Best Affordable Curtains That Look Expensive (2026 Guide)
Custom curtains can run $200-400 per panel. Multiply that by every window in your home, and the numbers get staggering fast. The good news is that some of the best-looking curtains available right now come from the same stores you already shop at, and most of them are under $50 per panel.
This guide covers my top 10 affordable curtain picks organized by budget tier, followed by the hanging rules that make budget curtains look custom. Every product listed here is from a store I personally shop at and have vetted for quality, durability, and family-friendliness.
Best Budget Curtains Under $25 Per Panel
1. IKEA Ritva Curtains (~$40/pair) — Best Overall Value
Price: ~$40/pair (IKEA)
The IKEA Ritva curtains are the most recommended budget curtain across design blogs, and the praise is well deserved.
What you get: A pair of off-white linen-look panels in your choice of 98-inch or 118-inch lengths. The fabric has a nice weight and a subtle texture that reads as much more expensive than the price suggests.
Why they look expensive: IKEA sews pleating tape into the top of these curtains. Use it with drapery hooks ($5 for a pack) and you get a gorgeous pinch pleat look without any sewing. Most people buy Ritva curtains and hang them with a basic rod pocket, never knowing they have this built-in upgrade.
What to know: They include hemming tape for custom length. The color is a warm off-white, not bright white. They are slightly sheer, so they filter light but do not block it. For blackout, you will need a separate liner.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, any room where you want a classic linen look on a tight budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible value (price is per pair) | Slightly sheer (no blackout) |
| Built-in pleating tape | Limited to off-white color |
| Includes hemming tape | Light filtering only |
| Two length options (98″, 118″) |
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2. Nicetown Blackout Curtains (~$15-25/pair) — Best Blackout on a Budget
Price: ~$15-25/pair (Walmart)
CNN Underscored named these the best blackout curtains for 2026, and they earned that ranking.
What you get: A pair of 52-inch by 84-inch solid-color blackout panels in your choice of dozens of colors.
Why they look expensive: The complete light blocking makes them feel substantial and purposeful. No light leaking around the edges or through the fabric.
What to know: These are a smooth polyester without the textured look of linen. They work best in bedrooms and kids’ rooms where function matters more than decorative style. Machine washable, which is a big plus with kiddos.
Best for: Kids’ bedrooms, nurseries, media rooms, any space where blocking light is the priority.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Complete light blocking | Smooth polyester (less texture) |
| Huge color selection | Only 84″ length in most colors |
| Machine washable | Basic rod pocket style |
| Very affordable |
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3. Mainstays Iris Linen Look Blackout (~$17/set of 2) — Best Walmart Pick
Price: ~$17/set of 2 (Walmart)
When you need blackout curtains at the lowest price possible, Walmart’s Mainstays line delivers.
What you get: Two panels with a linen-inspired texture and full blackout capability.
Why they look expensive: The linen texture is what sets these apart from the typical flat blackout panel. They have a bit of visual interest instead of looking like a flat sheet.
What to know: At 37 inches wide per panel, they are narrower than some options. You may want two sets per window for proper fullness. Even with double sets, you are still under $35 per window.
Best for: Budget-tight kids’ rooms, guest bedrooms, rental properties.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable price | Narrow panels (37″W) |
| Linen texture with blackout | Limited color options |
| Set of 2 included | Grommet top only |
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4. IKEA Hannalill Curtains (~$25/pair) — Most Affordable
Price: ~$25/pair (IKEA)
For the absolute lowest entry point, these textured panels let light filter through and add softness to a room.
What you get: A pair of light-filtering curtains with a subtle texture.
What to know: Only available in 98-inch length. They WILL shrink if machine dried, so hang dry only. Best suited for casual spaces where full light blocking is not needed.
Best for: Kitchen windows, playrooms, any casual space.
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Best Mid-Range Curtains ($25-70 Per Panel)
5. TwoPages “Liz” Curtains (~$40-80/panel) — Best Custom Look
Price: ~$40-80/panel (Amazon)
These are the curtains that home bloggers and interior designers call the “famous Amazon drapes.” They look like $200+ custom curtains.
