Add A Touch Of Charm & Creativity To Your Hanging Curtains With Old Ribbons

Who knew it was possible to get more creative with curtains? Overall, curtains seem pretty straightforward, right? It turns out there are plenty of ways that you can upgrade your curtain hooks to make them more personalized to your specific tastes. One example is using ribbons to replace hooks and clasps to provide a softer vibe to your window coverings. 

Ribbons are such a simple yet chic way to upgrade almost anything in your home. Furniture, bedding, linens, even clothing can benefit from an added ribbon here or there. Plus, there are so many DIYs you can do with them. For instance, you could create a door wreath or make your Christmas tree look fuller with leftover ribbon. However, replacing your standard curtain hooks with leftover pieces of decorative ribbon may just become the reason why you hold onto old cuttings rather than tossing them. This idea adds a touch of style unlike anything you can find in a store-bought pack of hooks. 

As with any DIY, it's important to pre-plan this swap out and ensure that the ribbon you choose can hold your curtain materials. If you have very thick drapes, these will need sturdy ribbon to accommodate them. You also need the type of curtains that are meant to be hung with hooks or clasps so that you can string your materials through and tie them around a curtain rod. If you're working with curtains that are meant to simply slip onto a rod, you do have the option to cut slits into the top so that you may lace ribbon through. 

Consider your home's aesthetic when choosing your ribbon (whether from your own stash or when buying it from a store), and be realistic about your expectations. White cream or light neutrals may turn yellow from too much sun exposure if you're using them on window hangings, and black or darker colors could bleach because of this, too. Keep this in mind so you're prepared to swap them out when your ribbon starts to look faded or worn. Lace, velvet, or even canvas can be fun textures to incorporate, but make sure they complement your curtain material rather than overwhelming it or clashing. Too many different materials can be detrimental to your design, so if your curtains are already textured, patterned, or loud, opt for a solid-colored ribbon. Just like you should choose curtain prints that will match your room, the ribbons need to match, too.

Pull one (or two) pieces of about 8-inch long ribbon through the slits in the top of your curtain material, then tie these around the rod. Leave enough fabric so that you can either tie a bow or create a stylish knot, since you want the ribbon to show as much as possible. You can also swap out your ribbons depending on the season, matching them to your holiday decor since they are so easy to change. If you're concerned about your bows or knots holding, you can add a little super glue where you tie the ribbon. However, keep in mind that, if you add glue, you might have to cut the ribbon off when replacing it and the fabric might not be reusable.