11 Ways To Make Cheap Curtains Look More Expensive

There's nothing wrong with being boujee on a budget. Fortunately, for those who like to design on a dime, there are plenty of tips and tricks to make a home look expensive and elegant while still using budget-friendly components. There are plenty of spots throughout your space where you can flex your budget-minded ways, but dressing your windows and doors up with curtains is just one of those things that completely elevates the look, regardless of your curtain's price point. However, the devil is in the details, and there are some key tricks you can do to make your cheap curtains look expensive and luxe. Otherwise, you run the risk of making your living spaces feel dated, a bit tacky, or even both.

Everything from the right hardware choices to the perfect curtain length gives even the most inexpensive choices a more luxe edge. Bear in mind that different windows and doors will necessitate or naturally lend themselves to different strategies. Anything from window direction, light preference, and design scheme can dictate how you approach hanging your curtains and how you can make them look more luxe on a budget.

Curtain grommets are an instant giveaway that your window treatments are probably inexpensive and bulk produced, so either get rid of that tell-tale sign or consider finding an alternative curtain choice. There are plenty of inexpensive curtain options that don't use grommets, including ones with pleat hooks. If you already have curtains with grommets, remove the metal circles, sew the gaps closed, and add pleats. Then, hang them with pleat hooks to create the illusion of expensive, custom curtains.

A classic adage of curtains is to hang them high and wide, referring to the height of the curtains and how far apart the panels can go. How high should you hang your curtains, then? The general rule is to use a rod that's 1 foot longer on either side of the window, and hang it 1 foot higher than the top of the window. This'll give the illusion that your window is larger than it is, making the room feel more expansive (and elevated) as a result, despite inexpensive curtains.

To make your inexpensive curtains look fuller and pricier, add a second panel to both sides of your window or door. It not only adds an additional layer for more coverage, but it also infuses a level of volume and texture that lends itself to a much more luxurious feel. If you currently have a pair of plain curtains, add a patterned layer or pop of color for some extra visual appeal. Sew the panels together for a cohesive window treatment look or layer them separately for more versatility.

Wrinkled curtains instantly cheapen the look of your room, so be sure to routinely steam them to make them look expensive and elevated. It's a simple task that instantly gives your room a facelift with its crispness. It also has added hygiene benefits –- hot steam kills off bacteria and wards off mustiness, too. If you're in a household that has pets or children where the curtains may get handled frequently, consider making this a part of your regular cleaning routine. At the very least, it makes your living space and curtains feel put together.

Using cheap-looking hardware can give away your budget-friendly ways, so avoid using curtain rods or curtain rings that feel cheesy. This means it's time to retire the plastic tension rod and do away with the faux crystal rings. Instead, upgrade your hardware to metal (or metal-simulated), wood, or ceramic materials to give the illusion that your curtains are much more expensive than they are. Also, remember that your hardware needs to be able to support the curtain weight and withstand a certain amount of handling, so investing in quality hardware is good for aesthetics and longevity.

Incorrectly-sized curtains scream generic and store-bought, so in order to up the luxe level, be sure to either purchase curtains that will perfectly graze the floor or hem them so that they do so. It can look sloppy to have curtains pooling on the floor, and at the same time curtains that are too short makes the room feel unbalanced and unfinished. It's the perfect Goldilocks scenario — inexpensive curtains that hit the ground just right can still look like a million bucks.

While it may seem like it's a bit overkill to add whole new window trim to make curtains feel more expensive, in reality, there are some easy (and cheap) options, like this chic DIY farmhouse window trim update, that'll make any inexpensive curtain choice look that much more luxe. If there's a pre-existing trim on your windows, consider making it more dramatic with some dark paint, too. It may take some more elbow grease than other options on this list, but the end result is a mega upgrade to the window itself. 

You can train curtains to sit just the way you want, and when you do, they'll look oh-so expensive. Start with a steam to get any wrinkles out. Then, beginning at the top of the panel, pinch the fabric together in the way you want it to gather and stay. Tape or tie the gathered curtain at the top of the panel and repeat with the bottom. Let it "set" for about a week. Once you remove the ties, the curtains should be well-trained to maintain that shape and structure.

Adding window treatments can have a big design impact. Window shades, particularly ones made from (or resembling) natural fibers and materials, can add a luxe edge to your otherwise inexpensive curtains. Cordless Bamboo Roman Shades, for example, add dimension and texture to your windows in a way that complements your existing inexpensive curtains. On a practical level, it also provides more privacy and can help block out light better when needed. If Roman shades aren't your taste, there are plenty of budget-friendly window treatment options that look high-end on the market.

A light filtering curtain is just as it sounds — some light filters through the fabric. A much lighter choice over dark blackout curtains, layering a light filtering curtain with your inexpensive fabrics benefits both the aesthetic and utility. These curtains are available in a number of fabrics and colors too, some of which like linen and silk can complement more inexpensive fabrics to make the entire package look much more elegant. Layering, overall, makes cheap curtains look more expensive, but adding a functional layer makes it all the better.

If you're struggling to find hardware that fits your aesthetic or sizing just right, try adding a cornice to the top of your windows or doors. Cornices are like valences in that they are used to cover any unsightly hanging hardware; however, valences are created with fabric, while cornices are often a constructed, box-like frame. The frame can be painted or covered in fabric to add another design element. Avoid making this addition look dated by using neutral colors and fabrics or utilizing contemporary patterns that match your current design aesthetic.