Curtain Hacks and Creative Repurposing
As a self-proclaimed plantation shutter enthusiast, I’ll admit that curtains aren’t always my first choice for window treatments. But when you’ve got a small window that needs a little extra love, sometimes curtains are the way to go. The good news? There are plenty of clever curtain hacks and creative repurposing ideas to transform off-the-shelf panels into custom window treatments that pack a big design punch – even for the tiniest of windows.
A recent post on The Homes I Have Made inspired me to share some of my favorite curtain-based DIYs. The author, Megan, is a total genius when it comes to scoring great fabric deals and breathing new life into existing textiles. She’s the queen of using shower curtains and inexpensive curtain panels as jumping-off points for all sorts of home decor projects.
One of my personal favorite Megan hacks is turning a single shower curtain into a valance and throw pillow set. Not only did she snag the perfect oversized floral pattern for a steal, but she was able to get multiple high-impact projects out of just one panel. As she puts it, “When I need to make large fabric projects…for pillows, wall features, or even smaller window treatments…I will often turn to off-the-shelf curtain panels because they are a great source of high quality fabric at really low prices.”
Maximizing Curtain Width
Megan shares a ton of other clever curtain tricks, like using two different-colored panels side-by-side to create the illusion of a wider window. Or adding grommets or tabs to existing rod pockets to make the curtains easier to open and close. Her advice for transforming basic white curtains with a pop of trim or pom-pom detail is also super budget-friendly.
But my personal favorite hack has to be the way she turned an extra-wide shower curtain into the perfect fabric for lining the back of a bookcase. At Home Curtains Philadelphia, we see a lot of customers struggle with finding cost-effective ways to cover large windows or create focal points in their spaces. Megan’s bookcase idea is genius – it utilizes the full width of the curtain panel without having to worry about pattern matching or seams.
Repurposing Curtain Fabric
Beyond just hanging curtains, Megan also shares tons of ideas for repurposing curtain and shower curtain fabric into all sorts of other home decor projects. Throw pillow covers, table runners, even drapery lining – the options are endless when you think outside the (window) box.
One of the coolest examples is how she transformed a set of plain white curtains into a custom-trimmed roman shade for her home office. By adding a contrasting black border, she was able to take a basic window treatment and turn it into a real focal point.
Inspiration for Small Spaces
Megan’s creativity really shines when it comes to solutions for small or awkwardly-placed windows. In her son’s bathroom, she used a set of repurposed grain sacks to create a charming and budget-friendly valance. The rustic, ruffled effect is perfect for a kids’ space, and the horizontal stripes she added with a simple Sharpie give it an extra custom touch.
Over in the tiny guest bathroom, Megan opted for a simple white roller shade that she personalized with a stenciled monogram. It’s a quick and easy way to add some personality to a small window without overwhelming the space.
Hacking Your Way to Custom
The common thread throughout all of Megan’s curtain hacks is her commitment to getting creative. She’s not afraid to think outside the box, whether that means cutting, sewing, or even just adding a few strategic strokes with a permanent marker. And the results are always stunning – proof that you don’t have to break the bank to get a custom look for your windows.
So the next time you’re struggling to find the perfect window treatment, don’t be afraid to get a little scrappy. Grab some off-the-shelf curtain panels, a roll of trim, or even an old shower curtain, and let your inner designer loose. With a little imagination (and maybe a trusty Sharpie), you can hack your way to custom curtain bliss – even in the smallest of spaces.
