Elegant But Cheap Window Treatments

Many do-it-yourself window treatments are inexpensive, yet provide a touch of class and elegance to a room. From floor length drapes to cozy valances, making your home beautiful is as easy as finding unwanted fabric and a curtain rod.

Silk Drapes - Use silk fabric, often called a sari, from an Indian fabric store. A long length of silk can be draped over a decorative curtain rod so that the middle hangs down. This drape will look good over large windows and lets in the natural light.

Cheesecloth and Lace - Countries that do not have window screens use lace and cheesecloth to keep out pests when the windows are open during the spring. Lace and cheesecloth soften the natural light. Go to a thrift store to find old lace tablecloths. Fashion a basic hem at one end, and attach the tablecloth and cheesecloth to the curtain rod. Cheesecloth can also be used alone to provide more light.

Drop Cloth Drapes - Linen drop cloths, used for protecting the interior of a home during painting, can be fashioned into attractive window treatments. Cut the top of the drop cloth to the right length, and hem it so a curtain rod can be inserted. The bottoms of most drop cloths are already hemmed so no other sewing is required.

Bed Sheet Drapes - Using an old, flat bed sheet, make a hem at the top. Slide a curtain rod into the hem. To make a tie, use pillowcases of the same design. Cut a length of fabric from the pillowcase, and tie it in a bow around the bed sheet drape.