Windows are one of the major features of any given room, and decorating them can make a huge difference to the way you house looks. Unfortunately, a lot of the time it can be expensive. Luckily for you, we’ve prepared a list of our top five budget-friendly DIY window treatments! Of course, if your windows are in need of significant help including repair or replacement, contact a trusted professional like Otto’s Windows and Doors.
Add A Valance
Let’s start from the top. Ever thought that the rod and hooks combination looks a bit messy? Then this is the DIY idea for you. A valance is simply a bit of drapery that covers the top section of the curtains (usually starting above the rod and ending a few inches under it). 
Traditionally, valences were fabric but there’s a lot of variety out there now. Whether it’s wood, leather or something even more daring, you’ll be able to find something to suit you. You may also see these called a cornice – usually applied to non-fabrics. One of our absolute favourites is this romantic star-themed one. There’s a whole world of options out there too – from something dramatic and theatre-based, to the calmer, simpler floral fabrics of a farmer’s kitchen. If you’re really inventive, you might even decide to work in some LEDs and create a twinkling masterpiece. A word of warning though – for those of you with small rooms, this can make the space feel even smaller, and you might be better off with our next suggestion instead. 
Don’t Forget The Rod!
So much emphasis is put on choosing the right curtains – from the fabric to the thickness, even the way they sit – but much less on finding the right rod. A curtain rod can make or break a look, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about rather than just buying the cheapest one you can find. In general there are two mains way of customising the curtain rod you want – the rod itself, and the end pieces. For those of you with less time, it may be quicker to focus on the ends, as these can be added on later, rather than needing to be done at the same time as everything else. If you’re feeling a bit more daring, you could even make a curtain rod from scratch! This painted branch is one such example. Whether you simply paint a plain pole a bright colour, or do something more complicated like making your own ends for it, spicing up your curtain rod is a quick and easy way to make your windows stand out.
Unusual Blinds
We’ve all seen blinds like the ones below before, right?
These blinds – despite their potentially plain appearance now – are a great place to start DIY-ing your own window treatment. With a set of plain white or cream blinds as a base, you can do all kinds of exciting things. If you’re a dab hand with a paintbrush, get yourself some paints (make sure you research the material types and wash conditions!) and go crazy. If that seems intimidating, you can always try prints – lay them out flat and use rollers, cardboard stencils or anything else that you have to hand. Finally, if there’s a fabric you’ve already got your eye on – or even a paper print – you can attach this to the blinds and have exactly the look you want. For some inspiration, check out these old maps re-purposed as blinds.
No-Sew Curtains
Would you believe it’s possible to make your own curtains? Now it is! There are tons of tutorials out there. There’s something for every skill level – with more detailed variants involving pleats, to something simple you could put together in an hour. Being able to make your own curtains makes designing the perfect DIY window treatments even easier, as you’re no longer limited by whatever is currently ‘on-trend’. Try looking online for some interesting fabrics – there’s something out there for everyone.
Jazz Up the Glass
Most people forget that when working out how to decorate your windows, the glass can be a canvas too! Even if you’re living in a rented property, there’s non-permanent ways that you can make the glass itself more exciting. This is especially useful for those of you with smaller rooms, since it won’t make the window bigger than it already is.
Whether it’s using a cornstarch mix to apply fabric to it (a great alternative to lace curtains) or using a combination of fabric, stain and tape to create faux stained glass, there’s a lot you can do to make your window more interesting even without adding curtains or blinds to it.
Of course, these five ideas are only a few of the possibilities out there – you could work in fairy lights, metal brackets, and a whole bunch of other things. So why not get started?
By Alfred Stallion and VanessaArbuthnott.co.uk!