Skip Traditional Curtains: A More Rustic Way To Cover Windows With An Easy DIY

Traditional curtains can be beautiful and elegant, but they certainly aren't perfect. Standard, store-bought curtains can be a bit boring, and custom curtains come with a high price tag. Plus, they aren't a great fit for every room. If you have a more rustic aesthetic, want something unique, or have an awkwardly shaped window, why not make your own curtains out of burlap? This beginner-friendly craft can add an touch of rustic charm to your windows and give you a custom look without the massive cost. All you really need is some burlap, hot glue or sewing supplies, and a curtain rod, but go ahead and grab any embellishments or additions you want, too.

Burlap has a rough texture that's perfect for adding some dimension to your room. It allows some light to pass through, similar to other sheer curtains, but burlap is also quite durable and looks more solid. If you love the gentle, diffused light of sheer curtains but hate how wispy they seem, burlap is probably a good fit for your home. It's also generally pretty affordable and easy to customize. There aren't as many options available in terms of color and pattern, but dyeing or painting burlap isn't difficult. Plain burlap works great if you're looking for farmhouse curtain ideas, but you could just as easily dress them up to fit any vibe. You can even repurpose burlap from old sacks or bags, although you'll likely need to sew or glue multiple together for larger curtains.

Start by determining what type of curtain is best for your home to give you a sense of how much burlap you need. Cafe curtains that only cover half the window use a lot less fabric than full floor-length panels, after all! Once you've made your choice, measure the space you need to cover. It's a good idea to add a few extra inches, just in case. You may also need to add extra length to the top, depending on how you plan on hanging the curtains. Folding the top over and gluing, pinning, or sewing it in place to form a pocket for the curtain rod to slide into is a popular choice, but the extra fabric for the fold needs to be accounted for. You can also sew or clip curtain rings to it or tie it onto the curtain rod.

Measure your burlap, cutting it down to the correct size and shape. If you're combining multiple smaller pieces, carefully line the edges up and sew or hot glue them together. If the joint is a little messy, you can disguise it with a ribbon or lace. The ends can be left as they are, or you can fold them over and secure them in place, so that any rough edges aren't visible. Finish off with any ribbons, lace, or other decorations, and your new curtains are ready to hang! If you have leftover burlap, consider using it for this beautiful hanging art.