Learn how to hang curtains correctly — plus budget-friendly DIY alternatives if you prefer not to buy ready-made panels.
Curtains are one of the simplest ways to soften a room, add color and texture, and control light and privacy. They can also be confusing: what style should you choose, where should they hang, and how do you finish the bottom without spending a fortune? Below are practical tips and budget-friendly options based on hands-on experience.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience.
How to Choose the Right Curtains
Curtains range from inexpensive to premium, but you don’t have to spend a lot to get a polished look. Choosing the right fabric, length, and hardware will make a big difference in how a room feels. Below are economical alternatives that still look great.
Inexpensive alternatives to traditional curtains
- Turn a large tablecloth into rod-pocket curtains—an easy way to get wide, attractive panels without expensive fabric.
- Stencil plain panels to mimic a high-end pattern and personalize inexpensive fabric.
- Use a painter’s drop cloth for a linen-like look at a fraction of the cost.
- Hang fabric with curtain ring clips for a quick, casual style that’s easy to swap out.
- Check roundups of DIY curtain ideas to find dozens of affordable projects that look finished and custom-made.
Favorite sources for store-bought curtains
If you prefer to buy ready-made curtains, two dependable and budget-friendly retailers stand out:
Target offers a wide selection of patterns and colors at reasonable prices. Their textured and neutral options work well with farmhouse, modern, and boho styles.
IKEA is another excellent option—especially for length and value. The RITVA curtains are well-priced, long enough for taller ceilings, and have a clean, versatile fabric that’s easy to hem or alter.
How high should curtains be hung?
There’s no single rule that fits every window, but a reliable approach is to hang your rod higher and wider than the window frame. Raising the rod above the frame and extending it beyond the sides of the window makes the window appear larger and the ceiling feel taller. Even a few inches higher and a few inches wider can dramatically change the look.
In one bedroom update, moving the rod up and widening the span instantly made the entire window feel more substantial and elegant.
How to hang a curtain rod
- Find the window center and decide how high above the frame you want the rod to sit.
- Measure and mark the top hole position for each bracket.
- Use a nail or awl to create a starter hole for the wall anchor.
- Insert the wall anchor and tap it flush with the wall.
- Align the bracket and drive the top screw into the anchor, then secure the bottom screw.
- Repeat for each bracket, keeping height and spacing consistent so the rod is level and the panels hang evenly.
If your curtains puddle on the floor, you’ll want to hem them so they skim the floor or puddle by design, depending on your preference.
No-Sew Curtain Hemming Methods
If you don’t want to sew, these methods let you shorten panels cleanly and quickly:
- Fold-and-clip: Fold the excess length under and use curtain ring clips to hold the fabric in place. This is fast and reversible.
- Iron-on hem tape: Use heat-activated hem tape such as Heat and Bond to create a stable, no-sew hem that holds up through regular use.
How to hem IKEA RITVA curtains
For a more permanent finish on RITVA or similar panels, a simple sewn hem gives a tailored result. Follow these steps:
- Hang the curtains and mark where the bottom just grazes the floor on each side with pins.
- Remove the panels and use a straight edge to lightly mark a hem line on the back of each panel guided by the pin marks.
- Measure 2 inches below the drawn hem line and cut off the excess fabric at that mark.
- Fold the raw edge up to the hem line and press with an iron.
- Fold the hem again so the hem line is cleanly enclosed, press, and pin.
- Sew along the folded edge with a sewing machine to finish the hem neatly.
- Repeat for the second panel.
A small detail—like swapping to a metal rod you already own—can complete the look and tie your room’s style together.
I often save fabric scraps from hemmed panels for small projects like upholstered stool covers or wall art so nothing goes to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should you hang curtains?
Hang them higher and wider than the window frame to make the window and room feel larger; even a few inches can be effective.
Can you hang curtains without buying new ones?
Yes. Large tablecloths, drop cloths, or clipped fabric panels make attractive, budget-friendly alternatives.
How do you hem curtains without sewing?
Use iron-on hem tape for a semi-permanent solution, or fold and secure excess fabric with ring clips for a reversible, no-sew fix.
This is part of our budget-friendly master bedroom makeover
If you’re following the room makeover, here are the posts in the series for reference:
- Week 1: Inspired by Black Bedroom Walls
- Week 2: The Modern Farmhouse Boho Bedroom Mood Board
- Week 3: Small Closet Organization Reveal
- Week 4: Budget Bedroom Decorating: Painted Wall
- Week 5: DIY Floating End Tables
- Week 6: The Before & After Reveal of the Boho Bedroom Makeover
For a peek behind the scenes…
Follow along on Instagram for project updates, quick tips, and photos from current makeovers.
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