What you get: Linen-look polyester panels available in pinch pleat, grommet, rod pocket, or back tab. Fully customizable sizing. Over 30 color options.
Why they look expensive: The triple pinch pleat option is the key. It creates structured, elegant folds that look professionally tailored. You can add a blackout liner and even memory training so the pleats hold their shape permanently.
What to know: Order a fabric swatch first ($1-2) to check the color in your space. The “Liz” is lightweight; if you want more heft, try the “Isabella” (cotton-polyester blend) instead. Custom sizing means no hemming needed.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, primary bedrooms. Any room where you want the most polished look for the price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True custom look | Higher price than IKEA/Walmart |
| Customizable sizing | Shipping can take 2-3 weeks |
| Multiple heading styles | Need to order swatches first |
| Optional blackout liner | |
| Memory training available |
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6. Target Threshold Velvet Blackout (~$25-30/panel) — Best Velvet on a Budget
Price: ~$25-30/panel (Target)
Target’s Threshold line is known for punching above its price point, and the velvet blackout curtains are a prime example.
What you get: A single heavy velvet panel with full blackout capability in muted, design-forward colors.
Why they look expensive: The weight and texture of velvet instantly reads as luxury. Reviewers consistently describe these as “looking and feeling more expensive than they are.”
What to know: Sold as individual panels, so you will need to buy two for a standard window. The 84-inch length may require hanging higher than expected to avoid the high-water look. Check if 96-inch is available in your color.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, primary bedrooms where you want warmth and drama.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Luxurious velvet texture | Sold individually |
| Full blackout | Limited to 84″ in some colors |
| Beautiful muted colors | Heavier (need sturdy rod) |
| Target convenience |
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7. IKEA Sanela Curtains (~$70/pair) — Best Velvet Value
Price: ~$70/pair (IKEA)
The Sanela curtains deliver real velvet luxury at IKEA pricing.
What you get: A pair of cotton velvet curtains in multiple rich colors, available in both 98-inch and 118-inch lengths.
Why they look expensive: The cotton velvet has a beautiful sheen and weight. The 118-inch option is exceptional for rooms with high ceilings. At $35 per panel, they are a fraction of what velvet drapes typically cost.
What to know: Some reviewers note minor quality control issues with uneven lengths or colors not matching the website exactly. Check panels side by side before hanging. They have held up well against sun fading in long-term reviews.
Best for: Formal living rooms, dining rooms, primary bedrooms.
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8. Half Price Drapes Faux Linen (~$25-45/panel) — Best Color Selection
Price: ~$25-45/panel (Walmart)
With 40+ color options, Half Price Drapes makes it easy to find exactly the shade you need.
What you get: Faux linen panels with room-darkening lining and a nice textured weave.
Why they look expensive: The lining adds substance and the linen texture provides visual interest. The wide color range means you can find the exact neutral or accent tone for your room.
Best for: Any room. The broad color palette makes these versatile for matching existing decor.
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9. Quince Linen Curtains (~$80-130) — Best Real Linen
Price: ~$80-130 (Quince)
If real linen is important to you, Quince offers it at a price that undercuts Pottery Barn and West Elm by about half.
What you get: 100% European linen curtains in light-filtering or blackout options, available in six neutral colors.
Why they look expensive: Because they are genuinely high-quality linen. The fabric has that beautiful natural drape and it softens over time. With 4.8-4.9 star ratings, the quality speaks for itself.
What to know: These are the most expensive option on this list, but they are still dramatically less than comparable curtains from premium home stores (about 40% less than West Elm). If you are furnishing one special room and want the real thing, this is where I would invest.
Best for: Primary living spaces where you want the best fabric quality within a reasonable budget.
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10. Princedeco Natural Linen Curtains (~$30-55/pair) — Best Amazon Linen
Price: ~$30-55/pair (Amazon)
For linen curtains at an Amazon price, these are a crowd favorite with over 2,300 ratings and 77% five-star reviews.
What you get: A pair of natural linen light-filtering curtains in seven solid colors.
