Are your drapes a design disaster rather than a delight? Don’t despair! Our fixes for the most common curtain mistakes will have you selecting and hanging drapes like a pro.

1. How long should your curtains be?

Photo courtesy Maxime Brouillet

When it comes to curtains, drop length can make or break a room’s look. Too short and the drapes will visually lower the ceiling height. Too long and they’ll look sloppy (unless you’re going for that chic puddling effect) and make cleaning the floors cumbersome. The ideal length? Curtains that just skim the floor, for a clean, custom look.

2. What's the best fabric for curtains?

Choose drapery fabric based on how much light you want to let in and how much privacy you need. If the fabric is lightweight, it may not be opaque enough to provide privacy; if it’s heavy, it may block light, but it may also visually weigh down the space. In small or light-filled rooms, go for airy linen or voile. In bedrooms or larger rooms, opt for denser textiles like velvet or blackout panels. 

3. What's the best height to hang curtain rods?

Even the most sumptuous silk drapes will look unpolished if the curtain rod isn’t installed at the right height. When placed too low, for instance, it visually shortens the room. How to fix it? Mount the rod four to six inches above the window frame, or even at ceiling height if possible, to create the illusion of a higher ceiling, which gives the room a more elegant presence.

4. What's the best width for curtains?

Photo courtesy Urban Barn

Curtains that are too narrow will look skimpy, while those that are too wide can feel heavy and overwhelming. The golden rule for curtain width: each panel width should be 1½ to 2 times the length of the rod (up to 2½ times for sheer fabrics or lightweight linens). This ensures a full gather and graceful drape, even when the curtains are closed.

5. How to choose the right curtain rod

Photo courtesy CB2/Umbra

Hanging heavy curtains on a flimsy rod? Disaster! But beyond sturdiness, the right rod is one that’s the right length: it should extend six to 12 inches beyond each side of the window, which will give the appearance of a wider window while allowing more of the window to be seen and more light in when the drapes are open.

Recommended

4 Outdated Window Treatments (And What To Do Instead)

By: Style At Home

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but your once-beloved blinds might be dating your home.

Read More

Recommended

The essential guide to choosing the right curtains for every room

By: Emmanuelle Mozayan-Verschaeve

Essential elements of decor, window coverings can make or break the aesthetic in any space. Whether you’re opting for a look that’s grand and open or intimate and cozy, there are strategies to achieve the look you’re going for.

Read More