How to Hang Curtains: The Do’s and Don’ts

In this blog, you will learn how to hang curtains in a simple and effective way.

I’ll also be showing you seven common mistakes that many people make when hanging curtains. I’ll provide you with all the information you need to avoid these mistakes and fix them right away. By avoiding these errors that you’ll see below, you’ll be able to make your spaces look spectacular, your windows and room appear larger, and increase the efficiency of natural light entry.

Let’s go!

How to Hang Curtains: The Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t hang the bars with the same width as the window.

The number one mistake is using curtain rods that are the same width as the windows. This is one of the main errors when people begin to learn how to hang curtains. To fix this, make sure that your curtain rods and rod brackets extend 3 to 6 inches from both sides of your window.

Also, ensure that the rod is wide enough so that when the curtains are open, the inner edges only cover the window frame, not the glass. This will help make your window appear larger and, of course, allow natural light to shine through when the curtains are open. To figure out the width you need, just measure your window and add 3-6 inches either side.

Don’t place the bar in a low position.

The second mistake is placing the curtain rod too low. Hanging the rod too low means having it too close to the top of the window frame, which can seem unappealing and somewhat disproportionate. Don’t let this mistake completely ruin the overall appearance of this space. A good rule to follow is to hang the curtain rods between 4 and 6 inches above the window frame.

By doing this, you clearly define the height of your space, making it appear larger, airy, and, consequently, more elegant. Curtain panels draw the eye upwards along the entire length of the curtains, creating an illusion of height and spaciousness, so take advantage of it.

In case your space has a double height, you can choose to place the curtain rod slightly higher. The trick is to position the curtain rod in a way that doesn’t interfere with the perception of the proportions and height of the space. This is the general rule of thumb. And don’t forget the curtain rings will add a little extra length, so if your bar is too low, your curtains may drag on the floor.

Don’t use the wrong fabric length.

The third error when it comes on how to hang curtains is having too much fabric or falling short in the length of the curtain. This is the trickiest part – getting the right length.

But what is the right length for curtains?

Actually, there are three ways to hang curtains correctly: floating curtains, curtains that lightly touch the floor, and resting curtains that fully rest on the floor. Let’s dive into each one. Floating curtains have a contemporary look and are perfect to use when you have a textured carpet that could damage the hems or the natural drape of the curtain.

You should have an inch of distance from the floor until the hem of the curtain. The second type is the curtain that lightly touches the floor, another favorite for contemporary spaces because they are very elegant but not too flashy, and they are really very practical. It is the most challenging curtain length because you need to achieve a curtain hem that barely touches the floor.

Lastly, we have the ones that fall all the way down to the floor. You can extend your curtains from 1 to 2 inches beyond the floor for a relaxed and informal look. This is a popular curtain solution among interior designers. The fabric should be of high quality to achieve that natural and relaxed appearance.

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a super elegant and traditional style, or even a dramatic one, you can add up to 10 to 12 inches in length to your curtains to create a luxurious and shapely effect. These types of curtains work best in spacious and tall spaces. It is recommended to use richer, heavier, and more opulent fabrics such as velvet.

So, whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a touch of luxury, there’s a perfect curtain style for every space!

Don’t use the wrong curtain width.

And we continue with error number 4, which is having curtain panels that are not wide enough for your windows. For an elegant look, the curtains should be wide enough so that when they are closed, the panels appear full and spacious.

To achieve this, the width of the curtains should be two or three times wider than the window. For example, if you have a window that is a meter and a half wide, simply multiply that by two or three, and that will be the width of the panels you need.

Don’t use a low-quality curtain rod.

The fifth mistake is using a cheap and flimsy curtain rod. If you notice it sagging or bending, especially in the middle, there’s a risk that it might fall. Instead of going for inexpensive curtain rods, it’s better to invest in sturdy metal or wooden ones and drill holes to have reliable supports.

This is especially important when dealing with heavy curtain fabrics. Don’t compromise on quality!

Don’t use high-maintenance curtains.

Sometimes, the appearance or even the touch of window treatments (curtains) can distract you from the maintenance issues. However, it’s much better to choose machine-washable curtains, especially if they are long and heavy. Remember, dry cleaning can be quite expensive and high-maintenance for curtain fabric.

Don’t have wrinkled curtains.

The next mistake is having wrinkled curtains. We may have gotten too excited or tired in our curtain search, and it can be tempting to quickly hang them without ironing. But don’t complete your look without dedicating a few minutes to ironing your fabrics for an elegant and clean finish.

Wrinkled curtains will completely ruin a room’s appearance. Now, I want to share some additional tips that I know will help you a lot when selecting your curtains.

Shop my curtains finds on Etsy (click on each image)

Know what you need.

Recognize that not all trends work for you. Instead, choose curtains that reflect your personality, lifestyle, and the condition of your space. It’s important to prioritize your true needs.

For instance, if you have kids or pets, avoid white floor-length curtains. Opt for a length that grazes the floor or floating curtains made of durable, lightweight, and easy-to-maintain fabric. Also, consider the conditions of your space. In humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens, opt for easier-to-maintain systems like roll-up blinds that are simple to clean.

Use neutral colors.

When it comes to choosing curtains, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, opt for neutral tones if you’re unsure about your decor. Neutrals are safe options that offer versatility, allowing you to change your color palette as often as you like without having to replace all your curtains.

Next, think about functionality. Consider the activities you’ll be doing in the space and choose the appropriate curtain type. Curtains not only add beauty but also provide privacy, control natural light, and give us a sense of intimacy.

For example, in a bedroom, you’ll want opaque fabric to block out light while you sleep. However, during the day, you may need a fabric that allows some light in while maintaining privacy. Installing a double curtain rod can help achieve this versatility, with one panel for complete darkness at night and another translucent panel for daytime use.

Know what works best for your space!

Remember, curtains should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also serve their purpose. They should enhance your space and make it more comfortable. If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media with your friends, and most importantly, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter!

Do you have any tip on how to hang curtains? Share them in the comments below!

If you want to learn more about interior design, I recommend checking out this category.

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