Re-invent your curtains for $20

When doing a make-over, curtains can quickly add a lot of cost to your project. However, unless you like a lot of light and want to live in a fishbowl, window coverings are necessary.

The curtains in the original room were pretty straightforward. Basic linen look, taupe, clean curtians that were still in good condition. Instead of replacing them, I decided to repurpose them and give them a little pizzaz with a wide border along the top and trim of fringe. The materials cost $20 - less than the price of a typical single panel - and the curtains were given a whole new look that fit in perfectly with the room makeover.

The how to...

I'll tell you honestly, I don't like to sew, and it isn't one of my better skills. So if I can do it, anyone with a sewing machine and a little patience can do it!

First, the fun part. Shopping and buying a complimentary color and type of fabric. Be sure to figure out before-hand how wide you'd like your band and how wide your curtains are in order to purchase the correct amount of fabric. Factor in the extra you'll need to fold under along the hems. I was able to get two bands for every yard and a half of fabric needing only 3 yards for all 4 curtains.

There are tons of trims and fringes out there. They can add a fantastic detail to your curtains and give them a polished look. They are also amazing at hiding seams that might be a little rough if you're not a practiced sewer.

Next step is to cut and pin your fabric panels onto the curtains. If the curtains or fabric is wrinkle-y iron them first. It helps to iron the panels where the edges are folded to get clean edges and keep the edges straight as you sew.

Once the pinning is done, sew away! In addition to sewing on the panels and fringe to these curtains, I hemmed them to skim the floor instead of the old "puddle" look to give them a more tailored look.

The final result...curtains with an entirely new look for a mere $20!