Leanne Ford’s “Minimal Effort” Curtain Hack Is So Easy, Soft, and Simple

Leanne Ford is known for a signature style that can be somewhat polarizing for some. And in classic fashion, the famed HGTV interior designer has a seriously hot take on window treatments: She rarely ever uses them in her projects! Ford has previously stated (via Instagram) that “windows are supposed to give you sunshine and air,” pushing followers to reconsider sweeping curtain dressings. When privacy is a concern, however, Ford has an approach that feels more approachable — a “minimal effort” window treatment that’s her go-to.

“We almost never do window treatments in our projects, and when we do, it’s usually a makeshift curtain out of vintage lace — just like you see here,” Ford wrote in a recent caption, highlighting a space designed with collaborator and friend Grace Mitchell. “Tack it up, hang it with a bit of rope … no need to overthink it.”

“It’s soft, simple, and instantly lovely in any space,” she continues. “Like most of our favorite tricks, it takes minimal effort for a big return.”

Ford actually tied the rope for her “makeshift curtain” around two light fixtures installed on either side of the massive window. You could also use decorative hooks (like Anthropologie’s duck-inspired ones) — or even fun furniture knobs if you wanted to add a bit more pizzazz than just tacks or nails. 

And the curtain is simply draped over the rope — no curtain rungs required. If you’d prefer for your curtain to be a bit more secure, you could thread the rope through the channel at the top of the curtain. Or, lean into the country cottage charm and use clothespins to anchor it for a classic clothesline look.

These curtains provide just enough coverage to grant privacy, but the lace still lets in all that glorious sunlight and air. And because it requires little effort, you can install this curtain in just a few minutes.

So if your space requires some sort of window treatment — but you can’t be bothered with a professional bill for a full treatment — try a “minimal effort” curtain instead. It’s so dreamy and effortless that you might not install “real” curtains ever again.