IKEA hack offers cheaper curtain pelmet alternative

Window treatments called cornices, pelmets, or valances do more than hide curtain rods. They can make a room look taller and more finished. The cost, however, often outweighs the benefit—especially when a cheaper alternative exists.

One home decorator discovered a way to avoid the expense using an IKEA product not originally designed for windows. The method transforms the store’s MOSSLANDA picture ledge into a custom pelmet that costs less than most ready-made options.

The right shape for the job

Pelmets are rigid boxes that sit above curtains, covering the rod and hardware. The MOSSLANDA ledge consists of three straight pieces: a tall back, a horizontal shelf, and a small front lip. That structure closely matches a pelmet, making it an ideal substitute.

IKEA offers the ledge in two lengths: 45¼ inches and 21¾ inches. Both are priced lower than most pelmet panels. The ledge comes in white, walnut, oak, gray-beige, and black. Other IKEA picture ledges share a similar shape, but their back pieces are shorter, which may not fully conceal the curtain rod.

How to install it

Measure the curtain rod or track to determine how many ledges are needed. Most windows are at least 24 inches wide, though larger or multiple windows may require additional pieces. The ledges can extend beyond the window edges, creating the illusion of a wider window while hiding curtain stacks when panels are open.

The simplest installation involves attaching the ledge to the ceiling. The shelf faces outward, blocking the rod, while the back points upward. If the ceiling isn’t an option, mounting the ledge to the wall is possible, though it may need extra brackets or a thin support board.

Related: Truewerk T1 Pro Werkpants: The Complete Summer Work Pant Review

For a tailored appearance, paint the ledge to match the curtains or walls. When using multiple ledges, fill seams with wood filler, sand them smooth, and paint over them. Adding LED strip lights inside the ledge produces a soft glow. Lights with a remote allow adjusting color and brightness without reaching behind the curtain.

The approach isn’t new, but it’s one of the easiest. The only tools required are a drill and screws. No special skills or costly materials are necessary—just a willingness to experiment with the ledge’s placement.

This solution works because the ledge’s design already serves a similar purpose. It’s not identical, but the low price makes the result hard to dispute. If the look doesn’t suit the space, the ledge can return to its original use holding photos or plants.

People may begin to see these ledges differently. Marketed as shelves, their shape makes them versatile. The same idea applies to other IKEA products—sometimes the best use isn’t the one listed on the label.

For now, the trick remains underused. But if more people adopt it, the MOSSLANDA could become a standard for affordable window treatments.