Where to Buy Custom Window Treatments on the Cheap

In the market for Roman shades or curtains , but don’t have an arm and a leg to spend on custom window treatments? In this post, I am sharing where I buy my cut-to-width window dressings on the cheap…

Unless you are living in an ultra-modern, architectural work of art, window treatments are not only a functional necessity, but a design necessity- “finishing” the decor scheme of a home.

Not only do shades and curtains provide privacy from your neighbors and reprieve from sunlight, they can inject a pop of texture, color, elegance or even warmth( which is especially vital if you are on board with the white walls trend).

Because my home was built in the 1980’s, the unique dimensions of my narrow casement windows forced me into custom specifications when window treatment shopping. Most problematic of all? I didn’t have the budget for fancy, custom window dressings (as i’ve mentioned before, I have champagne taste, but a “natty light” budget).

But after relentlessly scouring the internet for the best deals, I have curated some custom-ish options- without the “custom” price tag. So here are my go-to places for budget-friendly window treatments…

*For your shopping convenience, I have included affiliate links. As an Amazon and RewardStyle Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  *

1. Fabric Roman Shades–

Here in my Boho Farmhouse powder room (which you can read about here), I opted for the soft and elevated look of fabric Roman shades. The color I went with was a warmer grey which I feel plays beautifully with the grey Moroccan tile backsplash.

Currently, the Roman shades I used on the photo above (color “Pebble Beach”) are 40 percent off on JCPenney’s website click here for the product page. They have multiple color options. You can also click the product image directly below to shop…

Shop Fabric Roman Shades:

Not only do these Fabric shades provide a chic visual appeal, they provide ample shade from outside light as well. I have had the shades for about three years now. and can’t complain!

2. Bamboo Roman Shades–

With all white walls, trims and ceilings throughout my fixer upper, my home was in need of some major warmth. That is why I selected bamboo shades for most of the rooms in my house. I also love how the woven pattern provides texture in an otherwise stark space. Click here to see where I purchased all of my budget-friendly, cut-to-size bamboo shades. You can also click the product image below!

Shop Bamboo Roman Shades:

I’ve installed these particular bamboo shades in my kitchen, living room, master bathroom and bedrooms and have been super happy with them for almost four years now. The cordless option has been my favorite.

To read more details about my master bathroom transformation pictured above, you can click here.

3. Curtain Panels–

Drapes not only soften a room, but when executed properly, can also elongate the look of your walls and windows.

Unfortunately, I have found that most big-box retailers don’t offer the proper length of panels in their physical stores. In fact, I would go as far to say that no one should ever go with a curtain height of less than 92-95 inches in length.

So why the hell do chain stores like Target only offer a max length of 85” curtain panels in their brick and mortar locations? If you can’t tell, this is a major pet peeve of mine.

The length of your drapes is especially important if you want to emphasize vertical height in a room.

To give the illusion of higher ceilings, I prefer my drapes (even my Roman Shades) be installed as high on the wall as possible! In the image above, you can see that my curtains rods were installed directly below my ceiling trim.

The curtains pictured in the image of my living room above are the Ikea Ritva panels (they are 98 inches in length). I customized the look of the curtains using a no-sew hack which I share in this DIY tutorial.

For the money, you simply cannot beat Ikea curtains. I specifically love this particular style. You can also click on the image below to shop!

**Updated 9-28-21:**

To change things up a bit and provide a little bit more contrast, I recently bought these greige curtains panels for $19 off of Amazon. I love how they warm the space up. (Click here to buy them and see other color options!)

Shop Curtain Panels:

Do note, however, that the white Ritva panels are not a true white, but a creamier white. I actually prefer this as it adds some very subtle warmth to my cooler white walls.

Curtain Hardware:

As far as purchasing rods and hardware for your panels, my go-tos are Target , Ikea and Amazon.

Combine Roman Shades with Curtains-

To take your space to the next level, I especially love combining Roman shades with curtain panels. The elegance of the drapes combined with the textural elements of the Roman shades equals classy AF!

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week. Hopefully, you can refer to this round up post if you are ever in the market for window treatments.

Bottom-line? There is no reason your poor windows have to remain in the nude!

Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life!

PS. If you found this post helpful, it would mean the world to me if you could share this with a friend or on social media. Thank you so much!