pvc turned curtain rod.

if you have a giant window that seems IMPOSSIBLE to actually afford a curtain rod, or maybe live in a apartment - hello - and have plain white walls that are in constant need of life... here is a cheap-o-rod idea that can spice up you mood and keep your bank in the black.

a few months ago i realized i had two naked windows in my apartment. probably after watching one of many shows on HGTV that will show you what your house could look like and pretty much put in your head that if it doesnt, the world will end. and like most feening for a new mission, i agreed! but had no money in my pocket, surprise surprise. unfortunately i have this little decorating obsession and when an attack comes on i HAVE to do something about it. i can usually remedy this with a new arrangement of the living room or the bedroom, but my tiny apartment has run its course for new arrangements and like any good junky i needed to move on to bigger and better things. i would say about 85% of the time i can do it without dropping big bucks and due to lack of funds this was one of those times.

the culprit

my cheap remedy: pvc pipe! OR 2nd option: wood dowel; round piece of wood

i actually got mine from my contractor dad who had extra laying around (so ask people you know) but at home depot both costs anywhere from $1 - $2 a foot depending on the diameter - pvc costs about half the price of wood. this was a 9 foot rod.

next, rod brackets. this one at the big box store was $8 and came with all things needed to hang. cheaper versions start at $2. ALSO if you are hanging heavier curtains you might need a bracket in the middle, if your rod is as long as mine... hah

last but so not least make it whatever COLOR you want! this time i choose a nice purple to give my earthy toned bedroom a splash of color... but i have one in my kitchen that is mahogany.

FYI - most home improvement big box stores sell "oops paint". if you dont have a certain color check out what they have there. goes for $1 - $5 for the gallon.

once again you have a diy project that cost you about $20 - that size compared to over $100! so clever ;)

other things purchased:

$10 each - two white sheer curtains from ikea, 118in. i have high ceiling so needed long ones