Save Big With These Clever DIY Window Treatments

Ever walked into a room and felt something was missing, but couldn’t figure out what? Often, it’s the windows. Most of us leave them plain or settle for costly store-bought options. I’ve been there too.

Today, I’m sharing my favorite budget-friendly window treatment ideas that look expensive but cost next to nothing. Save big with these clever DIY window treatments.

1. No-Sew Roman Shades

Roman shades add class to any window but often come with a hefty price tag. Making your own is easier than you think.

You’ll need a mini blind (the cheaper, the better), fabric of your choice, fabric glue, scissors, and an iron. Start by fully lowering your mini blind and laying it flat. 

Remove all the slats except for every 7 inches and the bottom slat. Cut your fabric about 3 inches wider and longer than your blind.

Iron your fabric flat, then use fabric glue to attach it to the top of the blind. Wrap the sides around and glue them down for a clean edge. Where the remaining slats are, glue the fabric to each slat in a straight line. Let it dry overnight.

When you raise the blind, the fabric will fold neatly like a store-bought Roman shade.

2. Budget-Friendly Curtain Alternatives

When traditional curtains cost too much, these alternatives come in handy.

Drop Cloth Drapes

One of my favorite tricks is using canvas drop cloths from hardware stores as curtains. They cost about $10-15 for a 6’x9′ cloth and have a linen-like texture once washed.

Wash and dry the drop cloth first (this softens it and removes the chemical smell). Iron it flat, then fold over the top edge about 4 inches, and use iron-on hem tape to create a pocket for the curtain rod. 

Hang them up, and you’ve got beautiful neutral curtains.

Bed Sheet Curtains

High-thread-count bedsheets make stunning curtains at a fraction of the cost. King-size flat sheets are perfect for standard windows and come in countless patterns and colors.

Simply create a rod pocket at the top using hem tape or basic stitching. One king sheet can be split to cover two standard windows, bringing your cost down significantly.

3. Window Film Tricks

Window film has come a long way from the sticky, bubble-prone versions of the past. Today’s options are easy to apply and remove.

Faux Stained Glass

Create the look of stained glass for less than $20 per window. You’ll need clear contact paper and glass paint in your chosen colors.

Cut the contact paper to fit your window. Draw your design, then cut out the shapes with a craft knife. Stick the contact paper to the window, then fill in each space with different colored glass paints. 

Once dry, the light shining through creates a beautiful stained glass effect without any permanent changes to your windows.

Frosted Privacy Film

For bathrooms or street-facing windows, privacy film gives you the frosted glass look. The newer versions apply with water rather than adhesive, making them repositionable and bubble-free.

For a more custom look, use a craft punch to create patterns in the film before applying, or apply the film in geometric sections for a modern look.

4. Repurposed Materials

Everyday items can be transformed into stunning window treatments with just a little creativity.

Bamboo Fence Blinds

Those inexpensive bamboo fence panels from home improvement stores make gorgeous natural blinds. 

Cut the panel to your window size, add small eye hooks at the top corners, and hang from a decorative rod. Use thin rope to create a pull system that allows you to raise and lower them.

Vintage Handkerchief Valance

Collect colorful vintage handkerchiefs from thrift stores and clip them to a tension rod with small curtain clips. Overlap them slightly for a charming, cottage-style valance that brings color and pattern to your kitchen or bathroom windows.

5. Dollar Store Window Makeovers

Never underestimate what you can do with dollar store finds.

Shower Curtain Drapes

Fabric shower curtains from discount stores make perfect panel curtains. They’re already hemmed and have built-in holes for hanging. Use curtain clips to attach them to a rod for an instant window treatment.

Glass Gem Window Hangings

Buy bags of flat glass gems from the dollar store craft section. Using a clear fishing line, string them together in varying lengths. Attach them to a small tension rod and hang them in your window. The sun catches the gems and creates rainbow patterns throughout your room. 

6. Seasonal Window Treatments

Having different window treatments for different seasons seems like a luxury, but not with these budget ideas.

Summer Bandana Curtains

Bandanas are very affordable and come in countless colors and patterns. 

Stitch or clip about 12-15 bandanas together to create a breezy summer curtain panel that lets light through while adding color. When fall comes, store them flat in a drawer until next year.

Winter Tea Towel Valance

Seasonal tea towels go on clearance after the holidays. Stock up and use them to create valances that can be swapped throughout the year. Simply fold the top edge over a tension rod or use curtain clips. 

7. Paint-Based Window Treatments

If fabric isn’t your thing, you have several customization options with paint.

Painted Window Designs

For truly budget-friendly privacy, try glass paint directly on windows. Using painter’s tape, create geometric patterns on your window, then fill in sections with translucent glass paint. 

The effect is similar to stained glass but costs less and can be scraped off when you want a change.

Chalkboard Paint Window Frames

A small can of chalkboard paint can transform the area around your windows. Paint the interior window frame with chalkboard paint, then use colored chalk to add seasonal designs or welcome messages. 

This works especially well in kitchens and children’s rooms.

8. Make Your Windows Work Better

Windows can do much more than just let in light with these functional treatment ideas.

Indoor Herb Garden Window Shelves

Install simple glass shelves across a sunny window using brackets from the hardware store. Fill with small herb pots for a functional window treatment that provides fresh herbs and filters sunlight. 

Solar Heat Window Quilt

For cold climates, create a thermal window quilt that holds in heat. Use a layer of fabric, batting, and a reflective emergency blanket. 

Sew them together and attach to a wooden dowel with Velcro strips at the window top. Roll down at night to keep heat in, and roll up during sunny days to let warmth in.

Transform on a Budget

The best thing about DIY window treatments isn’t just the money you save. It’s the satisfaction of creating something unique that perfectly matches your home. Most of these projects take just an afternoon to complete. So, next time you’re tempted by those expensive catalog window treatments, try one of these ideas instead.