Affordable Curtains: Three Options

posted on : November 16, 2020

This post was inspired by a really kind online neighbor who messaged me for some curtain ideas. Like our old place in Austin, she had some really, really tall windows to work with which are always hard to shop for. In talking with her, I realized I have never documented information about our curtains (shown below) and the other affordable options I had considered.

Here are three options for affordable drapery.

Curtains (Similar) // Curtain Rods // Rug // Armchairs // Art // Throw Blanket // Pillows (one of a kind, from here) // Console // Coffee Table Basket // Candle Pillars (Similar)

No-Sew, Ready-Made Panels

Don’t look closely but those curtains in our Austin living room? They were clearance panels from Target that I “stitched” together with hem tape! Finding affordable panels to scale those 20′ walls proved nearly impossible. And, since we were only renting, I was determined to find a budget-friendly solution. Truthfully, we never once closed those drapes – but since our builder grade home was an all-white box with little architectural detail -even these minimal window treatments helped to dramatically softened up the space.

I simply used a full panel on the bottom half and cut a second panel to take it the rest of the way up. You can see where the overlap is because I didn’t even bother to remove the existing hems. Thinking back, I might have spent the extra $40 or so for extra panels so that things would overlap at the same point across all panels. But I was being stingy with my budget and it never bothered me much.

Estimated cost for my three large windows: $200

Simple Alterations

For a slightly more “professional” look, try purchasing your own fabric and bringing it to an alterations shop. Most dry-cleaners and seamstresses will run a simple hem for as little as $10 each!

This option gives you a bit more choice in fabric and more control over your costs because you can pick any fabric you like. I recommend sticking to heavier weight drapery fabrics (like linen) but a fabric store will usually have a broad range of options at different price points.

Have the shop cut the fabric in to whatever length you need for your panels but be sure to include several extra inches in either direction to allow for your hems. Most fabric shops will cut your fabric for free.

Then, take your cut panels to any dry-cleaner (that offers simple alterations) or seamstress and have them run a straight hem down each of the four sides of your panels. A common price for this seems to be about $10 a hem so you can estimate a cost of $40 per panel plus the cost of your fabric.

If you’re wanting to add lining to your fabric (for light-blocking) this will add a few dollars per hem.

Of course, you could skip the alterations step all-together and just use the same hem tape that I mentioned in the previous option!

Note that this option will require you to use clip rings (like this) since your panels will not have any sort of rod pocket or loops.

Estimated cost for my three large windows: $500-$700

Sofa // Pillows (one of a kind, from here) // Basket // Art // Frame

Half Price Drapes

For a truly custom option that doesn’t cost thousands, check out Half Price Drapes (they also have an Amazon storefront here.) They are by far the most affordable custom option I’ve come across and they have a wide array of options. They go up to 23′ in length which is really difficult to find at this price point. They offer free samples, too, so you can pick the perfect shade.

Estimated cost for my three large windows: $1000 – $1500

Bonus: It will take a bit more searching, but Etsy can also be a great source for custom curtains that are more affordable. Though you may see listings with your usual standard lengths, many creators are also happy to take custom orders.