Inexpensive Window Toppers To Style Your Living Space

Looking to add some personality and flair to the windows in your living room without breaking the bank? Window toppers offer an easy and affordable way to dress up plain windows and make a stylish statement.

Different Types of Inexpensive Window Toppers

You'd be surprised at the variety of inexpensive window treatments available today. Here are some of our favorite options for topping your living room windows without spending a lot.

Scarf Valances

Scarf valances are an elegant and romantic take on traditional window valances. They consist of one or more scarves hung above your window with decorative curtain rods or rings. The flowing fabric adds softness to the room and filters natural light in a pretty way.

Since scarf valances use inexpensive scarves and rods rather than pricey custom draperies, they are very budget-friendly. You likely already own suitable scarves. But if not, an entire valance set up can cost as little as $20. They also install in minutes with no sewing required.

That said, the lightweight fabric cannot block harsh light. Occasional repositioning may be needed if scarves slip. But overall, scarf valances add lovely, breezy style to living room windows for very little money.

Tension Rods with Curtains

For another super affordable window topping solution, pick up an adjustable tension rod with clip rings for under $10. Then adorn it with lightweight curtains, which can be found very inexpensively or even made from a flat bedsheet.

With a tension rod, no brackets or hardware are needed. The spring-loaded pole adjusts to fit your window width and uses pressure against the walls to stay up. Clip on some breezy curtains in your favorite colors or patterns to filter light and add privacy affordably.

While tension rod sets work best for smaller windows and shorter curtains, they make window styling a snap. So experiment with colors and fabrics until you love the look!

Faux Wood Blinds

Want the warm, natural look of wood blinds without the premium price tag? Quality faux wood blinds offer the beauty of real wood for much less. And installing them as window toppers adds stylistic value.

Faux wood blinds mimic the texture and grain of real wood but are constructed from synthetic materials like vinyl, plastic, and faux wood composites. This makes them very wallet-friendly. But they still filter light beautifully and lend a cozy, rustic vibe.

Since most come with easy mount brackets, installing faux wood blinds as window toppers in your living room is a breeze. Just note that light leakage can occur if they aren't sized precisely.

Contact Paper

For the easiest and most wallet-friendly way to transform lackluster living room windows, try removable contact paper. It allows you to add color, patterns, and even textures by simply sticking it on and peeling it off.

Contact paper comes in a wide range of prints, colors, finishes, and transparencies at every price point. While not extremely durable for long term use, it lets you switch up window toppers as often as you like. Especially great for rentals and temporary updates.

So if you want to quickly add some pizzazz to tired windows without any commitment, experiment with contact paper. Apply it smoothly, enjoy the new look for a while, then switch it up again by easily peeling it off.

Getting The Right Size Window Toppers

While ready-made window toppers are abundantly available, getting the right fit for your windows helps them look and function their best. Here are some tips:

• Carefully measure each window's height, width, and depth first.
• Read product dimensions to allow for proper overlap.
• Leave extra width and length when cutting DIY topper pieces.

Having accurate window measurements makes getting well-fitting window toppers much easier. Write down all the numbers first. Then read packaging or product descriptions to see how much overlap, play or light gaps different toppers allow. This prevents surprises or returns from improper sizes.

For DIY window topper projects, cut fabric, blinds, or other materials a bit wider and longer than measurements. Trimming down is easy. Running short is not. Build in several extra inches to be safe.

With measurements in hand and a clear idea of ideal topper dimensions, you can shop confidently. And enjoy stylishly topped windows that fit perfectly.

Styling Tips for Window Toppers

Window toppers present lots of fun opportunities to express your personal style. Here are some living room window styling tips to inspire you:

Mix and Match Patterns

Don't be afraid to get creative mixing various prints and patterns on your windows! Layer sheers with graphic roman shades, combine delicate florals with buffalo check, or hang breezy patterned curtains over faux wood blinds. Having fun with different textures and prints adds visual interest.

Coordinate Colors with Your Decor

Bring your living room decor together by selecting window topper colors that coordinate. For a cohesive coastal cottage look, opt for soft turquoise toppers and accessories. In a modern black and white space, graphic black roman shades keep the vibe going. Tie it all together with your color palette.

DIY Creative Embellishments

Take basic window toppers up a notch with easy DIY embellishments. Add ribbon trim and bows, embroidery, painted designs, buttons, tassels or house numbers. Craft stores offer endless ideas for personalizing window toppers affordably.

Get creative enhancing basic window toppers! Layering textures, patterns and colors makes for a collected, decorative feel. And fun little DIY touches inject your personal style.

Sprucing up lackluster living room windows doesn't require expensive custom treatments. Plenty of budget-friendly window toppers add instant style, light filtering, privacy and personality.

From breezy scarf valances to adjustable tension rods with curtains, faux wood blinds to removable contact paper, attractive options abound. Just focus on accurate window measurements first when selecting and installing window toppers.

The styling possibilities are also endless. So layer various prints and patterns without fear. Coordinate colors with your existing decor for a cohesive look. And embellish basic window toppers yourself with fun DIY touches.

Before you know it, those plain windows will get a stylish upgrade that looks anything but inexpensive. So take your living room decor up a notch with these thrifty and creative window topping ideas.