Ditch Traditional Curtain Rods: This Alternative Offers A Cuter Way To Cover Windows

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When you need to hang something, or rather, some things, on the wall, an accordion rack comes in handy. The common thrift store find can organize and decorate your kitchen, bathroom, or home entryway. And, there's one more way you can put an accordion rack to good use — use it as a substitute for a traditional curtain rod.

Swapping an accordion rack for a curtain rod makes perfect sense. The rack is adjustable, so you don't have to have one that fits your windows exactly. If it's a bit too wide, just push it closed a little bit more. If the rack is smaller than your window, use two or more to stretch across the width. Hang it high to make the room seem taller or stretch it across the center width of the window for cafe curtains.

As for where to find an accordion rack, you've got options. Amazon has plenty available, like the SKOLOO Hat Rack, which comes in a range of colors, such as white, black on white, natural, and cherry red. For a rack that stands out and gives off a rustic or country vibe, go for natural wood. If you'd rather have it blend into your existing decor, choose white or try painting it so it matches your wall's color. To hang curtains in a child's room, you might opt for an accordion rack in rainbow colors, like the Suzile Kids Coat Rack Wall, which is available in pastel, bright, or Morandi colors. 

One of the best things about using an accordion rack to hang curtains is its flexibility. Since accordion racks have two or three rows of knobs, you can adjust the height of your curtains as needed. If you've got extra long curtains, use the highest row. For shorter ones, hang from the lowest row of knobs.

The knobs on the rack also allow you to open and close your curtains with ease, provided you use curtain rings, like the 40-pack Curtain Rings with Clips, to hang your drapery. Attach the clips to the top edge of your curtains so that their spacing aligns with the position of the accordion rack's knobs. To let more light in, overlap the rings, so that there are two on one knob, folding the curtain over. To close the curtain, drape a single ring over each knob. Curtain rings also pair perfectly with charming pinch pleated cafe curtains.

Choose your curtains wisely when using an accordion rack to hang them. Check the weight limit on the rack, as it may be just a few pounds. That can mean that heavyweight drapes, such as floor-length options made from velvet or blackout curtains, may weigh too much for the rack to hold. Instead, look for lightweight options, like IKEA's affordable solution for heavy blackout curtains.