Curtains can transform any room and add an aesthetic touch that makes ALL the difference. The most important aspects of hanging curtains are how high you hang them and how wide you position them. There are three main rules to remember:
(1) DO hang them either to the ceiling or several inches above the top of the window;
(2) DO hang them at least several inches wider than the window; and
(3) DO hang them so they graze the floor. (In some cases curtains may “puddle” on the floor – this is an option if you can do it right and if that is the look for which you are aiming, but IMHO it’s not ideal, especially for cleaning purposes.)
Here is a little diagram I created for you to illustrate my points:
In situation one (1), the curtains are both too short (they do not touch the floor) and too low (they are hung level with the top of the window instead of several inches above). In situation two (2), the curtains are a great length but they are still hung too narrow and too low. In number three (3) the curtains are hung just right! (I feel like this is starting to sound like Goldilocks and the Three Bears!) In fact, all three windows above are the exact same size!
Now as for what NOT to do. There are two main things to remember:
(1) Mistake One:
DON’T hang curtains that are too short. Please, please, please don’t do this! I cannot figure out why so many curtain panels are sold 84 inches long. If you know the answer please let me know. I have Googled it and researched it and I cannot find a good answer! As mentioned above, curtains should just hit the floor or puddle a bit. NOTE: if you have small children, I totally get why you’d want shorter curtains: out of reach of both sticky fingers and monkey climbers. So I make sure the curtain bracket is anchored in the wall, discourage the boys from playing with them, and always make sure the curtains are washable or stain-resistant. That said, my babies LOVE hiding behind the curtains!
(2) Mistake Two:
DON’T hang heavy, thick curtains that block light!! My preference for windows that need to block light is to install light-blocking shades and for the curtains to literally be “window dressing” – they don’t need to close or cover the whole window. Rather, they are there for aesthetics and space transformation! If you have a room such as a bedroom where your goal is complete darkness at times, and if you don’t love light-blocking shades or are on a budget, blackout curtains can work IF they open all the way and when open, leave the entire window open to light.
Done right, curtains can take your room to a whole new level. You will be amazed at the results . . .
Please send me your questions, comments, and dilemmas about curtains and windows. You can reach me via the comment section below or at meggie@throwlove.com. And if you need recommendations for rods or curtains don’t hesitate to give me a shout!
