Lose the Drapes: 15 Better Ways to Dress a Window

Most people choose to decorate their windows with traditional curtains, blinds, or fabric valances. But finding the perfect covering—one that blocks the sun, ensures a degree of privacy, and matches existing decor—can be tricky. As a solution, some homeowners opt for creating their own alternative window treatments, in the process saving money and injecting personality into their spaces. Check out 12 of our favorite DIY window coverings from around the Web.

Stenciled Sign

1/16
Wood Sign Window Treatment

Instead of topping her kitchen window with a traditional valance, Mary fromAt Home on the Bayused a salvaged wood board with a stenciled design, created byLemonade Makin’ Mama。The rustic valance lets light flood the room but doesn't look too sparse. Plus, the cheery message and bright colors could provide much-needed encouragement to tackle those dirty dishes!

athomeonthebay.com

Rustic Privacy Screen

2/16
DIY Wood Privacy Screen

To dress up a large bay window, consider skipping curtains or blinds altogether and opting instead for a privacy screen. This DIY version byFunky Junk Interiorsis inspired by old farm-style gates. Constructed of tongue-and-groove pine boards and hinges, this project is fairly easy to replicate.

funkyjunkinteriors.net

Installing new window treatments?
Get a pro to do it for you! Receive free, no-commitment quotes from trusted local installers.
+

Frosted Glass Design

3/16
DIY Frosted Glass Window

Frosted glass provides exceptional privacy, but it completely blocks the view of the outdoors. With some low-tack tape and frosted glass spray paint, however, you can create a custom pattern that shields your home a bit from prying eyes but still lets in light. Plus, a frosted design doubles as a decorative element, as demonstrated by this playfully geometric pattern fromA Beautiful Mess

abeautifulmess.com

Faux Stained Glass

4/16
DIY Stained Glass Window

Stained glass adds a pop of color to any room, and it filters light in a lovely, unique way when used as a window treatment. Take a cue from the bloggers behindA Beautiful Messand create your own custom stained-glass panel. The project requires just a piece of glass, some lead adhesive strips, and glass paint—all available at your local craft store.

abeautifulmess.com

Tablecloth Linens

5/16
DIY Table Cloth Curtains

A crafty homeowner can whip up a window treatment with any textile—even table linens! Debbie fromDebbie Doo’stook pretty cloth napkins and hung them from a rod using curtain clips. The result is an easy and cheerful alternative to a traditional valance.

debbie-debbiedoos.com

Vintage-Style Shutters

6/16
DIY Window Shutters

Although these shutters byVintage News Junkielook like timeworn antiques, they were actually constructed from IKEA bed slats! This piece can be customized to fit any window. For a truly rustic look, trick it out with distressed paint and barn door hardware.

vintagenewsjunkie.com

Glass Window Shelves

7/16
DIY Glass Window Shelves

Some windows—such as the tiny ones often set above a kitchen sink—don’t require full coverage. For these windows, homeowners can choose to install a set of glass shelves instead of curtains. This approach lets them satisfy privacy needs while simultaneously showcasing decorative accessories, a collection of herbs, or whatever else strikes their fancy. Brittany fromPretty Handy Girlchose to liven up her shelves with an assortment of greenery.


Related:10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill

prettyhandygirl.com

Lace Windowpanes

8/16
DIY Lace Window Treatment

This genius window treatment is a boon to renters! By applying lace directly to window glass with a cornstarch paste, DIYerAnnabel Vitaenjoys both privacy and natural light. The lace can be completely and easily removed by washing with warm water, making this a quick, inexpensive, and low-commitment DIY.

annabelvita.com

DIY Rolled Valance

9/16
DIY Rolled Valance

Sometimes the best option for enhancing privacy and darkness in a room is a simple shade. This rolled valance, which hides a practical roller shade underneath, was made byThe Painted Hivewith lumber, fabric, natural linen ribbon, and rustic buttons. The window treatment easily comes together with hemming tape for a quick, no-sew alternative.

thepaintedhive.net

Faux Leaded Glass

10/16
Faux Leaded Glass Windows

Paint a bit of privacy onto your windows by recreating this faux leaded glass at home with the help of the tutorial atIt All Started With Paint。条和画廊玻璃油漆清楚and black are applied to the window pane, resulting in a permanent window covering fit for a historic home.

itallstartedwithpaint.com

Hanging Herb Garden

11/16
DIY Hanging Herb Garden

Brighten up a plain kitchen window blind by using it as a backdrop for an indoor garden that doubles as a beautiful yet practical window treatment. Amber fromThe Bird and Her Songopted to display greenery, but homeowners could put flowers in the pots instead for a burst of color.


Related:10 Crazy New Ways to Bring the Garden Indoors

thebirdandhersong.com

Ribbon Garland

12/16
DIY Ribbon Garland for Window

For a light and fancy window treatment, knot a selection of ribbons over a cord or dowel to form a garland. The color, pattern, and length are completely customizable, and DIYers can mix different textures to create a one-of-a-kind fashion statement.

etsy.com

Wood Vertical Blinds

13/16
Wood Vertical Window Blinds

An old heat-treated pallet can be made useful indoors when salvaged and hung as a one-of-a-kind window blind. Attach the pallet boards to curtain rings through a drilled hole to slide the slats closed at night and open during the day. Follow thefull tutorial at Instructables

instructables.comvia Humboldtartdept

Feed-Sack Curtains

14/16
DIY Feed Sack Curtains

Vintage feed sacks serve as the perfect café curtains in this modern country kitchen. Anita fromFar Above Rubieshemmed the sacks, then strung them across a wire with rings. The finished curtain lends homey charm to the room.

hometalk.com

Macrame Hanging

15/16
Macrame Window Hanging

When your taste in window coverings is not conventional, knots may be your best friend. This DIY macrame window hanging fromLittle Vintage Cottage可以用尼龙绳串、黄麻、还是rope, and tied in any number of designs to complement your backsplash, floor coverings, or personal sense of style.

littlevintagecottage.com

Curtain Call

16/16
Curtain Call

There are window covering options to suit any individual style.

bobvila.com

Installing new window treatments?
Get a pro to do it for you! Receive free, no-commitment quotes from trusted local installers.
+

Don't Miss!

1pixel

Clever project ideas and step-by-step tutorials delivered right to your inbox each and every Saturday morning—sign up todayfor the Weekend DIY Club newsletter!