Inexpensive curtain rod ideas?

What about using copper pipe, or electrical conduit.

how about pvc pipe with some kind of end cap like a ball or a gem. You can paint the pvc pipe

I think you mean 1/2" diameter, not circumference. Even so, this is so small for an 8' rod that you would need at least two support brackets along the length besides the end supports.

Amazon sells curtain rods of this length as low as $30, but they are necessarily larger diameter than 1/2". Making a rod of something like copper water pipe, along with brackets to support it, would certainly cost more than $30.

if light weight curtains, I have used command hooks and dowel rods

I was thinking along the same lines as Gregory. You might also be able to find long wood dowels, but you'll definitely need a center support. I used just plain white hook-em-up curtain rods that you slide the actual drapes onto. A small bracket holds them onto the wall. They are pretty inexpensive, but they do need a center support for that width. Center supports are separate, but not that expensive. You can buy extensions for the rods if the standard size is not long enough. I've been able to use this inexpensive type of curtain rod throughout my home. I can't tell where you live, but if you are in the US, try Walmart and use your imagination. |__________| The rods look something like that.

Try wood quarter round it comes in 8 and 10 foot pieces, you can use the 1 inch L hooks to hang them, and screw draw pulls on each end ....paint or stain your color of choice

Conduit pipe at big box hardware stores is an excellent choice that I have considered. I think they come in 10 foot lengths and you can make your own decorative finials. Rod holders could be purchased separately. The pipe cut as your dimension indicates.

being that they are 8' long you might want to put a bracket in the middle for support.

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