Out With Basic Curtains: A Stylish, More Unique Way To Cover Your Windows

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Curtains are a great way to add visual interest to a space and mask an unsightly view. However, if you're looking to get creative by introducing a covering other than curtains and blinds, and your primary concern isn't light reduction, a button curtain can bring personality to your windows without relying on traditional fabric panels. While a button curtain may seem like a logistical improbability, TikTok creator @girl.create_ took to her socials to demonstrate how to link hundreds of buttons together with jewelry jump rings to create long chains, which can then be hung from a tension rod. The finished product sits somewhere between a window treatment and an art installation, offering a playful, eye-catching way to decorate a window.

It's worth noting that this is not a quick craft. According to @girl.create_, the project took 35 to 40 hours and cost roughly $90 to $100. Her materials list included 500-1,000 buttons, jump rings in both 20mm and 8mm, needle-nose and flat-nose pliers, and the suspension rod that can support the weight of the project. While it's definitely more time-consuming, it's also a project you can chip away at in front of the TV over a few weeks. It's a good fit for anyone who enjoys a repetitive craft and wants a custom window accent that doubles as decor. Just remember that, unlike conventional curtains, button strands won't provide much privacy or block sunlight.

The core of the project is obviously the buttons, and you'll want to buy in bulk to make your money go further. Assortments like this set of Bedeone 1000 Pcs Assorted Buttons on Amazon are easy to find online, but read the listing carefully to check the types of buttons included, since some mixes include buttons with holes on the back, which may not work with this jump-ring method. Choosing the right type of ring is equally important. A ring's strength depends on its diameter and weight, and heavier projects require sturdier one, so to create a chain of hundreds of buttons, you'll want a thicker wire.To connect the buttons, use a pair of pliers to twist each jump ring's ends sideways in opposite directions rather than pulling them apart, which can distort the metal. Slip on the button, then twist the ends back until they meet flush. Finally, slip the button strands onto the rod and hang it.

When it comes to customizing your DIY, there is no limit to your creative license. You could give it an ombre effect moving from one side of the curtain to the other, letting the color fade from intense to soft. Another option is to bring a bit of cottagecore to your space by opting for vintage buttons like this assortment from GirdieBirdsButtons on Etsy, or add extra texture with wooden or tortoiseshell buttons. You can also vary the length of your chains — a full-length panel creates a dramatic statement, while shorter strands can create a more café-style valence. How closely you space the individual strands also determines how much light filters through, though if you need real privacy, you'll want to install a sheer panel or blind behind your button curtain.