14 Cheap Curtain Alternatives For Any Room
Curtains have and will probably be a go-to option for many homes but it’s always a great idea to step out of your comfort zone and try something new that will most likely lead to an even better outcome and spruce up your home decor.
Using other means of dressing a window besides curtains can add a fresh new look to your decor and almost instantly enhance the space with just this small change.
The cheap curtain alternatives and unconventional ways to cover windows include using blinds, frosted films, beaded curtains, roman shades, curtain panels, shutters, artworks, plants, string lights, window treatments, tapestry, shelves, lace fabric curtains, or macrame hangings.
These cheap alternatives add a new dimension to the space that makes it more alluring and captivating. You can also save more space with these options that will help your decor achieve a cleaner and more modern effect.
If you’d like to explore all of the best curtain alternatives that are also affordable and easy to install, here’s the best options you can consider:
Table of Contents
Best Cheap Curtains Alternatives
Blinds
The best alternative to curtains for a traditional yet modern aesthetic is to go for blinds. Blinds are cheap, easy to install, and come in a vast range of designs, colors, and styles.
They also save way more wall and floor space in a room and they can instantly make any window look beautiful and stylish. There are two options when it comes to blinds that will suit any size and type of window.
The first is horizontal blinds which are most commonly used and the second is vertical blinds which are ideal for larger window spaces or doors.
Frosted Film
If you’d like to skip covering a window with curtains or any other item, you could always add a beautiful and stunning frosted film effect.
These are non-adhesive stickers that can easily be applied to the windows for a gorgeous design.
Get this frosted window film from Amazon
The only downside to these frosted film stickers is that since the window is covered in a design or effect, this will reduce the outside visibility.
However, if you want to make a window look more creative and fancy, this is a great way to go.
Beaded Curtains
Beaded curtains will add a fun and creative appeal to your windows and decor that will make the space more interesting.
Get this delicate beaded curtain available in different colors from Amazon
You can play around with the types of beaded curtains to see which one will look best. If you’re looking for an option that will create a glam statement, this is the way to go.
Roman Shades
For a curtain alternative that will still achieve that elegant and flattering look, embrace roman shades instead.
This is an innovative and designer way to dress and cover a window that is as good as curtains without having that length or bulk that covers the wall space as curtains usually do.
Check out these cordless roman shades from Amazon
You can find many different roman shades to suit any room or space according to your desires.
Curtain Panels (Burlap)
The next option to consider is using curtain panels instead. These are just vertical panels that sometimes overlap each other for a creative design or they can be used as a curtain normally would.
It’s also made from a thin and more visible material and the best option you can consider using is a burlap curtain panel which will add a timeless, rustic farmhouse element to the decor.
They are also quite affordable and long-lasting which makes them a great option to go for.
Shutters
Classic shutters are a great alternative to curtains as they help define the space and add a fantastic visual element to the decor.
You can have shutters over the windows or you can install panels on either side of the window to create a tailored look. It’s a great way to add texture and style to the area.
Artwork
The next creative and fun curtain alternative is to use framed artwork or hanging artwork. You can skip the look of curtains completely and simply frame the window by creating a gallery wall art on either side of the window.
Plants
For an aesthetic and relaxing vibe, consider hanging plants by the window. You could either go for faux hanging vines or you can mount hanging plants from the top of the window.
Another placement option would be to line the windowsill with rows of pot plants and this should make the window area look personalized.
String Light Curtains
If you really want to go all out in terms of aesthetics, consider having a string light curtain instead. This will make the space instantly light up and look glamorous.
This option is best used if you want to create an aesthetic room decor.
You can find this string light curtain from Amazon
Window Treatment
Another brilliant curtain alternative is using a window treatment instead. This is an elegant and lovely way to add a new look to your windows and style them according to your decor.
Window treatments are also quite affordable and you can find many different designs and styles for this as well.
Tapestry
Go all out and hang a gorgeous tapestry on the window. If you can find a tapestry that will only cover halfway down, then this should allow you some visibility and light to shine in.
Get this boho chic wall hanging tapestry from Amazon
However, most of the time, the downside to tapestries is that they can block the entire window depending on its size and length.
You could always decorate on either side of the window instead by hanging the tapestry over there for a creative visual element.
Shelves
This option may include some DIY on your part but it’s definitely worth the effort.
With this idea, you’ll have to create a vertical shelf arrangement on the window and you can use the shelves to accessorize with some of your favorite ornaments or you can line them up with a few pot plants for a wonderful display and setting.
Your windows will look creative and new with this idea.
Lace Fabric
A similar option to curtains if you don’t want to stray too far is to hang a lace curtain instead.
This is a great way to add a delicate touch to your decor and hanging a lace curtain might be that small detail that will make the space look way better and more refined.
Lace curtains are also really cheap curtain alternatives that look good and you’ll definitely be able to find one that will suit your decor.
Macrame Hanging
The last curtain alternative to consider is hanging a macramé hanging instead to give the space a cool boho and chic vibe.
Macrame hangings are absolutely pretty and stylish so you’ll definitely be able to make these windows look trendy and hip. It’s also really easy to install and won’t cost that much either.
If you’d like something that’s different but still popular, I highly suggest trying this one out.
The downside to this option is that macramé hangings won’t cover the entire window (which is great in terms of light) so if privacy is an issue, you will have to go for another option instead.
Conclusion
Curtains can be bulky and take up a lot of space but with these alternatives, you get the chance of including a brand-new look to the interior and make your decor look innovative and interesting.
If you’d like to stick to the traditional means of covering or dressing a window that is similar to curtains, then you could go for blinds, curtains panels, shutters, lace fabric curtains, or roman shades.
A more interesting and creative curtain alternative, hanging up a string light curtain, plants, or a macrame hanging will exude a chic and contemporary appeal.
But there are a few other options that can also be great alternatives worth trying.
Depending on what you’re interested in, I’m sure you’ll find curtain alternatives that will help take your decor to the next level.
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