21 Ways to Upgrade Your Curtains

By
Ashley Knierim
Photo of Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 09/28/20
layered curtains

Instagram / studiomcgee 

Windows are an important element of any room. They create flow, guide your furniture arrangement, and allow for the natural light and air you need to keep your space happy and healthy. But, we often overlook how window dressing is so much more than, well, window dressing, when it comes to tying a room together. If your curtains are dingy, ill-fitting, or just plain boring, it's time to give them a makeover.

  • 01 of 21

    Ruffled Curtains

    ruffled curtains
    Masion de Pax

    Upgrading curtains turn the natural light in a living space or bedroom into a focal point, adding that needed touch of character and interest. The best part is that giving your curtains a touch of pizzazz doesn't have to be difficult. Like these DIY ruffled curtains from Masion de Pax, there a number of great curtain ideas that to draw from that don't require spending too much money or time. 

    Continue to 2 of 21 below.
  • 02 of 21

    Shibori Dye Old Curtains

    shibori dye
    The White Buffalo Styling Co

    Shibori dyeing is an ancient Japanese technique that involves twisting or bunching fabric and using indigo dye to give it a rich, blue color. It's the perfect opportunity to upgrade your plain white curtains. These easy DIY curtains from The White Buffalo Styling Co look great in a bedroom or home office, and lend a sense of airiness and flow to the space. Since indigo can be a messy dye to use at home, recreate the look with the fabric-safe dye of your choice. 

    Continue to 3 of 21 below.
  • 03 of 21

    Try a Rustic Curtain Rod

    piping curtain rod
    Dimples and Tangles

    If you're into the industrial chic look, this updated curtain rod is for you. Blogger Dimples and Tangles swapped a boring curtain rod for a galvanized pipe found at any hardware store. Match with neutral curtains to add a bit of edge to your space.

    Continue to 4 of 21 below.
  • 04 of 21

    Try an Herb Garden Instead

    window herb garden
    The Bird and Her Song

    Upgrade your curtains by getting rid of them altogether. We love the idea of ditching a kitchen curtain for a hanging herb garden like this one from The Bird and Her Song. Plus, who doesn't love a curtain you can eat? Pick herbs that are easy to grow inside and you'll never miss that café curtain again.

    The 8 Best Herb Garden Kits of 2023
    Continue to 5 of 21 below.
  • 05 of 21

    Easy Elegance

    diy brass curtain rod
    Shine Your Light

    This curtain rod upgrade is so easy. Give the windows in your living space a stately, traditional feel by using a brass curtain rod instead of a metal or plastic one. DIY this look with a bit of spray paint and a ping pong ball and instructions from Shine Your Light. 

    Continue to 6 of 21 below.
  • 06 of 21

    Add Pom Poms

    curtains with pom poms
    Bless'er House

    Upgrading curtains doesn't mean have to toss out the current ones. These adorable pom pom curtains from Bless'er House are incredibly easy to DIY, even for those who have no sewing experience. Be brave and mix bright colored pom poms with soft, neutral fabrics like linen or cotton to keep this look happy and breezy. 

    Continue to 7 of 21 below.
  • 07 of 21

    Layered Curtains

    layered curtains
    Studio McGee/Instagram

    Layering two or more types is a great way to add dimension and allow more control over light and air when changing a window with only a single treatment. Start with blinds or shades (this is a great, neutral bamboo look from Studio McGee, and install drapes four to six inches above the window to create the illusion of a taller ceiling. 

    Continue to 8 of 21 below.
  • 08 of 21

    Upgrade Your Curtain Pull

    agate rock tie back
    A Kailo Chic Life

    Curtain pulls can be stylish without looking matronly. This stunning geode tie back from A Kailo Chic Life can transform dull white curtains without springing for a new set. Customize this look with a rock or agate that speaks to you. For a fancier look, try a crystal doorknob. A tie back is especially useful in a room with blackout curtains that can feel too dark during the day.

    Continue to 9 of 21 below.
  • 09 of 21

    An Easy Beaded Curtain

    beaded curtain
    Design Love Fest

    Curtains aren't just for covering windows—they're also great for separating areas between rooms or segmenting a studio space. Remember those beaded curtains from back in the day? Here is an updated idea from Design Love Fest! Take styrofoam balls and some simple rope to emulate the hippie curtains of the '70s, but with a modern flair. For those who feel daring, ditch the door, and use an opened beaded curtain to make your space feel larger.  

