14 Budget-Friendly Curtain Treatment Ideas For A High-End Appearance On A Dime

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Window treatments can be one of the most important elements in any room. Not only do they offer privacy and control light levels, but they also dress up windows and allow you to set a room's tone. They can create a dynamic focal point out of windows or, conversely, fade into the background to set the stage for other elements. Curtains can be expensive, especially if you have a larger number of windows or glass doors, which often can cost hundreds of dollars in custom window coverings and drapes. If you want the luxe look of custom drapery but have a limited budget, there are many ways to take inexpensive treatments to the next level with just a few simple adjustments. By adding elements like braided trim or fancy tiebacks and paying attention to texture and how the drapes hang, you can easily make cheap curtains look more expensive.

Most of these tricks can be accomplished DIY-style with elements available from stores like Amazon for a few dollars, making them a quick fix that can instantly transform a space. Some of these elements can be swapped out for others as your tastes and style change, without replacing more expensive draperies if you already have them. Many of these tricks, like swapping out curtain rods and adding layers, are also great for rental and temporary spaces when dealing with outdated window treatments or budget-friendly curtains that need a little help.

Inexpensive cotton curtains often feature ugly curtain grommets, which are often too casual to work well in a chic space. You can upgrade these curtains by removing the metal grommet circles and sewing the holes closed. Then add more stealthy pleat hooks, like these Shappy Drapery Hooks, along the top of the curtain for easy hanging.

Tiebacks are a great way to add a little extra something to your windows while fulfilling a very important purpose. Since many are just strips of trim or fabric that attach to the wall, why not use some more ornamental metal hooks that hold the curtains back? Some great budget-friendly options include these beautiful Leaf-Shaped Curtain Holdbacks or these Vintage Rose Pattern Bronze Tie Backs.

Finials at the ends of curtain rods can draw the eye up, making your room feel taller, and they also make a cheap pair of curtains look luxe. You can find finials to fit any kind of aesthetic, including scrolled or cut glass finials for more vintage spaces, like these pretty KamaNina Netted Texture Finials. For a modern look, opt for finials that are plain or geometric in shape, like these Ivilon End Cap Finials.

Cornices were once a hallmark of older homes, creating a box above the window that hid the hardware at the top and gave a more polished and cohesive look to the space. These days, you can find them in the more traditional box-like formation as well as in more streamlined flat pieces that just fit over the top and hide hardware like this Zshine Curtain Panel.

Hanging your windows higher or wider than the actual window can make the space look taller and your windows seem larger. This also grants fuller coverage that blocks light and offers more privacy. Opt for curtains equal to your ceiling height to ensure they touch the floor or pool at the baseboards even when hung above the window. This gives your space a very chic look. 

A great way to add bulk to curtains without having to invest in more drapery panels is to layer your curtain with inexpensive sheer or lace panels. This not only hides more of the window but also makes the covering look much fuller and voluminous when open or closed. Lace and sheer panels can be one of the least expensive window treatments you can buy, making it easy to stock up. 

Canvas drop cloths are a great alternative to cotton drapes that can cover large windows with much less expense. Just add some clip hooks along the top, then double the cloth over to look like a valance. You can purchase a pack of four large Zuperia Canvas Drop Cloths for $44.99, then hang them high and wide for an expensive look.

Fringe is a classic touch that can make even the most inexpensive curtains and drapes look high-end. Add it as a trim along the edge of a panel or use a fringed rope as a tieback. Add fringe to your existing coverings or buy these Chocolate Brown Sheer Curtains with tassels. They will work beautifully alone or as underlying crochet-textured panels with a thicker, blackout drape

A richly layered look on your windows reads much more luxe than a single texture alone. This means bringing in fabrics like linen, silk, lace, chiffon, and others to create a more sumptuous and touchable feel. You can add more texture to your curtain via edging or trim, linings, hardware, sheers, as well as other supplementary window coverings like bamboo blinds or linen shades.

Expensive curtains typically have tiny weights at the bottom that keep them hanging straight, but you can also make lighter and inexpensive curtains heavier by tacking small disc weights to the bottom seam, like these Dritz Covered Lead Drapery Weights. This will make your curtains look deluxe and also keep them from billowing or getting messed up every time pets or kids brush against them.

Detailed trim, like ric-rac and braided cording, along the edge of curtains or along the top can instantly add a more expensive look to budget-friendly window treatments. Consider complementary fabrics, tape trim, or ribbon trim where the curtain panels meet to add extra interest. Or add some beading along the top for a pretty accent that draws the eye up. 

For thicker drapes, get a rich look by carefully pleating your drapery panels. Iron or steam the folded pleats on your curtains, then place a band or clip around them to hold in place for several weeks to a month. When loosened, the trained pleats will last for several months after. This can be a periodic hack for perfectly hanging drapes. 

Lining your curtains can be easier to make than you think and can be a great way to add more insulation, blackout material, or just a complementary/contrasting fabric to the backside of your curtains. It also allows you to enjoy printed curtains indoors while using a solid fabric visible from outside. Mix prints or pair a solid with a rich floral for a cohesive and coordinated look.

Embroidered details can create a custom and bespoke look on even the cheapest curtain panels. Embroider details by hand or with a machine along the edges or top for a luxe look. You can also add randomly placed embroidered details on lace or sheer panels to make them look more expensive. For thicker fabrics, you can skip the embroidery work and iron-on patches that look like the real thing.