Of all the projects I have shared over the past five years, one of the most popular is my super cheap DIY curtain rods. They may not be flashy but they are such a great alternative to expensive curtain rods – especially when you are dealing with an extra wide window. It really is amazing how inexpensive curtain rods can be when you put them together yourself using a few simple items from the hardware store. Anytime you can whip up cute, functional curtain rods up to ten feet long for less than $15, it is a major win.
Four years later, my curtain rods are still going strong, but one little detail continues to nag at me. The lack of finials.
Not a huge problem, but I have to admit they were looking a bit naked. So finally I decided to do something about it.
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You can buy curtain finials on their own. But the inexpensive ones typically cost $10-$15 a pair and it seems incredibly silly to buy curtain rod finials that cost more than the whole curtain rod. Which meant a DIY job was in order. So I started pondering how to whip up some easy finials that would be cheap enough to compliment the cheapest curtain rods ever, but still look classy. And I finally came up with a great idea.
The finials themselves are made from cabinet knobs. The beauty of using cabinet knobs is there are a million different styles available so you can choose the exact look you want to match your room. Plus, if you know where to shop they are super cheap. I shared my favorite sources for inexpensive cabinet pulls and knobs here. There are tons of styles for less than $3 each and some are as little as $1 each!
But how to attach them? I considered using a strong glue, but because the curtain rod is made from a hollow pipe, it would be really tricky to line up the knobs and pipe exactly. Instead, I tried a new product I’d heard good things about and it worked perfectly! It is called Sugru and it is sort of a cross between play doh and glue. It is moldable and can be attached to all kinds of things. And it just so happens, it is perfect for turning cabinet knobs into curtain finials.
I used some mercury glass knobs that I bought on sale at Hobby Lobby. Sugru comes in several different colors; I chose black to match my oil-rubbed bronze curtain rods. This is seriously ridiculously easy to do. If your knobs have an attached screw like mine, form a small ring of sugru around the screw right at the base of the knob. If there is no screw, you can simply press a small ball of sugru into the base of the knob. I was able to attach four finials using one small pouch of Sugru.
Then press the knob to the end of the curtain rod.
There will probably be some sugru that squishes out between the curtain rod and finial. Simply wipe off the excess with your finger. And that’s it. So simple. 
It is a really tiny change, but these curtain rods finally feel finished!
Of course you could completely change the look of the curtain rods depending on what type of knob you chose. You could go subtle with a metal knob in the same finish as your curtain rod. Or make a splash with something big and bold.
If you missed them, be sure to check out these related posts.
The Cheapest DIY Curtain Rods Ever
Where to Buy Inexpensive Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
Easiest DIY Curtains: The Designer Look for Less
Linda says
Another excellent tip! Thanks!!
Carrie says
Thanks Linda!
Carrie says
Oh I absolutely love this idea! I make glass beads so I will be able to make some beautiful and unique pieces. I already have the glue. Thank you for the inspiration.
Carrie says
Wow, glass bead making sounds amazing! I bet you can definitely make some gorgeous pieces!
Eunice Roman says
How would you remove the curtains if you ever want to switch them out with something else, or to wash them? Is there a way to take the finials off or are they permanently attached?
Carrie says
The curtain rods can be lifted off the brackets just like regular curtain rods you would buy. Also, if you use clips to hang the curtains like I did (because I just like that look), you can simply unclip the curtains to wash. Also, you can remove the finials but you would have to reattach them with fresh adhesive putty. Lots of options! :)
Rachael Cottrell says
You’re brilliant.
Carrie says
Ha, thank you!
liona shareing says
What a great idea, I tried to do several things to add knobs to finish off my curtain rods, but they didn’t work and the knobs fell off I will give this a try.
The other thing I wanted to offer if someone wanted to make strong-cheap- double brackets is to make the bracket like shown with 2 1/2″ shelf supports then make a 2nd one using 1″ shelf supports.
You screw the larger one into the wall at it’s lower hole, then attach the 2nd one using the top hole of the 2 1/2″ bracket to secure them both.
Carrie says
Great tip for double curtain rods!
Tracey Way says
Awesome I’ve been trying to figure out how I was going to finish off my super cheap curtain rod for my Florida room (aka PVC pipe). You are a genius!!!!! Thanks for the tip
Carrie says
Thanks Tracey! I am glad I could help!
LMarker says
I read with interest your idea to use Sugru. I had never heard of it. My issue is that I am using electrical conduit as a rod, and my finials are glass doorknobs. If the finials are permanent, the curtains can’t be slipped over the rod – they have to be installed on clip rings. However, it does appear that Sugru is permanent. I am going to try museum putty, which has a strong hold, but is ultimately removable, to attach one finial. That way, I can remove the curtain for washing.
I am going to buy and play around with Sugru for other projects, though!
Carrie says
Good point about not being able to remove the curtains over large finials. I would be interested to hear how the museum putty works. Also, I absolutely love the idea of glass knobs as the finials!
Holly Burns says
Another idea I just thought if would be to fit some hard styrofoam inside the pipe and insert the screw for the finial or cabinet knob into the styrofoam. You would make the styrofoam stay in place by putting some glue on the inside of the pipe before inserting the styrofoam inside. I am thinking of the hard white stryofoam you see that comes in packages you order in the mail.
Carrie says
Holly, that is a great idea!