Give Your Curtains A Designer Look On A Budget With DIY Trim

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Nailing the look of luxe curtains doesn't need to cost a fortune. There are a few budget-friendly curtains that look way more expensive than they are, and some homeowners find that even a simple DIY like adding fabric trim to the bottom of their drapes could boost their look, providing a more custom finish by mixing and matching materials or adding subtle patterns. Compared to the cost of luxury curtains with trim, like this one from Home Depot, which is priced over $50 per panel, DIYing curtains with trim could be as affordable as purchasing trim fabric for $5.99 per yard at craft stores like Michaels.

To tackle this DIY, choose a fabric to pair with your existing drapery. You could choose a sheer material for an airy feel, silk or satin for elegance, or a cozy velvet to add warmth. Keep in mind that the cost of different fabrics will vary. Silk and velvet will cost more than cotton or linen. And if you need to purchase new curtains rather than using your existing ones, your DIY project could cost $50 or more to achieve. Aside from bottom trim, adding trim to the sides of the curtain panels instead could offer a more striking visual effect, framing your drapes. Opting for lace, bullion, or pom-pom details on the bottom could offer a less rigid and more unique look. While there are some curtain tips that even HGTV stars swear by, the aesthetic depends on your personal preference.

Once you have a fabric that looks appealing paired with your curtains, measure your existing drapes and the distance from the curtain rod to the floor. Doing this will help you decide how long your end result should be. Should the drapes puddle? Do you want them to float just above the floor? Or, should your curtains touch the floor? Depending on the look you're going for, you may need to cut your existing curtain to fit the new trim pieces. Some folks suggest using 1½ inch strips so the trim is subtle but can still be seen from across a room. With your dimensions noted, measure and cut the trim fabric to suit the length and width of your existing curtain panel, also considering the hem allowance. You can use an invisible washable fabric marker to note these measurements.

Next, pin the trim fabric to the curtain panel. To keep your hem straight, line up the end of your curtain panel fabric with the edge of the new fabric. These two fabrics should have ¼ inch to 2 inches of hem allowance. Then, use a sewing machine to attach the trim to your curtain panel and hem the edges. Or, use a no-sew method like fabric adhesives. However, keep in mind that this technique may not be as durable. Once sewn, use an iron or a steamer to remove wrinkles. Then you can hang your curtain.