Consider Adding Rustic Woodsy Window Toppers As A Curtain Alternative

What if your windows could feel styled with a rustic charm without blocking the beauty of natural light? Curtains are a common choice, but varieties like room-darkening curtains can make a space feel claustrophobic. However, there is a way to give your space a touch of farmhouse style that doesn't compromise on lighting, and the materials might be right in your own backyard. You can use bundles of grapevine branches to create a rustic window topper for your space as an alternative to drab curtains. This project requires just a few materials, like the branches themselves and some crafting wire, to add a touch of flair to your windows without blocking out any beautiful natural light.

If your property has grapevines growing on it, this is the perfect budget-friendly window treatment alternative DIY for you. Grapevines are perennials, meaning the plant comes back yearly, and they are fast-growing. This means you can prune some branches away for curtain crafting while still having lush vines year after year. You can also choose a base material like bamboo to keep the strength and flexibility but also add a unique look to this DIY.  For those with no access to these specifically, you can still head outside and grab a bundle of sticks or twigs. Help improve the longevity of the materials by using a product like Bonide Garden Rich Pruning Sealer to add a protective layer on the wood.

Before diving into this curtain alternative hack, you'll need to make sure you have a few tools on hand. These include the branches, a measuring tape, a pencil, a sturdy stick to be the support rod, two closet-style dowel brackets per window, crafting wire, and pruning shears (if foraging). Start by collecting your branches, either by cutting down branches in your yard or using ones leftover from your latest outdoor cleanup project. Seal the branches and allow to dry. Next, measure how wide your window is and cut each branch, along with the supportive rod, as close to this length as possible to create the perfect fit. It may be helpful to hold the branches up to the window to determine how high they should be.

Next, install closet pole sockets like the HOME MASTER HARDWARE Plastic Closet Pole Socket and test to make sure the supportive center rod fits properly. Hold the branches together and wrap the crafting wire around both ends to secure them in a tight bundle. You'll need to leave some extra wire at the end of each bundle knot, as this will be how the bundle attaches to the rod. Wrap the wire tightly to hang the branches. Now, you can fluff up your rustic window toppers by adjusting how the branches sit and even weaving in more to give them a robust appearance. It can also be helpful to keep the fuller parts of the branches positioned toward the middle of the window if you want to minimize gaps.

Once the new window toppers are installed, it's time to customize the final look. You can keep the branches as is for a truly rustic appearance, but there are opportunities to add a touch of your unique style to this window treatment alternative. For example, incorporate these window toppers into your holiday decor by stringing holiday lights through the branches to create a cozy glow. You can also tuck holly berry springs between the branches for a fun pop of color. Keep the fun themes going by weaving seasonal flowers through the branches along with some ribbon for delicate additions that won't have a big impact on how much light comes through.

If you're looking for a way to change up the whole aesthetic of this window treatment alternative, try going outside the box and spray painting the branches before starting this project. Use a neutral color that matches your decor for a clean design, or opt for a bold color paint if you're decorating for a theme or party. You can also incorporate curtains with this decorative window topper, which is similar to hanging them behind something like a valance. Finished making your window toppers but still have branches left over? Consider using them in another DIY to create more rustic home decor.