friendly trick when she designed these curtains for her own cottage ...
… Affordable Greek key trim — trendy yet classic — on Ikea curtains added an instant wow factor to Stein’s master bedroom.
The curtains help to soften the edges of the bay window and add lightness to the bamboo blinds.
The curtains help to soften the edges of the bay window and add lightness to the bamboo blinds.
Another trick to consider: Install curtains from floor to ceiling. They’ll add instant height to a cramped space by drawing the eye upward. Most retailers have seen a demand for longer curtains and now stock in lengths from 84 inches to as long as 124 inches that you can hem to fit.
Can’t sew to save your life? Use Stitch Witchery to hem the edges — no one will ever know the difference.
Can’t sew to save your life? Use Stitch Witchery to hem the edges — no one will ever know the difference.
I’m pretty sure these window treatments are custom, but you can still create this look on a budget. Create your own pelmet box or valance by having wood cut to size at your local lumber store. Attach foam padding and some inexpensive fabric using a staple gun. Use fabric glue or Stitch Witchery to attach trim to the edges. Add matching trim on the curtain panels and voilà — an amazing statement window treatment for a fraction of the cost.
These curtains were cut to length to fit an awkward space. They also incorporate a favorite trick — sewing multiple fabrics together to create a custom drape. Get this look by purchasing inexpensive curtain panels or fabric to cut and sew into a single curtain.
These panels incorporate two techniques: contrasting banding and trim. Again, you can achieve this by pairing two of your favorite contrasting colors in two affordable curtain panels. Cut the darker-colored panel to a size that will add just enough drama (30 to 40 inches is my typical range, depending on the height of the panels), and sew the edges together. Use the extra fabric to add trim to the top of the panel, as shown here.
Find cost-effective curtains
Find cost-effective curtains
For a wider trim like on these black and white panels, you'll need to use fabric, since the width is greater than standard store-bought trim. Cut the fabric to the desired width, then sew along the edges.
Sleek and simple, this banding is again on the upper half of the curtain panel. The sheer color on top adds an elegant and airy touch.
Let more light in with sheer curtains
Let more light in with sheer curtains
These custom looks don’t have to be a ton of work! Shortcuts like Stitch Witchery can really save time. I’ve had an unending love affair with Stitch Witchery for years. It’s like cheating — great for nonsewers. Use it once and you’ll never grow tired of it.
Have you customized off-the-shelf curtains? We’d love to see what you did.
Have you customized off-the-shelf curtains? We’d love to see what you did.
Spray painting the existing curtain rod and using black rings upgraded the custom look even more.