Curtains Under $20

Curtains Under $20

The best cheap curtains under $20 — real picks with real Amazon reviews, updated for 2026.

Kenney Curtain Rod 48-86 inches
budget pick under $20

Kenney Curtain Rod 48-86 inches

4.2

Starting around $17.59 — check Amazon for current price

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YoungsTex Short Linen Curtains for Kitchen
under $20

YoungsTex Short Linen Curtains for Kitchen

4.4

Starting around $18.99 — check Amazon for current price

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Twenty dollars doesn’t buy much these days. But curtains are one of the rare home goods where the budget options are genuinely good. The picks below are all priced under $20 and backed by thousands of verified buyer reviews. No filler.

What to Expect at This Price Point

Under $20 gets you solid functional curtains — good light control, decent fabric, standard grommet headers that work with any basic curtain rod. You’re not getting premium linen or custom sizing, but you are getting curtains that do the job and look presentable.

What to watch: at this price, blackout performance varies. “Room darkening” is often more accurate than “blackout.” If you need complete light elimination (nursery, night-shift sleep), consider stepping up to the $25–$30 range.

Size Up for Better Coverage

One universal tip: buy curtains one size wider than your window. A 52-inch-wide curtain set on a 40-inch window looks thin and disappoints people. For a 40-inch window, you want 80–100 inches of total curtain width (two panels). For a 60-inch window, go even wider. Most of the picks below are sold as two-panel sets.

Hanging Height Matters More Than You Think

Hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible — even if your windows aren’t floor-to-ceiling. It makes the room feel taller and the windows look larger. This costs nothing extra and makes any curtain look more expensive.

Browse Other Price Tiers

Not quite what you’re looking for? The right curtain is the one that fits your window and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good budget curtain?

Quality budget curtains should have decent fabric weight, proper stitching, and achieve their intended purpose (light blocking, privacy, decoration). Look for options with good reviews and reasonable return policies.

How do I measure for curtains?

Measure from your curtain rod to the floor for length, and measure your window width plus 6-12 inches on each side for the rod width. Multiply rod width by 1.5-2 for proper curtain fullness.

Are cheap curtains machine washable?

Most budget curtains are machine washable on gentle cycles with cold water. Always check the care label first, and consider hang-drying to extend the curtains' lifespan.