Ask any curtain maker and they’ll tell you that the right drapes can really complete a room. After all, they’re used to help control the light, lend privacy and warmth, assert your style, and add some texture and colour to the space. We want to help you maximise these benefits and let your curtains shine to the best of their ability, which is why we have compiled this handy list of dos and don’ts.
- DO use enough fabric
You want your curtains to look full, not skimpy. If you actually plan to open and close the drapes, they should roughly be between 2 and 2.5 times the width of the actual window to ensure that they sit nicely and look full even when closed. If you plan to use the drapes only to decoratively frame the window, they can be smaller.
- DON’T go too narrow
Always choose a rod that is wider than the width of your window. This will allow enough room either side of the glass for the panels to hang, preventing them from partially covering the window even when open. This can also trick the eye into thinking that the window is larger than it actually is, which in turn makes the room feel larger.
- DO hang high
The higher the rod, the larger the window will appear. This is why curtain makers always recommend that you fix the rod closer to the ceiling than to the top of the window (providing you have enough room to do this, of course). The general rule of thumb is that the rod should sit 4 to 6 inches above the frame for the best results.
- DO choose appropriate fabric
Ensure that you’ve chosen a fabric that suits both the room’s mood and its function. Lighter blends have a casual feel, whilst denser fabrics provide more privacy and feel more formal. Why not try something different, like heavy velvet for drafty window or linen for a breezy beach feel? The opportunities are endless, just choose carefully.
- DON’T go too short
Unless you’ve opted for café style curtains, the fabric should always fall to the floor. Otherwise you risk creating the Harry Highpants of drapes – which just isn’t a good look. A little puddling can be nice if you’re going for more of a romantic look, but if you’re worried about them getting dirty it’s okay to stop the fabric just before it hits the floor.
- DO use a template
Curtain makers recommend to use of a simple template to ensure that you hang the rod at the same height for every window around your home and that the rods won’t be crooked. All you need is a piece of cardboard cut to fit around your window frame. Plus, this will save you time that would otherwise be spent measuring and marking out.
Knowing how to properly hang curtains is integral to their success in the space, so if you have no idea what you’re doing we highly recommend leaving it to the experts. Your curtain makers will be able to recommend a reputable installer who will ensure that your drapes look a million dollars and are worth every cent that you invested into them. Don’t let yourself fall into the DIY trap.
