HANG LIKE A PRO! All about curtains

heather78876
Sep 8
4 min read

Do you ever get the sense that something isn't quite right with your window treatments? Are they too short or not full enough? If you want to impress your friends and family with your décor skills, consider these tips! First, think about what you want your curtains to achieve.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS

Blackout Curtains:

Blackout curtains are meant to block out almost all light in a room, providing maximum darkness. This is a great option for bedrooms and media rooms. They also help with temperature regulation and noise reduction.

Room Darkening Curtains:

Not quite as dark as black out curtains, room darkening curtains significantly reduce light and glare, making them suitable for living rooms or bedrooms where some light is desired.

Light Filtering Curtains:

These curtains are best if you want to allow soft light to filter through, creating a warm ambiance while still providing some privacy.

Sheer Curtains:

Sheer curtains offer minimal light blocking and create a light and airy feel in a room. If you are looking for privacy, you may want to layer heavier curtains that you can close over your sheers when needed.

CURTAIN STYLES

There are numerous window covering options, including shutters, shades, blinds, drapes, and curtains. It's entirely your choice which style you prefer, but in this blog it's all about soft window treatments.

Pinch Pleat Curtains:

These curtains feature sewn-in pleats at the top that create a tailored, elegant look.

Grommet Curtains:

Grommet curtains have metal rings (grommets) inserted into the fabric, allowing them to slide easily on a rod.

Rod Pocket Curtains:

These curtains have a pocket sewn into the top that a curtain rod slides through, creating a gathered, casual look.

Tab Top Curtains:

Tab top curtains have fabric loops (tabs) at the top that are hung over the rod.

Velvet Curtains:

A popular choice for their luxurious look and feel, velvet curtains can also help block light and regulate temperature.

Linen Curtains:

A casual yet elegant option, linen curtains are often used in master bedrooms, formal living rooms, and dining rooms.

Cotton Curtains:

Cotton curtains are versatile and a good option for kitchens, high-traffic areas, and kid's spaces, as they are often washable and easy to hang.

HOW TO HANG THEM LIKE A PRO

Now that you have chosen your light requirements, and the type of curtain style that you want, follow these steps to hang them like a pro.

· Rod placement:

Position your rod 3”-5” below the ceiling unless you have tall ceilings over 9’, then position your rod approximately 8”-12” above the window trim. Always extend the rod 8”-12” wider than your window frame.

· Curtain length:

Make sure your curtains either kiss the floor or puddle on the floor.

· Panel placement:

Never use only one panel on one side of the window, unless of course that’s the look you want in your home. Try to create balance in your room by placing panels on each side. For a designer look, always use two 54” panels to create fullness.

· How many to you need for the size of your window?:

If the intent of the curtains are to be drawn closed for privacy, make sure you follow these guidelines as you do not want your panels to lay flat when pulled. You want them to hang with graceful folds. And please note, grommet curtains will require more panels to get that classic look.

WIDTH OF WINDOW	SUGGESTED PANELS
Up to 39”	2
40”-48”	4
49”-72”	6
73”-120”	8
121”-168”	10
168”-192”	12

MATCHING CURTAINS TO DÉCOR STYLES

Curtains are typically made of lighter fabrics like cotton or linen and are often used in casual settings, while drapes are made from heavier, often lined, fabrics like velvet or damask and are associated with more formal spaces.

Modern:

If you have a modern home, look for clean lines, simple patterns, and solid colors in materials like linen, cotton, or sheers.

Traditional:

For traditional homes, choose heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade, potentially with intricate patterns. Consider classic styles like pinch pleat or goblet pleat.

Bohemian:

Embrace vibrant colors, bold patterns, and natural materials like linen or cotton. Layering different textures and patterns can add to the eclectic vibe.

Rustic:

Focus on natural fabrics like linen or burlap, and consider patterns like plaid or stripes. Earthy tones and natural textures will enhance the rustic feel.

Coastal:

Light and airy fabrics like linen or cotton in soft blues, greens, and whites will create a relaxed, beachy feel. Consider sheer fabrics to maximize natural light.