Turn Thrifted Lace Curtains Into A Stunning Way To Decorate Your Bed

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Thrifting has so much potential. You can restore a second-hand find to its glory days, or give that old gem an entirely new purpose. That's the beauty of it — there's no right or wrong way to put those valuable antique finds to good use. Rebecca of my.thrifted.abode makes the case for choosing the road less traveled. One of her viral transformations includes repurposing thrifted lace curtains and a wooden shelf into a canopy for her daughter's bedroom.

In her series When Wrong Is Right, Rebecca shows followers the unconventional ways she upcycles her thrift haul. By gluing her $5 60 inch by 82 inch lace curtains to a shelf, she ended up with a cottagecore bedroom decor feature oozing with charm and sophistication. Not only does the simple project produce enviable results, but it's also an inexpensive way to add a statement without actually buying a new bed, which could start in the low hundreds. Plus, using a curtain as a headboard is a popular DIY method that lets you use prints and colors you might not otherwise have available; if you're exploring this idea, why not take it in a dreamy direction with a canopy instead?

Before you get started, check the curtains' care labels and clean them as directed, then ready your glue gun for the heavy lifting. Start by gluing the curtain in large pleats to the back of the shelf, working your way towards the front. (Though Rebecca doesn't explicitly state the shelf's size, it appears to be around 18 inches) Test the glue on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first, since hot glue can damage delicate lace. Once the first curtain is attached, use extra glue and pull the curtains tightly together before repeating with the second curtain. Once the lace has dried, mount the shelf to the wall accordingly, opting for a no-drill shelf mount if you need a non-permanent solution. When all is said and done, allow the textiles to drape over the bed and enjoy the ethereal vibes.

While canopies are one of the biggest bedroom trends of the year, and they can anchor the room and add a whimsical factor, you can't rely on one alone to pull a room together. Add complementary wall art underneath the bed valence that matches the bed's colors, prints, and textures, as Rebecca does with her floral picture. She also mixes and matches textiles on the bed with cool colors and a quilt-like pillow, which particularly enhances the cottage vibe. For an even more cohesive look, repeat one or two colors from the lace or bedding in your wall art, paint, or wallpaper. (A basket of stuffies isn't required but is highly encouraged.)