CUSTOMIZING IKEA CURTAINS AND A DIY INDUSTRIAL CURTAIN ROD

Most of the time I make my own draperies, but for Caleb's room it sure was nice to pick up a ready made pair at Ikea for next to nothing!  I chose the Lenda, two panels that are a really nice weight for just $19.99!  However, the 98" length was a little too short.  They come in a longer length but I knew I wanted to add some detail to them anyway so I saved about $10 by getting this length.

I planned to add some stripes at the bottom, and wanted them to be more incorporated than just adding a piece of fabric to the bottom of the panel, so I did some cutting and piecing together.  I was going to give measurements for what I did, but since everyone's would be different I'll just give you the basic idea.

First, I wanted to use ring clips instead of the tabs at the top, so with some sharp scissors I just cut those off very close to the seam.  Then, I decided where I wanted the bottom stripe to start, (my bottom stripe is about 3 1/2 inches up from the bottom hem), and while adding about 1/2" for a seam allowance, cut my panel all the way across there.  Then, I used some black fabric to make a wide stripe (mine was 7" finished) and sewed it to the top section of the panel, then to the bottom section.  So, now I had one panel again with a wide black stripe at the bottom.  Be sure to press both seams open for a professional look!

For the thinner stripe I sewed a piece of grosgrain ribbon on.

Now, this window faces the east, so it gets bright very early in the morning.  Even though we have blinds on the window, I wanted to add some blackout lining to the panels.  I had some old panels that I wasn't using anymore, so to save some money I removed the blackout lining from them and sewed them right to the back of the new panels.  I didn't do right sides together and turn them inside out like normal, I just sewed it right to the back as close to the edge of the lining as I could.   My goal was to stitch right on top of the stitch lines that were already there.  Along some edges I ended up with a double row of stitching, but I think it looks fine.

So, with a few adjustments and using what I had, I have a custom pair of blackout panels for under $25!

Now, to hang them.  I bought a plain Hobby Lobby curtain rod a while back when I actually made the curtains (this room has been underway for over a year!), but as we worked on the wood wall I wanted a more masculine look.  I started seeing industrial gavanized pipe curtain rods all over blogs, and I knew that would be a perfect choice!

I'm not giving my own tutorial, since I followed Cassie's (Hi Sugarplum) excellent tutorial and it was super easy!  My only piece of advice (that I finally figured out after my third store) is that your pipe needs to be from the PLUMBING department, not the ELECTRICAL department! I thought the employees didn't understand what I wanted when no one could help me cut and re-thread a 1 1/2" electrical pipe.  Duh...can't be done!  A 1 1/2" electrical (conduit) pipe is NOT the same as a 1 1/2" plumbing pipe, even though they both look the same!

My original rod was cheaper, all of the parts for this one came in at around $35 for me.  However, it's so much sturdier, and WAY cooler looking!

Now his room is like a cave when the curtains are all closed up...I think I want to move in!

One step closer to this room being done, and I actually think I'm going to be able to show you the reveal next week.  For now, here's one final sneak peek!

Edited:  Click here to see this completed room!