Creative Ideas for Refreshing Your Window Curtains

Putting up curtains is a great way to add warmth and personality to your New York apartment. Window coverings have a way of pulling together a room in a way that no other accessory can.

Here are some easy and creative ways to dress up your window curtains.

Add Detail with Ribbons and Trims

If you already have curtains, but they’re missing that special something, accent them with ribbons or other trims.

Ribbon can be applied in many ways. Use grosgrain to add a Greek key border or sew colorful ribbon stripes to your curtains. Are your curtains too short? Create a few extra inches by sewing ribbon ties or tabs to the tops.

Trims are available in everything from tassels to piping to beads. Add them around the edge of a plain curtain or use your favorite trim to create an eye-catching tie-back.

Don’t have a sewing machine? Use Stitch Witchery instead; all you need to adhere this fusible bonding web is a hot iron. Hot glue is another easy, no-sew way to attach trims.

Image Source: Flickr/Steven Depolo

Create Impact with Fabric

It’s easy to dress up a pair of boring curtains with fabric.

Create one-of-a-kind window coverings by sewing a wide band of colorful fabric along the top or bottom of your curtains. Add an elegant border around the curtain edges using your favorite fabric. Cut out giant polka dots or other shapes to applique to your drapes.

Are your curtains too short? Add inches with extra fabric along the bottom.

Another fun way to dress up a window covering is by creating a no-sew pelmet box. Little Green Notebook has an easy tutorial.

Image Source: Flickr/Erin Singleton

Get Creative with Paint or Markers

Paint is another simple and affordable way to customize window curtains.

Stencils come in a huge variety of shapes and patterns. Choose one you like and add paint to create a distinctive pattern on your curtains. Cutting Edge Stencils has a great range of beautiful, on trend options.

Paint can also be used to create narrow or wide stripes. Just mask them off with painter’s tape and apply the paint in thin, even coats.

If you’re feeling really creative, use markers to draw a picture or pattern. You can even write on your curtains. Try adding a favorite poem or quote.

DIY Curtains

If none of these ideas is quite right, why not make your own window curtains?

It’s easy to sew your own window coverings. After all, they’re basically just a large, hemmed rectangle.

You can find beautiful fabrics to work with in the Garment District or online. If you can’t afford expensive fabric, purchase affordable bed sheets or even canvas drop cloths instead.