Upcycled Binder Curtain Hooks

It’s been so hot here in south central Texas. Even with blinds and AC running I still wanted to block out some light in my bedroom window. Blocking out sunlight during the day can keep a room cooler and more energy efficient.

A spring rod doesn’t work in my windows because of the blinds on the inside. A typical curtain rod would leave me drilling holes into the walls, which I wanted to avoid.

Of course in my upcycling mind I knew I had something laying around the house that could work. Enter the binder clip which can hold my curtains.

What you’ll need:

Old binders (at least 2)

Screws (at least 4)

Screwdriver

Plyers

Long stick (optional)

Curtains (ones with the tabs in the back work best)

Step 1: Open your binder and remove the binder ring from the middle. Mine can out very easily with a little force. I used no tools during the step.  You’ll need two binders for each window.

Step 2: You’ll need to remove two small pieces where the screws will go. (This was where it was attached to the main body of the binder). I ended up using some pliers to get it off; this is hardest part of this project. I found it easiest to remove from the bottom section of the binder clip.  You’ll need a little force to get the piece out, just be careful with the metal. Mine had two pieces on each end to remove.  

Step 3: Attach your binders to each end of your window and screw in place. (The screws will go in each end where we removed the small pieces in step 2.)  I know everyone’s windows will be different. This works with mine because I have a raised frame around my window which allows me to secure the binder in place at the top of the frame. This way any holes are hidden in case I end up moving.  Make sure your clips are in the opened position when securing.  I ended up securing mine at a bit of a angle as seen below.  I think this helps when opening and closing them. 

Step 4: Attach your curtains at each end of the binder rings. I find the curtains with tabs to fit better here for hanging.  However if yours have no tabs you could put the curtain inside the binder rings and then close them shut. (This will make it harder for you to open the curtains however). 

Step 5: This is optional but if you want to open and close the curtains with ease you need to add a small stick. The stick I’m using is actually from my blinds to open them. Since it already had a small hook on it, all I need was cut a small hole on the inside of the curtain to secure it through that hole. Now you can use the stick to unhook and rehook the curtain where you want it.  Thus being able to open and close them easily without a need for a ladder.  

For my setup to look nice while opened I keep the middle hook always in place (this is the end of the curtain).  Then I hook the middle part of the curtain to the far right clip, and then the last side I hook to the far left end.  Of course keep in mind these directions here could be opposite if you are securing your curtain to the left hand side of your window.  Also can you can see in the above photo I am using three binders for a double window.  The middle binder is shared by both the right and left curtains. 

What do you think? I think it’s a fun upcycle and you’ll definitely save some money on curtain rods! If this idea is to far out for you, you could also consider using sticks from a tree as a curtain rod.  I’ve had mine for 2 years and I love how they (literally) bring nature inside.  

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