    Continue to 10 of 21 below.
  • 10 of 21

    DIY Curtain Rods

    DIY curtain rods
    Maison de Pax

    If parting with your curtains sounds too awful, this Restoration Hardware-inspired curtain rod is a great choice. Here, Maison de Pax uses stained wooden dowels and brackets easily found at a hardware store to give this living space a high-end feel for less than $20. 

    Continue to 11 of 21 below.
  • 11 of 21

    Potato Stamp Old Curtains

    green triangle curtains
    Not Just a Housewife

    Still have that potato stamp from your preschool days? Not Just a Housewife uses cheap IKEA curtains as the canvas for a whimsical triangle stamp pattern. Bubble wrap, cardboard, and other vegetables are also great stand-ins for a stamp. 

    Continue to 12 of 21 below.
  • 12 of 21

    Macramé Your Windows

    macramé curtain
    A Beautiful Mess

    Macramé is a throwback that comes in and out of the spotlight that can easily be incorporated into your home. A stunning woven piece from A Beautiful Mess looks difficult, but even a novice knotter can replicate the look. This also works to segment off a kids' toy area, an alcove, or office, and can also be used in place of a closet door. 

    Continue to 13 of 21 below.
  • 13 of 21

    Paint New Life into Your Curtains

    striped curtains

    City Cottage Chic/Instagram

    Not an artist? No worries. This trendy striped curtain from City Cottage Chic just takes some measuring and a little bit of fabric paint to transform your old curtains. This look is subtle enough for any space. Try adding stripes to the primary bedroom, a nautical-themed guest room, or a home office. 

    About This Term: Primary Bedroom

    Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.


    Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

    Continue to 14 of 21 below.
  • 14 of 21

    Utilize Antlers

    antler curtain tie back
    Stephanie Tackett/Pinterest

    Antlers are popping up in many home tours and for good reason. They lend a rustic, ski lodge-inspired feel to your home without overpowering the decor. Recreate these antler tiebacks from Stephanie Tackett with faux antlers found at any craft store and metal brackets from a hardware store. 

    Continue to 15 of 21 below.
  • 15 of 21

    Let Your Style Bloom

    floral curtains
    Design Love Fest

    These floral curtains from Design Love Fest just scream "be happy!" Easy to recreate in just an afternoon, this bold look adds energy to your space and makes you want to smile. Pick any color palette, grab faux flowers from a craft store, and get gluing. 

    Continue to 16 of 21 below.
  • 16 of 21

    Try Easy-Sew Curtains

    bright yellow curtains
    Architecture Art Designs

    Curtains are an easy project you can pick up in a weekend, even for sewing novices. These bright yellow café curtains seen on Architecture Art Design totally transform this little reading nook into the perfect sunny Sunday spot. 

    Continue to 17 of 21 below.
  • 17 of 21

    A Black-Out Twist

    black curtains with cut outs
    Colossal

    Tired of boring blackout curtains? These intricate cutout curtains from Colossal will warm do just the trick. Design hole punch to create your own striking patterns, but know that this look is a bit harder for a novice to DIY.

    Continue to 18 of 21 below.
  • 18 of 21

    An Easy Dip Dye

    dip dyed curtains
    Homepolish

    Another dyed option, these dipped curtains from Homepolish are even easier than Shibori. Once the dip dyeing starts, all of the textiles in your home will be itching for a reboot. 

    Continue to 19 of 21 below.
  • 19 of 21

    Pom Pom Tieback Curtains

    Pom pom tie back
    The Weaving Loom

    This is a great idea for renters or anyone who doesn't want to drill holes in their walls for a curtain tieback. Gather your curtains up with festive pom poms using this easy tutorial from The Weaving Loom. Pick yarn colors that complement your curtains, and this look can be achieved for under $5. 

    Continue to 20 of 21 below.
  • 20 of 21

    Switch the Direction of Your Curtains

    crossed white curtains
    Rose Mitschke/Pinterest

    Change up a look simply by pulling the curtains in opposite directions to give the room more texture and drama, as seen in this look shared by Rose Mitschke. This works best with sheer panels or solid linen curtains, as patterned pieces may look cluttered and overwhelming.

    Continue to 21 of 21 below.
  • 21 of 21

    Try Bold Patterns

    black and white dotted curtains
    Nalle's House

    Go bold with this painted idea. Great for a nursery or a kids' room, these bold black polka dot curtains from Nalle's House will immediately grab attention (in a good way). Don't worry about consistency; large patterns like this are easier to maintain throughout the piece. 

The 14 Best Places to Buy Curtains of 2023