She Uses An Unexpected Ice DIY To Cover Windows With Unique Charm

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There are certain outdated curtain trends to ditch in 2026, and a set of basic white curtains feature near the top of the list. Too often, a plain pair of coverings will look boring and not do much for your windows except maybe provide a bit of protection from the sun's glaring rays. However, this doesn't mean that you should trash whatever white window treatments you currently own. Instead, you can take a tip from the creator at YouTube channel Hometalk who revitalized her curtains in effortless fashion and added unique, colorful charm using just two ingredients: ice and dye.

Though similar to the in-house overnight tie-dyeing method using ice and a bucket, this DIY technique for changing your curtain color is far simpler and less effort-intensive. It's a great project for beginners and busy pros alike. Plus, you don't have to spend a lot of money to breathe new life into your old curtains. Any pair you have will suffice — as long as it's light-colored, since the dye won't make much of a difference on dark ones. As for the material, almost anything that isn't overly stained or damaged could work, but see if you can find cotton curtains, as they tend to absorb color the best.

Coming to the dyes, any powdered (or liquid) one you have leftover from other crafts will be enough. And if you don't want the color to fade within a few washes, opt for fiber reactive dyes, like Jacquard's Procion MX Dye Color Set. You'll also need a large bag of ice as well as a clean wood or metal frame. Prepare a makeshift frame using two tall tables, sawhorses, or ladders and a wood plank to suspend the curtain. Otherwise, you just need a mask, protective goggles, and gloves.

The first thing you want to do is launder your old curtain using a gentle detergent. This will help eliminate dust, dirt, and other grime, so the fabric can absorb color better. It's also a good idea to wash a new curtain if you plan on dyeing it for the best results. Now, take it outside and spread it along your prepared board to air-dry. Use binder clips to clamp the curtain down in place, or it might shift away with a strong wind as it dries. Weights at the bottom might also be necessary on windy days. Alternatively, spread an old cloth underneath the suspended curtain and use a respirator mask if attempting this DIY indoors.

Leave the curtain alone for a few hours to dry a bit. Start placing ice cubes along its top edge when it's just damp. Spread them evenly, and don't leave a large chunk anywhere if you want a symmetrical outcome. When finished, start pouring dye over the cubes. Be generous, but avoid leaving huge clumps anywhere. In case you do, get a craft stick and spread the dye flakes around. You can even add a powdered glitter tie-dye product for a shimmery touch. Now, sit back and watch as the sun melts the ice and running dyes create a beautiful tie-dye design on your curtain.

After the cubes melt completely, you'll need to set your fabric dye. Remove your still-wet curtain and treat it with a fixative, such as Craft County's Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative, to minimize color bleeding. Alternatively, throw it in the dryer to set the dyes. And if the finished product seems too simple, grab a stencil and fabric spray paint to draw pretty designs.