Sometimes, window treatments can be the last step in making a room feel “finished.” But, going the custom window treatment route can be pricey. So, what if you want a custom look without the price tag? A lot can be done by just taking inexpensive, plain curtains or shades and embellishing them a litle.

Here are three quick ways to dress up basic window treatments:

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Add trim to basic curtain panels.  In our last home, I bought plain, green and inexpensive curtain panels from IKEA and had a wide band, in a contrasting fabric, sewn onto the edges.  (I then repeated the same fabric on my dining room chairs to tie everything together.)  Starting with an affordable store-bought panel is a great way to save money if your windows require a lot of yardage.

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And, if you’re not a seamstress, here’s another tutorial I found for a no-sew trim option.

Grosgrain ribbon is another easy way to update plain curtain panels.  It comes in every color under the sun and just adds a little definition:

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Add a pattern with paint.  There are a lot of creative homeowners out there who couldn’t find the right fabric for their curtains and used paint instead.  With the help of painter’s tape and/or a stencil, the possibilities are now endless:

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Recover roller shades with fabric.  In our last home, I was looking for an affordable solution to the small window in our powder room.  I bought a $5 plastic roller shade and with fabric glue, I attached fabric directly to it.  Quick and easy!

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Have you customized window treatments in your home?  I’d love to hear your ideas.