Hanging Curtains Doesnt Have to Be Hard

Hanging Curtains Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

Ah, the age-old dilemma of window treatments – where style meets functionality in a delicate dance of fabric and hardware. As a custom window treatments company in Philadelphia, we’ve seen it all. From the triumphant homeowner who’s nailed the perfect look, to the dejected soul staring at a sea of too-short, too-low, and too-narrow curtains. But fear not, my friends, for I’m here to let you in on a little secret: hanging curtains doesn’t have to be hard.

Let’s start with the basics. One of the most common mistakes I see homeowners make is hanging their curtain rod just slightly above the window frame. “Why, you ask?” Well, my dear, it’s usually because they’ve bought the wrong length of curtain and are trying to avoid the dreaded “too-short” look. As the wonderful Emily Henderson once said, “A pretty room with poorly hung curtains is like a beautiful pulled-together lady wearing way too-small pants. It cheapens everything, stands out in a jarring way, and just makes everyone feel uncomfortable.”

Instead of this short-sighted approach, I recommend lifting that curtain rod up – at least 12-23 inches above the window frame. This not only creates the illusion of taller ceilings but also allows your curtains to truly shine. After all, the height at which we collectively expect to see a curtain rod has become a cultural norm, and straying too close to the window sill can make your space feel, well, a bit off.

Now, the most common curtain faux pas I encounter? The dreaded “too-short” look. It’s the sartorial equivalent of high-waters – cutting off the room in a way that’s just painful to behold. Luckily, there are a few foolproof options to avoid this:

1. The Slight Float: Less than an inch above the floor. This creates a clean, straight line without any pooling.
2. The Kiss: Barely touching the floor. This is the most custom and intentional look, but also the trickiest to pull off.
3. The Puddle: Where the fabric pools elegantly on the floor. This is a more romantic, old-world European vibe, perfect for those who love a touch of drama.

And let’s not forget the importance of width. Make sure your curtain rod extends at least 6-10 inches beyond the window frame on either side. This allows the curtains to fully open, maximizing the amount of natural light that can flood your space. After all, natural light is your best accessory, so let it shine!

Of course, the right curtain panel width is crucial too. If you have a large window, don’t skimp – go for double-wide panels on each side. Sure, they may block some light when closed, but the full, billowy look when open will be worth it.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Teri, how do I actually execute this perfectly hung curtain vision?” Well, my friends, I’ve got a fool-proof trick up my sleeve. Grab a piece of scrap cardboard, cut a 45-degree notch, and use it as a template to mark and drill your pilot holes. This ensures your curtain rods are perfectly level, even if your walls aren’t. No more crooked, uneven panels here!

And let’s not forget about the all-important curtain rod itself. Keep it simple, my friends – stick to classic white, black, brass, or silver. Avoid anything too ornate or curly, unless you happen to live in a Scottish castle or an old Hollywood mansion. Finials are great, but only if your home’s style can truly pull them off.

So there you have it, folks – the secrets to hanging curtains like a pro. No more too-short, too-low, or too-narrow panels cluttering up your beautiful windows. Just clean, tailored perfection that lets the light shine through. Now, go forth and conquer those window treatments with confidence!