THE DO’S AND DON’T OF HANGING CURTAINS + my go-to curtain favorites!
HANGING CURTAINS
Hanging curtains in your home feels like the bow that ties the whole design together. Why? You’re essentially adding a large panel of color, texture, and interest to your wall. Whether you opt for natural linen or bold velvet, this piece seamlessly connects the items on the floor with the walls from a design perspective.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of specific sizing, I want to show you the visual impact of curtains. Below we have the same wall and window size on either side, yet you can see how much larger the window feels when positioning the curtains wider and higher than the window.
TERMINOLOGY
TYPES OF CURTAINS
There are a few different types of curtains on the market, and it’s important to know which is best for your space and lifestyle.
SHEER | Let’s in lots of natural light.
LIGHT FILTERING | Allows some light to shine through; provides more privacy than sheer.
ROOM DARKENING | Combines privacy with a hint of light filtering through.
BLACKOUT | No light will shine through. Great for bedrooms, media rooms, and nurseries.
WAYS TO HANG CURTAINS
Many curtains have a 2-in-1 construction with dual hanging options: a rod pocket for a bunched look or back tabs for a pleated look. You can always opt for curtain rings if you’re after a pleated look with a few extra inches in length; they come in various sizes and finishes to match any style.
GENERAL RULE FOR HANGING CURTAINS
My general rule for hanging curtains inside your home is to position the curtain rod 1” - 2” from the ceiling to make your space appear taller and 12” from either side of the window’s edge to make your space feel wider. Standard lengths are 84”, 96”, and 108”. Choose the length closest to your measurement, opting for a few inches longer than shorter.
WINDOW FAVORITES
I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
ELEVATE YOUR SPACE
My Cheat Sheets are meant to help you elevate your space with confidence, but if you’re someone who wants personalized help in creating your dream home, I invite you to CLICK HERE to view my virtual design services.
