We have a lot of windows in our home. A LOT. We also have tall ceilings. To outfit each window in appropriate-length dressings could be an expensive investment but when we first moved in, I was desperate to hang curtains without breaking the bank. With a bit of research and a little luck, I found the perfect budget-friendly solution — Ikea Ritva curtains. I wasn’t familiar with Ikea drapes before stumbling across their (almost) seemingly linen panels and ever since, they’ve become my number one most recommended inexpensive white curtains.
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Ikea Ritva Drapes – What You Need to Know About These Inexpensive Curtains
After searching for white linen alternatives online, a common theme appeared all across the web. The Ritva panels from IKEA. I purchased my first few sets in-store in Atlanta but while I live about an hour away, all subsequent sets were purchased online. (Ikea has some fab deals but dedicating a full day to winding through a maze of spaces is for the birds haha.) Granted, I believe they’re less than $30 in-store (for a set of 98″ panels — they come in 108″, too), but I found them offered via Amazon Prime for $49 for the set, with free two-day shipping. Worth it not to do the Tour de Ikea. (You can find them HERE.)
SCROLL & TAP TO GET THE LOOK
You can see in this close-up how they filter in light. The material is thick and has a nice weight; they let just enough light in to provide an airy feel, but are substantial, unlike sheer curtains. They are more of an ivory and actually, in the package, they can almost look yellowed when they’re folded in a tight square. Once you take them out, spread them — I also ironed each panel before hanging — they lighten up. In our home, against our off-white trim (Creamy by Sherwin Williams), they look white since they aren’t competing against a stark, pure white wall/molding. *Note: even though I ironed them, I did not wash them. If you want to wash them, do so before your first hanging; they will likely shrink that first time.
At night, they look a bit more opaque. But, unlike a lot of stiff/blackout panels, they fall nicely.
There’s a few ways to hang them; they have a traditional pocket poll that would create a more cinched look (which I don’t care for all that much). They also have back tabs you can run your curtain rod through which creates a more folded effect (like the dining room drapes here). In the dining room, I used four Ikea Ritva curtain panels across the large three-window wall and allowed them to barely puddle.
In the guest bedroom, we have one pair of Ikea drapes on one large window — they are fairly wide so this configuration still works. These are puddled even more. To be honest, it’s more out of laziness but I still like the way they look 😉 You could easily add some hemming tape (HERE) if you wanted them to hit just above the ground/barely meet the floor.\
SCROLL & TAP TO GET THE LOOK
In the breakfast nook, the curtains are positioned where they just meet the floor. I did the same as the dining room — four panels across three windows — in a 98″ length. But, unlike the other two rooms, I actually ended up putting these on some inexpensive curtain rings during this space’s re-vamp a few months ago. You can also see how versatile they are in the more dressy dining space vs. the more casual breakfast nook. And, they still look fitting and intentional.
SCROLL & TAP TO GET THE LOOK
Ikea Ritva Curtain Recap
To break it down, here are the high points to consider:
- Under $50 for a pair of panels, shipped (less in-store) — Order them HERE via PRIME
- Unlike most, they come in 98″ and 118″, respectively
- Have multiple hanging possibilities
- Are a ridiculously good linen knock-off for the price
- Are a softer possibly off-white but unless you have stark white trim, appear white when hung
- Have a material conducive to pooling or skimming the floor without looking crumpled
The curtain panels in each of these rooms have been hanging for four years and I still get compliments. I have switched a few rooms to systems with custom shades and while I love them, custom window treatments aren’t a cheap investment. At all. And even if you spring for linen curtains from other mid-range retailers, you’re likely looking for well over $150/panel. For a nice look that’s more than a little more budget friendly, the Ikea Ritva drapes are the magical unicorn of the low-cost linen-like curtains.
Was this helpful? Here are a few other budget-friendly posts!
- 7 Tips to Decorate Your First Apartment on a Budget
- 8 Ways to Save: How to Furnish Your Home for a Fraction of the Price
- Where to Shop for Throw Pillows (Plus, What to Look For)
Heather says
March 31, 2016 at 9:37 amI love my Rivita curtains. I have 4 pairs in my family room and 3 pairs in my bedroom. In the family room I added contrast fabric in a 4 inch band along the insiders each panel. Everyone comments how great they look.
