5 simple steps to hang your curtains properly

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The Green Room, Elizabeth Bee Interior Design Elizabeth Bee Interior Design Schlafzimmer im Landhausstil
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There are some things that only an interior designer and a keen eye can catch. How your hang your curtains is one of them. To an untrained eye, something may look off when you do it wrong, but it’ll be difficult to point out what exactly needs correcting.

Curtains are a crafty piece of décor that, when used right, can work wonders to elevate the mood of your room. They provide privacy, control the flow of light and add to the colour play in your room. You may actually realize the depth of this art only when you reach a market and see the mind-boggling choices available. So don’t overlook an opportunity to define your room’s style with curtains. The materials, colours, the rod, the curtain length and type, all needs to come together to give a well-finished look.

Here are some quick curtain tips to get you started.

Window measurements and more

One of the most common mistakes people tend to make is choosing the curtains first and then seeing how they fit. The first thing you need to do before you buy a curtain is to measure the windows. You also need to decide where you want to place the curtain rod. While many people place the rod right above the window, some décor recommends the placement of the rod at the ceiling height to lend the illusion of a tall window.

The next thing you need to measure is the size of the curtain you would like to add to that particular window. Some curtains cut off right after the window ends; others flow down to the floor. Take a hint from this cosy room designed by DHV Architects, from United Kingdom.

The next measurement you will need to keep in mind is the “fullness” you need for your curtains. Traditionally, this should be at least 2 ½ times the width of your window. For example, if you widow is six feet wide, your curtains panels should be at least 15 feet wide.

Choose a rod wider than the window

Bespoke curtains Alf Onnie Minimalistische Fenster & Türen Gardinen und Vorhänge

The standard for mounting a curtain rod is four inches above the window frame and two to four inches beyond each side of the window. You can go higher or wider depending on the look you want to achieve. Some people recommend the rod should be no more than a third wider than the window.

To make a window look important, hang the rod at least a foot above the frame. Than hang bamboo or Roman shades right down to the floor. This gives an illusion of the window being bigger and taller, drawing attention to the space.

Similarly, extending the rod beyond the width of the window prevents shadows on the sides of the window and gives an illusion of a bigger frame. It also allows extra light to flow into the room, without the curtains blocking the glass when fully open.

Pay attention to the weight and length of a curtain

Determining how you want your curtain to fall is a key factor in getting the right finished look for your curtain. Most silk curtains have the popular hem finish called ‘trouser kick’ where the curtains ‘break’ on the floor like the way trousers break at our ankles. Another bottom option for your curtain is the puddle finish where the curtain is nine to twelve inches longer and ‘puddles’ on the floor. For bamboo drapes, the bottom finishes with a rod holding the curtain firmly in place. You can also leave room to add a different fabric at the base of the curtain which can hold it in place. You also have the option to have ‘short’ drapes that end at the window sill but if you can afford it, keep it long.

Curtains are also available in a variety of materials, all of different weight and texture, that serve different purposes. Transparent white curtains that blow in the wind give a ‘light’ feel to the room along with the diffused illumination they provide even when pulled shut. Heavy, silk curtains that run down to the floor add a weighted feel and keep the curtain in place. The bottom of a light curtain can also be made with velvet to lend an added decorative feel and to keep the curtain in place like a weight.

Hang curtain rods and draperies at the ceiling

Cortinas tradicionales y modernas Kaaten, Kaaten Kaaten Moderne Wohnzimmer

Leading curtain experts suggest a neat and simple trick to add ‘volume’ to your room by making the windows appear larger than they are by hanging your rod close to the ceiling. This also lets you use decorative rods to attract attention. 

Curtain rods are available as per your room décor from contemporary to antique bronze so don’t ignore this little piece of jewellery in your room. If you have a sculptural holdback for your curtain, be sure to choose the rod with matching patterns.

Iron the curtains

Design Annabella Red Ring Top Curtains Century Mills Moderne Wohnzimmer Accessoires und Dekoration

Just like a well decorated house loses its charm if there is clutter, curtains are defined by the way they flow on your walls. A crumpled curtain will draw unwanted attention and create a bad impression. 

After you wash your curtains, be sure to stretch them out and iron them to give a neat finished look to your home décor. No cutting corners there. If you have guests coming over and no time to iron, pull them to the corner and use a pretty tieback.

Choosing curtain materials

Woodland Trees Ring Top Ready Made Curtains Century Mills Moderne Wohnzimmer Accessoires und Dekoration

A curtain fabric’s weight, texture, light diffusing qualities, and durability are just some of the aspects you need to consider when choosing your curtain material. With several options available at the store, how can you choose what works best?

Ask yourself if you want a regular everyday curtain, or one for special occasions. Everyday curtains need to be sturdy when exposed to the elements and frequent opening and closing of windows. It is best to have cotton canvas curtains for daily use. Silk is the most prone to sunlight and tends to rot, so have those curtains only for occasional use.

Similarly, depending on the room, you may want the curtain to shut out the lights (like your bedroom when you are resting on a sunny afternoon) or bring in light even when shut (like your living room on a cold winter afternoon). Materials like velvet add to the weight of a curtain and hold it in place. It is best used in huge spaces. Other light materials that can blow with the wind can be used in a room where you desire a breezy feel.

Finally, choosing the right curtain for your room can make or break your home décor. So make the most of the handy tips mentioned above to get started. Take a look at this ideabook for more inspirations – 8 classic window dressing ideas.

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