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)
I 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.
I love that! I have seen awesome trim ideas, also. Glad you are a fan!
I would LOVE to see a picture of that!
My trim and blinds are a bright white, so the curtains look yellowish next to my white trim. Should I try to whiten these IKEA curtains? If so, do you know how?
So sorry for the late response! Our trim is “creamy” — a warmer white so ours don’t look yellow… I don’t know how but I would definitely be tempted to try with a panel.
Did you ever do anything to lighten these up? I just hung mine and they are definitely creamier next to a stark white mantle and trim. I’m disappointed but really want them to work!
Hi 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?!!!
Excellent! I actually park in front of the tv and iron them before hanging.
Love!! What is the name of the paint color in your dining room? Thank you!
Thank you! Lauren’s Surprise by Sherwin Williams 😉
Beautiful…what is the color in the breakfast nook?
Thank you! Edgecomb Gray 😉
Brilliant, 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
Summer, thank you so much! And thank you for visiting. I can’t wait until you get in your new home!
I’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.!
Sue, good luck! The length options of these are a big plus. And, thank you!
Thanks 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?
Thank you so much for visiting and I think you will love them! I am working through some lighting updates and will definitely post!
These 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?
Maria, 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 😉
Are they $25 for one panel or 2? Either way, he price seems crazy cheap. I’m so excited!! :))
2! 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.
Hi! Just wondering what you used for the rod? I really like the look.
Thank you so much! Which photo?
I was wondering the same thing. The long one in the breakfast room?
Hi, Leanne! It is a wraparound rod- here is an affiliate link directly to the one I used. http://rstyle.me/n/bs7x3wb5rpf
Thanks!! 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.
You are welcome! It comes in a few sizes which is great: http://rstyle.me/n/bs8y3vb5rpf
Hi 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!
Hi, 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!
Haha! 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!
It is at least 10′ 😉
Did 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
Hi, 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 😉
I 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!
Hi, 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 😉
Kelly, 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 🙁
Brittany, 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 😉
Hi 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!
Hi, 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!
Kelli,
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!)
Oh, 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
Are these curtains already hemmed? Sometimes ikea curtains do not come hemmed.
They are already hemmed.
I 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..
Hi, 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.
It looks wonderful, may I know what curtain rods were used for the dinning room? 🙂
Absolutely- here is an affilaite link. http://rstyle.me/n/cedm25b5rpf
Hi Kelley – Can you let me know what color you painted your kitchen walls? Absolutely beautiful home. Thanks, Janet
Hi, Janet! Thank you- Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams.
I 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?
Michelle, I am so glad you like them! I’m not sure what you mean- can you clarify?
I 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?
Hi, Tiffany! The tie backs are separate pieces 😉
What is the color and brand of your paint in your sitting room? Thank you!
Versatile Gray by Sherwin Williams 😉
Hello, 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!
Hi, 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
Thanks for telling us about friendly curtains for my home.
thanks for sharing! it’s really useful information
Hi 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!
Eileen, there should be tab loops on the back. That is how I run mine through 😉
This 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
Hi, 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!
Thanks 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.
I’m so glad!
I 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!
I would! Especially if the top of your arches are close to the ceiling, I would hang close to the ceiling 😉
Do you think these curtains will provide any kind of insulation from the cold at night?
Good question; I’m sure they would help with a draft but not for insulation. They are relatively thin (like linen)
Hi 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.
Hi, 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 😉
Hi! 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!
Hi, Jes! I like thicker rods, especially on longer windows 😉
Hello! 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 .
Hi, Monica! I used one long rod to hang all of them; it is linked in the post 😉
Hi Kelley! How much length do you allow for puddling on the floor? It appears to be 1 – 2 inches.
Yes! The dining room has about an inch to slightly drag the floor.
Hi! 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.
How 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?
Hi, 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!
Do they slide easily using the tabs on the back? Mine will be opened and closed daily. Thank you! So pretty!
They do 😉
Hi there! I have been on a hunt for curtains- and need ones on a sliding door that give some privacy. I was wondering if these give enough privacy at night- or can you see through them? Thanks so much!
Going 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!!
Love 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!
Trista, 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!
Your house is beautiful! Would you mind telling me where you purchased the chandelier in the dining room? Thanks!
Hi, Tiffany! It was from a local lighting place when we built; last time I checked, it wasn’t available online anymore :/
Hi Kelley!
Could you share where you got your curtain rod and curtain rings? I’m trying to recreate your look in my own kitchen. Thanks so much!
Hi, Katie! The rings were plain and cheap from Ikea and the rod is here: https://rstyle.me/+5M-1rcv7mb_JM6Tc74PdaQ
Hi!
Your house is beautiful 🙂 I’m wondering which size curtain ring you used from IKEA: 1 1/2 ” (38 mm) or the 1 ” (25 mm)? I have a similar rod (same size) and am wondering which size rings would work best.
Thank you!
Hi Kelley! I recently put up these same curtains. Although I LOVE the way they hang, I’m not sure how I feel about the color. We have wood trim so that’s not a problem, but I want to paint the walls white. Do they still look okay in your rooms with white walls? In all of your pictures they look great, but they look more white to me. Mine definitely look ivory.
Our trim is “Creamy” which looks white against our greige walls but is definitely more ivory. Crazy enough, I don’t have them hangining against any stark white walls but they are translucent enough to still look airy and bright. Have you tried them in the window yet, unfolded?
What color walls are your breakfast nook and guest bedroom? is the trim creamy there too?
Hi Sam, Thank you so much for stopping by! At the time of this post, the trim is Creamy. The breakfast nook was Perfect Greige by Sherwin Williams. The guest bedroom was Alabaster by Sherwin Williams. Hope this helps!
I’m tempted to buy these for our west-facing windows. Our current drapes are lined (they’re not blackout though), and it really is necessary with how hot the afternoon sun makes the room. Are these drapes lined at all? Or are they more sheer? I’m wondering if the top is flat, perhaps I could move the liner from our existing drapes to these. What do you think?
Hi Angela, Thank you so much for stopping by! Mine are not lined and typically remain open. Mine are flat at the top but other styles are available. I hope this helps!
Hi Kelley!
Your home is beautiful! In the breakfast nook picture you have a door with a window and what appears to be a valance that matches the Ikea curtains. I have double doors with windows that I need the same window treatments for.
Can you tell me the name of it and where you purchased it?
Thank you!
Hi Sheri, Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to stop by! The door you mentioned actually has a full length shade that is pulled up to the top and does not have a valance. I wish you the best of luck in your search!
I just ordered the same curtains. It’s off white did you bleach yours
Hi Edith, Thank you so much for stopping by. My curtains aare kind of an off white, which matches our trim, so they look white. If your trim is stark white, the curtains may look creamier in comparison. I did not bleach mine. I hope this helps!
Do you have a link for the buffet in the breakfast nook? I purchased the Ritva curtains for three rooms in my house and love them!
Hi Monica, Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. Those curtains are the greatest, aren’t they? The buffet was a Home Goods find from five or six years ago. It has been a great storage solution for us.