Have you been hanging your curtain all wrong ? Here ’s how to hang curtains like a pro , plus how to fixate a few frequent mishap .
Curtains are an essential element of home decor . This hardworking accessory provides nuance and privacy , helps you reach restful slumber , and spruces up window with color , texture , and pattern . Buthanging curtain correctly the first timecan be intimidating . How in high spirits should you instal the drapery rod ? What about the length of your panels ? Luckily , you could achieve a milled spirit by deflect these common mistakes made when hanging mantle . We ’ll aid you avoid choosing the haywire panel , mounting curtain too high-pitched or too miserable , and take pall too minute for your space . And we ’ve got comfortable DIY location in case you ’ve already encountered these curtain conundrums .
Mistake 1: Choosing Curtains That Are Too Skinny
Because curtains are undecided most of the time , it ’s easy to assume the width of the curtain panels is n’t that important . But skinny curtains venire can look surprisingly skimpy . curtain that are proportional to the breadth of the window will look more twisting in the blank . Bonus , they ’ll wrap up the window fully when you do need to force them closed .
How to fix it : mensurate your window before purchasing ormaking your drape . Curtain panels should be at least two times the width of the windowpane you ’re undertake to shadow . If you want extra fullness , make them 2.5 times the width .
Mistake 2: Purchasing Curtains That Are Too Long (or Short)
mantle that are too short look awkward and out of blank space . They also visually alter your distance , make believe ceilings look lower and the elbow room diminished overall . Curtains that drag on the floor can be a hazard andcollect detritus more easily . take for a middle ground — drape that hover just above the base .
How to restore it : To find the right curtain duration , measure from the base to where you ’ll hang the rod . drape lengths come in common lengths like 63 , 84 , and 96 inch . Choose one closest to your measurement , erring on the side of a few inches longer rather than short — if needed , you’re able to hem drape that are too recollective . you’re able to also opt for custom curtain panels , though this comes with a higher price ticket .
Carmel Brantley / Interior Designer : Caitlin Kah

Credit: Marty Baldwin
Mistake 3: Misplacing the Curtain Rod
It ’s essential to mount pall pole in the right topographic point or your gross - length pall might not hang properly . A pole that sits too nigh to the top of your windowpane frame can make a space seem smaller than it really is . It ’s also important to pick out a drape perch that ’s all-encompassing than your windowpane . This allows curtain to be pull to the side of the window frame and gives the visual aspect of a larger distance .
How to fix it : Visually lengthen your elbow room by mounting your curtain rod a few in high than your window . Here are two helpful measurements to know : The rod itself should be 8 to 12 inches longer than the width of the windowpane ; a curtain rod cell should be mounted at least 4 to 6 column inch above the window skeleton . For rooms with tall roof , you’re able to choose to go higher with your drape retinal rod positioning . To make the illusion that a humiliated ceiling is higher , try mounting the curtain rod right below the crown modeling . It ’s a trick decorators use often .
Brie Williams

Credit: David A. Land
Mistake 4: Choosing Form over Function
It can be tempting to take mantle ground entirely on how they look , but it ’s important to think back that drapery serve a purpose too . consider about what your goal is when choosing curtain — do you require sheers for concealment that will still let light in ? Or thicker fabric that will keep the Sunday out of your eyes and the blaze off your telecasting ?
How to fix it : Consider mounting a forked curtain rod so that you could have your preferred cosmetic panels on the outside and operative panels — like sheer voile or opaque blackout — on the interior .

Credit:Carmel Brantley / Interior Designer: Caitlin Kah

Credit:Brie Williams