Kelley Nan says
March 31, 2016 at 9:48 amI love that! I have seen awesome trim ideas, also. Glad you are a fan!
sara says
January 12, 2017 at 3:48 pmI would LOVE to see a picture of that!
Michelle says
March 31, 2016 at 9:52 amHi there! I recently purchased these as well, planning on putting them up today or tomorrow. Have you had issues with wrinkles? And how have you gotten them out?!!!
Kelley Nan says
March 31, 2016 at 10:33 amExcellent! I actually park in front of the tv and iron them before hanging.
Tammy says
March 31, 2016 at 10:53 amLove!! What is the name of the paint color in your dining room? Thank you!
Kelley Nan says
March 31, 2016 at 5:19 pmThank you! Lauren’s Surprise by Sherwin Williams 😉
Summer says
April 1, 2016 at 10:10 amBrilliant, Kelley! Ikea never ceases to amaze me with great finds here and there. Thanks so much for sharing. You know how much I love your home and style! ☺️
Xoxo, Summer
Kelley Nan says
April 1, 2016 at 2:21 pmSummer, thank you so much! And thank you for visiting. I can’t wait until you get in your new home!
Sue says
April 1, 2016 at 10:45 pmI’ll have to check them out! They look great! I have tall ceilings in my living room area so they might work out great. I used Ikea drapes in my former place (had multiple large windows and put them in between like you did ) and always got a ton of compliments. Thanks for sharing. Love that rug in your sitting room.!
Kelley Nan says
April 3, 2016 at 1:57 pmSue, good luck! The length options of these are a big plus. And, thank you!
Ileana says
April 2, 2016 at 1:08 amThanks for doing this post, I was actually looking online for curtains for my house and since I have liked everything you have recommended I am going to give this ones a try. Also I was wondering if you could do a post on your foyer/ entrance and what chandeliers do you recommend?
Kelley Nan says
April 3, 2016 at 1:57 pmThank you so much for visiting and I think you will love them! I am working through some lighting updates and will definitely post!
Maria Keating says
April 4, 2016 at 9:52 pmThese curtains look great! Ikea’s website says there’s about a 4% shrinkage. Have you had a problem with them shrinking every time you wash them?
Kelley Nan says
April 5, 2016 at 8:51 amMaria, truth be told, I have never washed mine. They are cotton so I would expect that, but their lengths come LONG. Mine are hung very high and I have most of them pooled just a little bit. If you are worried, I would wash BEFORE hanging 😉
Jamie Silverthorn says
April 29, 2016 at 11:55 pmAre they $25 for one panel or 2? Either way, he price seems crazy cheap. I’m so excited!! :))
Kelley Nan says
April 30, 2016 at 4:26 pm2! And the 98″ ones! Isn’t that crazy? They are a little more on Amazon than in store, but that is what I have done most recently to save the trip. Totally worth it to me with IKEA being a bit of a trek.
Mona says
June 2, 2016 at 12:27 amHi! Just wondering what you used for the rod? I really like the look.
Kelley Nan says
June 2, 2016 at 10:39 amThank you so much! Which photo?
Leanne says
June 21, 2016 at 11:06 pmI was wondering the same thing. The long one in the breakfast room?
Kelley Nan says
June 22, 2016 at 6:34 amHi, Leanne! It is a wraparound rod- here is an affiliate link directly to the one I used. http://rstyle.me/n/bs7x3wb5rpf
Leanne says
June 22, 2016 at 2:20 pmThanks!! What about the rod you used in the dining room? I’m looking for a long one to hang four panels across the back wall of our family room with 3 sets of French doors.
Kelley Nan says
June 22, 2016 at 2:44 pmYou are welcome! It comes in a few sizes which is great: http://rstyle.me/n/bs8y3vb5rpf
Lisa says
July 3, 2016 at 10:43 pmHi There!
How tall are your ceilings? I am trying to decide between the 84″ and the 118″… we are having 9′ ceilings, but I like to hang my curtains rod a tad bit higher than the “norm”… Thanks!! Just found your page and excited to look deeper into it!
