house of worth

How to make a cheap, awesome, 120
professional Curtain Rod
OC TOBER 11, 2011 | DIY, PAINTING, SPRAY PAINT | ADD C OMMENT >>

First off, thank you so much for being so kind about my new curtains in
the dining room! I am taken aback daily by how many genuinely nice
people there are in this blogging community. Thank you for loving the
curtains along with me, and also thank you for just being plain ol’ nice.

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Let’s talk Curtain Rods. More specifically, let’s talk about my dining Home Blog that specializes in
room curtain rod that I DIY’d. DIY projects and renovations,
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crafts, and decorating. My
name is Allison. My family and
I live in Austin, Texas. I'm
married to Ben and have two children, a 10
year old son and an almost-8 year old
daughter. To find out more or to contact me
click HERE.
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I should dedicate an entire post just to curtain rods, because after this
experience, I think I know every single option of inexpensive curtain rod We respect your email privacy
options in the greater Austin area. That post is for another day though.
Let me just say that the cheapest options I found were Wal-Mart and
IKEA. But my DIY version is significantly cheaper than both of those. CURRENT GIVEAWAY:
Scott's Snap Lawn Care System

DIYing a Curtain Rod:
I headed to Home Depot on a mission to find a practical inexpensive
solution to my curtain rod dilemma. Part of my problem is that I needed
a VERY LONG curtain rod; 113 inches to be exact. You can’t exactly buy
rods that are almost 10 feet long at Wal-Mart. Trust me, I tried.

At Home Depot I found a variety of objects that could work, but in the
end the heavens parted and I stumbled on Electrical Conduit.


Sponsors

Bless the person that invented this light weight, sturdy, and extremely
inexpensive product!

It was exactly what I was looking for; 10 feet long, light weight, metal,
and the best part, only TWO DOLLARS.


But let me back up for a sec. I first considered PVC pipe. I’ve seen it
done before, but I was worried that the weight of the curtains would
eventually make the PVC bow or sag. Also, PVC is plastic which would
require an additional step to paint. I considered buying a wooden dowel
rod, but scratched that plan because I just didn’t like it. I also strongly
considered plumbing pipe, which I almost bought before stumbling upon
the Electrical Conduit. The plumbing pipe was very heavy though and
was significantly more expensive.

In the end, in my humble opinion, if you need custom curtain rods,
Conduit is 100% the route you should go if you don’t want to spend
fifty bucks. It can be found on this isle:

Click HERE for information about advertising.

As Seen On...


I bought the conduit that was 1/2″ x 10′.

To cut conduit to size you’ll need a pipe cutter. I bought the absolute
cheapest one I could find. It was $6, and worked about as well as you’d
expect a $6 pipe cutter to work. The job got done though, and I’m not
complaining!

Search on this blog...

To create a custom curtain rod you’ll need to figure out how long to cut
the rod. Don’t forget to keep in mind the width of each of the finials
sticking out on either side as well. My rod needed to be 113″.


Come link up each Thursday!

Categories

I just measured the pipe and marked where I needed to cut with a Select Category
Sharpie. Tags

accessories bathroom
before and After
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tree curtains Dining Room Disc Hangers
Dollar Store Dremel Fall Decor
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Giveaway home office hot glue gun House
Tour IKEA kitchen Link Party Martha
Stewart Off Topic ORB Paint piano
room Pottery Barn power tools needed

quick and easy Road
Now just attach your pipe cutter and follow the directions on the back. Trip Rodney White Silhouette

Trip Rodney White Silhouette
Basically rotate it around the pipe one full rotation, then tighten the
Silhouette deal splash of color
knob. Do another rotation. Tighten. Repeat until the pipe snaps in half.
Sponsor spray paint Target tips
vinyl wreath

Check out my series:

I ended up using pliers to tighten the knob each time and vice grips to
hold the tubing while I forced the cutter around the pipe.

The pipe cutter made a very smooth cut. I was actually impressed that
the edge of the pipe wasn’t sharp at all. Double bonus for not slicing
my finger on the end of a sharp pipe!


Once the pipe was cut to length I just propped it up in the garage and
spray painted it, as well as all the curtain rod hardware. I considered
my favorite color, Oil Rubbed Bronze, but I decided on flat black so that
my curtains would be the focal point, not the rod itself.


I like to spray paint IN the garage so that no debris blows into my
object and sticks to it. I just propped the pipe up against the leftover
feet from my sofa table project.


