Well, I think I’ve sunk to a new low on penny-pinching decorating. My sister is visiting next month and I always like to freshen things up a little. I’ve been wanting to add some drapery panels to my living room window, but put it off because of expense and indecision. But, motivation and impulsivity got the best of me, so I decided to see what I could come up with cheap and easy, but still could pass for decent drapery. So, sheets are super because of their length and width for instant drapery.
Here’s my spread “sheet”…
2 full size (twin will work) flat sheets……….$14.00 both (on sale)
2 1/2 yards black fabric for banding……….Free, (I had it)
1, 12 ft. black ABS (like PVC) 2 ” plastic plumbing pipe (for rod)……….$5.00
2 pipe end caps (finials) for pipe……….$4.00
3 support brackets……….$12.00 (you could find something cheaper if you looked or improvised).
Glue for glue gun……….Free (I had it).
Total for the project, about $35.00. Not too bad for full looking, banded on 3 edges, sheer-on drapery and rod. Best part, they were NO SEW!
Here’s what I did…(click pictures to enlarge)
I used the wide 5″ hem on the top of the sheets for the rod pocket of the drapes (you might have to unstitch the sides to open it up).
For the banding (you can use any color, or none at all). I like the banding, it dresses up the plain sheet and gives contrast and little weight. I cut 7″ 
wide long even strips of fabric. Then folded under 1/2 ” of raw edge on each side. Then, folded in half and pressed the band (see picture). I then, sandwiched the sides of the sheet between the folded banding and evenly glue gunned (or sew, or fuse) the band onto the sheet. You can just band one inside edge, or both inside and outside edge, or bottom edge as well, as I’ve done. I did not cut any of the sheet off (96″) because I like long drapery, and it fit my window just right. But you can cut to the length you want. Measure where it will hang from the rod first.
Next, beg your husband, or you hang the brackets, the pipe (rod) goes on. I used 3 brackets (found in the drapery section). Use a support bracket every 5-6 feet of rod. This black 2″ plumbing pipe looked great as is. If you can only get it in white (Lowes, Home Depot), spray paint it with paint for plastic…black, silver, gold, or brown etc. Then sheer-on the drapery on the ends of the pipe and slip on the end caps (finials) that fit the pipe. Set the whole thing on the brackets and enjoy. I’m trying to decide what to do on the other little window in the room. Maybe a roman valance. Stay tuned and we’ll see what develops for next weeks post.
While we’re here. The natural fall floral on the sideboard was free (nothin’ better). On a walk, I picked up some fallen branches and leaves to add a dramatic tall autumn accent to the room. Set them in an elegant vase to heighten their status as floral art.
I’m always looking for ways to cut costs but not style. So, I think my no-sew sheet drapes will do for now. Love to hear about any penny-pinching projects that perk up your palace. Do tell!
1. I would appreciate more tips from TJMaxx about what to buy from HomeGoods itself. How to save on purchases, not on crafts. II come to this blog for decorating tips, not DIY.
by Erin — 10/18/09 at 7:17 pm #
2. Hi Cathy,
I just found your No-Sew draperies and think you had a fabulous idea.
I’ve been trying for weeks to come up with an inexpensive drapery solution for my french doors and I think your idea has certainly solved my dilemma.
Thank you SO much,
Mimi
by Mimi — 10/18/09 at 9:53 pm #
3. What a great idea! I am not creative, but because of crafters like you, I can get great ideas and make my house look great on a dime. Thanx for the tip! Keep them coming!!!!
by Dalorne — 10/20/09 at 12:49 am #
4. I also use fabric shower curtains for drapes. I find them all the time for $5-$7 each and they make great drapery fabric because they are typically a lot heavier fabric than sheets.
by soy — 10/21/09 at 9:15 am #
5. Hello Erin,
Thank you for your views and requests. We try to mix it up here on the HG blog…decorating tips usually involve some DIY because most of us love nice things but don’t want to spend a lot. Also there are many other ideas and home related posts that cover a wide variety of subjects that we hope are of interest to our bloggers.
Thanks so much for adding your thoughts.
by Cathy — 10/21/09 at 12:06 pm #
6. Hello MiMi,
Thank you so much. I’m glad this post could provide some inspiration for drapery for your french doors. I’m sure they will look great and won’t drain the pocketbook. Have fun and if you don’t tell, no one will ever know their sheets. Shhhhh.
by Cathy — 10/21/09 at 12:15 pm #
7. You’re my kind of girl Delorne,
Yep, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot. A house decorated with creativity on a budget is much more interesting than a house decorated with little creativity on an unlimited budget. So, keep your eye out for those great ideas and use them to your advantage.
Thanks for dropping by.
by Cathy — 10/21/09 at 12:23 pm #
8. Hi Soy,
What a great idea…fabric shower curtains for drapes. There are so many things that can be repurposed for other things. Look beyond their intended purpose and you’ll find a wealth of possibilities.
Thanks for the great tip and stop back soon.
by Cathy — 10/21/09 at 12:28 pm #
9. I’ve been using sheets for decorating for as long as I can remember. It started when we bought our first home. Because I had my first daughter after having 4 boys, I wanted her room to be special. At the time checked sheets were very popular so I made a crib cover and window treatments from pink checked sheets (an awning valance and side panels over sheers). I used rick rack (is that still around?) in a deeper shade of pink and her room took on the fairy tale little girls room I’d wanted. I had a cream colored area rug (I’m a ‘white family’ addict) and cream cushions with deep pink piping for the rocker. Loved it.
