Have you ever priced custom window treatments that were 108 inches in length? Holy Moly, they are not cheap curtains!
I just could not bring myself to pay $$$$ for custom window treatments! So I took the advice from my dear friend and professional interior designer, Heather, of Renewal Home Decor. One day we were discussing my ideas for my dining and living room transformation, she suggested that I use pre made curtains and embellish them by adding custom fabric to them to design my own “custom curtains”!
What a great idea!
What a great DIY home project for anyone!
Why would I do this?
Because I love the custom look without the custom price! And because I am looking for ideas to pass on to all of you!
I think this is a great cheap curtain idea for nomads like me!
Even if you don’t move often, but like to follow the latest home decor trends, this is a great way to do just that without spending a lot of money. This is just a great idea period!
Where did I buy the premade curtains?
why IKEA, of course! These curtains are the VIVAN and sold in a package with 2 panels, 98 inches in length, white in color, just the perfect neutral, not too white but not too yellowish either. They are 70% polyester 30% cotton and have a linen look to them.
And they were only $9.99 for the pair! Yes you read that correctly! $9.99 for both! I know right! That’s like 5 bucks each!
I bought this custom fabric by Waverly Fabrics from Joanne’s when it was 50% off !
Ohhh Yeeaah- I love a bargain!
I bought the yellow trim from JoAnnes at 50% off too!
Because I absolutely do not sew, I had them “professionally” sewn together by a seamstress, but you can always check out how to make curtains from many online websites.
Oh and just so you will know, my professional curtain maker was impressed with the quality, she said these IKEA curtains were very good quality! She even said she would recommend them to her customers.
*I chose to add the custom fabric to the top of the curtain panel, but you can always add it to the bottom.
How did I know the correct amount of custom fabric to add to each curtain panel?
Easy, Heather told me the “rule”. The custom fabric will total 1/3 of the total length of the curtain.
I wanted these curtains to total 108 inches in length, so 1/3 of 108 is 36 inches.
I think each panel needed 1 yard of fabric.
These curtains are not lined, however I have sheers clipped behind them and used curtain clips to hang on a rod. Easy peasy!
It works for me, maybe it will work for you!
Everyone who has seen them, loves them. In fact, a trip to IKEA is in the works. Have you ever added custom fabric to pre-made curtains?
What are your favorite cheap curatin ideas?
Linking to Not just a housewife
Wanda, your curtains are gorgeous! They look like they were custom made. Your dinning area looks so beautiful. Love, love your chairs!
Maria I love my chairs too! they were an overstock.com find!! My curtains really are beautiful, and look better in person!!
What a great idea! And they look elegant! Found you through the SITS Girls Linky party, but now I’ll be back!
Thanks Linda! I think so too! Of course they look better in person! Thanks for visiting!!
They look beautiful!!! I keep saying i’m going to do this….someday i’ll but curtains up! LOL
Thank you! curtains really add to a room! Thanks for visiting!
I prefer blinds for my window. But blinds are expensive. I like your ideas, and tq for suggesting IKEA.
-Honeybee
http://herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com
Beautiful! The look store bought and custom made. I would have thought you paid a fortune! Certainly need to keep this tip in mind when I move to my next apartment!
Melissa they are so easy and cheap! I will be doing a no sew custom curtain tutorial soon. Stay tuned!
Love it! Such a simple and beautiful addition to your home. Happy SITS day!
Thanks! They are wonderful, in fact I am making more for another room!
WOW! Those look great! What a fantastic idea!!
Thanks!
Thanks for the tutorial. We have lived in our house over four years and I only have curtains in my kid’s rooms because I didn’t want to spend the money on custom curtains. Thanks for this easy option. Happy SITS day!
Thank you for stopping by. Curtains can be so expensive. This is so easy and so affordable. I will be doing a no sew curtain project soon so if you don’t sew, no worries!
Such a great idea. IKEA here I come. Enjoy your SITS Day.
Ha, I just came home from Ikea. Will be making custom curtains with a friend.
They look beautiful! I’ve been thinking about curtains recently. I may have to incorporate this into my plans. Thanks.
I just came home from Ikea. I am working on a pair with a friend today. it’s totally cost effective! i would love to know if you try it!
Loved this! This idea is awesome!!
Thanks. I just got home from Ikea, I am working on a pair with a friend today!
Thanks for stopping by.
Nice! This is a great idea, especially since I tend to hate the typical curtains you find in the stores. I never even thought of putting my own together.
and oh so cheap!!
I agree, I don’t like typical curtains either. This idea will allow you to be very creative with the fabric you choose and there are so many cool fabrics out there.
Great idea! My husband and I are moving overseas this summer and I’m stockpiling ideas. Happy SITS day!
Oh I know all about moving overseas. If you have valuable furniture, store it. We had a ton of damage.
We’re “renting” the house and furniture to my son and some friends so no worries there (except what we’ll find when we return, lol). I was told I could take TWO suitcases. We’re mega-downsizing.
Oh my, you may have much more damage when you return than I did!
Happy SITS Day! These turned out really nice
I love the tip you gave about the custom part being about 1/3 of the entire thing. I think the right proportion is what makes it look custom made, but not cheap (although cheap is good!) Thanks so much!
Thank you! I try to give as many details I can to help make any project look the most professional. Thanks for dropping by.
Great idea! I am always thinking on how to take my curtains to the next level, and anytime I move (MC Spouse, here) I never have the right amount of curtains. Ooor I don’t have the right size. I do sew, so this would be something right up my alley and within that budget.
Have a Happy day SITStah. 
I hear you, I know all about curtains and windows! 16 years and 7 houses!