I’m not sure when I came up with the idea for a DIY vintage oar nautical curtain rod. As soon as the thought struck I was on a mission to make this work. You’ll love what I used to actually hang the curtains. It blends rustic and contemporary in the best way 🙂 It was easy and inexpensive and best of all you can make a DIY rustic curtain rod that screams personality on any number of surfaces and it will work just like the one I made.
I’ve been chipping away at making over the Americana room in The North House Lodge. Below is what it looked like the day we bought the place. It came furnished which helped a bit on the budget. Ultimately the only thing I kept was the beds and the cute little rocking chair.
How To Make a DIY Vintage Oar Nautical Curtain Rod
Vintage oar nautical curtain rod supplies you’ll need. I use affiliate links to help you find the products I used.
- Curtain wire rod system with hooks
- vintage oar
- drill
- screws to mount the oar
- wire cutters
- measuring tape – I’m loving this self centering measuring tape lately!
Step One: Mount the oar above the window
Measure and mark the center of the oar as well as where you’ll mount the curtain rod holders. Add pilot holes if necessary. Mount the oar above the window at the window frame on the upper edges and in the center.
Step two: Attach metal wire curtain rod
Follow manufacturers directions and mount the wire curtain rod to the oar.
Step Three: Attach curtain clips and hang the curtain
Attach the curtain clips to the wire. Attach the two ends of a curtain panel onto the clips one at each end. To space out the clips evenly, divide the length of curtain panel by the clips you have left over.
My $5 flea market oar turned into a curtain rod packs a ton of personality. It goes beautifully with the white cotton curtains I found at Home Goods. Since shopping is so limited in Ludlow or anywhere near for that matter, I’ve been shopping in FL and packing my suitcases to the bursting point with home decor and DIY projects. Can I share how hard it is to lug two 50lb bags around an airport?
While I was there I figured what’s a little more work (project creep) and gave the room a fresh coat of paint to really show off my snazzy new vintage oar nautical curtain rod and the other DIY projects I’m starting to stage the room with.
Do you remember my Faux Canvas watercolor print project from a few weeks ago? I staged it in Fl but knew it was traveling up here to the Americana Room. Those cute duck decoys were another awesome flea market find.
Remember the little DIY Nailhead Trimmed Cowhide seat rocker I made a while back? It’s looking mighty cute now that the themed room is coming together. I’m looking for something awesome to go on the blank walls by the beds. Any suggestions?
The best part is that my nautical curtain rod cost about the same or less than buying a traditional one. That makes this DIY a complete win-win!
Don’t forget to Pin it for later!
What do you think? What out of the box item could you use to hang curtains or would you make a vintage oar nautical curtain rod just like mine? Share below friends…. I love our conversations!
Looking for more curtain and window treatment projects?
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Disclosure: I may have been compensated, given product or tools that I used in this DIY post. All opinions that I share are always 100% my own. I use affiliate links in my posts. If you should make a purchase I will receive an itty bitty commission at no cost to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my blog and two fur-ball cats who believe they are privileged.
Shirley says
Hi Wendi. Love how this turned out and especially how easy it was. So unique! This post is Featured at this week’s Merry Monday party. Pinned.
Wendi says
Hi Shirley and thank you so much! I loved this idea d=for this room the minute I saw that oar at the flea market!
sahana says
Such a great idea for a themed room. Thank you for sharing with us at #HomeMattersParty . We would love to see you again next week.
Wendi says
Hi Sahana and thank you! I’ve had fun with the Americana theme and this makeover. Thank you for hosting such a great weekly party!
Hazel says
I actually liked the bedroom as you purchased it.
Wendi says
Hi Hazel, The room had a charm and I think the old owners were going for a French Country look which is absolutely a pretty style too. Since this is a lodge type vacation rental in the mountains and in a ski town we decided to have themed rooms to make it fun for the guests. The North House is the perfect place for fresh material for the blog and a place to park my new makeovers too! Thanks so much for your note & visit:)
Patty says
So cute, what a great idea. I love that room, it looks so warm and cozy. You have done a great job Wendi.
Wendi says
Hi Patty & thank you! The room is coming along nicely. It’s not done yet though. Those big blank walls are screaming for some decor items to add more personality. Something old and vintage would be awesome there. Of course the big challenge is waiting until I find the perfect piece…that’s the hard part for me!
Vanessa says
I love this curtain technique, it would be so easy to adapt it to any theme. The room looks amazing even without the before comparison.
Wendi says
Hi Vanessa & thank you:) The creative curtain rod adds a ton of possibilities for any room. This room is far from done but it’s off to a good start 🙂 Thanks so much for your visit I love hearing from you!