11 Creative Ways To Give Your Outdated Curtains A Modern Upgrade

The best thing about curtains in general is that they never go out of style. From luxurious statement pieces to simple window treatments, the right curtains can make even the most dull area of your home look chic. Not only are curtains stylish decor, but they can also offer thermal insulation, privacy, and noise reduction. So, even after updating your interior design and changing up your decorations, you may still want to keep curtains hanging on your windows. But what if your specific window coverings look a bit outdated? Fortunately, you might not need to go out and buy all new ones, as there are plenty of ways to modernize your curtains for a whole new look. Ideas include layering them, changing out the hardware, dyeing the curtains, or adding decorative trim.

Holding onto your current curtains a little longer comes with quite a few benefits. The most glaringly obvious pro is that it will help you save a few bucks. This will also keep your old curtains out of a landfill, which is beneficial to our planet. Further, you'll be able to mix your current style with your previous one for a nostalgic touch. So, if you're looking to refresh those outdated curtains, here are 11 ideas to try.

Layering your curtains is an easy way to make them look fuller and high-end — not to mention that this will also enhance your window treatments. By pairing sheer curtains with heavier drapes, you can create a layered and stylish look in any space. Sheer curtains allow natural light to filter in, while the heavier drapes provide privacy and insulation. This combination is perfect for any time of the year, as you can adjust the layers to suit the season. You can also experiment with different colors, textures, and patterns to personalize the look. Either use one curtain rod or multiple on the same window.

Adding trim to your curtains is another quick way to give them a new, stylish look. Trim can instantly elevate curtains, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your window treatment. You can choose from a variety of trims, such as fringe, tassels, lace, or a patterned panel, to match your interior design or personal style. Adding trim can be as simple as measuring and cutting your desired fabric and sewing it onto the curtains. While you don't need to be an expert seamstress for this project, it will require some basic sewing skills. Or use tape trim, which can be applied with an iron.

Adding string lights to your curtains is a neat hack to create a warm and inviting look, especially during the holidays. Fairy lights can add a dreamy and whimsical touch to a room while also providing soft, ambient lighting. This DIY is a creative idea to repurpose string lights around the house, making use of them during any time of the year. To achieve this look, simply wrap the string lights around the curtain rod, securing them with twist ties or small clips. You can customize the look by choosing string lights of different colors, and consider using ones that are remote-controlled or that have a timer setting.

Instead of buying a new set of colored curtains, dyeing your old curtains can give them a fresh new look. With a vibrant or bold hue on your curtains, you can add a pop of color or create a new palette for your space. Dyeing fabric is relatively simple and easy to do at home. Just choose a fabric-safe dye and an appropriate container to submerge your curtains in the solution, following the instructions on the package. Most dye brands require you to pre-wash the curtains to remove any stains that may affect the color, so keep that in mind.

Sometimes, it's not the curtain itself that's outdated but rather the accessories on and around it. With this in mind, consider upgrading your curtain hardware to modern, trendy styles. For example, you could swap out dull plastic curtain rods and hooks for metal versions. These have a sleek, industrial look that can instantly elevate the overall appearance. You can also experiment with different types of tiebacks, such as tassels, bows, or beaded chains, to personalize the look. Just make sure to measure your window and curtain hardware beforehand to ensure the new ones are the right size.

Is that old curtain too short? Lengthen the curtain with a stylish hem finish. Extending the length of your curtains so they touch or pool on the floor can create a more dramatic, sophisticated, and modern look for your window treatment. Longer curtains can also make your room appear taller and more spacious. For this project, you can take the curtains to a local tailor or seamstress or do it yourself with a sewing machine, thread, and extra fabric. You can also make them visually appear longer by repositioning the curtain rod higher and adding curtain rings (this will lower them an extra inch or two).

Do you have houseplants? Hang a few of them up with your curtains. You can add vines around the rods or mount planters and potted plants for a vertical garden. The sunlight filtering through your curtains can be the perfect spot for your plants to thrive, and hanging them can help maximize floor space. Also, the greenery can add a pop of color and texture to plain old curtains, making them more visually appealing. Just make sure the plants you choose to hang are those that love lots of light.

Cleaning your curtains is a simple yet often overlooked way to refresh them. Over time, curtains can collect dust, dirt, and unpleasant smells, which is likely the reason they look old, dull, and dingy. Try giving your curtains a good cleaning to restore their color and original beauty. Start by checking the care label to determine the best cleaning method. Machine-washable curtains are generally easy, typically suggesting a gentle detergent and tumble drying on low heat. Delicate or hand-wash-only curtains, on the other hand, may need to be taken to a professional cleaner.

In addition to cleaning, ironing your curtains can surprisingly refresh their appearance. Wrinkled curtains can look sloppy, old, and shorter than their actual length. A nice, quick ironing session will help smooth out the fabric and make your curtains look crisp and clean. Ironing can also help to revitalize the look of your curtains, especially if you've had them tucked away in storage for a while. Before ironing your curtains, always remember to check the care label for the appropriate heat setting. Usually a low to medium heat setting will avoid damaging the fabric.

You may have already integrated smart technology into other areas of your home. Why not add smart window treatments to the list? They're modern, innovative, and extremely convenient. Motorized curtains fall under this category, adding a touch of luxury to your space. By installing a motorized curtain track, you can make your current curtains operable, opening and closing them from anywhere in the room with a simple remote control. Just consider factors like the weight of your curtains and the window measurements. A professional can help with installation, or there are types on websites like Amazon that should be easy to install yourself.

Sometimes, a modern upgrade for outdated curtains can be as easy as giving it a new function. There are many smart ways to repurpose curtains around the house. One neat idea is to drape your curtains over a freestanding hoop above your bed to create a dreamy canopy. Another idea is to use the old curtains as a stylish room divider or as a soft and more unique closet door alternative. What's great about reusing the curtain is that doing so helps reduce waste and makes your home more sustainable.