Try This Pretty Pool Noodle Hack To Dress Up Your Basic Windows For Less

While you could go the common route and dress up your windows with curtains, we have a better idea. If you want to give your windows a nature-inspired makeover, look no further than a tension rod covered with a pool noodle and some artificial plants. Even with all the required elements, this DIY hack is quite budget-friendly (and super easy to complete, too!). 

First, measure the width of your windows so you can get the right size tension rod. Assuming your windows aren't much wider than average, Amazon's 28 to 43 inch rod may work and is sold for $7. Next, you'll need your pool noodle. If you have one on hand, now's the perfect time to repurpose it. Alternatively, head to your local pool supplies store or order one online. Pro-tip: take a look at the cost of each color noodle before purchasing. Walmart is selling blue pool noodles for $7, while the same thing in green costs over $8. Since this DIY hack requires you to cover the full noodle in faux flowers, you won't be able to see the noodle anyway, making blue the most cost-effective option.  

Finally, you'll need your artificial flowers or leaves (dare we say, faux-liage). Again, both Amazon and Walmart have great options for under $15. That said, one mistake people make when buying fake plants is to go for obviously fake-looking ones, so be sure to go for the most realistic looking options you can afford. 

To bring this hack to life, begin by slicing along one long side of the pool noodle with a knife or pair of scissors. Then, slip the noodle over the rod. Once you've done that, you're all set to start decorating, which is as simple as inserting all your foliage into the foam. You may need to cut the faux flower stems shorter before you begin. Looking for an even easier approach? Start by using an artificial garland ($12 for two at Walmart), then add in extra faux flowers from there. Keep going until the noodle is completely concealed, then place the tension rod securely at the top of your window.

One of the perks of this hack is that you can give it regular seasonal makeovers (aka a game-changer in making artificial flowers look real). Think red and yellow foliage around fall (available at Walmart for around $16) and brighter colors in summer. You can even create budget-friendly garlands for Christmas and Easter, adding seasonal decor to the noodle and plants. Of course, if you're not keen on regular re-dos, you could pick a perennial plant like ivy instead (available as a pack of three garlands for around $18 on Amazon). Just ensure that whatever you keep up year-round is UV-resistant. After all, since this DIY craft will be placed in a window, it's bound to get a ton of sun, and no one wants sun-bleached decor.