I already had the brackets for the rod (I’m a hoarder… lol) so I just
spray painted them black as well. I’m pretty sure you can buy just
brackets at most stores, and if not, I see them at goodwill for super
cheap all the time.


I also dug out some anchors and screws from my screw and nail stash,
stuck them into a used-up sanding block, and gave them a good coat of
spray paint as well.

Here’s a good close-up shot of the rod once it was dry. I didn’t prime
any of this stuff before I painted, but after doing this project, I
recommend you prime your conduit with automotive primer (it’s for
metal) so that no paint scratches off.


Once everything was dry I installed it and then got to work on hanging
the curtain.

Curtain Rings and Finials:
I found these curtain rings at ikea for only $2.99 for 10 of them, which
is the best price I found anywhere. The next cheapest option was Wal-
Mart. Their rings were $7.99 for a 7-pack, but they were metal, not
plastic.

If you are going to have your rings show, I’d go with the nicer ones that
are metal (or wood if you are going that route), but my clips were going
to be hidden, so the plastic ones were great.


Also, I totally scored on finials at ikea. I’ve never seen finials there
before, so I guess they are a brand-new product. They have two
options, a solid metal curvy one, or clear glass orb ones. I chose the
clear glass ones. Both options are only $5.99 for the 2-pack. The next
closest thing I found was at Home Depot for basic round unfinished
wood ones (ugly) for $10 for a 2-pack.


Attaching the Curtain Rings:
I originally saw this idea over at Thrifty Decor Chick, but I can’t find the
specific post. So anyway, this was her idea, I just copied it.

I want Pinch Pleat Curtains for my dining room, but they seem like a
whole lot of hassle to make them, so I just “faux” made them. So easy!
Here’s the final look, and then I’ll show you how I did it.


First, lay out your curtain flat on the ground and lay the rings under
(above?) it. You want to make sure you get the spacing even. I eye-
balled this step. You don’t need to be totally precise here.

When you attach the clips you are going to clip them on the back of the
curtain, not the top edge. This creates the pleat look.


To attach the rings, pinch the section of curtain you want the ring to be
attached to, then just clip the ring right onto the pinched fabric. Make
sure you set your rings low enough that they will barely show over the
top of your curtain.


That’s it. It’s so easy. Now just gather them all up and slide them onto
your rod that you’ve already set on top of your brackets.


HoH’s blog policy:

Bloggers/websites may NOT repost
my blog content without my express
permission. My tutorials belong
exclusively on MY blog. They are my
intellectual property. I've spent
countless hours making these
projects and I don’t want them
living on someone else's site.

HOWEVER, linking to my project is
perfectly fine and I encourage it!
Those who link to a project of mine
are welcome to take one or two
photos and link each photo back to
that specific post.

© 2011 House of Hepworths "hoh"
All rights reserved.

You are almost done! All you need to do now is add your finials on
either end. Because I used Conduit and not real curtain rod, the conduit
was just slightly too small for the finials. It was really no big deal. I
just grabbed some black electrical tape (I used this solely because it
was black, not because it was electrical) and wrapped it around the tip
of the pipe.

of the pipe.

From there, slide your finials on, tighten them down with a tiny
screwdriver, and you are done!


I know I showed you a lot of steps, but trust me, this was an easy
project. It did take some time, but the amount of money I saved was
so worth it. Here’s the cost break-down for ya:

Electrical Conduit: $2
Finials (2-pack): $6
Brackets and screws: FREE

Grand Total for the entire Curtain Rod: $8
EIGHT DOLLARS!!!!

Trust me when I say to purchase a 10′ curtain rod could cost you
anywhere from $40 – $80, if not more! I saved boo-koos of moola here.

So there you go. A complete step-by-step tutorial on how to make your
own $8 Curtain Rod.

* I want to add that you can purchase expandable rods that pull out to
about 10 feet, but I personally hate extendable curtain rods. They leave
a seam down the middle of your rod where the two ends meet, and I
don’t like that at all! I want my curtain rod to be one solid piece
without any seams across it. This is why it was such an ordeal for me to
find a 10′ rod. You can’t really buy rods that long at very many places,


so they are very expensive.
I hope I was able to give you some useful tips that you can use in your
own home!

To see the original Aviary curtain post, click here.

To learn how to sew the curtain panels, click here.

xoxo, Allison

I'm guest posting today at Pretty Handy Girl!

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Tags : curtain rod, curtains, Dining Room, IKEA, Thomas Paul, wal-mart

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Join in on the fun discussion by adding your opinion...

120 Comments
Mallory says:
10/11/2011 10:22 PM AT 10:22 PM

You’re pretty much a genius! LOVE the curtains and the dining room is coming
together magically!!!

