How to Pleat IKEA RITVA Curtains

Greetings to Week 7 of the One Room Challenge! It’s astonishing to think that this is our last update prior to the grand reveal. This week I focused on the drapes in our dining area. Though I adore the appearance of tailored pinch pleat curtains, they simply weren’t feasible within my budget for this endeavor. Instead, I repurposed our current IKEA RITVA curtains with rings, hooks, and a new rod to achieve a luxurious look at a fraction of the price. I’m sharing all the specifics below, in case you’d like to undertake something similar!

Related: The Finest Affordable Amazon Curtains: Cost-effective Pinch Pleat Drapes

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Inspiration for Custom Drapery

Here are a few inspirational images showcasing stunning pinch pleat curtains:

1. Pure Salt Interiors
2. Studio McGee

While I cherish this aesthetic (so much), custom drapes are expensive. I aimed to replicate a similar appearance on a budget.

IKEA Curtains, Rings, Hooks, and Rod

Below are the IKEA items I utilized:

(I employed three BETYDLIG ceiling brackets, 22 SYRLIG curtain rings, and 22 RIKTIG curtain hooks.)

Note: If I desired these curtains to function properly, I would require four curtain panels instead of two to adequately cover the window. Nevertheless, I plan to install a woven wood shade, so the curtains will remain stationary.

Furthermore, remember that if your curtains lack pleating tape on the reverse, you will need rings with clips. I have provided links for both types of rings below.

All of these items were shipped to me, but if you do not reside near an IKEA or they do not deliver to your area, here are some products you could use to achieve a similar look.

Preparing the Curtains and Rings

Curtains

We recently incorporated this same combination of IKEA RITVA curtains, rings, and hooks into our living room, so I had some familiarity with preparing the curtains.

On the back of the SYRLIG curtain ring packet, there are illustrations demonstrating three methods to utilize the rings. I followed the illustration showcasing the RIKTIG hooks. The image illustrates forming pleats between the current back tabs on the curtains. Observing the two pictures below, you can see that I attached the RIKTIG hook to one side, close to a back tab, and then formed a pleat and attached the hook near the adjacent back tab.

I also positioned one hook near each side of the panel, as shown below.

This process can be somewhat exasperating, as the hooks tend to slip out when maneuvering the curtains. However, I believe it is simpler than attempting to add the hooks afterward!

Rings

You will also need to prepare 22 SYRLIG rings. Attach the included small black hooks to the rings, then slide the rings onto the rod. (You will not require the hooks that feature clips; these are for curtains lacking pleating tape.)

Installing IKEA RITVA Curtains

There might be various methods, but I opted to hang my curtain rod (with the rings attached) prior to connecting the curtains.

Since this is a double-width window, I utilized three brackets: one in the center and one at either end, approximately 10″ out from the window’s edge. I hung the brackets just beneath our crown molding. The top of each bracket is around 98 3/4″ from the floor (9-foot ceilings). My curtains are just grazing the floor, so if you want to avoid that, aim for 99″.

Attaching the drapes can be somewhat challenging. I commenced at one side of the panel and progressed towards the opposite side. At times a hook would detach, requiring me to remedy it. There’s a reason this option is economical 😉 But you can manage it!

IKEA RITVA Drapes for an Upscale Appearance

Here is the completed look! What are your thoughts? Not exactly custom, but I’m quite pleased with this affordable enhancement. I might paint the central bracket the same shade as the wall for it to blend, what do you think?

Here’s a look at what I have remaining for this room transformation:

• Take down current curtain rods and patch the walls
• Repaint the blue wall
• Add board and batten
• Create a DIY black vintage vase
• Reorganize the toys
• Restyle the toy storage bookshelf
• Add a vintage rug
• Install new curtain rod and drapes
• Fit new light fixture
• Substitute chairs
• Add artwork
• Style the area!

Our lighting fixture will be set up tomorrow morning, and the artwork should arrive in the afternoon. I’m hopeful that the chairs arrive on schedule! Thank you immensely for your support, friends! Kindly leave a comment below and share with me, what small update has made a significant impact in your home?

Related: More Simple DIY Projects