3 Easy Tips For Hanging Curtains
HOW TO HANG curtains like a pro: my top tips
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Window treatments have the beautiful ability to define a room’s style. Choosing the right fabric and hardware can help achieve your sought after aesthetic and can also be a practical solution to privacy and lighting needs. Follow these tips to learn how to pick out the perfect curtains for your home and to learn how to hang curtains like a pro.
01. Measure
First things first. With any DIY, process or craft, measuring is important.
Begin by measuring the window you intend to hang curtains or drapes on.
Designer tip: To make a room feel taller, hang the curtain rods 4-6 inches above window frames. Extending the rod 3-6 inches beyond each side of the window frame makes a window feel bigger and also allows more light to shine through when your curtains are open.
I am a huge fan of natural light in my home so this tip is tried and true. Not only is natural light good for your health, but it is also a great way to save on your power bill and ideal if you have lots of indoor plants.
02. Hang
Next up, how to hang curtains. Curtain length can have a big impact on the overall look of your window. For a clean, casual look, simply hang your curtains so they fall only a 1/2 inch above the floor - especially if you open and close your curtains frequently.
If you’re wanting a more luxurious look, then the puddle effect is for you. Add another 6-8 inches to the “rod-to-floor” measurement of the curtain.
03. Hardware
Accessorize with decorative curtain rods, holdbacks, ties and finials. Hardware is the cherry on top when it comes to window treatments. The finish of your hardware can compliment and/or tie in the other decor and elements you have in a room.
Custom Curtains Without The Price Tag
Things to keep in mind when choosing a fabric: privacy +lighting
Curtains don’t just add beauty to a room, but they are also practical decor solutions. If you were picking curtains for a home theater you probably wouldn’t choose sheer curtains, right? I for one am not a fan of a glare on my TV screen. This goes to show the importance of choosing the appropriate fabric for your curtains or drapes.
Heavier fabrics like velvet are full and make for a wonderful insulator of light and sound. For these reasons, velvet curtains are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms if you’re wanting a rich look and don’t want light to filter through the fabric. With this being said, velvet curtains also provide ample privacy.
Maybe you prefer natural light to filter in. If so, I recommend sheer cotton curtains. This fabric is ideal if you would like a light and airy feel in your space. Sheer cotton curtains are easy to care for which makes them a great choice for your little ones’ room. They aren’t as thick as velvet curtains, but depending on how tight of a weave you select, these will provide privacy. You can also opt for a lined cotton panel if you prefer more privacy or less light in a room.
While there are many more fabric options to choose from, these are 2 I wanted to highlight to show why fabric matters and how it can affect the look and practical aspects of a room. Other common curtain fabrics include polyester, lace, linen, silk and of course the very loved blackout curtains.
Blackout curtains
Prints + Patterns
Solid
Amazon Finds
Need an extra long curtain rod?
I looked and looked for a curtain rod long enough for my living room windows, but was never able to find one which is why I did a little research on how to make my own. If you’re stuck in the same situation, here’s an easy DIY that doesn’t require having to get a custom curtain rod made.
A 2022 Favorite:
These cordless bamboo shades offer beautiful texture and allow light to filter in. I love how they can be mounted inside or outside of a window frame. Bright and airy at its finest.
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