DIY Drop Cloth Curtains- 2 Ways
In this post, I’m going to show you how to make No-Sew DIY Drop Cloth Curtains two ways. They are easy, inexpensive, and the perfect farmhouse touch for any space.
DIY Drop Cloth Curtains
Today I wanted to share one of my favorite DIY projects ever! Drop cloth curtains! When we moved into our 1875, colonial there were no blinds or curtains on any of the 23 windows. We also have higher ceilings than a standard home.
With the high ceiling heights, I was having a hard time finding curtains long enough at my usual go-to stores. When I did find the right length they were way out of our budget, especially when you have to times that by 23!
Drop cloth curtains are a great budget-friendly solution for the perfect farmhouse look. I love the neutral color, and the natural look of the cloth and they are only around $15 per curtain panel! Not only are they inexpensive, but they are also insanely easy to make, and the best part of all you can customize the length.
These curtains are also a great option for sliding patio doors. They are inexpensive and you can easily customize the size to fit your door.
The Best Seemless Drop Cloth
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I have these curtains in my living room and in my den. To mix up the look a little in each room I decided to do the drop cloth curtains two different ways.
Here is what you need and how to do each style.
Drop Cloth Curtain Supplies:
“ Affiliate links are provided for your convenience, please read my disclosure for more information.”
- Canvas Drop Cloths–6×9 feet: Home Depot Option
- Canvas Drop Cloths–6×9 feet: Amazon Option
- Drapery Clips
- Curtain Rods
- Another Curtain Rod Option– These rods have become my favorite
Get a Similar Look all From Walmart
Drop Cloth Curtains 2 Ways:
Step One ( This step is optional): I like to wash and iron my drop cloths before I start because they usually have a slight odor and are wrinkled from being inside the packaging. This is the hardest step in the process, especially if you hate ironing. I am not a fan of ironing but I hate wrinkles even more. It’s completely up to you.
Step Two: Measure how long you want your curtains to be. This can be done by measuring the top of your drapery rod to the ground and then I like to usually add an inch or two so that the curtains pool on the floor. You at least want your curtains to touch the floor, never shorter. I would recommend testing one panel and adjusting it until you get your desired length and then just copy that for the others.
*Step Three: I like to lay my drop cloth on the ground, table, or over the ironing board to put the clips on. To get the look below you simply fold the drop cloth over the front until you get your desired length.
Step Four: Next step is to place your drapery clips. I typically place one on either end to start and then evenly space out the rest. I also like to pinch the fabric to create a nice pleat. See the image below. You can also just clip them on if you don’t want to be fancy.
Step Five: Place the hooks and the drop cloth on your drapery rod and sit back and admire your work. Doesn’t it look dreamy?
To achieve the second style you are going to follow all the steps above, except step three will be a little different.
*Alternate Step Three: To get the look below you simply fold over the drop cloth on the backside until you get your desired length. Now the folded portion will not be visible when you hang it up.
That’s it! I told you it was easy. No sewing, no hassle, and budget-friendly. I love these curtains so much and will probably be using them in more spaces in our home. If you have never done these before and you are looking for a cozy farmhouse look I highly recommend them.
I hope this little inexpensive farmhouse DIY was helpful. Leave any questions in the comments and I will be sure to answer them. Thank you for stopping by the blog. ❤
You can shop by clicking the pictures below!
Don’t forget to grab my FREE guide on How to Wash your Drop Cloth Curtains
What to Read Next:
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- Neutral Paint Colors | My Home Paint Colors
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Hi Michaela,
Did you just use standard painters drop cloths? Would love to replicate this look in my own home!
Hi Amanda, Yes I did use standard painters drop cloths. I have a link to the exact ones I used under supplies. Just click the highlighted text. Thanks!
I am not finding where you bought the supplies, could you please share?!
Hi Courtni! Under supplies you can click on the text and it will bring you to the link. But I also just added a “shop the post” at the end to make it easier.
How many clips did you use?
I believe I used 7 per side.
Best to use white or this off white tan color curtains with brown furniture but white trim and similar wall color pictured
Both are neutral and would look great.
I love the look of the curtains. To confirm, for the picture you show, you bought 4 drop cloths and just one package of clips? And can you please re-explain step Step Four: when you pinch the fabric to create the pleat? Thanks so much.
I use 2 drop cloths per window and 14 clips per window.