I recently made side drapes, valances and a vanity skirt from Fieldcrest sheets in a cocoa brown, and love the look. Again there’s a lot of cream but also pale aqua and deep brown for accents. What a great way to save and be able to change things often and inexpensively.
by Ginny — 10/21/09 at 12:53 pm #
10. Wow Ginny,
You are one creative person!! Love all the great decorating you’ve done and are doing with sheets. Sheets are one of those hidden gems of budget (and not so budget) decorating. Their length and width provide unlimited decorating options that you can’t get with off-the-bolt goods.
You are right, since not much was invested, you can have many looks and decor changes for pennies.
Enjoy your beautiful home and never underestimate the power of SHEETS!!
by Cathy — 10/22/09 at 3:59 pm #
11. WOW - Unlike Erin, I think this is a superb idea!!!!! I LOVE getting DIY tips like this, not because of the moeny I save but I get such satisfaction of making my own things. It is very sepcial to have something so lovely that I have made myself. The curtains that Cathy has made here are especailly elegant and refined. I have been to some of the finest hotels in the world and I can tell you that these have the appearance of very fine linen draperies. Thank you HG and Cathy for continuing to spark my imagination.
Warmest Regards,
Leinna
by leinna — 10/22/09 at 10:08 pm #
12. I too have been using sheets for curtains. A few years ago it dawned on me to use shower curtains on my sliding glass door to our sunporch. It was the purr-fect height. Our I could leave the curtains closed for privacy from neigbors but leave the door open for the cats. I even recently started using a twin sheet as a table cloth. I have a drop leaf dining room table but haven’t found a table cloth long enough that I liked. So a light cream colored twin sheet is perfect.
Thanks for all the great ideas. My husband and I just bought our first house so I am always looking for tips.
Tonya
by Tonya — 10/23/09 at 10:34 am #
13. You are too sweet Leinna!
Thanks so much for your kind remarks. You’ve hit the nail-on-the-head!! It’s not just about saving money, it is about the self satisfaction and pride you take in your home and your ability to make your home a beautiful and comfortable place for you and your family to find sanctuary from the stress of the outside world. Home can be beautiful on a budget and especially meaningful if you make things yourself as you’ve stated so nicely.
All the best to you friend, drop back soon.
by Cathy — 10/23/09 at 1:52 pm #
14. Hi Tonya,
If the shower curtain fits…wear it (on your patio door)!
Yes, such great things you can do with shower curtains or sheets. Love the tablecloth idea. Sheets are extra long and wide to be great tablecloths. Stencil around the edges to dress them up, or add banding.
Enjoy that new house and keep your eyes open for design on a dime.
Love all your great ideas you guys, keep ‘em coming!
by Cathy — 10/26/09 at 3:02 pm #
15. Table to Window
I needed drapes for a room with high ceilings with enough length and found (2) 108″ tableclothes in Homegoods in a subtle gray stripe that I used as drapery panels hung with clips. Final cost was $35.
by Lori — 10/27/09 at 6:03 am #
16. Lori…You go girl!!!
Love your tablecloth drapery…why not??? It sounds like you found a great buy and repurposed it to fit your decorating needs. I like the way you think and weren’t afraid to go for it. Thumbs-up to you!!
by Cathy — 10/27/09 at 7:08 pm #
17. I enjoy all the ideas and projects on the HomeGoods Open House blogs! Even when an idea isn’t a style for me or mine, it’s great to see what is important to others - what moves them, what brings joy, what promotes calm, what brings their own unique touch to their home, spaces and lives. Heaven knows it doesn’t hurt to have some bones of new ideas thrown my way, either. LOL
Tonya, I haven’t used the shower curtains, but I do use the fabric shower curtain liners as drapes/treatments in my screened porch/Florida room. They come in, well, a few colors, are water repellent (of course) and they do a great job of keeping the rain off the drapes I have in place - a must, since Florida gets 56″ of rain annually (The Sunshine State my foot!). They also block some of the sun when drawn, but are generally light enough not to block too much.
Cathy, keep it coming!
by Lori/OohRah Mama — 11/1/09 at 10:46 am #
18. Hi Lori in Florida,
Thanks so much for your great remarks. You have some good insight on the phychology of why people decorate their homes. Your home should move you, bring you joy, promote calm and convey your personality. It’s a haven of peace, rest and comfort to you.
Love your shower curtain drapery liners to keep out the rain. Form follows function always. Your idea looks and function well and that’s what design is all about.
Good going Lori!
by Cathy — 11/3/09 at 1:37 pm #
19. I made perfect no-sew drapes for my media room. I used two 6′x9′ canvas painter’s drop cloths. I adjusted the length and included an attached valance by folding extra fabric along the width and securing with curtain hooks on the back. It was so simple to hang them on sliding curtain rings. Add your favorite tiebacks and you’re in business.
by Rena — 11/16/09 at 9:43 pm #
20. You’re my kind of girl Rena!
Painter’s drop cloths are great. Nice heavy canvas that is seamed all around in a neutral color…what’s not too like. Your drapes sound great and a bonus valance as well. I bet you’re enjoying your media room and custom window treatments…your drapery secret is safe with me. Thumbs-up to you!
by Cathy — 11/18/09 at 12:06 pm #