Looking for a way to spruce up a room for the spring season without the hassle of a complete makeover? Give any space a quick face lift with new curtains.
Window treatments can either fade into the background, or stand out in a crowded room. Just as the right accessories (like rods and finials) can make a statement, the fabric makes an even bigger one. Get whatever luxurious look you’re dreaming up, for a cost that won’t give you nightmares.
Fabrics That Only Look Rich
Shop these websites. You’ll need about 7 yards for two 84″ panels.

- graylinelinen.com
A huge range of affordable, high-quality linens in hundreds of colors.
Judy linen in winterfresh blue, $9.50 per yard
- spoonflower.com
If you’re looking for a print, this is the place. You can even upload your own design and have it printed on fabric.
Crosscriss by Holli Zollinger, from $16 per yard
- joann.com
Traditional, modern, and everything in between. And with weekly coupons, prices that can’t be beat.
Baretta Seaside by Home Essentials, $10 per yard
- fashionfabricsclub.com
This warehouse buys surplus fabric, then passes the wholesale price on to you.
Mirage medallion citrus, $23 per yard
- calicocorners.com
Designer fabrics, including exclusive lines, at a discount. To save even more, watch the clearance sections and sign up for email coupons.
Soho Outdoor in sorbet, $14 per yard
Punch Up Plain Panels
Try this easy way to fake the look of pricey window treatments: Buy inexpensive panels and add your own trim.
The DIY decorators at HGTV Magazine used an $11 faux linen curtain from Kmart and updated it with trim. You can find ribbon and other trim for as little as $1 a yard at cheaptrims.com or trimexpoonline.com. Sew, hot glue, or iron it on with hem tape, like Stitch Witchery.

Clockwise from top left: Large pom-pom trim in orange, $3 per yard, purlsoho.com; Wright’s extra wide double fold bias tape in Mediterranean, $2 for 3-yard pack, joann.com; 23mm box pleated chromspun ribbon edging in cardinal, $10 per yard, M&J Trimming, 888-849-8201; Godiva geometric trim in denim/beige, $8 per yard, M&J Trimming 888-849-8201
Excerpt originally appeared in the May 2013 issue of HGTV Magazine.
READ MORE
12 Stylish Window Treatment Ideas
The Frugal Guide to Fancy Curtains
7 Beautiful Window Treatments for Bedrooms
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