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If you’re trying to create a grandmillennial style living room on a budget, curtains can completely transform a space. They can be expensive, though, especially if you have lots of windows. This post is about the best budget curtains for a classic, coastal inspired home.
I’ve ordered several inexpensive curtain options over the years and have finally found a few from Amazon (and one from Ballard Designs) that look more high end than they are. I’m so excited to show you!
From classic pinch pleats to panels that mimic designer fabric, these are the curtains I reach for again and again in my own home for that grandmillennial look.
Scalloped Edge Light Filtering Window Curtain Panels // Greek Key Drapery Trim // Light Blue Curtains // Wide Blue and Light Gray Ribbon // White Pinch Pleated Full Blackout Curtains // Gold Window Curtain Rod // Grandmillennial Linen Printed Curtains // Clear Acrylic Curtain Rod
In this post, I’m rounding up my favorite budget friendly window curtains along with the curtain rods, rings, and hardware that help make them look even better.
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I’m also sharing other tips, such as how high to hang your rod and spacing details, so your finished result looks polished, timeless, and custom!
Whether you’re decorating a family room, dining space, grandmillennial bedroom, or hallway, these drapes are clean, traditional, and beautifully styled on a realistic budget. Accomplish the grandmillennial trend with ease!
1. White Linen Curtains with Embroidered Trim Design
These linen curtain panels instantly elevate a space with their beautiful double pinch pleat design and embroidered trim. They’re an excellent choice for your house!
Each panel comes “memory trained,” so the pleats stay in place. They also come with adjustable drapery pins already attached. All you have to do is clip them onto your rings (purchased separately), and they lie perfectly straight right out of the package. No ironing or steaming required!
Want to create this look with curtains you already have? Use fabric fuse to add trim to your curtains DIY style!
Made from 100% linen, these drapes are timeless, whether your decor is traditional, modern, or grandmillennial. The overall look is so pretty.
White Linen Curtains with Embroidered Trim Design
The traditional details with embroidered trim and double pinch pleat design make them look very high end. They are also available in other colors and trim styles.
It is worth mentioning that these are semi-sheer curtains. They let in just enough natural light while still providing privacy. The fabric still feels quality – it’s not flimsy or completely see-through like some of the more budget friendly options.
I have these panels in my guest room, which only has one window, and they have been sufficient. If you want to darken them (or any curtains for that matter), you can add a blackout liner underneath for more light coverage.
2. Scalloped White and Blue Curtains
If you love a subtle scallop detail, you will love these curtains! The Emma Scalloped Drapery Panels are sweet and classic, and they are a great price for a pair.
These coastal curtains are made of crisp white cotton twill with a scalloped edging down the inside. They are lined for privacy and some light filtering, but they do not completely block out light.
Consider hanging them from the 3″ rod pocket to keep it simple, or use the included drapery pins and use them with rings for a slightly more elevated look.
Emma Scalloped Drapery Panels – Set of 2
These curtains are also available with white scallops for a clean and extra subtle detail.
I use these curtains in my dining room and living room, and I love them as a focal point.
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3. Grandmillennial Linen Printed Curtains
You won’t believe the price point of these Amazon curtains! These grandmillennial printed curtains are the perfect curtains! These affordable linen curtains are a great choice for when you want some pattern and color without overwhelming the room.
The blue and green floral stripe is a classic print and works well in any grandmillennial space or a coastal beach house.
They’re semi-sheer, so you may opt to use blackout liners with these if you want them to block any light.
Floral Grandmillennial Printed Curtains
If you’re a fan of all things feminine and love a soft blue and green color palette, these are the curtains for you.
You have three hanging options – you can use the back tab, ring clips (not included), or the rod pocket.
Bonus: These curtains are machine washable! You can wash them on a gentle cycle and tumble dry.
Need Custom Drapes? This brand is a great resource for custom details. They are pricier than premade curtains, but much more attainable than most custom curtains. They have customizable lengths, widths, and a TON of color options.
Installation Tips, Curtain Rods & Rings
Using premium and stylish curtain rods and rings makes any of these curtains look more expensive. It’s the little things like this that an interior designer would incorporate!
First, let’s talk about curtain rods. A chic gold rod is my favorite thing to hang curtains with. This one matches subtle patterns, solids, and even bold prints.
You’ll want to start by hanging the rod six inches above the window frame for a perfect fit. If you have low ceilings, a practical solution is to hang the rod even higher to make your ceilings look taller.
I did this upstairs in my home since we have a 9-foot ceiling height, and I wanted to use longer curtains.
Extend the rod 6-12 inches on each side of the window so the curtains don’t cover the window when they’re open.
When it comes to curtain rings, I use and recommend two kinds (that work with most fabric weights!). If your curtains come with pins, I would use these curtain rings as shown above. They’re my top pick!
I also love the stylish rings with clips, as shown below, for a traditional style. These rings are nice if you need a little extra length, and the curtains don’t come with pins.
Finishing off with these rings and clips makes a big difference in how your new curtains look.
Conclusion
Finding affordable curtains that look high end can feel like a daunting task, but I hope this roundup of what I own and love shows that it is possible to achieve a polished look on a tight budget.
With the right curtain panels, rods, and rings (and a few simple hanging tricks!), you can completely update a room without spending a fortune on the perfect window treatments.
Trust me, once you swap your old curtains for any of these, your space will look instantly pulled together.
