Window treatments can be expensive, and when we moved into our home a year ago there was not a single window covering in sight. We had to start from scratch covering each window, and our home is much larger than our old one.

It wasn’t an expense we could afford to address all at once right off the bat, but we needed privacy, so we had to come up with an affordable solution.

I decided to order plain white IKEA panels for the majority of the windows since they are super affordable ($20/pair), with plans to customize them with some DIY handiwork later on. I also love them because they’re extra long, so we can hang them high which visually creates the illusion of height in a room.

IKEA hacks are a great way to save money since their furniture and textiles are so affordable.

I’m still trying to figure out what to do with all of the panels, so I thought I would round up some inspiration and share it with you. Here are 13 DIY IKEA curtain hacks to give you some ideas for what you can do to customize plain white curtain panels for a super affordable solution to window coverings.

13 IKEA Curtain Hacks

So far, I’ve just added stripes to the panels in the boys’ bedroom by adding strips of navy fabric and ribbon trim.

These pretty stenciled curtains from Mabey She Made It are a great way to add pattern and personality.

I never in a million years would have thought to put Duck Tape on curtains, but Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof used it to create pretty gold trim.

This creative stenciling technique from The Kim Six Fix produced a really pretty effect.

Painting stripes like Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog did is another great way to entirely change the look of plain white panels.

Holly from My Sister’s Suitcase shared 3 creative ways to customize plain curtain panels.

Karen from Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza created custom curtains with a pair of IKEA panels and a Sharpie.

I love these No-Sew Pottery Barn Inspired Ribbon Drapes from Life on Virginia Street.

I also really like this thin striped look by Jenna Burger.

Here’s more stenciling inspiration from Rhoda at Southern Hospitality.

You could also paint polka dots — here’s a tutorial from Tiny Sidekick.

Hopefully some of these ideas have inspired you. No need to fork over big bucks to cover all of your windows! Will you be trying any of these?

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13 IKEA Curtain Hacks

Thanks for visiting!

-Erin