Kelley Nan says
July 4, 2016 at 4:11 pmHi, Lisa! I belive the shortest size they come in is 98″ length. Our upstairs has 8′ ceilings but the downstairs is substantially taller (exception of the dining room with tray ceiling). I *think* at least 10 ft. downstairs- I went with 98″ everywhere. I hope this helps!
Lisa says
July 4, 2016 at 6:52 pmHaha! I meant 98″…I must have been side tracked when I wrote that ? Is the room with the circle mirrors on the wall 10ft or 8ft ceilings? Thanks again!
Kelley Nan says
July 15, 2016 at 9:07 amIt is at least 10′ 😉
Shelby says
August 8, 2016 at 12:27 pmDid you add the pleating to yours? I tried looking online how to do that, it says there’s lots of measuring involved. Hoping these come like that out of the package! your blog is just gorgeous! xo
Kelley Nan says
August 9, 2016 at 2:08 pmHi, Shelby! I did not. The great thing about these is that you can use clips if you prefer, but the curtains already have back tabs that you thread your rod through which creates the pleated look. Right out of the bag 😉
Sarah says
October 5, 2016 at 12:41 pmI can’t wait to buy some now after seeing your post! I’ve been wanting some for a while but this sealed the deal. You mentioned free shipping from Ikea but I feel like I’ve never seen that option. Was there a special code or something to get it? The nearest ones to us are about 5-6 hours. ? Thanks!
Kelley Nan says
October 5, 2016 at 1:01 pmHi, Sarah! I love them! No, Ikea shipping is crazy high! haha- the link I provided goes through Amazon and while the base price is a little more, the shipping there is free 😉
Brittany says
October 31, 2016 at 4:04 pmKelly, I am absolutely in love with your home! I struggle with decorating and I am hoping for some advice when it comes to the IKEA Ritva panels… We have a local IKEA and when I went to look at these curtains in person I noticed that they are more of an off white/cream rather than white.
Our home has bright white trim and doors and we have white blinds as well… Do you think these panels will look okay? Or will it look like I tried to match the bright white and failed miserably? I obviously find these panels appealing because of the price tag and the look but I am worried that they will not fit our home 🙁
Kelley Nan says
November 1, 2016 at 2:23 pmBrittany, since you have one locally, I would grab a pack to test first. Our trim is actually “Creamy” so unless it is next to a stark white, it looks white, but actually is a little warmer. Once the panels are unrolled and hung, they look lighter than they do in the package. Let me know how it goes! Just test before committing to them all over your home 😉
Elizabeth says
November 7, 2016 at 8:01 amHi Kelly,
I too have been reading on line about this brand of curtain and its versitility. Can you tell me what the height of you ceilings are and approximately where your rod is hung. We have 10ft ceilings and I bought a 98″ curtain. I am worried they may be too short.Thanks!
Kelley Nan says
November 28, 2016 at 6:51 amHi, Elizabeth! You should be fine- I think ours are actually around 11′ downstairs – I hang them high and the downstairs curtains are hung to JUST brush the floor. I can’t say enough good things about those curtains!
dolphina says
November 15, 2016 at 6:35 pmKelli,
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your beautiful BIG windows (& drapes)!
Your home is SO beautiful! ^_^
(I live in a basement appt., I can ALWAYS hear neighbors upstairs.
& my small widows have window wells around them ,so that is all I see!)
Kelley Nan says
November 16, 2016 at 8:06 amOh, thank you so much! When I lived in my last apartment, I didn’t HEAR the neighbors but they were ultra dirty and passed their ROACHES on to my apartment! haha
Britt says
January 7, 2017 at 6:27 pmAre these curtains already hemmed? Sometimes ikea curtains do not come hemmed.
Kelley Nan says
January 9, 2017 at 8:58 amThey are already hemmed.
kelly says
January 23, 2017 at 2:06 pmI love this look and it’s exactly what I was looking for for our new home my husband designed with SIXTY windows!!! What did you use for the blind/shade? We also have a breakfast nook within a turret with 2 windows and a door and I’m thinking of using burlap shades there since it is rustic surrounded by stone on the walls of the turret. I want to go classy, but inexpensive..
