Want Perfect Window Curtains? Just Follow These 4 Tips!
If you go online and search for curtains, you’ll find hundreds of millions of results. Even if you narrow down your search to one particular retailer, the number of choices will still be overwhelming. In order to make finding the perfect window curtains quick and easy, all you have to do is follow these 4 tips:
1. Decide how much of a statement you want to make
Window treatments can either be the focal point of a room, or they can take a step back and simply complement the rest of the décor. You’ve got to start by deciding which option is right for your room. That way, you’ll be able to weed out a bunch of colors and fabrics right off the bat!
If you want your curtains to make a really bold statement, go with something that’s bright and/or has an interesting pattern on it. These window curtains should be totally different than the paint on your walls. For example, if you have cream-colored walls, go with curtains that are deep red, bright blue, or a sunny yellow. That way, everyone who walks in will notice them right away!
If you don’t want your window curtains to be the first thing everyone sees, go with something tamer. Again, if you have cream-colored walls, you might want to get white curtains. That way, there’s still a bit of contrast, but it’s not eye-piercing.
2. Pick a length, any length
Just because your windows are a certain length above the ground doesn’t mean that your curtains need to be the same. In fact, they shouldn’t! You can actually do a lot of things with the length of your window curtains to transform your entire room.
For example, if you want to make the room look bigger than it really is, opt for curtains that hang at least six inches higher than the top of the window. (There’s really no limit to how high you can go!) That way, people’s eyes will naturally be drawn up — which will give the impression that your room is taller and more spacious. (Want to make it look like you’ve got even more space? Extend your curtain rod so that it’s about 18 inches wider than your window.)
Even if you want your curtains to hang “the old fashioned way”, they still need to be longer than your window’s height. That way, they’ll drape a little bit on the ground, which is a lot more pleasing to look at than curtains that end a few inches above the ground. (As an added benefit, those extra few inches will help keep every bit of sunlight out!)
3. Select a mood
Every room has its own feel to it. For example, you might want your dining room to be classy and elegant, while your bedroom is peaceful and tranquil. Whatever mood you’re going for, your curtains have to match it.
For that elegant feel, go with heavier curtains, and make sure they go all the way to the floor (instead of just to the bottom of the window sill).
For that tranquil feel, go with lighter curtains — even sheers — and pull them back with tie back hooks. That way, you’ll get the benefit of all that natural light streaming in, and your curtains will frame the window in a loose, cozy way.
4. Figure out if you want to go custom
Custom made curtains will cost you more than the options right off the shelf, but the difference can be dramatic. With them, you’ll be able to decide exactly how much natural light gets through, along with the perfect length. Remember, those curtains on the shelf are pre-cut to standard lengths. If you’ve got a unique window, custom made curtains may be your only option for a proper fit!