Why they look expensive: Real linen texture and drape at a very accessible price point.
What to know: These are light filtering only. They will soften light beautifully but will not block it. Best paired with a separate blackout liner if you need darkness.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, home offices.
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5 Hanging Rules That Make Budget Curtains Look Custom
The curtains you choose matter, but how you hang them matters just as much. Follow these five rules and even the most affordable panels will look professionally installed.
Rule 1: Hang the Rod High
Mount your curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window frame. For standard 8-foot ceilings, go right up to the ceiling. This makes your room feel taller and your windows look grander. Hanging the rod at the top of the window frame is the most common mistake and it instantly makes any curtain look cheap.
Rule 2: Extend the Rod Wide
Your rod should extend 6-12 inches past the window frame on each side. When curtains are open, the panels stack on the wall instead of covering the glass. More light, bigger-looking windows.
Rule 3: Get the Right Length
Curtains should just barely skim the floor, hovering about a half inch above. Never leave them 2-3 inches short. When in doubt, go longer and hem them. For families with littles, the floor-skim length is more practical than a puddle, which collects dust and gets trampled.
Rule 4: Double Up for Fullness
Your total curtain width should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the width of your window. A single flat panel per side looks skimpy. Two panels per side with soft folds looks custom. At IKEA and Walmart prices, doubling up is easy on the budget.
Rule 5: Choose Pleats Over Grommets
Grommet curtains are the most common heading style in budget curtains, but they are also the easiest way to spot cheap panels. The metal rings across the top are a dead giveaway. For an expensive look, choose pinch pleats, back tabs, or rod pocket curtains hung on rings.
3 Free Upgrades That Make a Huge Difference
- Steam your curtains after hanging. Wrinkles instantly cheapen the look. A handheld steamer takes five minutes and is the single best thing you can do.
- Train the pleats. Hand-fold new curtains into even folds, loosely tie them with ribbon, and leave them for one week. The fabric will hold those beautiful folds permanently.
- Upgrade the hardware. A solid 1-inch diameter rod with classic finials in brass, matte black, or brushed nickel makes a noticeable difference. Skip thin, flimsy rods and plastic anything.
Curtain Tips for Families with Kids
- Blackout for bedrooms. For nap time and summer bedtimes, blackout curtains are essential. The Nicetown panels are my top pick for kids’ rooms.
- Machine washable is a must. Cotton-polyester blends handle frequent washing without fading or shrinking.
- Skip the cords. Curtain cords are a safety hazard for little ones. Choose cordless options or mount hardware well out of reach.
- Go neutral. Kids’ tastes change quickly. Solid neutrals last through every phase without looking dated.
- Shorter for toddlers. In rooms where littles can reach the curtains, sill-length panels are the safest option. My two-year-old grabs everything she can reach, so we keep her curtains short for this reason.
Price Comparison: Custom vs. These Picks
| Window Coverage | Custom Drapes | TwoPages | IKEA Ritva | Walmart Mainstays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 standard window (2 panels) | $400-800 | $80-160 | $40 | $17 |
| Living room (3 windows) | $1,200-2,400 | $240-480 | $120 | $51 |
| Whole house (8 windows) | $3,200-6,400 | $640-1,280 | $320 | $136 |
The savings speak for themselves. Even the most premium pick on this list costs a fraction of custom.
Quick Reference: Which Curtain to Buy
Tightest budget, need blackout: Mainstays Iris Linen Look (Walmart) or Nicetown (Walmart)
Best bang for your buck: IKEA Ritva with the built-in pleating tape trick
Want a custom, tailored look: TwoPages “Liz” in triple pinch pleat (Amazon)
Love velvet: IKEA Sanela (best value) or Target Threshold (convenient)
Want real linen: Quince (best quality) or Princedeco (Amazon) (best price)
Kids’ rooms: Nicetown blackout panels with durable polyester fabric
No matter which curtains you choose, remember that hanging them high, hanging them wide, and steaming them smooth will make the biggest impact of all. Those three steps cost nothing and they are what truly separate budget curtains from a budget look.