A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Affordable DIY Curtain Rod

Say goodbye to expensive store-bought curtain rods and hello to your own custom creation.


This project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to add a unique style to your home.


Follow these easy steps to craft a curtain rod that suits your taste and decor.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

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Tools and Materials:

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Handmade curtain rod

1. Prepare the Dowel Rod and Finials

Start by grabbing a wood dowel rod that is one and one-eighth inch in diameter.

Home decor projects on a budget

Additionally, buy a set of two wood finials.

Drill centered holes in the dowel rod for the finials

On the end of the dowel rod, drill a hole that is centered and about an inch deep.

How to make a custom curtain rod

This will ensure that the finials fit snugly onto the dowel rod.


Spray paint the dowel rod and finials

2. Paint the Rod and Finials

Next, take both the dowel rod and the two finials and spray paint them in a color of your choosing.


It works best if you spray several light coats for even coverage. Allow the paint to dry completely.

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3. Attach the Finials

Once everything is dry, screw in the finials to the end of the rod to make sure they fit properly.

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4. Install the Coat Hooks

Take a couple of simple J-hooks and use wrenches to slightly widen the opening of the hooks. This is a great way to speed up this DIY and keep the cost way down.

Use a wrench to adjust the J-hooks for easier installation

This will make it easier to hang the rod later.

Budget-friendly curtain rod project

Screw the hooks into the wall above your window using a drill. You may need to use a screwdriver to tighten them securely into the wall.


For a curtain rod hack that gives your room a sense of added height, place the hooks closer to the ceiling rather than directly above the window.

Thread the curtain panels onto the rod

5. Hang the Curtains

With one finial removed from the dowel rod, thread two curtain panels onto the rod.

Step by step guide to making a curtain rod on a budget

Next, screw the finial back on.

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Finally, hang the curtain rod and panels onto the J-hooks in the wall.

Affordable curtain rod tutorial

Depending on the size of your window, you may need to hang one or two of the curtain tabs on the outside edge of the J-hooks to ensure the curtain looks even across the top of the rod.


Ready to Explore More Curtain Decor Ideas?

Have a look at this Drop Cloth Curtain With a Twist project for a creative solution to enhance your home!

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DIY Curtain Rod Tutorial

Congratulations! You’ve now created classic and stylish diy wood curtain rods with just a few dollars and very little time invested.


This simple project not only saves money but also adds a custom touch to your home decor.

Easy DIY curtain rod tutorial

Feel free to share your curtain rod ideas and experiences in the comments below.

Sonata Home Design
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  3 questions
  • Gyl86262754 Gyl86262754 on Aug 12, 2024
    Very pretty but wouldn’t work in U.K. flat since we have huge steel lintels under the plaster and very difficult to drill into. did make sure the cyurtains were flame resistant?Brlla
  • Agg113607448 Agg113607448 7 days ago
    Why not just get a real curtain rod with proper hardware? Probably less expensive, and certainly way easier and quicker.
  • Sticklin Sticklin 6 days ago
    How do you keep the rod from splitting when screwing in the finial. It splits even after drilling pilot hole
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2 of 32 comments
  • Leg123501712 Leg123501712 4 days ago
    Go to Wal-Mart, I'm sure they will have rods cheaper than buying all sorts of wood pieces and doing all that work.
  • Lal92049631 Lal92049631 4 days ago
    I just purchased a 2-pack of tension rods (28”-40”) for $9.95. I also purchased a 2-pack of very small (5.75”-7”) tension rods for a very small window next to my door for $7.95.
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