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Inexpensive Farmhouse Hacks – Drop Cloth Curtains!

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Hey buddies!
Excited to share the next tip in the Farmhouse Hacks series, inexpensive no-sew drop cloth curtains!
If you missed the other three in the series, I’ll link those below for ya:

Concrete Countertops + Farmhouse Sink
Wood Look Tile Flooring
DIY Faux Shiplap

 

 

One easy way to add farmhouse flair to your home in an inexpensive way is by using drop cloths as curtains…who knew, right?!  I love the neutral color, the natural vibe and the fact that they are only around $10 per curtain panel makes it a very cheap farmhouse-y touch!  I also really like the inexpensive price tag for another reason: FOUR CHILDREN AND THEIR STICKY HANDS. 😳  Especially in our breakfast nook, their little grubby (but sweet 😉) kiddo hands leave behind stains sometimes, but I don’t stress. I can either easily rewash the curtains or, if the stain is too much, it only costs a few dollars to replace the panel all together!  And…you don’t have to know how to sew…BOOM.

 

CottonStem.com farmhouse playroom kids decor

 

Here are a few tips if you’re thinking about adding drop cloth curtains to your space:

(SOURCES LINKED BELOW)

Choosing size: Before you buy your drop cloths, measure your window length, width and then be sure to add in extra inches for curtain drop and/or extra height for the top of the curtain (see how our curtains are mounted up a lot higher than the windows to add height to the room?)  The drop cloths come in a variety of lengths and widths, so just be sure to grab some that are larger than your desired curtain measurement.  That way, you’ll have extra length to cut and clip into the curtain rod rings, leaving the already hemmed edge to pool on the floor….voila!  No sewing needed!  (Before you cut into them though, read below…!!)

Fabric density: The drop cloths from places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and of course Amazon usually come in a few different weight options, so, depending on your preference for light-blocking, you have options!  Ours are a medium weight, and they are completely opaque at night to provide privacy.  I’d recommend the medium weight personally, because they still allow light to filter through during the day to create a dreamy look.

Center seam: Only wild card could be seams running down the length of the center of the drop cloth curtain panel, especially if you need extra long curtains.  You can see in the photo below that we were able to find two with similar center seams, and I actually liked it!  Added interest and texture, but it took us a few packages of drop cloths to find two matching panels.  We were able to repackage and return the drop cloths that wouldn’t work, so no biggie.  Just a heads up that if you run by the store to buy your panels, maybe grab a couple extra in your desired size just in case you get a panel with a center seam.

Prepping the drop cloths:  We washed our drop cloths, ran them through the drier and ironed them before cutting to length.  Some people bleach their panels, but I don’t have experience with this.  I loved the color after one wash, dry and iron!

No-sew option: I went with a no-sew option by using curtain rod clip rings instead of cutting the drop cloths and then sewing a seam.  Keep that in mind as you choose your length and size…you don’t HAVE to know how to sew to create this look!  The clip rings come in lots of different diameters, so just double check your curtain rod diameter before ordering.  I did a few different looks when cutting the drop cloths for the top seam to be folded over and then clipped.  In the living room, I left only a little bit of drop cloth fabric at the top to be folded over, and then in the playroom, I left about 18 inches at the top and folded it forward then clipped it.  Either look could work in pretty much any room!

 

Okay guys, I hope this little inexpensive farmhouse hack was helpful!  Love me some cheap DIY hacks, and these drop cloth curtains are one of my favorite touches we’ve added to the house on a budget.  Have you guys ever thought about trying the drop cloth look for curtain panels?  Leave any questions in the comments, and I’ll try to hop on as I can to answer!
❤️ERIN

 

SOURCES:

(**some affiliate links used in this post)

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  1. Ginny says:

    Yes! So funny you posted this today! I just told my husband I wanted to do this! Thanks for the post and making me feel better for using them as curtains!!

  2. Shan says:

    I have been wanting to add these in all my windows. Always helps to find inexpensive options.
    I see what you are talking abou the extra seem in the play room curtains. I love the seam, it looks like it’s part of the style with the longer fold option.

  3. Jacqueline Rodriguez says:

    I absolutely love the drop cloth look! I’ve pretty much used them in every single room of my home! Just wanted to leave a helpful tip that sweet Cher Schwein shared with me! Walmart has the drop cloths that don’t have the seam going down the middle:) Hyper Tough is the brand for those of you wanting to try this look!!

  4. Kayla Lawlor says:

    Hi Erin! Thanks for doing this post!! I noticed the ones you posted are 6×9 ft, did you use two of those panels per window, or cut the one panel in half? I don’t think the curtains I have currently are quite that wide so I am curious if you like them that size. Have a good day!

  5. Bobbi Jo Garrett says:

    Love your blog.

  6. Schuyler says:

    I am in the process of buying my first house (should close the end of Feb.) and cannot wait to try drop cloth curtains! This seems small, but how far apart did you put your clips? It looks so dreamy in your photos, I just worry about it looking sloppy when I try it.

    Thanks!

  7. Jane says:

    I love this idea! We have a small log home and it’s difficult decorating with light and bright. It just doesn’t look right. But, I think the drop cloths will look great! Thanks for the great idea.

  8. Julie says:

    Where are those arm chairs from! 😍

  9. Lori says:

    I just made these a few days ago and I love them. I wanted more of a fold over but the length I bought didn’t allow. I really love them for now but I might end up buying longer drop cloths and using these somewhere else.
    Thanks for the tips!

  10. Kadie says:

    LOVE this tutorial – thanks, Erin! I do have a couple of questions though… First, about how many clip rings are used on average? And do you use one drop cloth panel on each side of window, or more, or does that have to do with measurements? Thanks for your help. My husband and I are planning to use these in all of our rooms. 🙂

  11. Tilesbay says:

    Beautiful!! Love it. 🙂

  12. Gabrielle says:

    Love this! Just bought my drop cloths today. I’m wondering what the best way is to wash them?

  13. static says:

    Great post, I like light color curtain and i think white curtains best for decorating my bedroom.

  14. Amanda says:

    Love it! I desperately need new ones, I hate when I need to darken the room but the sun shines through.

  15. Catherine says:

    Thank you so much for sharing this with us, it really helped me a lot. I would recommend your site to everyone I know and I am hoping that you would also do the same to our site curtain wash Singapore. Thank you and more power.

  16. Rise J Tyloch says:

    Thank you so much, Erin! I love following your IG adventures, too!

  17. Amber says:

    I have somewhat of an open concept living space and I want to do this in the great room, but I have floral valances in the breakfast area. Do you think they need to match and if so how would I do a valance? One is over a sliding glass door so must be a valance . Thank you in advance for suggestions

  18. Jesse says:

    Thanks for the info. And I too am wondering where those arm chairs are from. Looks comfy!

  19. Rahul says:

    Excellent tip! who would have thought that drop cloth can be used as curtains!! Most people are always looking for quirky & inexpensive diy tips to enhance the decor of their home, and this one surely makes the list. To add a personal touch, one can also embroider motifs/design patterns on it before hanging. Thanks for sharing this, Erin

  20. kaki zeigler says:

    you talk about using a medium weight drop cloth for curtains and not lining them …are you using the the 8, 10, or 12 oz fabric? Please advise! You also mention washing them before sewing. How much shrinkage do you get from drying them? does this brand, abn canvas, have a seam or manufacturer stamp on them?

    thank you

  21. […] Inexpensive Farmhouse Hacks – Drop Cloth Curtains! – Cotton Stem […]

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  25. […] Inexpensive Farmhouse Hacks – Drop Cloth Curtains! – Cotton Stem […]

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