I love this idea!! What are your window measurements? My windows are 3’ x 6’ and I have 2 windows that are side by side. So I dress them as One big window or dress them as Two windows? I am afraid if I use 2 cloths per window it will look too crowded (heavy). What do you recommend?
Send me a photo to [email protected] and I can provide a suggestion.
Hello, how many would cloths would you use for a sliding door?
You could still get away with using one on each side depending on how big your sliding door is. You just want to make sure when you close the curtains it covers the entire slider.
So, I just purchased the same drop clothes and there is a seam running directly through the middle of mine. We’re yours like this?
Mine did not have the seams, but I have heard this from others. I think it looks just as good with them but if you don’t like them you can always return and try again. These drop cloths are made for paint projects so sometimes they are not perfect. I had to return a couple myself before I got a set that I liked.
Meco makes the best drop cloths. I got mine from Amazon and they have no seams, ever. They also bleach very well. My curtains and couch “slipcover” are now white. I’m going to dye another one pink for a wingback chair in my bedroom. 🙂
Thanks for the tips on how to hang and pleat!
So happy you found this post helpful.
Hi Michaela,
I’m coming to attempt to do this DIY, it looks absolutely beautiful!!
What color are your walls? This space looking amazing! So cozy!
Thank You! The living room is Sherwin Williams Alabaster and the den is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.
I love your Sofa, where can I find it?
How wide are the panels on each side? Do you cut the drop cloth down or did you use a separate drop cloth on every panel?
Hi Danielle, I use one 6×9 drop cloth for each panel. This gives a nice full appearance
How many clips did you use on each panel?
I used 7 clips on each panel.
Did your drop cloths have color “flecks” all over them? I bought the exact ones you linked, but they all have tiny tiny flecks of random colors all over! Also, did you lighten yours at all?? Thankkksss!! ☺️
Hi Leighanne mine did not have any colored flecks. I will say that the drops cloths are not perfect, because they really are intended for paint. I would return those and get another set. I did not lighten mine at all just washed and ironed.
Did you dry them in the dryer or let them air dry?
Hi Lindsay! I put them in the dryer on low heat.
Thanks! I just finished this project and even though I saw yours and how pretty they were, I was still skeptical. Now I can say I am a believer! They came out awesome. Thank you!! Best diy ever!
My tip to anyone else doing these is to really check each panel for imperfections first. One of my panels is frayed a bit and one isnt. It was on the edge so I folded it and it wasn’t noticeable. If I had noticed I would have just exchanged it. But what do you want for $11 per panel and no sew!
YAY!! This makes my heart so happy! I’m happy I could help.
Ok, so I washed and dried (on low) two drop cloths to try to get the wrinkles out. Unfortunately they came out looking pretty crummy. The frayed in spots, even in the middle of the curtain. I like the fullness of hanging them up right out of the package but I also don’t like how wrinkled they are. Any suggestions?
I would recommend steaming them if the quality of your drop cloths are not working in the dryer. Mine were fine and even better after washed.
Where are the throw pillows from I love them??
Hi Beth. They are from all over. You can shop my home here https://www.liketoknow.it/michealadianedesigns I also have a coupon code for my favorite pillow small shop, you can get 10% off using code MICHEALADIANE https://shopwlg.com/?ref=k_wqcg_xsqj
Hi! I’m wondering where you got the white chair cover?
Hi Shannon. This is from Ikea, its part of the Ektorp line.
Hi! Love your style! I’ve searches your blog and couldn’t find one, but would love a home tour with links to your decor! Specifically your coffee table… Do you mind to share where it’s from?
Thank you so much Rachel. I am working on a shop my home section, but I do have items within in some of my post. The coffee table is linked at the end of this post https://michealadianedesigns.com/cozy-winter-home-tour/ and I also have links in this post as well https://michealadianedesigns.com/simple-winter-living-room-how-to-decorate-after-christmas/
This is so beautiful!! And the most in depth tutorial I have seen so far!
Defiantly going to use your post to do my own!
We also have tall ceilings. From the top of my window to the floor is 8 feet hight. Do you think the 9 foot one is going to be too short for my space?
Thank you so much Danielle!! You will want your drapery rod to probably be at least 4 inches above the window. So if you are doing the style where I tuck the extra behind I would say you are ok, but if you want to fold over the top I would go for a longer drop cloth. I know they have 9×12 as well.
How many inches would you suggest folding it down? We have 10 foot ceilings and I am considering the fold down look.
How much you fold down will depend on where you place your curtain rod. You want at least and inch past the floor and then you can fold down the rest. I also recommend getting the 9×12 instead of the 6×9 for 10ft ceilings.
