How To Make Cheap IKEA Curtain Rods Look Expensive

From the IRJA curtain rod set that runs around $2 to the extendable $2.99 RÄCKA curtain rod, there's no better place to buy affordable curtain rails than at IKEA. Talk about getting a bang for your buck. However, the obvious elephant in the room, of course, is that they can look cheap and generic. But we're here to tell you: Just because you're decorating your home on a budget doesn't mean your window hardware has to stay an eyesore. Simply roll up your DIY sleeves, bring out the paint, and think outside the box for the finials.

Yep, that's it. You don't need to be a DIY aficionado to tackle this quick home upgrade. As a plus, you have complete freedom to personalize the hardware according to your style, whether that means 'extra fancy' or 'simple with a dash of wow.' Even better, you can achieve this without spending as much as you would on expensive, high-end curtains. Without further ado, let's dive into how to jazz up boring rods and make them feel so much more expensive than their price tag.

Starting with the easiest hack, use spray paint to change the color of your rod, brackets, and curtain rings if they're looking a bit too plain.You'll first want to sand down the rod with fine grit sandpaper so the paint adheres to the metal surface better. To simplify the process, attach the rods to pieces of cardboard on either side. This will make them easier to flip over. Then, prime it, let it dry, and get painting. Or, go the paint-and-primer-in-one route, like the $12.99 Rust-Oleum All-Surface Metallic Spray Paint, to simplify the process. Another alternative? Rub 'n Buff. This metallic-finish wax can easily be applied using a soft cloth and gives off a more antiqued effect. You can snag a tube of this product for under $7 at Michaels.

So... what color should you paint your curtain rods? Sometimes you want the rail to stand out; other times you want it to blend in. Surprisingly, metallics can do it all. A gold or brass finish just screams deluxe. Alternatively, you could go with pewter to keep things on the cooler side. And if you don't know how to decorate with metallics, you can always count on matte black curtain rods for a modern edge.

Finally, swap out the finials. We love the idea of thrifting clear glass or patterned cabinet/door knobs to bring an interesting detail. Moreover, you could also use wooden blocks or decorative wicker balls for a thrifty yet stylish fix. Once that's done, it's time to make your budget curtains look expensive with curtain training.