Creative Alternatives to Curtain Rods

Curtain rods can be quite expensive. The more ornate and unique they are, the more they cost. Embellishing several windows can cost hundreds of dollars, even when using the cheapest hardware available. Use creative alternatives to curtain rods, and create unique new styles for less. Window treatments do not have to come from the drapery aisle to look fantastic. Some of my most impressive window treatments did not include conventional curtain rods.

Use Bamboo Cane Poles as Curtain Hardware Alternatives

When planning a family room in a fishing theme, I wanted to come up with window treatments that went beyond ordinary patterned fabric. I came up with creative alternatives to curtain rods, and they fit the theme beautifully. I purchased two inexpensive cane poles from a discount sporting goods store, and I used them as alternatives to metal curtain hardware. I had to trim the poles to the appropriate size, but they fit the theme beautifully. They were easy to see above the tab top drapes, and my client loved them. I came up with many other creative alternatives to curtain rods when decorating my home and the homes of clients.

Use Driftwood for Holding Swag Valances

I had a family room in an ocean theme, and after a trip to Hunting Island in South Carolina, I was inspired to update the decorating scheme. The windows were embellished with scarf valances, but the curtain rods did nothing to add to the decorating scheme or theme of the family room. I needed alternatives. We brought home a few beautiful pieces of driftwood, and it became the inspiration for a unique new decorating technique. I removed the old curtain hardware and scarf valances, and I mounted the driftwood above the windows. I used the natural protrusions to drape the fabric around the tops of the windows. The look was very unique, and I loved it. The white scarf valances and driftwood stood out beautifully against the powder blue walls.

Cover Dowel Rods with Fabric or Vinyl Wallpaper

Dowel rods are inexpensive, but they are exceptionally sturdy. They can be use as alternatives to costly curtain rods. Simply cover dowel rods with fabric or vinyl wallpaper, and embellish the ends with finials of your choice. Finials of countless colors, styles and subjects can be found online. They provide unique and highly creative alternatives to ordinary curtain rods. I ended up making beautiful heart-themed curtain rods for my daughter's bedroom. We would have never found that particular design in stores.

Many other items can be used as alternatives to curtain rods. Decorative stakes, small Sheppard's hooks and even hand carved walking sticks make fantastic curtain rods. Consider the style and theme of your rooms, and come up with creative new alternatives to highlight your window treatments.

Source: Personal and Professional Design and Decorating Experience