The Best IKEA Curtain Hacks So You Can Snag A Luxurious Look For Less
Selecting and styling your IKEA curtains can majorly refresh your living space. IKEA curtains are popular for a reason — they are both affordable and versatile, making them a great option for a wide range of consumers. Whether you have IKEA curtains at home or you're looking for the best products to purchase, there are several clever hacks to take your curtains to the next level.
IKEA products offer a unique opportunity to easily alter elements to suit your home. From TikTok to Instagram, DIY fanatics have uncovered the best ways to repurpose and reimagine the potential of your IKEA curtains. You can opt to install them in a variety of different ways or decorate them to match your interior design aesthetic. Never underestimate the power that curated curtains have to transform the look of your space. From beginners to home hacking pros, there's an ingenious trick for every level of expertise.
Create stylish DIY pleated curtains
Give your ordinary curtains an easy makeover. Dwell Aware on YouTube recommends using curtain hooks to pleat your own IKEA curtains. Any IKEA curtains will work as long as they have a hook belt. For example, you can pair the HANALILL curtains with the RIKTIG hooks. Simply use the outside hooks to connect the loops at the top of the curtain one inch apart. You can also count six to eight loops between hooks.
The benefit of this hack is that you can easily experiment with different pleat widths to suit your personal taste. If you want the pleats to stand out even more, consider using this pool noodle curtain hack for a more three-dimensional effect.
Try dynamic dip-dye curtains
Add a splash of color to your neutral curtains using this hack from IKEA. First, fill a large bucket with water, and dip your curtains in, up to the point where you want them to transition color. Then, mix your fabric dye in another bucket according to the instructions. Dip the wet portion of your curtains into the fabric dye. Remove the curtains, add a bit more dye, and insert just the ends to achieve an ombre effect.
This hack works best with lightweight IKEA curtains, like the SILVERLÖNN. If you want to get super creative, you can create a multi-colored gradient from top to bottom. Make sure to let each color set and dry before applying the next portion of dye.
Add DIY window pelmets
As demonstrated by @ikeahack on Instagram, you can elevate IKEA curtains with DIY window pelmets. Start by measuring your window and purchasing three pieces of 12mm MDF in an appropriate size. Next, cut and nail the pieces together to create the base for your pelmet. Then, spray the MDF with upholstery glue and cover it with quilt batting or foam. Finally, spray the glue once again before wrapping and folding your old IKEA curtain around the pelmet for a chic, upholstered look.
For an additional stylish touch, you can adhere crystals to screws and create a no-sew, tufted effect. If you want to create a decorative border around your pelmet, you can also push rounded nail heads directly into the fabric to create a nail-head trim.
Two rods are better than one
A common mistake many homeowners make is trying to crowd a thick curtain and a liner onto the same rod. This can look messy and make it difficult to pull the curtains closed. IKEA offers a double-rod solution with their RÄCKA/HUGAD combo, as shown by @myrumabujang on TikTok.
This allows you to hang the BIRTNA curtain and the sheer ROSENROBINIA panel on the same window with no crowding. Another clever hack for IKEA curtain rods is connecting several rods to create a single, long display. You can also hang two curtains in front of one another and then pull them back to create a stylish, overlapping effect.
A no-sew hemming technique
Sometimes it's less expensive to get the cheapest standard-sized curtains from IKEA and hem them to fit your window, especially if your ceilings are an unconventional height. Pine and Prospect Home on YouTube suggests laying out your curtain and folding it in half. Next, add four inches to your desired length, and cut the excess with high-quality fabric scissors. Then, open your curtains back up and make a one-inch-thick fold. Lastly, use iron-on fabric tape to hold the hem in place.
Heavy curtains are harder to hem, so opt for a curtain like the MOALINA that is lightweight yet still opaque. If you're trying to decide on the optimal length for your curtains, consider hanging them just under the top of your ceiling as opposed to in line with your window. This will elongate your wall and create a luxurious look.
Turn any curtains into track curtains
If you don't like the look of your current IKEA rod curtains, Being Faithfully Asia on YouTube demonstrates how to convert them into track curtains. The first step is to use iron-on fabric tape to adhere knitted curtain heading tape underneath the rod pockets, all the way across the back of the curtain. Next, add hooks to the heading and space them evenly. Finally, hook your curtains onto the VIDGA track system.
Because they are installed directly on the ceiling, track curtains offer you the ability to separate space without the need to connect to any walls. Track curtains are an excellent resource for creating a makeshift bedroom or sleeping space, as well as a home office.
Consider alternatives to rod pockets
Threading your rod directly through the rod pocket can result in a frustrating game of tug of war. For an easy alternative, follow @kathleenlovescolor on TikTok. Using the SYRLIG curtain rings, attach them to your curtain by feeding the hooks through the smaller loops at the top of the curtain. Avoid using the clips altogether. Finally, hook the two loops together and hang your curtain.
This affordable IKEA curtain ring hack is not the only way to work around pesky rod pockets. You can also rub the rod with wax paper, making it much easier to open and close the curtains. The wax will also prevent dust from building up on the surface of the rod.
Hide clutter with DIY duvet café curtains
For another clever no-sew hack, you can easily turn your IKEA duvet cover into short café curtains to hide clutter. Bluebird Home & DIY demonstrates this hack using a beautiful Toile de Jouy duvet cover, similar to the ALVINE KVIST. First, cut your duvet three inches longer than the desired length on each side, except for the rod pocket which will depend on the thickness of your rod. After that, you should fold each raw edge about an inch upwards and use iron-on fabric tape to secure the hem.
This is a unique way to hide storage on open shelves like the IKEA BILLY bookcase. In addition to repurposing an underutilized textile in your linen closet, the beauty of using a duvet cover over a curtain is that the patterns are often more eye-catching. While a bold pattern may be overwhelming for full-length curtains, café-length curtains are a great excuse to add a splash of visual interest.
Add eye-catching block print decals
If your IKEA curtains are looking a little bland, you can easily add a fun, eye-catching pattern to the surface of the fabric. @spruce_n_spice on Instagram demonstrates this artsy hack. Take a stamp of your choice and dip it into fabric dye. Then, stamp the pattern across your curtain. Make sure to measure the distance between each stamp to achieve a professional look.
Always choose a high-contrast paint color so that the design pops against the fabric. For an eclectic, retro look, you can actually use a variety of vintage stamps to decorate your curtains. If you want to highlight your printed panels, use this clever hack to make your curtains glow. The beauty of IKEA products is that they provide a blank slate to fuel your creativity.