Do you want a stylish home but feel short on time and budget? You don’t need either to make a big impact. One simple change can elevate any room and give your windows a custom, designer look.
POTTERY BARN TEEN
Between work, family, chores and activities, most of us have limited time and money for decorating. Still, we all love a freshened, pulled-together space. The good news: you don’t have to redesign an entire room. Small, focused updates can deliver a big visual return.
A quick, high-impact idea: embellish your draperies. Curtains and drapes are one of the most noticeable design elements in any room—they’re like the jewelry of the space. Adding simple trim makes them look custom and intentional.
This is one of those changes that instantly upgrades a room.
HOUZZ
Why Add Trim to Draperies?
Draperies frame windows and influence how a room feels. Trim draws the eye to the window and makes the panels look tailored. Designers often add embroidered or sewn trim to achieve a high-end appearance, but those options can be expensive and time-consuming.
A budget-friendly alternative that still looks polished is grosgrain ribbon. It’s inexpensive, available in many colors and widths, and the wider the ribbon, the more dramatic the effect. Best of all, you don’t need advanced sewing skills to use it—an iron and iron-on tape are enough for most applications.
TIP: When using iron-on tape to attach ribbon, run adhesive tape along both edges of the ribbon, not just down the center, for a secure hold and neater finish.
Recommended Materials
- Grosgrain ribbon in various widths (1/2″ to 2″) and colors
- Ultra-hold iron-on tape designed for fabric hems
- A household iron and pressing cloth
Even plain white draperies come to life with a contrasting ribbon edge. For greater impact, try two narrow rows of ribbon along the edge or multiple rows along the bottom hem. These small accents add structure and visual interest without overwhelming the fabric.
DRAPE STYLE
Trim isn’t limited to edges. Rows of ribbon across the lower portion of a panel create a tailored, designer appearance. Use ribbon to echo colors from other fabrics or accessories in the room to unify the palette.
EMILY HENDERSON
Ribbon works beautifully on patterned and solid fabrics. A contrasting trim on the leading edge of a printed panel can pick up a secondary hue and tie the room together. You can also use the same ribbon on a valance and matching drapery panels for a cohesive, custom feel.
Contrast trim can be subtle or bold. For a structured look, consider a buffalo-check panel with a narrow ribbon that strengthens the pattern and adds definition.
If you enjoy small projects, ribbon makes it easy to create classic motifs like a Greek Key or fretwork pattern. For intricate designs, choose narrower ribbon—around 1″ or less—for cleaner lines and easier placement. Use straight lines and careful measuring for best results.
ADDICTED 2 DECORATING
BIRCHLANE
Get creative: a small decorative button at ribbon intersections, a diamond lattice, or a repeating geometric motif can make plain draperies feel bespoke. These DIY upgrades are inexpensive, reversible, and refresh existing window treatments without replacing them.
BHG
Getting Started
Measure carefully, choose a ribbon color and width that complements your room, and practice on a spare curtain panel before finishing your main draperies. Use a pressing cloth with heat-activated tape to protect delicate fabrics, and work slowly so lines stay straight and even.
Have you tried ribbon trim on your window treatments? It’s an easy, affordable way to add color, structure and a custom look to your home. Small changes like this keep décor fresh without a big investment of time or money.
More How-To’s
- Small Foyer Decorating Ideas for a Warm, Welcoming Entry
- How to Fix a Room That Feels Off
- How to Mix Decorating Styles to Keep Your Home From Looking Boring
- How to Decorate by Shopping Your Own House
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Home Decorating: Basic Tips for Getting It Right
- The Secret to Layering Accessories Like a Pro