Cheap curtain rods. There are lots of creative alternatives, but I find few substitutes that are acceptable to the average person buying a house. I suggest finding a wholesale supplier, and buying in bulk. You can probably find a wholesaler who will not only sell the rods and the mounting hardware at a better price, but also sell other things, like curtain fabric, paint, spackle, and other necessities of home renovation at prices below the retail hardware store.