Okay, I have to let you in on one of my best-kept secrets for instantly transforming a room—and just in time for the holidays! You know how sometimes a space just feels like it’s missing something? Maybe it’s a little bare, or the vibe isn’t quite cozy enough. Well, for me, the answer is almost always in the window coverings. Drapes can be a total game-changer when it comes to making a room feel pulled together, warm, and inviting.
So, if you’re anything like me and looking for a quick, affordable upgrade before your holiday guests start pouring in, keep reading!
Economical & Pretty
Let’s start with the hardware because, believe it or not, that’s where a lot of the magic happens! I found all of our drapery rods and hardware from Paso Robles Ironworks on Etsy, and let me tell you, these are IT. We opted for the 7/8″ French Return Curtain Rod in ‘antique black.’ (If you’re curious about other Etsy vendors that we endorse, we have a whole blog with deets … just click here!). I’ve been obsessed with them ever since I first discovered them for our last home, and they’re so timeless and sleek that we ended up using them everywhere in our Tumalo project too. What I love most about these rods is how they add a subtle touch of elegance without overpowering the space. Plus, they’re super easy and straightforward to install!
Now, let’s talk drapes. I know what you’re thinking—drapes can be expensive, right? And who has time to wait for custom orders during the holiday rush? Well, here’s where things get fun: these gorgeous drapes I’m raving about are from H&M. Yes, you read that right! H&M for the win. Not only are they super affordable, but they look like something you’d spend a small fortune on. The fabric is light and airy, and has just the right amount of sheerness to let soft light filter through. I initially grabbed them as a quick fix (I had a home video shoot coming up and needed something fast), but now I’m honestly obsessed and never want to replace them.
The right window treatments can add texture and warmth, and will create a finished, layered look that ties everything together. They’re one of the easiest ways to add a bit of drama and height to your space. Pro tip: if you hang them high enough, they make your ceilings look way taller!
You know I couldn’t leave these drapes as-is. We had to add a little something extra to give them that high-end, custom feel.
Clouz Houz tip: The panels come with drapery trim for adding drapery pins to create your own triple pleat. I know, it sounds fancy, but it’s actually super simple once you get the hang of it! The pleats add fullness to the drapes, making them look way more luxurious and custom. I’ll be honest, explaining how to skip the loops and create the pleat can get a bit tricky, so I’m thinking we should make a video tutorial to show you exactly how it’s done—because it’s worth the extra hassle, trust me. Let me know if this would be helpful for you and we’ll get to work!
Another thing we did that made a HUGE difference was doubling up on the panels. Instead of just using one panel per side, we used two, and wow—what a difference that made. It gave the drapes a much fuller look, which helps with privacy while still letting in that soft, natural light I’m always after. The way the light trickles through during the day is pure magic, creating that dreamy, cozy feel I can’t get enough of.
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Have you tried any fun window covering hacks? Or maybe you have a go-to source we need to know about? Drop a comment or message us—we’d love to hear your thoughts! 😊