Love this idea so much! My question is do you have a problem with the curtains pulling off of the clips when you open and close the curtains? This is what my husband is concerned about, it would drive him crazy to always have to re-clip them.
I have never had the curtains pull off the clips. The clips end up being snug on the fabric so they do not easily come off. Hope this helps!
I love this, going to try it on my kitchen window! :)C
Thank you Cheryl! Be sure to share when you have it done!
Don’t buy drop cloths from Lowes, they have chunky seams down the middle 🤦♀️ Returning and I’ll try from HD!
I am in the process of redecorating my family room. I bought a new sofa set and am stumped. Today, I am running to the store to buy these panels! This has motivated me!! Question about the rug – where did you get it? This is what I am looking for and don’t know how to use the correct search term to find this! Thank you for your inspiration!
Hi Sandy! I am so happy this tutorial helped you. Let me know which rug you are talking about and I can get you the link.
Sorry! As I scroll through the page I see there are two different rugs! The rug I am talking about is the blue multi, faded look rug which I believe was from a bedroom(?). This article: https://michealadianedesigns.com/diy-drop-cloth-curtains/?unapproved=215&moderation-hash=4581c166fb0e9e4f1c6e1c2b577715f2#comment-215 . Thank you! Sandy
Here is the link https://rstyle.me/cz-n/djwsjecmdq7
Hi, I subscribed so I could get your guide on how to wash dropcloth curtains, but I can’t seem to find it.
Sent you an email 🙂
How far apart are your clips?
I just place one on either end to start and then evenly space out the rest.
Are the clips black?
These are oil rubbed bronze but black works great too. Just have them match your curtain rod.
The drop cloths I bought have a seam in the middle horizontally of each one. I don’t see this seam in your pics. Do yours have this seam?
Hi Renita, My drop cloths did not have a seam, but I have heard that some do. These are made for painting so they are not going to be perfect. If you don’t like the seam I recommend returning and buying a different set.
Hi! I bought the Home Depot canvas drop cloths through your link. When I got them I noticed they are a lot more grey than yours appear. Yours appear more of a typical canvas color, neutral creme-ish, where mine are light grey in appearance. Now my walls are light grey (Seattle grey if you want to see), so I’m afraid of the curtains looking too close to my wall color. I looked at the curtains in my other rooms that have a different wall color, and they still appear more grey than yours (in case the canvas looked a different color from picking up my wall colors). I wanted to run this by you before I started taking the drop cloths out of the packaging.
Hi! Drop cloths can be tricky because they are not really intended to be a finished curtain. I have found that the packages can vary and have had to return a couple myself. If you are not happy with the color I recommend returning them and buying them in person. I have heard that the ones from amazon are more consistent, If you want to try those out. I am so happy you found this tutorial helpful, let me know how you make out.
Where did you find your pillows? I love them and so need them to go with my beige couch have been
Hi, The greens ones can be found here https://rstyle.me/+nC0I7u1ClB4dVT2YmPE05A Here are the grain sack pillows https://rstyle.me/+tV-TAbmdoLwAj52iIivN7A and the other pillows are from With Lavender and Grace https://shopwlg.com/. I love all of her pillows.
So beautiful, I love your rooms! can I ask what color the blue walls are? I want to say Sherwin Williams Sea Salt?? thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you so much Hannah! And you are right, it is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.
Thank you! its just gorgeous! I’m trying to decide between Sea salt and Quiet Moments now and already ordered the drop clothes off amazon, cant wait to see it all come together! Thanks so much for posting:)
That is so exciting! I am so happy I could help.
I love the curtains.. my living room ceiling is tall as well, and the windows are 9ft to the floor, with another 1 foot to the ceiling. Would the 6×9 ones work?
Hi Lisa! I would go with the 12′ length so that you can fold them over, 6×9 would be too short. The ones that I link come in multiple sizes.
Hi! I absolutely love your home and your tutorial is the best I have seen! My ceilings from the top to the floor are only 8 foot ceilings. Do you think the 6×9 is plenty for me if I am wanting to go with the folded look in the front?
Thanks!
Thank You! I’m so happy it helped you. My ceilings are 8 ft 4, so that size should be perfect for your ceiling height!
I love the This is My Happy Place wall art. Where did you get it?
Hi Emily! Here is the link https://rstyle.me/+ICnZiZOBErjuMv4GmAN1fA
Hello!
