Who doesn’t love the look of a high-end, designer home? For many of us, though, the price tag that comes with those luxe interiors is enough to make us clutch our wallets a little tighter. But what if we told you that you could achieve that same elegant look for a fraction of the cost, thanks to a clever Kmart hack that’s taking the internet by storm?

A Kmart Curtain Hack That’s Turning Heads

About $1100 was saved by a Kmart shopper by DIY installing sheer curtains with a $29 item. Credit: @shannyn.f / TikTok

A savvy shopper, Shannyn Green, recently shared her incredible savings story after being quoted a whopping $1,300 to install sheer curtains in her bedroom. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Shannyn decided to take matters into her own hands—and her solution cost her less than $200 in total!

The secret? Kmart’s Sicily S-Fold Long Curtain, retailing for just $29 per panel. Shannyn and her husband documented their DIY journey on TikTok, showing just how easy (and affordable) it can be to transform a space with a little creativity and elbow grease.

DIY Made Simple—Even for Beginners

If you’re thinking, 'That sounds great, but I’m not exactly a handyman,' don’t worry! Shannyn herself admitted she’s not particularly handy but found the installation process straightforward. The trickiest part was trimming one of the curtain rails to fit their window, which does require a basic tool. But as Shannyn points out, 'It would be totally possible for a beginner to do this. I am not really very handy, and I would have felt comfortable giving it a go.'

Of course, having a tradie husband sped things up, but this is a project that most people could tackle with a bit of patience and the right tools.

The Results: Luxe Look, Tiny Price Tag

The finished product? A bedroom that looks like it belongs in a glossy magazine, with soft, flowing sheers that add instant elegance and cosiness. Shannyn admits that if you inspect the curtains up close, you can tell they’re a polyester blend rather than high-end linen. But from a distance, they look every bit as luxurious as their custom-made counterparts.

'If you want to make your space feel more cosy and a little fancy, then I think it really elevates the space,' Shannyn shared.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

While the savings are undeniable, there are a couple of things to consider if you’re thinking of giving this hack a go:

- Multiple Panels: Unlike custom sheers, which are made from one continuous piece of fabric, the Kmart curtains come in separate panels. This means you’ll need to be careful with placement to avoid any unsightly gaps.
- Curtain Rods: Some people wondered if you could use Kmart’s curtain rods for this project. Good news—Shannyn confirmed you can! The rods can be cut to size and connected as needed, making them a flexible and affordable option.

What Do Other Shoppers Think?

Shannyn’s followers were quick to praise her ingenuity, with comments like 'These look amazing, definitely going to give this a go!' and 'It looks fantastic. Love how they drape on the ground.' Others shared their own experiences, with one person saying, 'The sheer curtains from Kmart are really good. I got some for our bedrooms, but I got the lounge [ones] from Spotlight, that was continuous, and it’s not as nice as the Kmart ones.'

Another added, 'Good on you, do what you can afford and it looks lovely. Simple, clean and the length is perfect.'

Why DIY Home Hacks Are So Popular—Especially Now

With the cost of living on the rise and many of us looking for ways to stretch our dollars further, DIY home improvements have never been more popular. Not only do they save money, but they also give you the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own two hands.

For over-60s, projects like this can be a great way to refresh your home without breaking the bank—or your back! Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with a partner, friend, or even the grandkids.

Tips for Getting the Luxe Look for Less

- Shop Smart: Keep an eye out for budget-friendly retailers like Kmart, Big W, and Bunnings, which often have stylish homewares at a fraction of the price.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine high and low—pairing a few statement pieces with affordable basics can make your home look curated and expensive.
- DIY Where You Can: Simple projects like hanging curtains, painting furniture, or updating hardware can make a huge difference.
- Measure Twice, Cut Once: Always double-check your measurements before buying or cutting anything to avoid costly mistakes.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• A Kmart shopper saved about $1100 by DIY installing sheer curtains using a $29 item from Kmart instead of paying $1300 for custom installation.
• The installation process was straightforward and possible for beginners, though cutting the curtain rail to size was the most challenging part.
• While the Kmart sheer curtains look luxurious from a distance, up close, they are clearly a polyester blend and require combining pieces, which can result in small gaps if not placed properly.
• Many on social media praised the budget-friendly solution, saying the curtains looked expensive and transformed the space for a fraction of the price.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you used a clever hack to save money on home improvements? Do you have any tips for making your home look luxe for less? Share your stories and photos in the comments below—let’s inspire each other to create beautiful spaces without the big price tag!

 

[deni67]

They look beautiful and so well priced.
Mad idea but I often wonder if some people use the top end curtain laces on wedding dresses etc. I really don't see the difference in the looks of the lace, only the price tag.