How To: Simple Renter Friendly Window Treatment

If you already have functional privacy window treatments such as blinds or shades, but need to add in a little color or texture, this super simple budget-friendly DIY is the perfect fix. This solution requires no holes in the wall and no expensive window hardware. It’s perfect for rental situations or can even be used to stage your home to sell.

In our home we use a lined bamboo shade for privacy, but this little corner needed a something more. I don’t need curtains that will open and close, so I came up with this super simple little trick.

Here’s what you need:

Materials

• Light weight pair of curtain panels. I bought mine at Target a year ago. Vivan curtains from Ikea are the perfect weight. Note: Curtains with rod pockets or back tabs are best.
• 1/4-1/2 inch wooden dowel rod or light cafe rod. (You can even use an extended tension rod). This needs to be light weight. I spent $1 for mine at Lowes.
• straight pins (optional)
• Command Strip hooks that hold 5 lbs. or more.

Step

Measure your window distance and cut your dowel rod to size.

Step

Install your Command Strip hooks. I used a tape measure and level to make sure they were the same height.

Step

Lay your dowel rod down into the hooks. Remember you will not be able to open and shut your curtains.

Step

Use straight pins to secure the panel. I used a curtain with back tabs. When I placed the rod with curtain on the command hooks only the last tab was not secure. I folded the top edge of the curtain around the end of the dowel rod (in the circle, you can see the end of the dowel rod where the fabric is wrapped around it). I simply used a pin to secure from natural fold to the folded edge of the curtain. I usually use straight pins without the rounded end so you cannot see them, and also pin from the back side. Just to make it clear for this post, I used the white-ended pin and pinned from the front side.

Super simple, right?

This little technique provides some soft texture and even hides the functional window shade’s hardware. It’s a perfect way to add color to those walls the landlord won’t let you paint, and without drilling holes and spending a fortune! It’s also an easy way to make your home look more cozy when staging it for an open house or real estate showing.

Want more renter friendly options? Check out this Curbly post.