Curtains are a seemingly simple feature that can ruin the functionality and beauty of a room if a few common mistakes are made.
In this article we will see 7 common mistakes when hanging curtains and easy tips to make your rooms look nicer.
Curtain Rods: Position and Size Matters
Mistake #1: Rod Hung Too Low
Impact: Makes windows appear shorter and ceilings lower.
Fix: Hang the rod 1/2 to 2/3 of the way up from the top of the window to the ceiling.
If you have crown moldings, hang the rod 3/4 of an inch below them for extra punch.
Mistake #2: Narrow Rod
Impact: Limits the light entering the room and makes windows appear smaller.
Fix: Extend the rod 3-6 inches beyond the window frame so that curtains hang on the wall and can be opened without blocking the window.
Curtain Panels: Sizing is Crucial
Mistake #3: Panels Not Wide Enough
Impact: Curtains look skimpy whether open or closed.
Fix: Panels that are 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window will look luxuriously gathered when drawn, whether you have your curtains open or closed.
Mistake #4: Panels Too Short
- Impact: Creates a choppy, unrefined look.
- Solutions: Opt for one of the following styles to match your room’s formality:
- Kiss: Curtains just touch the floor.
- Puddle: Curtains extend 2-4 inches onto the floor for a dramatic effect.
- Break: Curtains slightly break/bunch on the floor. (like a mix of Kiss and Puddle)
- Float: Hanging 0.5 inches above the floor for a clean, modern look.
Note: Puddle is actually more complex to keep clean.
Mistake #5: Excessive Puddling
Impact: Hard to maintain and can create a cluttered look.
Fix: Make puddling only two or three inches deep. If it’s causing a maintenance or access issue, make it shorter.
Mistake #6: Choosing the Wrong Fabric
The fabric that is chosen can greatly affect the functionality and visual interest of the curtains.
When choosing a curtain fabric, it is important to consider how it behaves, as well as how it looks.
Heavy Fabrics
Though great for blocking out light and keeping in heat, heavy fabrics can turn down like velvet, suede, or heavy wool may not fold crisply.
A bulky appearance can be more overpowering than it is flattering to a space.
Light Fabrics
Linens, cottons, or other sheer fabrics will allow more light to penetrate.
This can help make a room feel light and airy.
Solution:
Deciding which curtain fabric to use requires weighing up style vs function vs room needs.
Consider the Room’s Functionality:
Bedrooms and Home Theatres: Thicker, heavier fabrics block more light and block more sound.
Living Rooms and Kitchens: For rooms that get less natural light, you can use medium-weight fabrics, such as light wool or cotton blends, for a better balance between privacy and natural light.
Understand the Interplay of Light and Fabric:
Sheer Fabrics
Perfect for rooms where you want the maximum natural light, such as sunrooms or conservatories.
Sheer curtains can also be combined with heavier drapes for a versatile window treatment that adapts to different light levels.
Blackout Curtains
For people working shifts, or nurseries where it is important to control the light to ensure good sleep quality.
Experiment with Layering:
Using several kinds of fabric layered together can also help you accomplish both aesthetic and goal-oriented objectives – say, a sheer curtain on the inside under a heavier blackout curtain so you can control light and privacy as the day unfolds.
Test Fabric Samples
Before committing to a major purchase, take fabric swatches into the room you’re decorating and examine them in natural light at different times of day to see how they react to the light and the room around them.
Mistake #7: Overlooking the Hardware
As it happens, choosing curtain hardware is an important decision.
The right hardware can make your curtains work better and look nicer, but the wrong rods and hanging mechanisms can mar the effect, and might even not hold your curtains up.
Solution:
Follow these pointers to select the appropriate hardware:
- Rod or Support Weight: Make sure your rods and supports are strong enough to hold the weight of your curtains.
- Thicker rods for heavy drapes and lighter for sheers.
- Complement Room Style: Choose hardware that fits the room’s décor. Use sleek, modern rods in contemporary spaces and more decorative rods in more traditional spaces.
- Quality Materials: Do try to avoid plastic – choose metal for more durability and longevity.
- Coordinate Metals: Mahongany curtain rods should pick up on other metal accents in your room to coordinate with them.
Paying attention to these details will improve the curtains style with the right hardware.
Additional Tips for Specific Scenarios
No-Sew Solutions: Iron-On Hemming Tape: Pin the curtains where you want them to fall. Iron over the tape to the hem and remove the pins.
Buy Command hooks on Amazon
For Non-Drilling Installations: Command hooks or tension rods, especially for situations where you have to live with a rental.
See more Curtain track on Amazon
For Ceiling Installations: Use ceiling-mount rod brackets, a curtain track or a curtain wire system. These are the best options for hanging curtains as a room divider or for the fullest coverage around windows.
Important! Above Baseboard Heaters
Don’t risk electric baseboards. Don’t let curtains hang near the heater. If in doubt, contact a professional.
Frequent Questions and Concerns
1. How high should I hang my curtains above the window?
- The ideal is to hang them as high as possible so that the ceiling looks taller, with the curtain rod being mounted 4 to 6 inches above the frame of the window.
2. How do I choose the right curtain length?
- If you are going for a more traditional look, make sure that the curtains just touch the floor (Kiss), whereas a more contemporary or relaxed look can incorporate puddling curtains or those that hang a little above the floor by an inch.
3. What is the ideal width for curtains?
- Curtains should be 2 to 2.5 times the width of the window, to allow for a full, gathered look, and so they still look full even when drawn back behind the window and closed.
4. Can the color of the curtains affect room lighting?
- Yeah, blackout curtains absorb more light and will darken the room, while lighter curtains can reflect light and brighten a room.
5. Should I consider the room’s humidity when choosing curtain fabrics?
- Definitely. In areas that have a lot of humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens, steer clear of heavy fabrics that soak up moisture. Opt instead for mildew-resistant synthetic fabrics that are easy to wash.
6. How can I ensure my curtains hang properly?
- If you’re mounting them on a track or ring-top system, specify the hardware that will support the weight of the curtains; and in lighter draperies, add weighted hems to help them hang straight.
7. Are curtain liners necessary?
- Liners add insulation, block light and protect the curtains from fading because of sunlight, especially for light or sheer fabrics.
8. How far should curtains hang above baseboard heaters?
- For your safety and to aid in efficiency, curtains should hang at least 8 to 12 inches above the heaters on baseboard heaters. This clearance will help eliminate fire hazards and allow for heat to flow freely.
- Consult a professional if unsure about safety clearances.
Conclusion
Address these common errors, and you will automatically give any space more dimension, better light control and privacy – and make it look and feel more put-together as a result.
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