This “Beautiful” $13 IKEA Find Gets Me So Many Compliments

I first fell in love with my current apartment due to its large windows and abundant natural light. However, the first night after moving in, I realized my “open and airy” space became a fishbowl as soon as the sun set. I knew then that rugs and wall decor would have to wait: The first thing I needed to purchase for my new space would be window treatments.

As much as I wanted privacy, though, I also wanted to keep my space feeling as light and bright as possible. Finally, after an extensive search both online and in-store, I did find the perfect light-filtering curtains — at a friend’s place!

I was actually there to be introduced to her new kitten (who was, indeed, adorable), but instead, upon entering the room the first thing I said was, “Oh wow, those curtains are beautiful!” I was immediately obsessed, but preparing myself for disappointment. They looked as though they could have been vintage, or otherwise pretty costly. So imagine my surprise (and delight!) when my friend replied that I could pick them up for myself at IKEA, and for less than the price of a small cheese pizza! 

I placed the order the very next day. Now, my own visitors frequently comment on them, too, and I never grow tired of watching their eyes go wide when they hear that they, too, can get the look for just $12.99 with IKEA’s ALVINE SPETS curtains. 

IKEA describes the ALVINE SPETS as “net curtains,” though I might just call them lace. The sheer, white fabric “offers the charm of lace with a delicate floral pattern and curved edges,” as written in the product description. I absolutely love the look of lace in a window. It always has a whimsical and vintage feel, and provides a nice, soft diffusion of light. But what sets ALVINE SPETS apart from other lace curtains are those signature scalloped edges, which were the first detail to catch my eye — and are usually the first detail my guests point out as well. 

It’s worth emphasizing that the sheer lace of these curtains is not quite enough to provide much privacy on its own. IKEA specifically recommends that these be layered with another curtain to make them most effective. I styled mine on a double curtain rod along with IKEA’s BYMOTT curtains, and together, they look even more chic. I usually close my ALVINE SPETS during the day to provide a bit of privacy without blocking much light, while closing the BYMOTT at night adds that next level of protection and opacity. Alone, the lace curtains are enough to diffuse daylight and soften glare on my TV screen, while still allowing my nosy cat to see what’s going on outside, and ensuring my plants are receiving adequate light. 

The mixing of the floral lace design of the ALVINE SPETS with the classic, understated stripe pattern of the BYMOTT adds extra visual intrigue without being overwhelming. Similarly, the scalloped edge of the ALVINE SPETS that peeks out from behind the inner curtains really elevates the entire look. This is perhaps my favorite visual detail. And with the BYMOTT ringing up at just $7.99, that puts the entire set of window treatments at just above $20, which is less than you would pay for one panel of drapery at most other retailers — at least, for drapery this chic. 

I loved my ALVINE SPETS curtains so much, I ended up ordering a third pair to turn into valances for my single-width windows in the bedroom and the kitchen. I installed pleated shades in those windows for added privacy, but I felt like they looked unfinished and boring next to my new window treatments. I’m no pro with the sewing machine, but this project could not have been simpler. In the space of an afternoon, I gave those sad solo windows a much-needed injection of whimsy, and made the space feel much more cohesive and “finished.”

If you can’t make it to your local IKEA, try this pair from Amazon. They lack the exact rounded scallop pattern that gives the ALVINE SPETS its modern flair, but for the vintage lover, these are perfect — and they do accomplish the same effect. 

Buy: ALVINE SPETS Curtains, $12.99