Erin Napier Shares A Genius Hack To Get Gorgeous Curtains Without Spending A Fortune

Whether or not luxury curtains are worth the hype, it's fair to say many homeowners simply don't have hundreds of dollars to spare on elegant cotton duck fabrics. Curtains can make or break a space, adding a touch of softness and grandeur to the home, but buying luxury fabrics for every window will quickly add up and may not be the best choice for many folks. Thankfully, there are a few budget-friendly curtains that look way more expensive than they are, and some are actually DIY transformations from seemingly obscure items. For example, Erin Napier, star of HGTV's "Home Town," curated gorgeous window treatments for one of her living room designs from a simple hardware store find: a drop cloth!

On Napier's Laurel Mercantile blog, she shared that while she preferred some cotton duck army curtains from Restoration Hardware, it simply wasn't sensible financially. She explained, "Because I live in the real world where it's completely insane to spend $120 on one curtain panel, I am improvising." Her solution? Turn an ordinary drop cloth into stunning curtains. Drop cloths are also made of cotton duck fabric and sold for around $20 to $30 per 9x12 panel, making them a much more affordable solution for luxe-looking window treatments. Additionally, this budget-friendly curtain alternative that only looks expensive is relatively simple to DIY.

To follow Erin Napier's affordable hack and turn a drop cloth into a curtain, you'll need curtain hanging materials, an iron and ironing board, a tape measure, and possibly some fabric glue or sewing tools. Prior to purchasing your fabric, be sure to measure your space. Drop cloths are sold in several sizes, and you'll want to ensure you have enough fabric to cover your windows when closed. Familiarize yourself with some window treatment rules to make your curtains look more expensive, such as hanging your curtains at the correct height or making them the proper length.

Once you're ready, wash and dry your drop cloths prior to starting your project. Keep in mind that a high-heat setting might shrink the fabric. You might also consider dying the fabric if the neutral cream color isn't your preferred aesthetic. Next, iron the drop cloth to get rid of any creases. Then, space out curtain clips every 3 inches across the top. If you want a more modern alternative, you could instead cut holes and install grommets across the top to slip over the rod. You may also need to measure the length needed for your curtains and trim and hem the drop cloth. For a no-sew method, use safety pins and fabric glue to hem the canvas. Alternatively, some homeowners also choose to fold the fabric over at the top for a layered look. Once finished, hang your curtains, and adjust the pleats as needed.