Curtains help lend privacy and warmth, reduce noise, control light and add texture and color to any room. They instantly make a room look more pulled together. However, finding the right curtains and hanging them can be a tricky business. After advising clients for many years on window treatments, here are a five tricks and tips I would like to share:
Source: @chairswithaflair
Hang curtain rods high and wide. If possible, don't hang a curtain rod just above your window. If your rod hugs the window frame, it makes the window (and the room) feel smaller. When you hang them higher than the window, it creates the illusion that the window is larger, and your ceilings are taller. The general rule of thumb is to install the rod at least halfway between the top of the window casing and the ceiling, or at least a minimum of 2-4” above the top of the casing. Also if space allows, your curtain rod should extend 8-12” longer than the window’s width, which allows for 4-6” on either side.
Make sure your curtains are not too short (or too long). Don’t ignore your curtain’s length. Curtains that are too short can make a room feel smaller and visually unbalanced. Curtains that are too long can create a sloppy, unkempt appearance. Although some people do like the puddle look for a more formal, traditional look, most experts agree the more polished look is when the curtains barely hit or “kiss” the floor. Most stores sell 84” curtain lengths which are often too short for even a standard 8 foot ceiling if you are hanging them from the recommended “higher than the frame” height. You can always go the next size up (usually 94”) and use this hem tape to get them to the right height.
Source: wifeinprogressblog.com
Use enough fabric. You want your curtains to feel full, not skimpy. Assuming you regularly want to close your curtains, a common rule is that the width of the panel should be approximately 2 to 2.5 times the width of the actual window. Even if you never plan on closing them you want to give the illusion of proper fullness, so shoot for at least 2x your window width.
Don’t neglect to iron or steam your curtains. Wrinkled or creased curtains can detract from the overall appearance of a room. Before hanging your curtains take the time to iron or steam them to ensure they hang smoothly and look their best.
Curtains and their rods don't have to cost a lot of money. Although they look amazing, custom curtains can cost a fortune! But there are great reasonably priced options out there that give you a similar look in so many colors, widths and lengths to choose from. One industry favorite is this pleated, linen-looking option from Two Pages which comes lined or unlined in on-trend colors. We have installed this designer looking, pleated option (with these curtain rings that come in multiple metals) many times. As an added bonus, here is one of our favorite, reasonably priced curtain rods that work with so many styles.
Source: Amazon Two Pages Curtains