Easy treatments done in an hour.

Lacy Beauty

The first step? Check out your linen closet or local department store for sheets and table linens that can be transformed into creative curtains.

Lace makes for an elegant window treatment, softening the light and casting intricate shapes and shadows. But instead of going out to buy lace curtains, rummage in your closet for a handy alternative: a lace tablecloth. This project requires no cutting or sewing, which would damage the fabric. So when you get tired of the curtain or want to rest the textile, you can put it back in the closet or on the table.

This project will cost $30-50 (including the curtain rod), and should take about an hour to complete. Best of all, you only need basic beginner's skills!

• Lace tablecloth
• Clip-on drapery rings
• 1/2-inch (or less) diameter curtain rod and its mounting hardware
• Ribbon for gathering the curtain

1. Install the rod. Do this according to manufacturer's instructions.

2. Grab a lace tablecloth. If you don't have one, buy a rectangular lace cloth that's at least the length from your curtain rod to the floor. If it's too long, you can fold over the top and make a valance, as shown in the photographs. If the tablecloth has a center medallion, try to position it so it hangs roughly in the center of the window.

3. Attach the cloth to the curtain rod. Use the clip-on drapery rings. Gather in the center and tie with a ribbon.