Renter-Friendly IKEA Curtain Rod Finds To Makeover Your Space

Besides the rising rental expenses, which the United States Census Bureau reports can take up to 30% of a renter's income, one of renting's most obvious downsides is the lack of freedom when it comes to decorating. Though a rental will inevitably succumb to normal wear and tear, such as scuffed carpets, peeling paint, or small nail holes, you may still be wary about just how much you can decorate without losing your deposit. But renting shouldn't clip your interior design wings. Fortunately, there are a lot of renter-friendly DIY decor tricks you can use to beautify your home. Putting up curtains is one of the easiest ways to inject color and character to a dull rental, though the process may entail the drilling of several holes into your walls and ceilings. 

Katherine Ormerod, author of the book "Your Not-Forever Home", spoke to the BBC about how she'd first discuss with her future landlord the changes and improvements she was planning to make to the rental before signing a contract. We suggest doing the same, however small the modification may seem to be. If your rental doesn't come with any curtain rods in place, fear not. From adjustable rod lengths to decorative finials, IKEA stocks a variety of renter-friendly curtain rods that are as elegant as they are inexpensive.

Since no two windows are created equal, IKEA curtain rods are adjustable in terms of length and wall distance, easily allowing you to install them 4 to 6 inches above the window, following the rule of thumb of curtain rod placement. If you aren't able to drill holes into your walls, a FJÄDRANDE curtain rod ($6.99) is an ideal temporary solution. Adjustable to a maximum length of 47 ¼ inches, a spring mechanism anchors its ends to a window frame and can hold curtains up to its 4-pound limit. It is great for hanging sheer privacy curtains in your kitchen, or for cafe curtains that add a quaint charm. Complement the rod with SYRLIG curtain rings and hooks ($8) for better fabric grip.

If you're looking for the complete package, and are able to put some holes in your wall, the BEKRÄFTA set ($19.99) is comprised of a rod and rod holder, finials, and wall brackets. This model comes with a connector that allows you to add more rods for maximum curtain reach. Choose from black, white, brass, or plated nickel finishes to match the contemporary aesthetic you're going for.

The model KÄGELKAKTUS ($34.99) is treated with an oak effect, giving the room a warmer, earthier vibe. Similar to BEKRÄFTA, it can be lengthened or shortened accordingly, and can even accommodate additional rods if needed. It comes with the added advantage of having a bracket that can be attached not only to the wall, but to the ceiling as well — a design hack that can visually lengthen the height of your room and give you more control over the influx of light.

Now onto ways you can customize your newly-installed rods and make the space your own. There's no need to choose between putting up black-out drapes or sheer curtains, at least not if IKEA can help it. If you're looking to mix and match fabric patterns and materials, select a RÄCKA / HUGAD double rod ($29.48), which combines thick and thin rod widths for heavier and lighter curtains. For more intricate window dressing projects, the RÄCKA / HUGAD triple rod ($44.97) is the way to go.

Finally, IKEA proposes a variety of finials for certain curtain rod models such as the RACKA or HUGAD. These decorative knobs can be screwed onto the ends of the rods, giving your window a totally new look. Go Art Deco with the crackled-glass ball look of INSEKTSMAL ($10/pair), or create a dreamy curtain scenario with the ceramic flower-bud shaped PALPMOSSMAL ($8/pair). Choose the RAFFIG ($3/pair) or UDDNATE ($8/pair) finials if bolder looks are more your style.