5 Dos and Don'ts for Hanging Curtains Like a Pro
It is SHOCKING how much curtains can add to a room, when done right.
If you are renting and don't want to paint, a bold curtain will give you the warmth and color that paint would typically do. If you own your home, curtains add that extra layer that makes your room feel cozy and complete.
With that being said, curtains that are hung WRONG can make your home look cheap, unfinished and somehow colder!? The steps for avoiding this are so easy - so there is really no excuse and everyone should be able to "hang curtains like a pro".
#1 Secure the End: First, pay attention to the curtain ends. You do not want the end of the curtain rod to be empty - you want the curtains to go to the very end (even when the curtains are closed). To achieve this, use a loop or ring to secure it in place before the bracket. This small detail creates a clean, seamless look by hiding the hardware.
Example image below:
#2 Perfect the Length: Curtains that are too short and float above the floor or too long and puddle on the ground can look awkward and unintentional. The goal should be to have the curtains kiss or brush the floor for a custom appearance (ideally without the cost of being custom). If your windows are at an irregular height and you are struggling to find a non-custom curtain, use the following tip as a guide (not hard rule). This will allow you to be able to order curtains that are slightly longer than your actual window but you can play with where you hang the rod in order to achieve the right height.
#3 Hang Rod at the Correct Height: To make your room look even more impressive, hang the curtains high and wide. The general rule of thumb for designers is to hang curtains 4 to 6 inches above the window frame (which makes the window feel larger/grander).
#4 Make them Functional: Additionally, aside from the few exceptions, curtains should be FUNCTIONAL even if you don't plan to close them often - to ensure your curtains are functional you want to make sure they are double the width of your window. The goal with this guideline is that you can close the curtains without the awkward tight pulling that happens if they aren't wide enough.
- Here is a curtain rod that I have in 2 rooms of my home:
- The above curtain rod is wonderful for the price but if you want to make it more high end (like I did) I recommend swapping out the bracket for the below:
#5 Find the Right Curtain: While grommet curtains may seem like an easy, modern choice, they can sometimes look too casual if you're aiming for a high-end aesthetic. Instead, consider fabric tabs for a sleek, contemporary look on stationary drapes, or opt for curtain rings for a functional and elegant solution.
- I have both of the below curtains from Amazon + the quality of them really surprised me! Another option for affordable but elegant window coverings is TwoPage, which I plan on using throughout our Airbnb that is currently being renovated.
Lastly, don't forget that curtains need to be both beautiful and practical. Ensure they can close smoothly without stretching or bunching up, and strike the right balance between light control and privacy for your space.
By following these guidelines, you can elevate your curtains and transform your room with a few simple changes.
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