Ditch Traditional Curtains: Use Dollar Tree Finds To DIY A Cuter Way To Cover Windows

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Traditional coverings like curtains and blinds aren't the right choice for every window. If you don't need the privacy, room-darkening, or energy-saving benefits of classic window treatments, you might opt for an alternative that's mostly decorative. A partial window covering can add personality over a plain window and you can DIY your own with a few affordable materials. This DIY video from Hometalk shows you how you can swap traditional window coverings with a simple one made from placemats.

Though this project from Hometalk uses Walmart placemats, Dollar Tree also stocks a variety of placemat options. Most of them cost $1.50, which is often cheaper than Walmart. In particular, this DIY uses plastic placemats with intricate die cut or laser cut patterns. An example of a Dollar Tree placemat with this cutout design is the Spring Fling PVC Placemat.

Dollar Tree also makes some decorative seasonal placemats, so you can decorate windows according to upcoming holidays. The Harvest Theme Placemats are great for a general fall theme, while the Seasonal Collection Halloween PVC Placemat will appeal to Halloween-lovers. The cutout design adds visual interest and also lets some sunlight through to keep rooms bright. Alternatively, if you want more coverage, you can use a solid mat, like the Home Collection Round Placemat. Dollar Tree's placemat selection is also great for if you want to make some DIY Dollar Tree wall art on a budget.

This is a particularly creative window treatment idea that isn't a basic curtain. It can offer some functional benefits, too. This partial window covering can be used in basement apartments to cover the window for privacy but let some light in. It will also offer some light coverage, maybe just enough to dull a pesky streetlight or a neighbor's floodlight. Figure out the layout of your placemats to achieve the coverage you need. This video recommends using four, but you can adjust the number to your window.

Since this project uses a slim tension rod to hold it all up, it's also renter-friendly. You can adjust the curtain rod along the height of the window, which also gives you more flexibility in terms of coverage and the final look. Once you have your placemats, string a length of ribbon or rope through a hole at the top of each one. Choose varying lengths to mount them in a staggered design. In this video, the DIYer uses curtain clip rings to hang the strings from the rod, but you can also tie it directly to the rod if you don't want to buy rings. If you want to replicate the exact look in the video, you might not find a tension rod or curtain clips at Dollar Tree, but you can order them from Amazon for an affordable price, with options like the Tyron Thin Spring Tension Rod and Azmoncy 16 Pack Curtain Rings. With four placemats, a roll of ribbon, a tension rod, and a pack of curtain rings, you can expect to spend around $20 for this DIY, which is more affordable than many alternative window treatments.