Kelley Nan says
January 24, 2017 at 6:49 amHi, Kelly! These are PERFECT for outfitting a lot of windows! Honestly, I have white faux wood blinds… and don’t like them. I keep them pulled up and have considered taking them down on the back of the house where we already have privacy. Window treatments (and shades) are expensive but I guess it would depend on what you need them for more- look, privacy, or shade.
Param says
February 1, 2017 at 4:36 pmIt looks wonderful, may I know what curtain rods were used for the dinning room? 🙂
Kelley Nan says
February 5, 2017 at 4:35 pmAbsolutely- here is an affilaite link. http://rstyle.me/n/cedm25b5rpf
Janet Rader says
February 4, 2017 at 7:51 pmHi Kelley – Can you let me know what color you painted your kitchen walls? Absolutely beautiful home. Thanks, Janet
Kelley Nan says
February 5, 2017 at 4:36 pmHi, Janet! Thank you- Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams.
Michelle says
February 13, 2017 at 12:05 pmI just hung these in my master bedroom and love them!! I can’t believe what a difference it makes in my room. Thanks for the suggestion!! I think I am going to buy them for every room in our house! The only problem I have is they are pleated on the ends of the rod but then they aren’t at the end of the panel. Does that make sense? Do you know how to fix that?
Kelley Nan says
February 14, 2017 at 6:42 pmMichelle, I am so glad you like them! I’m not sure what you mean- can you clarify?
Tiffany says
February 27, 2017 at 8:44 pmI can’t wait to put these in my home! The Ritvas come with a tie back – do you know if this is sewn into the curtain, and if so how did you remove it?
Kelley Nan says
February 28, 2017 at 9:44 pmHi, Tiffany! The tie backs are separate pieces 😉
Stephanie says
March 18, 2017 at 1:35 pmWhat is the color and brand of your paint in your sitting room? Thank you!
Kelley Nan says
March 30, 2017 at 10:03 pmVersatile Gray by Sherwin Williams 😉
Amy Hickman says
April 5, 2017 at 5:52 pmHello, I am liking this look!! I was noticing that you have more than 2 panels on a lot of your windows. In other words, there is a set in the middle of your window in the dining room. How do you get a rod long enough to go across the whole wall…? I have three sets of windows in my living room, all lined up next to each other and I can’t figure out how to get a rod to extend across all three, unless I use the flush mount rods, one for each window…? Is that what you did? Thanks in advance for the advice!
Kelley Nan says
April 11, 2017 at 1:49 pmHi, Amy! there are three windows set in one frame (three sets of blinds) so I did opt for two panels to cover the start of each set of blinds. Measure your length but there are extra long rods available online. I have these which come in several lengths: http://rstyle.me/n/ckduv2b5rpf
Mo Furnishings says
May 7, 2017 at 2:27 amThanks for telling us about friendly curtains for my home.
curtain dubai says
June 10, 2017 at 1:38 amthanks for sharing! it’s really useful information
Eileen says
June 30, 2017 at 10:42 amHi there! Love your house. I have a question I have the IKEA ritva curtains in my home as well. I noticed your appear more scrunched than mine. Mine take up a great deal
Of the rod even when pushed to the side. Am I putting them
On wrong? I just suck the rod right through the pocket but I’m reading there moghth be a way to kind of weave them
On? Let me know if you can! Thanks!
Kelley Nan says
July 4, 2017 at 11:42 amEileen, there should be tab loops on the back. That is how I run mine through 😉
Holly says
August 9, 2017 at 10:57 amThis is so great! I live near IKEA and will be purchasing these thank you! I have a question about the Zahara Persian rug you have in your sitting area, I love it in your photo do you have another photo to show the true colors, when I go to the website to purchase it looks very very creamy/yellow. Your picture makes it look lighter. THANK YOU! I want this rug for my dining room if its like your’s in the picture!
https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Zahara-Persian-Vase-Oatmeal-Black-Area-Rug-710-X-112/10024697/product.html
Kelley Nan says
August 15, 2017 at 4:12 pmHi, Holly! It is kind of a mix- you can see more of it here: https://kelleynan.com/formal-living-room-tour/ It’s hard to say (it definitely has that beigey look- it isn’t white or gray) but it also does look more taupe in the pic than in real life. I’m sorry I’m not more helpful; it’s been a couple years since I purchased mine but I think the coloring should be the same!
