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 clever DIY window coverings from around the Web.
Stenciled Sign
Instead of topping her kitchen window with a traditional valance, Mary from At Home on the Bay used a salvaged wood board with a stenciled design, created by Lemonade 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!
Rustic 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 by Funky Junk Interiors is inspired by old farm-style gates. Constructed of tongue-and-groove pine boards and hinges, this project is fairly easy to replicate.
Frosted Glass Design
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 from A Beautiful Mess.
Faux Stained Glass
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 behind A Beautiful Mess and 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.
Tablecloth Linens
A crafty homeowner can whip up a window treatment with any textile—even table linens! Debbie from Debbie Doo’s took pretty cloth napkins and hung them from a rod using curtain clips. The result is an easy and cheerful alternative to a traditional valance.
Vintage-Style Shutters
Although these shutters by Vintage News Junkie look 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.
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 from Pretty Handy Girl chose to liven up her shelves with an assortment of greenery.
Lace Windowpanes
This genius window treatment is a boon to renters! By applying lace directly to window glass with a cornstarch paste, DIYer Annabel Vita enjoys 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.
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 by The Painted Hive with lumber, fabric, natural linen ribbon, and rustic buttons. The window treatment easily comes together with hemming tape for a quick, no-sew alternative.
Faux Leaded Glass
Paint a bit of privacy onto your windows by recreating this faux leaded glass at home with the help of the tutorial at It All Started With Paint. Leading strips and gallery glass paint in clear and black are applied to the window pane, resulting in a permanent window covering fit for a historic home.
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 from The Bird and Her Song opted to display greenery, but homeowners could put flowers in the pots instead for a burst of color.
Ribbon Garland
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.
Wood Vertical 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 the full tutorial at Instructables.
Feed-Sack Curtains
Vintage feed sacks serve as the perfect café curtains in this modern country kitchen. Anita from Far Above Rubies hemmed the sacks, then strung them across a wire with rings. The finished curtain lends homey charm to the room.
Macrame Hanging
When your taste in window coverings is not conventional, knots may be your best friend. This DIY macrame window hanging from Little Vintage Cottage can be threaded together with nylon cord, jute, or rope, and tied in any number of designs to complement your backsplash, floor coverings, or personal sense of style.
