All About Curtains

A nice set of curtains can take a room from boring to beautiful in the blink of an eye but the most beautiful set of drapes won't do a room any good if they're not hung correctly. Before you order and install your window treatments, make sure you know how to hang curtains the right way. Here is a quick guide:

DO:

Hang curtains at least 1/2 the distance between the window and the ceiling - the closer to the ceiling the better.
The bottom of the curtains should 'kiss' the floor for a clean look.
For certain curtains e.g. sheers and voiles and for a romantic look, purchase curtains 10cm longer so that they 'puddle' on the floor.
Use a curtain rod that is wide enough for the curtains to sit outside the window in the 'open' position
Curtains should have fullness when fully closed. As a rule of thumb, the total width of the curtain should be 2 - 2.5 times the width.
Ensure your curtain pole isn't too wide for your curtain head.
Steam your curtains to avoid creases.
Weigh-down and train your curtains using pegs for a few days - it makes a massive difference!

DON'T

At the stacked position, the curtains should not obscure the window.
Curtains should go all the way to the floor.
Don't hang curtains inside or on the window frame. If there isn't enough room above the frame to hang a curtain rod, it is better to use blinds.

As far as I am concerned, the most notable curtain headers are Wave or Ripple Fold, Pinch Pleat, Pencil Pleat and Eyelets. Wave or Ripple is the most Architectural of all and looks especially elegant when a voile and solid curtain are hung on a double track.

Here is an example how to approach bay windows - the curtains a full-height, not too thick and beautifully frame the window.

If you need blackout at night as well as sun-shade or privacy during the day, go for a Roman/Roller blind + curtain combination.

Use voiles, sheer or linen curtains as room dividers or to make a room look larger, to zone off different spaces or to soften it.

Curtains and blinds can be very expensive. If you are confident, use an online company but you will need to measure and install yourself. Otherwise, use a specialist as the curtains make all the difference to a room!