Rahul jain says
September 27, 2017 at 3:44 amThanks for doing this post, I was actually looking online for curtains for my house and since I have liked everything you have recommended I am going to give this ones a try.
Kelley Nan says
October 4, 2017 at 10:20 amI’m so glad!
Amy M says
September 28, 2017 at 10:00 pmI have purchased these for my living and dining rooms. In my dining rooms, I have arches above the windows. Would you hang them above the arches for added height? Thanks so much!
Kelley Nan says
October 4, 2017 at 9:40 amI would! Especially if the top of your arches are close to the ceiling, I would hang close to the ceiling 😉
Portia says
October 5, 2017 at 4:18 pmDo you think these curtains will provide any kind of insulation from the cold at night?
Kelley Nan says
October 10, 2017 at 5:34 pmGood question; I’m sure they would help with a draft but not for insulation. They are relatively thin (like linen)
Heather says
October 10, 2017 at 12:22 amHi Kelley, I am wondering what color is the curtain rod you use in your dining room. At first I thought it was the black and then in another photo looks more like the antique brass. My husband tells me to get what you like, but I am not sure what I like, haha. I like both and have both colors from previous apartments. We are in the middle of renovations and trying to coordinate decor now that we are almost complete. Just trying to figure out when to mix metals, etc. I see that you have a lot of dark from your light fixtures, but love when you use the golds.
Kelley Nan says
October 10, 2017 at 6:05 pmHi, Heather! It actually is an aged brass 😉 I have it linked here: https://kelleynan.com/my-dining-room/ I hope that helps! Best of luck in your renovations; I hope you absolutely love what you are transforming. And yes, I always mix metals 😉
Jes Alcock says
November 16, 2017 at 10:16 amHi! I was wondering if there is a certain diameter for the curtain rod you would recommend. I am planning to purchase Aina curtains and Ritva curtains. Thank you!
Kelley Nan says
November 16, 2017 at 7:34 pmHi, Jes! I like thicker rods, especially on longer windows 😉
Monica says
April 29, 2018 at 3:17 pmHello! I have multiple windows close together like yours. What kind of rod did you use? I’m having a trouble figure out how to hang them .
Kelley Nan says
April 30, 2018 at 5:48 pmHi, Monica! I used one long rod to hang all of them; it is linked in the post 😉
Jodi says
May 5, 2018 at 12:35 pmHi Kelley! How much length do you allow for puddling on the floor? It appears to be 1 – 2 inches.
Kelley Nan says
May 5, 2018 at 7:52 pmYes! The dining room has about an inch to slightly drag the floor.
Julie says
July 24, 2018 at 10:14 pmHi! These are great curtains. What type of window treatment do you suggest for a glass door slider (leading out to the patio)? I would love any recommendations.
Lauren says
October 3, 2018 at 7:43 amHow do you feel about curtains with plantation shutters? We have gorgeous shutters throughout most of our home, but I like the depth and dimension curtains can add. What do you think, is it a faux pas?
Kelley Nan says
October 9, 2018 at 10:17 amHi, Lauren! Nope- I love that look. If you look up Randi Garrett Design, she has those, with drapes, in her living room and they are gorgeous!
Jennifer Phelps says
October 3, 2018 at 10:30 pmDo they slide easily using the tabs on the back? Mine will be opened and closed daily. Thank you! So pretty!
Kelley Nan says
October 9, 2018 at 10:15 amThey do 😉
KK says
October 19, 2018 at 3:34 pmGoing to Atlanta this weekend and planning to go to Ikea. Love your site and sage advice. I was about to spend in excess of $1000 for custom curtains but decided this would do beautifully for a bedroom. I will add blackout liners. Then check the box, DONE!!
Trista says
April 2, 2019 at 9:10 amLove this post! And the curtains! I can’t seem to find them in 108″ however (I’m in Toronto). I see 98″ and 118″ – 108″ would be perfect!
Kelley Nan says
April 4, 2019 at 11:27 amTrista, I may have mis-typed! They are only available in two sizes but I know a lot of people have gone up a size and used no-sew hemming tape!