Hey friends! I have a super simple and beautiful DIY to share with you all today! Anyone that knows me knows that I hate to sew. Well, let me take that back. Sewing intimidates me so therefore I do not attempt. Maybe one day I will take on the challenge, but not today. Today, I will show all you non-sewers, like myself (and sewers too because this is too amazing not to try), how to make drop cloth curtains. That’s right… those things you buy at Home Depot or Lowe’s to put down when you paint. We are going to turn them in to beautiful curtains.
This was one of the many projects in our recent Living Room Renovation. I still have one more detail that I want to add to these window treatments that I haven’t gotten around to yet. I hope to get it done and share with you all soon.
This is cost a effective alternative to expensive drapes and window treatments. And I promise that you will love the results. Take a look for yourself.
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How to Install Drop Cloth Curtains:
What You need:
Drop Cloths – I purchased 2 packs of the 6×9. They come in various sizes so the size you get just depends on the window you are covering. The windows I’m covering are a total width of 110″ and length of 85.” I wasn’t worried about covering the entire width of the window because we have lots of privacy in our back yard and I don’t ever plan to close the curtains.
Curtain Rod – I ordered a 66×120 rod to cover the span of my windows. They are adjustable up to the maximum length. They also include a center bracket so it doesn’t sag in the middle.
Drapery Clips – I used 2.5 packs.
Tape measure – to measure where to hang the rod.
Screw gun/drill – to install curtain rod.
What To Do:
1. Wash
When you open your package of drop cloths, they will be stiff, wrinkly and probably a bit smelly. The first thing you will want to do is throw them in the wash. I washed mine on the quick cycle with warm water and regular detergent. After they are done washing, throw them in the dryer. As they are drying, fluff them several times to help prevent them from wadding up and getting wrinkles.
2. Iron
Once the drop cloth curtains are washed and dried, the next step is ironing. This is the step I detest (almost as much as sewing). But they will likely be pretty wrinkly, even after fluffing them in the dryer.
3. Hang
Now it’s time to hang your curtain rod. If you have a rod already in place, you can skip to the next step. I purchased this French Pipe Drapery Rod in bronze from Target and absolutely love the look of it. We hung our rod about a foot above our window to give the window a larger appearance.
4. Measure
To hang your panels, you will need to determine the appropriate length. The easiest way to figure out the length is to get on a ladder and hold them up and determine where you want them. I wanted mine to puddle on the ground so I took that into consideration when I was figuring out my length.
You can either hang them straight, as I did, or you can hang them with the top folded over. The fold over look is good if you need to customize the length. To do this, just fold the top of the drop cloth over until you reach your desired length (usually about 12-18 inches).
If you have a very small window, you could cut the drop cloth to size and fold over the cut edge and use a little fabric glue to create a seam.
5. Clip
Next you are going to attach your curtain clip rings. I didn’t measure the spacing between the clips, I just eyed it. They are roughly 8″ apart.
I told you that these drop cloth curtains were easy! Now I’m ready to hang these in every room of my house. They are simple, affordable and beautiful. The neutral color and canvas texture are the perfect combination to bring coziness to any room.
I hope this was helpful, and please let me know if you have any questions or need further instructions.
Have a wonderful day friends! Thanks for stopping by, and be blessed. xoxo
These are super cute and look fairly easy to make, thanks or sharing!
Thanks for sharing. I was just thinking about possibly doing this the other day. Looks very easy and pretty.
Such, you should definitely give it a try. For $11 a panel, you just can’t beat it.
I love that curtain rod! I have a house full of curtains to hang and this is a great idea!
Thank you, Wendy! I picked up the curtain rod at Target. I love the industrial look of it.
These are gorgeous and so simple! I’ll try this in my next apartment!
xx Sara
This is an awesome idea! Perfect for a farm house look 🙂 I love it!
Ah ha a drop cloth curtain, I love it. Glad you told everyone to wash them first I had a friend that did not, and every time I went over to her house, there was a funky smell. We had no idea where it was coming from, later on we tracked down that it was the drop cloths. LOL
Oh gosh! Yes, they smell like chemicals when you take them out the pack. Plus, washing them softens them up and gets out some of the wrinkles.
Heather, I can not believe that these are drop cloths hanging on your curtain rod. I would have never known, and now I have to make some too. Thanks for another superb DIY project.
Thank you, Lisa! They are the best thing ever. Now I want them in every room. 😉
Super awesome. I have been trying to find a cute cost effective set of curtains for my daughters room. Since she has 2 windows buying 2 sets gets pricy. I’m excited to try this idea. And if I change my mind later. Well I will have some drop cloths to paint the house with. Lol. Love it!
Yes, they are great for any room and so cost-effective. And you’re right, you can never have enough drop cloths. 😉
I wouldn’t have ever thought to use drop clothes but they look fabulous. They really have such a nice texture. I love life hacks like this, especially when you don’t have to sew! I look forward to seeing more of your decorating skills.
Thank you, Valerie! I agree, the texture is my favorite part about them – well that and the cost. 😉
How see through would these curtains be at night without blinds? I’m thinking of making these as a temporary window covering.
Hi Mel! The heaviness of the fabric varies with brands. The ones that I have used are by no means blackout, but you cannot see through them. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!