Awesome work!
Reply

Jenny says:
10/11/2011 10:26 PM AT 10:26 PM

Brilliant! It’s the perfect accessory for your awesome curtains!
Reply

Opalm says:
10/11/2011 10:32 PM AT 10:32 PM

Sweet!
All our rods at the lake are made from conduit. Easy, inexpensive and sturdy.

Hang on to that tubing cutter, you never know when a plumbing issue will call out your name.

Drapes are beautiful and just the right splash of color!!
Reply


Ben says:
10/11/2011 10:38 PM AT 10:38 PM

Great post, Allison! Seriously amazing…
Reply

Steph @ Crafting in the Rain says:
10/11/2011 10:39 PM AT 10:39 PM

That is fantastic Allison! Love!! If we ever put curtains over our large windows in
the living room, I’m totally doing this. Even considering just for the bedroom windows, just
because it’s so awesome
Reply

Pam @ diy Design Fanatic says:
10/11/2011 10:46 PM AT 10:46 PM

Your dining room curtains look fantastic! Thanks for sharing how you did it so
inexpensively!
Reply

Jenny @ AnApplefortheCrafter says:
10/11/2011 10:46 PM AT 10:46 PM

Great job! I love the faux pinch pleat. I missed that on TDC so I’m glad you shared
it too.
Reply

kelly says:
10/11/2011 10:56 PM AT 10:56 PM

to quote Jurassic Park, “…clever girl…” girl, you clever like a velociraptor!!!
Reply

Susan says:
10/11/2011 11:38 PM AT 11:38 PM

Thanks for the tip on the electrical conduit! The rod looks great, especially with
those glass orbs on the ends.
I’ve also rigged multiple rods together to cover a really long window before. Our first
apartment had lots of small windows so we had lots of the small curtain rods. I took the ends
off and pieced a few of them together to cover large windows at our next place. Just another
option, but your version looks much more professional!
Reply

Becky@Organizing Made Fun says:


10/11/2011 11:41 PM AT 11:41 PM

Great, great ideas…you never cease to amaze me! I think that’s why you have
such dedicated followers because we know you are going to produce some seriously great
stuff! Love it…I’m saving this one on my Pinterest for later when I need another rod! I may
save a fortune!! We’re all smack our heads thinking “why didn’t I think of that?”

Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
Reply

Rach says:
10/11/2011 11:57 PM AT 11:57 PM

Ahhhhh! Love it! So bookmarking this page so I can copy every move. I’m headed
to an ikea soon (live very far away, so it’s about once a year trip) so this was perfect timing.
Thank you soooooo much!
Reply

Melanie says:
10/12/2011 12:22 AM AT 12:22 AM

LOVE the orange, and I know how expensive rods can be too… yikes! I ought to
go get some conduit piping, that is a fantastic idea.

Also, your beautiful faux-pinch pleats are actually called ripple folds! So you can tell people
you have ripple-fold draperies in your dining room and they will be uber impressed.
Reply

Tanya says:
10/12/2011 12:26 AM AT 12:26 AM

Thanks a bunch for sharing this. I have been wanting to curtain our laundry area
(really just a cubby in the hall) and did not want to worry about bowing on the center of the
rod. I will be trying this.
Reply

Emily Hemphill says:
10/12/2011 2:27 AM AT 2:27 AM

OMG. I love you Allison. You are so brilliant! I will hopefully be heading to Home
Depot tomorrow and obtaining the necessary items for some curtain rods!! And IKEA, here I
come. Thank GOD we have on here. I would be jealous.
Em
Reply


PC Lim says:
10/12/2011 3:02 AM AT 3:02 AM

Awesome blog! Visit you via Creating success around the world!
Reply

Cynthia says:
10/12/2011 7:24 AM AT 7:24 AM

You are an absolute genius!! And so kind to give us all your secrets!! Thank
you!!!!!!!
Reply

Jenny@EvolutionofStyle says:
10/12/2011 7:24 AM AT 7:24 AM

This is utter brilliance!!! Love, love, LOVE this idea! Thanks for being such a
genius.
Reply

Jen says:
10/12/2011 7:25 AM AT 7:25 AM

Awesome. Because I need a 144″ rod – you can find them at Home Depot, but not
for cheap. Thanks for sharing your brilliance!
Reply

ChrisE says:
10/12/2011 7:31 AM AT 7:31 AM

GREAT TIP! I wish I knew this about 5 years ago!! I will definitely remember it next
time I’m hanging curtains!!
Reply

Modern Country Style says:
10/12/2011 7:39 AM AT 7:39 AM

What a great idea! I love it!

