17 Budget-Friendly Window Treatment Options That Look High-End

Whether it's simply blocking light, creating privacy, or helping to reinforce a desired aesthetic, window treatments are an important element in any space in your home to add texture and softness. With so many options available, both from retailers and DIY window treatment projects, you may be wondering which of the many options can make a room feel more luxurious and elevated. The great news is, whether you simply want a way to give older curtains a stunning new look with accessories or swap them out entirely for something fresher and more contemporary, like Roman shades or decorative window film, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a high-end look.

Most of these options, which represent a number of alternative window treatments and popular curtain styles, are in the lower price range of window treatments, typically costing under $50. They are also easy to install, with many DIY treatments involving little to no sewing. Some can even be created with vintage items you can thrift or may already have lying around, like tea towels, doilies, and silk scarves. 

This classic pattern has many options in terms of color and detailing, from more minimalistic florals and other botanicals to highly detailed rustic scenes. It also is available in rich colors like navy and red, in addition to more subdued black, gray, and brown versions. Traditional toile is a pattern that lends itself well for pattern mixing in maximalist rooms. Try Target's French Country Light Filtering Panels for an elevated look in black and white, or opt for these more colorful chic blue Waverly Charmed Life Classic French Country Panels available from Amazon.

If you prefer shades to curtains but still want the softness of a textile material, Roman shades can be a great option, particularly in a classic pattern, like stripes. Look for luxe materials like linen and woven canvas in earthy neutrals or classic navy blue. Walmart's Everyday Celebration Yarn Dyed Roman Shades are a classic and budget-friendly option, especially for areas where you do not want the bulk of curtains around your windows like kitchens and bathrooms.

A great DIY window covering project is to turn ordinary, inexpensive canvas drop cloths into stylish curtains. You can make a no-sew version just by attaching clip-on curtain rings to the top of the drop cloth. Alternatively, fold it over before clipping for a faux valance look. Combine these $10 Harbor Freight 6 x 9 Canvas Drop Cloths with these Home Depot Essential Bronze Curtain Rings for a simple and elegant alternative to more expensive drapery.

Always a classic for layering traditional window covers, lace panels can also be beautiful all on their own. Add fullness and volume using multiple panels on a single rod for a more luxe look. They not only let in the light, but a thicker configuration still gives you privacy. For a chic boho look, try Amazon's Kotile Crochet Curtains with Tassels.

Another perfect alternative to conventional window treatments is adding decorative window film to your windows. Window films come in a variety of styles and designs, including more ornate faux stained glass to simple frosted versions. All allow ample light while still blocking views and granting privacy. Since it is easily removable, this is a great renter-friendly solution if you do not want to hang curtains around your windows. For a beautiful floral window, try Amazon's ADD.HERES 3D Stained Glass Window Film. For a more minimalist look, opt for this VELIMAX Reeded Window Film that adds texture.

Vintage flour sacks can have very beautiful logos and designs in addition to a stylish French Country and old-world feel. They also come in a variety of rich neutrals. Make your own window coverings from old flour sacks or coffee/tea bags, or buy one that has already been sewn into a curtain, like this gorgeous French Stamp Natural Burlap Panel from Etsy.

Patchwork curtains can be beautiful in a cottage-style or boho-chic design. You can make your own patchwork curtains from fabrics like silk scarves or vintage textiles, or buy one readymade using strips of vintage textiles like this Recycled Silk Panel Curtain from Mexicali Blues. While patchwork squares in a variety of textures and patterns can be lovely in a more informal room, vertical segments look more luxe and refined.

You can make gorgeous cafe curtains from vintage and antique tea towels. Sew a seam to slide a rod through, or use clip hooks for an easy no-sew version. These short curtains work particularly well above a sink or on a small bathroom window. You can also use vintage pillowcases similarly, which can be a great way to repurpose embroidered pieces that may be languishing in the linen closet.

This beautiful and romantic way of decorating your windows gives a charming cottage feel with an elevated beauty. Enlist pieces like dresser scarves and lace tablecloths, as possible window covers, as well as smaller crochet doilies in various patterns and colors. Sew them together into a one-of-a-kind patchwork that is unique to your space. The effect is an eclectic curtain look that gives your home an instant boho feel. Outfit them with clamp curtain rings for easy hanging.

While bamboo shades are widely available from retailers and typically add a nice natural touch to window coverings, get a more elevated look by choosing a shade that has a wider and more textured weave than many inexpensive rolling shades. While many have long slats, the Yin Yang Cordless Blackout Bamboo Roman Shades from Amazon have thinner woven pieces with more rustic variations, allowing more light in and giving them a more textured look than outdated shades.

For a stunning elevated look, learn to successfully layer your curtains. Multiple layers not only provide texture and privacy but can also make the curtains feel thicker and more luxurious than one or two panels. You can do this with traditional drapery and sheers or layer other varieties of sheer and solid curtains (including vintage textiles) for an instant luxurious feel.

A great solution for smaller windows are tie up curtains and panels. This gives you the functionality of a shade, allowing you to lower and raise them to varying heights, but the softness of a cloth curtain without the bulkiness. Try Amazon's KMSG Bowknot Tie Up Kitchen Curtain, which works well in smaller windows for a touch of elegance.

While custom shutters can be pricey as window coverings, many retailers like The Shutter Store and Budget Blinds offer affordable cafe shutter installations, which can save you some money since you are only covering the window's lower half. They are typically priced by the foot, so they can be installed economically in smaller windows for around $30 per foot. Those can be great for giving a streamlined and classic look, particularly when used alone without any other window coverings. They would be great for giving privacy in a kitchen above the sink or in a bathroom window.

Hanging your curtains high and allowing them to drape to the floor makes them feel more luxurious and high-end. It also makes your ceilings look higher no matter the size of your windows. The best way to puddle curtains and add timeless elegance to any room is to hang them at least 6 inches over the window opening and allow them to drape to the floor. Instead of standard-sized curtains, opt for ones designed for larger windows, like these 10-foot-long Nanspring Extra Long Curtains from Amazon, which come in a wide variety of colors.

One great way to instantly give your outdated curtains a modern upgrade is to install a beautiful rod to hang them from. Retailers have a host of options, from whimsical birds to woodland creatures and other natural accents like leaf scrolls, branches, and flowers. They also come in a variety of finishes, from chic brass or copper to a basic black matte. For a dramatic look for even the simplest curtains or drapes, try this Aged Silver Knob rod from Walmart.

If you want a permanent way to hold curtains open, switch out conventional fabric tiebacks for wall-mounted metal ones, which come in all sorts of designs, finishes, and aesthetics, like these bronze SUQ I OME European Leaf Curtain Tiebacks available from Amazon. They make it easy to hold curtains open stylishly and can remain hidden behind the curtains when not in use.

These budget-friendly curtains that look way more expensive than they are are a great way to elevate any room, immediately making the space look dramatic and textured. While flowing velvet drapes are also an option, velvet tab top curtains are a fun way to add an elegant and luxurious touch to even more casual spaces without being too fussy. Try Target's Odelia Distressed Velvet Tab Top Panels to create a romantic feel in any room.