Forget Pricey Curtains: The IKEA Solution To Cover Windows For $5

Adding coverings to your windows can have stylistic benefits, helping a sterile space to instantly become cozier. Curtains can also improve the privacy you enjoy in your own home. If you're not wild about spending a fortune on basic curtains, however, there's an IKEA solution that can cover your windows for roughly the same price as a latte while also adding depth and dimension to your space: the LILL Sheer curtains.

Retailing for $4.99, the LILL Sheer curtains offer a simple yet effective solution to individuals looking for an affordable way to add that extra something to their room. Each side measures 98 inches long by 110 inches wide, bringing a generous amount of coverage. The material is minimalist in its design, made from mesh fabric that many customers praise for its delicate and beautiful appearance. That being said, one review does liken the material to that of mosquito netting, which can be worth knowing in advance if you were hoping for something truly high end in its appearance.

At the time of writing, the curtains have received a 4.6-star average rating from more than 1,700 reviews. Buyer feedback states that the curtains are easy to install and offer a great value for the price. One five-star customer review on IKEA's website states, "These provide the perfect amount of opacity for my windows, letting in a good amount of daylight, but keeping neighbors from peeping in ... The fabric is just mesh, and I think this improves the amount of light they let in."

The LILL Sheer curtains can be a good addition to the right home or space. Unlike heavier window coverings that block out light, these curtains let in maximum sunlight with their sheer mesh material. While these curtains aren't the most impressive of window dressings, they work exceptionally well if you prize natural lighting or want to bring biophilic design into your home. You can lean further into the natural side of things with the correct curtain rod, like one that is crafted from wood or that is white and blends into the surroundings. Perhaps your home's windows are already outfitted with sufficient coverings, in that case the LILL curtains could work well outdoors when installed around your gazebo or patio for privacy. While they will obstruct visibility, their mesh material will still let sunlight and breeze through.

Should you find that the curtains are too long for your application, their easy-to-cut material as well as their lack of a bottom hem makes them easy enough to trim to your desired length. Expert advice when it comes to the proper length for curtains is that they should just lightly brush the floor. Any longer and you'll risk them getting dirty or caught up in the vacuum cleaner; it's also a smart stylistic choice because it appears highly personalized to your windows. If you're still struggling, you can read our article that outlines how to find the perfect length curtains.