DIY Curtain Rods and Affordable Curtains

by

window with curtains

Whenever I design a space, I always make a point of identifying what items in the room I can save money on. The curtain rods in Elsa’s bedroom were never meant to be one of those items. Initially I had planned on using brass rods from Target in her room, but as I was collecting the necessary pieces for the room makeover, I feel in love with a few things that were priced higher than I was willing to spend.

It occurred to me I needed to find another area to make more affordable. The curtain rods became my money saving target, and channeling my inner Mission Impossible self, I set out to accomplish my goal.

They say use what you have, so I did!

Materials

Tools

  • Drill
  • Screw driver

 

wood dowel

wood finials and dowel

Use What You Have

We’ll be working on our basement family room very soon and I had already decided to replace the window treatment there. I realized I could use that curtain rod for one of Elsa’s bedroom windows and create another one for her second smaller window.

I headed to Lowe’s and bought a dowel the same circumference as the actual curtain rod. I also found four wood finials on clearance at Lowes. They to attach to the end of each rod. We drilled holes in the dowel and the screws on the finials allowed us to screw them in.

hooks in package

white window hardware

Repurpose Things

Online I looked for a substitute for window hardware. White metal J hooks fit the dowel perfectly and only cost around $5 for two. Hugely cost effective as compared to buying window hardware specifically meant for curtain rods. Thinking outside the box will help you save while giving a custom look to your project.

spray painting finials

curtain rod finial

My DIY Must Have – Paint

Spray paint was my choice of paint to cover the curtain rods and get them both to match. Spray paint is not my first choice, but since I don’t have a spray painter yet it worked well. Spraying paint on was much easier than painting with a brush because of the round shape of what I was painting. I spray painted the dowel and finials a satin white. In order to get the same sheen between the two different curtain rods, I also painted a light coat of the same spray paint on the old family room curtain rod even though it was already white. Doing this the two would match exactly.

bedroom and hallway

Here’s Elsa’s bedroom prior to the DIY curtain rods and curtains going up. A pretty room, but I knew adding curtains would give it a much cozier and more refined feeling.

installing window hardware

installing curtain rod

Inhouse Outsourcing

I enlisted the help of our tallest child to attach the window hardware/J hooks. A stepping stool would work as well, but Duncan is much better company and super cute. If you’ve been here awhile you know that we teach our children as we learn about DIY and design. Someday I hope they’ll help each other with their homes. For now a big brother helping with little sister’s room makes her feel special and loved.

white curtain rod

white curtain rod

installing curtains

 

window with curtains

The curtains haven’t been steamed or styled yet in this photo and but it’s already an improvement. These curtains here are used throughout our home. I love them because they’re easy to care for, versatile and never disappoint. Plus, if they get stained I use this on them without even taking the curtains down, I just rinse well and blot dry. These curtains always comes right out looking as good as new.

bedroom window with white curtains

bedroom window over bed with white curtains

 

This was one of those projects that went just as I had imagined, a rarity! The curtain still need to be steamed, but I love the look already. When it comes to design, keeping cost down doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or the look you want.

This DIY curtain rod saved me $45 which I’ll be using in other parts of Elsa’s room. Don’t be mad, but I have to say it, Mission Accomplished!

Try this straight forward DIY curtain rod if you want save your pennies and then splurge somewhere else in your space.

xo Maria

 

 

 

6 Comments

  1. Jamala

    Great job on the rod!! I love the wall color!

    Reply
    • Maria Kamara

      Thanks Jamala! It turned out well and now Elsa get’s a special light fixture. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Mary

    I love the little houses on her windowsill too!

    Reply
    • Maria Kamara

      Yes, it’s so cute. Elsie loves to style her room.

      Reply
  3. Kathy Callan

    Where do you purchase your curtains? I may be adding curtains or drapes to some of my bare windows.

    Reply
    • Maria Kamara

      Hi Kathy! Great question. If you go to the project list and click on Curtains, it’ll take you right to the curtains I used here and throughout my home.

      Reply

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Welcome to Pure Happy Home! A home design and DIY blog encouraging and helping you to design spaces you love. Here you’ll find budget makeovers, design tips and creative ideas you can apply to your home. Follow along as our family of 7 works to make our home more beautiful and our relationships closer.

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