DIY Wooden Curtain Rods
Curtains rods can be very expensive, yet they are fairly simple to make yourself. Home improvement stores have all the supplies you will need to make wooden curtain rods from dowels, for a fraction of the cost of a pair of commercial rods. Unadorned dowels are fine for rustic spaces, but you can add dowel caps for a more finished look. Lightweight curtains are fine draped over dowels with a 1/2-inch diameter, but heavier drapes require dowels with a 1-inch diameter to prevent bowing or sagging. A coat of paint will fool your friends into thinking that you splurged on expensive window treatment accessories. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Measure your window frame. Add a few inches on to your measurement, so your rods will extend past the sides of your window. Mark the length on the dowels with a pencil. Cut the dowels down to the right length.
2. Look for dowel caps that will fit the diameter of your dowels. Squeeze a drop of wood glue onto the ends of the dowels. Place the caps onto the ends of the dowels. Wipe off any excess glue. Allow the glue to dry.
3. Put a drop cloth down in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Place your curtain rods on the drop cloth.
4. Shake a can of spray paint. Spray the curtain rods using a slow, back and forth motion. Apply a thin, even coat of paint. Allow the paint to dry. Turn the rods over and paint the other side. Apply a second coat of paint to both sides, allowing the spray paint to dry between applications.
Tags: coat paint, dowels with, curtain rods, dowel caps, drop cloth, ends dowels