I tried to comment a few days ago to say THANK YOU for featuring my wreath on your
post…but it wouldn’t let me. Grrr! So here I am today: THANK YOU!! And thank you for
letting me know too – that was really thoughtful.

Sarahxx
Reply

Meg Nelson says:
10/12/2011 7:57 AM AT 7:57 AM


What a great project. Thanks so much. Love it. Had to pin it on Pinterest!!!
Reply

Olga says:
10/12/2011 8:37 AM AT 8:37 AM

A-freaking-mazing! <3 it. The curtains look fantastic. Im loving the color, the
contrast in the room & the rod is awesome. Great choice. Very inventive!

You never stop amazing us lol.

Maybe now I'll tackle that window in the door in my laundry room that leads to the backyard!
Reply

Stephanie says:
10/12/2011 9:08 AM AT 9:08 AM

Smart, smart, smart!!! I love the faux pinch pleat! I have never seen that before
and your lined curtains are awesome!
Reply

Amelia says:
10/12/2011 9:42 AM AT 9:42 AM

LOVE! i have sliding glass doors that i wanted to over and now i can !!!!!!!!!!
Reply

Alison says:
10/12/2011 10:50 AM AT 10:50 AM

Definitely marking this for future reference! They turned out so great. I never
thought to think so far outside of the box when it came to curtain rods.
Reply

Judie S. says:
10/12/2011 12:04 PM AT 12:04 PM

Pinterest here I come (again). Consider yourself pinned, again, Allison!! Does this
mean we’re going steady? Thank you for saving me beaucoup bucks AGAIN!! I am over-the-
top excited!! You are the bomb!! Do kids still say that? My nieces used to tell me that (along
with, “Aunt Judie, your roots are sparkly. Time to dye your hair.”).

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
Reply

Suzy @ Worthing Court says:
10/12/2011 12:07 PM AT 12:07 PM


I adore your new curtains! I’m lovin’ orange lately too. They really make your
dining room. I’m planning to use this hardware idea when I make some outdoor curtains for
under a client’s deck. You’re right – it’s a very inexpensive option. You might be interested
in taking a look at an inexpensive solution that I’ve used multiple times when your rod won’t
be showing. Here’s the link: http://worthingcourt.blogspot.com/2011/06/decorating-my-mbr-
part-ii-treats-are-up.html Scroll down to see my very inexpensive curtain rod.
Reply

Divemom says:
10/12/2011 12:44 PM AT 12:44 PM

Okay, so I just found your blog/(subscribed, of COURSE). Just have to say how
much I LOVE all you SMART people!!! I’m going home and changing my curtain rings to the
back today…..
Reply

Lindsey says:
10/12/2011 1:00 PM AT 1:00 PM

Wow! You may have changed my life with this idea! We have many large windows
in our house and I have been dying to put up curtains, but the thought of spending so much
on curtains and finding long enough rods has given me such a headache! I can’t wait to try
this out!
Reply

Chantelle Rogers says:
10/12/2011 1:22 PM AT 1:22 PM

I needed this tutorial about 6 months ago!!! I had to drop $50+ on a loooooong
curtain rod that I’m not even all that in love with! I WILL be doing this!!!
Reply

Sarah says:
10/12/2011 1:22 PM AT 1:22 PM

GENIUS!! I am crazy about this idea! Electrical conduit – who woulda thunk it! I am
SO using this idea!!
Reply

Aimee @ ItsOverflowing says:
10/12/2011 3:25 PM AT 3:25 PM

I’m so glad to “meet” you Allison!!! This curtain rod idea is genius and super
creative and thrifty. I LOVE it!

Aimee @ ItsOverflowing


Reply

Compulsive in Texas says:
10/12/2011 3:36 PM AT 3:36 PM

Amazing! What a great idea! I’m so doing this. Love your blog.
Reply

Kirsten J says:
10/12/2011 5:42 PM AT 5:42 PM

You never cease to amaze me – I’m officially impressed with that dining room – get
on the chairs!!!
Reply

Kat Griffin says:
10/12/2011 8:04 PM AT 8:04 PM

Ok so someone already called you a genius so I guess I will go with… You are a
level 50 wizard ! at decor and neat thrifty ideas . I love going to home Depot with the Mr and
looking for ideas.