Does this block out light/heat well? I have a huge dining room window that gets a massive amount of full sun. If not, maybe add a block out curtain?
Thanks!
Hi Mary! They do not completely block light and heat but because they are thicker than your traditional curtain they do help.
Hi Michaela! I love these drop cloth curtains I will be doing these in my new home. However I just think the color of your wall is so beautiful in your living room and was wondering if you’d mind sharing the color!
Hi Kennah! This paint color is Sherwin Williams Alabaster. You can find even more paint color options here: https://michealadianedesigns.com/farmhouse-paint-colors/
I’m so sorry! I must’ve mixed up my message. I meant the green colored wall in the photo with the ladder!
It is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.
This look is amazing! Where did you find the gray faded rug in the living room on top of the other? What sizes are both rugs?
Thank You! Here is the link for the 8’6 x 11’6 jute rug https://rstyle.me/+mASLlvD2un20KEz7aIK31g and here is the link for the 5×8 gray rug https://rstyle.me/+YEoxW3yBVCBdTgK-YpRR3Q
How tall are your ceilings in the living room? I like the two styles but trying to decide if 10’ ceilings need 12’ drop cloths to hang high enough for folded style?
Hi Stacy! My ceilings are 8′-6″ I would go with the 12′ drop cloths for your ceiling height.
Hi Michaela, my curtains turned out amazing! Thank you so much!
Yay! I am so happy to hear this!
Love this post so much and I can’t wait to get my farmhouse curtains up this weekend! Quick question… how do you determine whether to use one or two panels per window? The curtains are for decor purposes only and will not be used to block light! I see some images where people have one curtain panel pulled to one side and empty on another and others like the images in your post, where you have panels down each side of the window! I’m so torn on what to do! Any advice of how to determine which route to go?
I am so happy this post was helpful! I personal prefer the look of 2 panels per window. If you have 2 or 3 windows banked together I would do one panel on each side. Feel free to email me a picture and I can make a suggestion. Thanks!
I have 3 windows, side by side in our living room. Middle is about 48”, on each size windows are about 28” wide. Would you use use one panel on each end and then 2 in the middle or 2 larger drop cloths, meeting in the middle? Thank you!!
Hi Sandy! Send me a picture to [email protected].
This is such a great idea! Where did you get your area rug, it’s beautiful?
Hi Sharon! Not sure which one you are referring too. Here are the links for all of them
https://rstyle.me/+YEoxW3yBVCBdTgK-YpRR3Q
https://rstyle.me/+mASLlvD2un20KEz7aIK31g
https://rstyle.me/+Le8U-MSMXHpgo-CKYldyww
love this tutorial. thank you. Did you make the barn doors or did you buy them? What stain color is it please?
Hi! These were actually here when we bought the house. Unfortunately I do not have any details on them.
Good afternoon. How beautiful you are and comfortable. So nice and light shades. And the old chest of drawers so perfectly fits into the interior. You are smart and thank you for the idea.
Thank You!
I have 3 windows in my living room. I would like two panels per window. How many drop cloths will I need to purchase? Thank you!
You would need 6 drop cloths. Each drop cloth is a panel.
Hi Micheala,
I saw this post a few months back and have been waiting to try it! Moving in my new condo this week and have been cleaning and putting up drapery rods, etc., before furniture arrives. So I found that the drop cloths from Menard’s pill really bad after washing. There was fuzz all over the place. Glad I just washed one first – the rest are going back. Had purchased some at Lowe’s but they had seams. Tomorrow I will hit Home Depot – they’ve been out the last few times I stopped, which is why I went elsewhere. This is a long process – washing each drop cloth, ironing and putting up, at least for an impatient person like me! I hope they look as good as yours do when I’m finally done.
Thank you for this great post!
They can be tricky. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Beautiful room!! Hello!! I have two relatively smaller window that each measures 3’4″×6’11” (W×L) would one panel work for each window? They are not next to each other. And how long should the rods be? Thank you!
I have small windows too. I still prefer one panel per window. Your rod should extend about 6 inches on each side so you would find one that is at least 4ft 4 inches long.
Thanks for sharing. I am trying to get this look and googled and landed on your page. Thanks for the great info. I will be sure to click your amazon link. Is the chair in the corner the ikea one? I ordered it as well and it looks just like the one I ordered. Do you love it?
