How To Make a Window Treatment Using a Tablecloth

Here are what the windows in my previous bedroom looked like: Pretty plain and boring window treatment.

Tablecloth made into a window treatment


I didn’t want to spend a lot on these windows and went searching for something to make a valance for the panels that would not break the bank.  I found 2 white oval cloths at the store where I work for $1.99 a piece.

DIY: Tablecloth Window Treatment

How to Make A Tablecloth Window Treatment

supplies needed:

  • 1 oval tablecloth
  • Ribbon to match cloth
  • 2 cup hooks or nails
  • Measuring tape
  • Hammer

1. Measure up from outer corner of window 5″ and then over away from the window – 2″.  Place nail in wall at this mark to use to hang the valance.  Repeat on other side.

How to measure a window for curtains or drapes

2. Lay tablecloth on table or bed.  Start accordion folding it lengthwise until the whole cloth is folded.

Window-Valance- tablecloth window treatment

 

Tablecloth Window Treatment tutorial

3.  Tie ribbon onto each side about 12″ from each end.

Tablecloth-Window-Valance-tutorial


 

Steps on how to make a Tablecloth-Window-Valance

What is great about using an oval tablecloth besides the already finished edges, is that when you accordion fold the cloth lengthwise and hang it, the sides softly drape without too much fussing.

Make a window treatment using a valance

DIY Tablecloth window valance

4.  Hook the ribbon onto each nail to hang.  Make sure sides fall to the side of the window at equal length.  Adjust if necessary.  Gently pull down center and arrange folds with hands until you get evenly placed folds across the window.

Window Treatment made using a tablecloth

Sunny and Bright
Affordable window treatments to make

Fresh Air – Fresh Look for Spring! 

I have all made Sliding Glass Door White Drapes as well as No Sew White Drapes if you are looking to work with different window styles.

Decorating colors for bedrooms

To view more head to my No-Sew Projects page.

DIY No-Sew Window Valance using a Tablecloth. It doesn't get much easier than this!

Would you like to save this post?

Enter your email below and I’ll send it to you!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


29 Comments

  1. Pamela Allen says:

    Thank you so much, this is what I enjoy the most is getting great ideas on how to use things I would normally toss.

  2. This is the right blog for everyone who would like to understand this topic.
    You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want to…HaHa).
    You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which
    has been discussed for ages. Great stuff, just wonderful!

  3. I could not get the last step…how did you hung it?
    Loved your work,it’s just awesome.

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Hana –

      To hang the valance: I hooked the back of the valance on a nail using the tied ribbon on each side of the valance. You will need 2 nails ones for each side. If you don’t want to hammer nails in the wall you can use CommandBrand hooks. The small white ones with the metal hooks work well. Small nails are a lit cheaper though. :-)

  4. Hi Diane
    I would love to make this valance but if my curtains are white i wont get the exact same white when i buy the tablecloths ?
    Love all your ideas, but havent yet had the courage to undertake any of your brilliant projects

  5. Hazel Byrne says:

    Great Idea, they look fab!..am going to try it in my bedroom.What size tablecloths did you use?

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Hazel – I made them such a long time ago – before blogging so I don’t have the packaging or remember. When I wrote that post, I had taken them down to clean. :) They were small oval cloths. 60 x 80 ? You can make them with any size cloth. The look will vary by the width of the window. It will change how much cascades down each side. Smaller cloths won’t have long cascading sides.

  6. Laury Richardson says:

    I am IN LOVE with your site!!!! So many thrifty projects. I did post the new-sew ottoman to pinterest so I will remember where the tutorial is! Love, love, love….

  7. This is definatly my FAV post! I am so going to do it!!! If only I could find some oval table cloths:(…

  8. I have made no-sew curtains from cream, gold, and brown plaid table cloths purchased from Wally World. for my breakfast area. I used a curtain rod, and cafe hooks. Then to tie my kitchen into the area, I bought a round table cloth, cut it in half, and used ribbon to make the end pleats, I put it up above my kitchen sink window with clear push pins. They are gorgeous, and I receive many compliments on them.

  9. Vanessa @ The 31 Lady says:

    Genius! I might have to steal this idea!

  10. so so cute! I love the white and that you did it with a tablecloth is amazing.

  11. Cindycraftycreations.blogspot.com says:

    This book looks very interesting. Maybe just what the procrastinator ordered :)

  12. One Cheap B*tch says:

    This looks so dreamy! I would love to fall asleep in your bedroom for sure! Coming over from Met Monday – new follower!

  13. Beach Vintage says:

    I love this simply clean look. Thanks for sharing.

  14. Nancy Hamilton says:

    I have my windows open right now! Please enter me in your giveaway…

  15. Beverly @ The Buzz says:

    I love how soft and feminine the window looks now. Wish I could open my windows, but it’s raining and only 36 degrees here. Maybe tomorrow….

  16. erin@tinytwistcreative says:

    Looks gorgeous, love the picture of the wind blowing through the window in the first picture. It feels like a perfect spring day.

  17. You’re amazing! I really appreciate your tutorials…you are helping us all to look like Martha Stewart!! xoxo

  18. I would never have thought of using a tablecloth like that. What a great idea. And how lucky you were to get two identical ones. I can’t wait to see the rest of your tips.

  19. Creativeflourishes.blogspot.com says:

    Thanks for giving us the ‘feel of Spring’, feels great! – Nicky (qwiksave)

  20. Wow! That is so pretty, I’m going to try this! Thanks for sharing.
    ~Amy

  21. Annabelle says:

    That’s a great window treatment!

  22. I LOVE that valance! Will definitely be trying that in my bedroom this spring.

  23. Very beautiful and airy…and simple! Thanks for sharing! -shaunna :)

  24. Michelle @ Sweet Something says:

    That brings back memories…my mother use to use such treatments!! Great job!