Ill have to remember this curtain rod idea ! For Sure

-KAT -
Reply

Shannon Hoving says:
10/12/2011 8:29 PM AT 8:29 PM

The only thing I like more than having really nice things is having really nice things
that don’t cost a lot of money. I want a high-end look at a budget price. No wonder I love
those curtains so much! No wonder I love your blog! (You’re so clever, Allison. You get the
thrill of having a designer dining room, along with the satisfaction of knowing that you did it
all yourself using your creativity and skills.)
Reply

Christa @ BrownSugarToast says:
10/12/2011 8:48 PM AT 8:48 PM

SOOO awesome!!! love the rod, love the fake pinch pleats and love the curtains!!
great job! thanks for the inspiration!
Reply

Stephanie Hill says:
10/12/2011 8:53 PM AT 8:53 PM

Wow! The rod turned out wonderful! One would never know that it was from the


electrical isle at the hardware store! You are so crafty. I will deff. have to remember this
trick! Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie @ Ladywiththeredrocker.wordpress.com
Reply

m says:
10/12/2011 8:56 PM AT 8:56 PM

b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.

bravo, alison. this is such a generous post full of so much instruction and new stuff for me!

just lovely.

michele
Reply

Kimberly @ The Brown Eyes Have It says:
10/12/2011 9:16 PM AT 9:16 PM

You are amazing!! I have a couple big windows that yes, were very expensive to
buy rods for – and your’s are so much cuter! Your curtains are fabulous, by the way! Your
room is just amazing, I’ve loved seeing the transformation.
Reply

Jamie @ Backless Shirt says:
10/12/2011 9:34 PM AT 9:34 PM

Ok, first response was…”love you for this! flippin’ brilliant”! Second response
was…”hate you for not telling me this years ago!!” lol! j/k Pinned this!
Jamie
Reply

Jackie says:
10/12/2011 9:52 PM AT 9:52 PM

You are amazing! There are so many great ideas in this post. I never would have
thought to spray paint conduit. I had no idea Ikea sold ring clips. And the faux pinch pleating
is genius…especially if you ever get sick of the pinch pleats you can hang them normally!
Reply

Sandy says:
10/12/2011 10:28 PM AT 10:28 PM

These look AWESOME!! Just wondering how much weight the Ikea clipy thingos
hold? Would you just use more clips if you had a heavier fabric? THANK YOU for such a
brilliant tutorial


Reply

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR says:
10/12/2011 10:30 PM AT 10:30 PM

Allison, I just discovered your blog. What a great tutorial!! I will definitely have to
try this!! I see that you are in Texas, as well. I am a newbie to blogging and your newest
follower. I hope that you will follow me, too! Many blessings to you!!!
Reply

Hollie @ I'm Busy Procrastinating says:
10/12/2011 10:39 PM AT 10:39 PM

Isn’t it funny the things we’ll do either to save a few bucks, or to create blog
content! Your DIY curtain rods look super, and your instructions were very clear. And the
curtains themselves are so cute! I can understand how you could just stand there gaping in
awe.
Reply

liZ evans says:
10/12/2011 11:13 PM AT 11:13 PM

love love love this post…my husband has talked me into redoing the kitchen and
dining room area and I’m trying to figure out how to do it in a way that we can #1 afford it
and #2 not make it look like a DIY project gone wrong

and these curtain tips will certainly help.
liZ
(simplesimonandco)
Reply

jamie says:
10/12/2011 11:18 PM AT 11:18 PM

What an awesome idea for inexpensive curtain rods! I love how those curtains
look against the gray wall color. I love that spray paint as well. We used it on our front door
last year which gets hammered by the Texas sun for at least 4 hours a day. It has held up
wonderfully!

~JamieS
Reply

Bonnie Long (@BonnieInc) says:
10/12/2011 11:33 PM AT 11:33 PM

What a fantastic solution to a usually expensive problem! Your tutorial is
wonderfully easy to follow and filled with great insight. Thanks for sharing it! I’m a new


follower from The Bonnie Burrow.
Reply

Shasta says:
10/12/2011 11:59 PM AT 11:59 PM

That is genius! I never would have thought to use those materials – and it looks
incredible!
Reply

Karilee says:
10/13/2011 12:02 AM AT 12:02 AM

I love the curtain rod! What a great dyi option!
Wish I would’ve thought about using that conduit when I did mine this past year! I have a 12
ft bank of windows that I was covering and it IS expensive! I ended up using a wooden stair
handrail…covered with metallic bronze spray paint and no one can tell the difference!
Except my check book, that is!
Thanks for sharing another great post…I’ll be using this for my guest room!
Reply

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