The Best Tips Designers Know About Curtains

What is the best style curtain for your room?

You have to ask yourself what you want to accomplish with your drapery.

• If you’re looking for privacy and the ability to block light, you need lined curtain panels.
• Do you want to filter light? Then a sheer curtain is perfect for you.
• Do you need the room to become very dark for sleeping? Then blackout curtains are the way to go.
  • Blackout lining can be added to any premade curtains. Check out amazon to see what is available.

Next consider the mood of the room.

• For a more formal setting, you may want a dressier texture, such as silk or velvet.
• Cotton or linen panels create a more casual feel.

How to Hang Curtains

What is the best height for your curtains?

Curtains come in a variety of lengths. First you will need to decide if you want the curtains to puddle the grown or just barely touch the ground. The best way to measure curtain length is to first determine the distance between the floor and the height of the curtain rod. Then round up to the nearest panel size, standard curtain lengths are 84″, 96″, 108″ and 120” inches.

PRO TIP: If you have 9 foot ceilings or less, hang the window treatment to the crown molding to make the room look taller. If your room is 9 feet tall or more, place the curtain halfway between the top of the window and the ceiling.

For a more casual look choose a curtain puddling the ground. First, measure the distance from the curtain rod to the ground and add 4″-6″ inches to the overall length. So if the curtain rod is hung at 96″ inches, purchase curtains that are 100″-102″ inches long. This will allow for the perfect amount of puddling.

For a nice clean aesthetic, have your curtain touching the ground. First, determine where the curtain rod will be mounted, then calculate the length to the floor. To hang a curtain accurately, I will put the curtains on the rod, hold the rod in place with a helper. With the curtains attached, mark placement, and then install the hardware to ensure the perfect placement. If your rod is metal you can even hook a magnet level on the curtain rod while you hold it up. This allows for perfect placement every time!

How wide to hang the curtains?

Hanging the curtains 6-12″ inches wider than the window will make the window appear wider and allow the curtain to not block your sunlight. I usually hang 8″ inches out from my window frame.

PRO TIP: Steam curtains before hanging them. Curtains can stretch a bit once relaxed with steam, and they could become too long if you install them first! Try using an ironing board to get the best results.

How many curtain panels to buy?

It all depends on whether you plan on closing your curtains. If you do want to have the option to close them, you need a combined width of drapery that is two to two-and-a-half times the total width of your window.

Ready-made curtain panels are generally 50 to 54″ inches wide, so you may need to buy multiple panels for more fullness.

However, if you only want to frame the window and not close the curtains, one panel on each side may be perfect.

Where to buy curtains?

Curtains prices can vary dramatically. You can expect to spend anywhere from $25-$5000. I am not kidding! Custom curtains can become very pricey when you hire an individual to make the curtains, plus you factor in that material prices can start at $25-$50 yard. Depending on the amount of detail you add to your drapes be prepared to pay a pretty penny.

*Most of these companies offer curtain hardware too.

Curtain Hardware

Trouble Shooting

• Not sure how to hang curtain rods with a sloped ceiling? One way is to give the illusion of balance by hanging the curtain rod so that it follows the symmetry of the ceiling. The rod will appear to be level even if it isn’t.
• Dealing with arch window? You will have two basic options that will still allow for a stand straight rod. First choice is to hang the curtains a few inches above the top of the arch. Your second choice is to hang the curtains just below the arch. Hanging below the arch will allow for more sunlight but not as much privacy, so it depends on what you need from the space.
• Dealing with a bay window? You have multiple options when it comes to choosing curtains. You can buy curtains to fit the full-width of the bay. You can conceal corner connectors by using separate panels. You can just hang a curtain straight across the front of the bay, ideal for a deep window seat. You can use separate curtains for the individual windows.
• Install wall-mounted tie backs two-thirds of the way down the window. And please make sure the curtain hardware coordinates with the rod.

PRO TIP: One of my favorite upgrades to do to premade curtains is add fabric trim to the edge. It is a very quick and easy way to create a high end look for not much money.

Curtains to Inspire

Pinterest is a lovely source to find design inspiration. All the images above were find there. Click on any image to see its design creator and found more design inspiration.

Tell me your design questions below in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you and solving any design questions you are facing.