Curtains Don't Drape Well? Try These Easy Homemade DIY Curtain Weights

 
I love when a project comes together. I especially love when I see distinct differences between before-and-after photos. That's why I'm excited to share this easy and inexpensive solution to curtains that won't drape nicely. Even better: you can use basic objects you likely have scattered around your house.

My husband and I recently installed curtains rods, which obviously is an important first step when hanging curtains. (If you're drilling, remember to adhere a bent Post-It to the wall directly below your drill marks. The Post-It will neatly catch the dust when you drill, making the process mess-free. Brilliant.)


As for those newly-hung curtains on those newly-installed rods throughout our house? They transformed our rooms, making each space feel more polished and finished. In my husband's words: "It looks like grown ups live here." (I'm happy to report that it only took three-and-a-half decades and the installation of curtains, but we're finally all grown up.)


As nice as they were, there was still one minor problem with our newly matured spaces: several curtains didn't drape well at the bottom. Because the fabric was lightweight, the curtain edges billowed outward haphazardly instead of tucking downward neatly.

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say, which meant it was time to brainstorm a solution. I designed these homemade curtain weights by stacking a few pennies, gluing them together with Super Glue, and then adhering the penny-stack to a paper clip. Each weight costs only four cents (literally), and they unobtrusively fasten to the curtain's inner hem. 

easy DIY curtain weights

Given that paperclips are naturally malleable, you can bend them to suit your needs. While securing my weights, I simply dropped the weight into the open hem and left one prong of the paperclip exposed on the inner (non-visible) side of the curtain panel that faces the wall.

homemade DIY curtain weights

If you look closely, you'll see that I tucked the exposed prong of the paperclip underneath one of the stitches for added stability. As a final precaution, I also pinched each paperclip tightly closed to prevent the weight from sliding out of the hem. (One additional useful feature is that the weights are removable in case I'd ever need to wash my curtains. Not that I've ever undertaken the job of washing curtains, mind you, but it's good to know I could if I so desired. I like to keep my options open.)

DIY homemade curtain weights

The final result? These easy DIY weights cause my curtains to drape beautifully, as you'll see in the comparative picture below. As an added bonus, if I'm ever desperately short on petty change, I instantly know where I can find a stash of coins.
 
DIY Homemade Curtain Weights

If you're looking for a simple solution to your own pesky curtain hems, I hope you can use or adapt these tips. You know the words of the famous Irish blessing: May the road rise to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, and may your curtains drape beautifully.

I'm grateful that you took the time to visit Robin Kramer Writes! Thanks for dropping by!  But before you rush away to fix your drapes, please feel free to explore some of my other favorite DIY projects and hacks by visiting the links below. While you're at it, I invite you to follow Robin Kramer Writes on Facebook, where I post regularly about making your home (and your life) more beautiful, humorous, and faith-filled.

Blessings!
Robin 

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32 comments

  1. Thank you so much for the curtain weight idea! I just smacked my forehead and thought, "Why didn't I think of that!" They will be added to my curtains today!

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  2. You're so welcome! Glad that this tip is useful for you!

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    1. I adapted this great idea and covered coins in masking tape squares and basted into the corners of my sheer white curtains.

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  3. You could also use fishing sinkers.

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  4. What kind of glue do you use?

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  5. Super glue will help to keep the paperclips adhered. Anything weaker (like Elmer's school glue or a craft glue) likely wouldn't be strong enough.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 04, 2014

    Thank you!!! You just saved me over 9 dollars! I used body/clothing double sided tape to keep the pennies (10) together and placed them on the inside edge of the hem (the double sided tape keeps it secure). My sheer grommet curtains look perfect!

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    1. So glad to hear that this solution worked well for you! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. Could you please post a pic of what they look like attached?TIA :)

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    1. Pictures of the attached curtain weights are posted for you. I hope that they're helpful!

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  8. GREAT IDEA!

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  9. THANKS! I have been trying to find curtain weights that were lead free AND not enclosed in vinyl for my child's bedroom. I'm not a handy DIY or crafty type of person, but this looks like something even I could handle. Will be trying this tonight!

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    Replies
    1. So glad that this tutorial was useful and I hope that it works out well for you!

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  10. How many weights would you need per curtain panel? Would it just be 2, one on each end?

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    1. Yes, two per curtain panel with one on each end.

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  11. PERFECT!!! I just did this. $.08 later my curtains look great!! I used the double sided tape as another person suggested. Genius.

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    1. Wonderful to hear! That's worth an investment of $.08!

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  12. Pinterest has a lot of instruction on how to properly hang drapes. The weight idea is fine, but oy, those drapes. Not high enough, not wide enough, the rods should extend beyond the window as should the curtain. I'm sorry but I am surprised with all the information available to those without instinct on how to design a space, this still happens.

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  13. Wow! That seems like a totally unnecessary comment that says more about you than it does her. Hope you feel better now!

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    1. You (and your words) are very kind, Robyn. Different people have different perspectives, eh?

      Thank you so much for chiming in!

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    2. I agree, what a totally unwanted comment
      If you can't say anything positive just don't bother saying anything at all.

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  14. U r such the perfectionist as I am as well. They r quite beautiful.Your idea was so unique.

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    1. Thank u for simplicity Robin..does the heart good.

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  15. Great idea, doing this now, thanks for the tip! Any suggestions to hold rod pocket curtains in place on the rod? The curtains want to slide wider than I want them to be.

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    1. I've been pondering this one for a while, Jenna. Do your curtain rods have screws where the bar connects with the wall brackets? If so, would tightening the screws help?

      Since my curtains have grommets, I arrange them so one pleat is over the wall bracket, and this holds the curtain in place. This stabilizes the curtains considerably. Hope this helps!

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  16. I have always used quarter (coin) sized washers from the hardware store for my weights. I'm to frugal to waste US currency. I stitch on the backside of the hem but I think I'll be using paper clips from now on. Thanks for the tip.

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    1. You're welcome, JoAnn. I'm glad to hear that the paper clip tip is useful for you.

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    2. If you’re so frugal, why are you spending more on buying washers that cost more than a penny? Good grief.

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  17. I was hoping to straighten the wavy edges of my curtains with weights in the hem corners, but it seems that it would take more than the weight of a few pennies to accomplish that. Or is there another way to do it?

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