hanging curtains like a pro
There are several schools of thought when it comes to curtains. Some people prefer not to dress windows because it’s a more clean and modern look. Other people say curtains are the eyebrows of the window and we all know what a comeback eyebrows have made since we nearly plucked them off in the 90’s (…does everyone else’s face look totally different now or is this just me?)
Regardless of how you feel about eyebrows or curtains, if you plan to hang them, there are some rules that can truly make or break the entire look and feel of the room:
Tip #1:
Hang your curtains as high as you can. I. Cannot. Stress. This. Enough. If your window comes all the way to the ceiling, then it may seem obvious. But if you have high ceilings or low windows, your initial instinct may be to hang the curtains right above the window. Instead, hang your curtains 8”+ above the top of the window or 3-4” below the ceiling. This will make not only the window look bigger, but the entire room will feel taller and more spacious by drawing the eye up. It will feel a little funny at first, but trust me: the higher the better.
Tip #2:
It’s better to buy curtains too long than too short. Unless they are custom, curtains come in standard lengths: 84”, 96”, and 108”. If you have standard 8ft ceilings, you need 96” curtains and you will most likely need them to be hemmed. Ideally you have a cool mom that is good at sewing and happy to help your growing business (Thanks, Mom!), but if not you can go to your local dry cleaner or tailor.
Tip #3:
Install the hardware about 8-10” outside the window frame to accentuate the window rather than cover it up. Drapes shouldn’t cover the window when it’s open, allowing in as much natural light as possible. And don’t forget to consider the width! If you have wider windows, one panel on each side may look too skinny and unfinished, so instead you may need 4 panels, 2 on each side. To calculate the width of curtains you need, a good rule to follow is measure the width of the window and multiple by 2. (Example: If your window is 48” wide, 48 x 2 = 96, so you need 96” of curtain width).
Pro tip: if standard curtain widths aren’t wide enough for your window, you can have individual panels sewn together, or buy iron on tape for no-sew projects. Don’t let your wide windows limit your curtain choices!
Notice in the image below these windows are the exact same size but the one on the right looks much bigger!
where to buy curtains online:
Best overall: West Elm
This is my go-to place for quality curtains at a reasonable price. They offer lots of colors, textures, degrees of light blocking and are always good quality. If you have a West Elm store near you, they often have curtains that have been returned on sale for $30-$40.
Pro tip: splurge on the curtains, save on the curtain rods. You can find perfectly good curtain rods at Target, Wayfair, or Amazon and the truth is they are often so high up it doesn’t really matter how much you spend on them because no one is looking that closely.
Best splurge: Pottery Barn
Best save: Target
Beware: Wayfair. I’ve found that curtains from Wayfair are either okay or awful and we’re not going for okay or awful, are we? I know it’s tempting because they are so cheap, but from my experience curtains are one place you don’t want to cut corners.
elevated essential:
These are my favorite curtains hands down - I love a plain white for a fresh, airy look and these are semi-sheer so they provide privacy without blocking too much light:
If you have a room that needs privacy or it’s a bedroom and you need light blocking, opt for blackout, velvet or solid curtains. For rooms that don’t get a lot of light, choose linen or sheer to maximize the amount of light that is let in.
elevated partnership: The Shade Store
Let me start by saying window shades are not curtains! Shades are what you pull up and down inside the window frame whereas curtains hang from the ceiling on the outside of the window (which you totally know now exactly how far outside the window) and usually aren’t moved as often. For a cozy layered look with lots of texture, you can do both! Especially if you need privacy.
That’s why we’ve partnered with The Shade Store. They have so many options for fabric, and it’s all made in the US. They will send you a free sample book, they have a free photo rendering service, and they offer measurement and installation services nationwide. You can also check the store locator to see if there’s a showroom near you. If you want more information, a discount at the Shade Store through our design services, and some inspiration for your own home - schedule a consultation here.
