Budget Friendly DIY Custom-like Blinds + Curtains

Today I’m sharing all the details of the products we used to create these budget friendly custom looking window treatments. We love the warm look of bamboo shades paired with classic white curtains. I’ve shared this window treatment hack multiple times over on my Instagram – We used this same curtain + bamboo blind combo a few years ago in my son, Avery’s bedroom. It looks great and it doesn’t cost a fortune!

I often say that home takes time, and not to rush the process. We’ve lived in this home for three years and we finally installed the window treatments in our family room. I can hardly believe it took us this long, especially since a room never really feels finished until the windows are complete.

The curtains and blinds add a finished layer, more depth, warmth and texture.

We have a lot of privacy in our back yard so it was never an issue of privacy and we let other projects bump ahead of this one. To be honest, I loved the simplicity of the room with no window treatments, but the truth is window treatments can make or break a room. And in this case – the make the room!

Our downstairs has three large windows, two in our family room, and one in our bar area. We did the same treatment in all the windows. Originally I was a little hesitant to have curtains hung by the bar because I was worried it would be too tight or get wet close to the sink but ultimately it was the right decision so everything would look balanced.

Here are a few things that we took into consideration … Refer to the notes below in case you if are planning to do a similar project in your home!

When we ordered our blinds, we ordered a size that would completely cover the window. Since we were hanging curtains too, the overhang from the blinds would be covered by the curtains. The cost of ONE custom bamboo blind was more than completing all three windows.

First we hung the bamboo blinds. I did not want to block any of the window so we cheated a little and hung the blind above the window (only covering the window by a hair). This is another way to make this window look + feel larger.

When hanging curtains, you should hang them high. This will help make your window appear larger. Some guidelines to help with the curtain rod placement is to hang the rod at least 4-6″ above the window frame when possible, and 2-3″ below the ceiling.

The rod should also be extended beyond the window. approximately 4 to 6″ on each side. This will also help to make the window appear larger.

Pleats really help create that tailored custom look. When you are creating the pleats, be patient, do them on a flat surface. They might need to be adjusted once you get them hung. The pleats really elevate simple white curtains. Another fun option often paired with the pleats is to also use drapery rings. I’m considering using the drapery rings on the upstairs level of our home.

When deciding on the length of your curtains, I love when the bottom kisses the floor. It’s not too long, not too short.

One thing I’m considering is adding another panel. Fuller panels look lush and high end. Because we don’t pull these curtains for privacy I’m ok with just one panel on each side of the window but fullness is something to be considered!

Materials:

Each window we used the following products:

Ikea Ritva Curtains: We used one pack per window – if you’re planning to use the curtains for privacy, I’d use more packs if you are pleating them like we did.

Curtain Rod: We love the Umbra brand and it comes in a few different finishes as well.

Curtain Hook: The hooks to create pleats in the curtains.

Bamboo Roman Blinds: These ones are a really great colour in my opinion! These are also available in a cordless option, great if you have kids.

The total cost per window was a FRACTION of what it would have cost to do custom blinds.

Finally I had to take a moment and talk about our coffee table – it is the Noir, All We Need Coffee Table from Sunday’s Company. Originally I planned to get the “toast” option in this same table but I decided to go bold and it was absolutely the right decision for this space. It helps to balance the warmth of the blinds and it creates a focal point in the room. The All We Need Coffee Table is a timeless wood design. Made from solid reclaimed Oak. It makes the perfect centrepiece of our family room.

Let me know what you think!

xo Amy