I am glad you liked the post. The chair is from Ikea and I love it! I have a full post with a review https://michealadianedesigns.com/ikea-ektorp-review/
These are FABULOUS!!!! You are a wonderful creative Lady. Thank you Thank you. Am going to follow you!
Thank you Annie!
Love these curtains. You are very talented. My daughter in law sent me the link as I have been searching everywhere for farm house looking curtains without breaking the bank. Lol. My question is do you recommend ordering from Amazon for consistency or home depot or Lowes? Also my window is a bay window in my living room and is 98.5 inches wide. How many panels of the 6×9 would you recommend? Thanks in advance for your help.
I have heard that Amazon is more consistent. You can get away with one panel on each side with that window width.
Where did you get your curtain rods?
The curtain rod is linked in the post, Just click on the blue text.
You have demonstrated everything so nicely. Best tutorial till now really. Thank you!
Thank You so much!
Hi there, your home is just beautiful! I love this look and have ordered the supplies. The drop cloths I received have seams in them. I saw that you had this problem before. Any place I can get them to be sure not to get the seams..?
Did you order from Amazon or Home Depot?
Thank you soooo much for the incredibly detailed explanation and photos. As well as the links to purchase everything!!! Literally put them together in less then an hour!!! So thrilled how they turned out!! Tytyty
I’m so happy to hear!
Love your style! I was curious when ordering the rods and clips – the links are to black rods but “oil rubbed bronze” clips. Then I saw a comment saying they should match. I already have black rods so I just need to order the clips. Do you recommend one over the other with black rods? I love the antique look of the bronze, but it almost looks like you have bronze rods as well. Thanks so much for your time!
I would get black clips if you have black rods.
Thanks for posting. I have 2 questions. I have a wall of windows about 20 feet and 10 ft tall. I thought these works be great in that room. Any way to add something to make these thermal? Also looking for rod ideas. Currently it’s dated with 2 sets vertical blinds.
The drop cloths are thicker than a regular curtain, not sure what else you could add. You may need to do a custom rod.
Hi there!!! Love these! Can you tell me the width and length of your windows? Trying to decide between two 6×9 cloths or cutting one in half and sewing the edge. Thanks!
Our windows are 36 inches wide and our ceiling height is 8 foot 4 inches. Hope that helps.
Hi, I just made the curtains and they worked out really well, but the color is different it’s much more of a burlap color than cream. I’m going to live with it for now but could you recommend a different product that would have the lighter tones in your photo?
Hi Kathy! The home depot ones that I recommend in this post are the exact ones that I have. If you are looking for a whiter curtain then you can always bleach them. Pinterest has some tutorials.
Hey
Really happy…finally tried this and it looks great but there is alot of dust on my window cil now and when opened window just dust from the curtain in the air? I washed before use. Does this settle???
Thanks…
Hi Kelly, I am happy you found the tutorial helpful. I never had any dust or residue come off my curtains. If it were me I would give them a couple of more washes.
Hi there! I absolutely love your style! Are the dip clothes light blocking? I’m contemplating doing this in my family room and would like some sun blocking.
Thanks 😊
Paula
They do block some sun because they are thicker than a regular curtain panel. Not blackout but definitely blocking.
Beautifully done! Looking to get help on washing before use. What cycle, temp, drying cycle etc.? My worry is fraying them before even getting to put them to use like this. Thank you in advance!
You can get my how-to wash guide in the blog post by signing up for my newsletter.
I have windows that are 9ft from top to the floor, I just finished making these curtains for my dining room and I absolutely love them. It was going to very expensive to have drapes made for the size of my windows but these turned out amazing!! Thank you so much!!
Yay! I am so glad that our tutorial was helpful.
I am late to the party, but have been planning to do drop cloth curtains for a while. I just ran across your post while trying to figure out which weight drop cloth I need for the best drape. Can you tell me what weight (in ounces) you used? Thanks so much!
Wayy of subject but the rug in the bedroom. Can I please get the link to it is 😍😍
Hi Ashley! Here is the link for the rug: https://rstyle.me/+DA4fM0PIHy9Ra82nwkyTiw
I want to do the style that has the top folded over. Is the bottom of the folded raw edge noticeable or is there some trick? Thanks!
Judi
The raw edge never bothered me. You can see it up close in the photos.
So I made these curtains and unfortunately after washing the 6 I bought (amazon), were inconsistent in color and shrinkage. I guess the quality isn’t what it was when you did yours 😫
Hi Jackie, I’m sorry they didn’t work out for you. They are a very inexpensive option and the quality control on the drop cloth varies.