Mantle Styles

One of the virtually heady things about curtain panels is that they come in all sorts of styles and designs. Before deciding where and how to hang them, it's important to find a look that complements the aesthetic of the room. Not sure where to brainstorm? No worries. Recall to continue the following factors in mind when choosing the ideal drapery panels for your dwelling.

Colors and patterns: curtain panels take upwards a large amount of visual space, and as a result, play a crucial part in the cohesiveness of a room. When looking for panels that all-time suit the area, be certain to keep existing color schemes and decor in mind. Hanging drapes in a room that features a neutral palette? Maintain a streamlined aesthetic with defunction in solid hues of white, black and grey. Or, take a different arroyo in a room with more than whimsical accents—think colorful pillows, throw blankets and wall art—with panels in fun designs that include stripes, zig zags or ombre.

Size: no matter your design preference, it'southward of import to keep in heed that drape panels should e'er exist at least double the width of your window (even if you intend to continue them open up well-nigh of the time). Unsure of length likewise? Go long. Panels that end up existence too brusk interrupt the flow of the room'south artful and are more difficult to adapt.

Cloth: as with colors and patterns, curtain panels come in a variety of materials. The 1 that's best depends largely on your needs, personal way and the ambient you're trying to achieve. Five of the most commonly-used materials are described below.

  • • Silk: a classic pick, this fabric introduces a sense of formality to your space. Silk drapes look specially highly-seasoned if they're pleated or puddled on the flooring. Lining them is important if you lot want more than privacy, equally this fabric is a chip transparent.
  • • Cotton: versatile and easy to make clean, cotton fiber panels make a seamless transition from coincidental to formal. They come up in many different colors and styles, though cotton tends to be a bit stiffer than other fabrics. Additionally, their opaque construction ways yous can employ them with or without liners.
  • • Linen: about frequently used in casual environments, linen's sheer and lightweight construction adds a breezy bear upon to the room.
  • • Velvet: an opulent selection, the heavy weight of velvet drapes creates a luxurious bear on to your window. Though not necessary, adding liners enhances the velvet'south formality, particularly when the drapes are pulled open.
  • • Sheer: beloved letting natural light fitler in? Sheer curtain panels help keep the room vivid. Like silk this material is quite transparent, which means you'll demand to invest in liners if y'all want more privacy.

How to Hang Curtains

Taking Measurements

Later deciding on the style of curtain that works best for you, the next step is figuring out where to position the rod, as well equally how to measure it and the panels being put on display.

Measuring Width: Curtain Rods and Panels

Before getting started, information technology's important to keep in listen that curtain rods are more than visually appealing when placed above and outside the window's molding. To brand sure it'southward positioned properly, go along a pencil inside accomplish as you work to leave light markings on the wall—ensuring evenness and the look you're trying to achieve.

If your goal is to brand a room feel bigger and brighter, it's recommended that each end of the rod extend iii to 6 inches beyond the frame of the window on each side. For rooms that are smaller or have multiple windows close together, consider hanging the curtain rods less wide to avoid a chaotic expect. This as well applies if there is artwork and other decor displayed on the wall. Either style, drape panels look best when hanging above—making the ceiling appear taller.

Keep in mind that for the curtain panels themselves, they should be 2 to 2-and-a-half times the width of the window in larger spaces, and ane to one-and-a-half times the width of the window in smaller ones.

Pro Tips

  • •It'due south important that the width of each panel extends a few inches beyond the window to comprehend role of the wall as well. This helps accomplish a loose and breezy look that gives the illusion of wider windows.
  • •Worried about a window that looks off-center? Don't be. Just make one end of the curtain rod slightly longer than the other to brand up the divergence.
  • •Working with two corner windows? Hang a couple rods that encounter in the corner—forming a 90-caste angle. Be sure to remove the finials where the rods encounter and hang a curtain from each rod for a softer and more put-together look.

How to Hang Curtains

Measuring Height

Most experts agree on two things when it comes to determining how loftier to hang curtains. Get-go, the placement of the rod should exist in relation to the ceiling, not the window. 2nd, information technology's ideal that each curtain panel is long enough to but brush the floor—helping them stay in identify, minimizing how dirty they get and making it easy to vacuum the floor.

The best manner to effigy out panel length is to measure from the floor up to where you plan on positioning the rod. Exist certain to marking this spot with a pencil, then round upward to the nearest console size—the most mutual being 63", 84", 108" and 120". Generally, drapes that hover most ½ inch off the ground provide a well-baked and clean aesthetic, while those that float a bit higher, call up 2 to three inches, offer a more casual wait. Going for a more romantic touch? Add 4 to 6 inches to allow for puddling on the flooring.

Pro Tips

  • •Be certain to pre-compress and iron your curtain panels before determining the height at which they await best. Doing so minimizes shrinkage during future washes.
  • •If trying to decide the best pall superlative for shorter panels, such as those found on cafe curtains, measure from the bottom of the window sill to a pencil mark made iv to 6 inches in a higher place the window frame.

How to Hang Curtains

Hanging the Curtain Panels

With the rod and panel's dimensions figured out, it's time to brainstorm the process of hanging your new curtains. Before getting too involved in the installation process, have a minute to make sure everything is simply how you want it. The most efficient way to get well-nigh this is to enlist the aid of a family fellow member or friend. Just accept them hold up one end of the pall rod—with the panel of your selection fastened—in forepart of your pencil marks on the wall. So, take a look from multiple angles and take pictures on your phone for better visualizations. Once you're satisfied with the placement, start installing.

Pro Tips

  • •Some ceilings are slightly sloped. If this is the example in your home, requite the illusion of balance by hanging the drape rod so that it follows the symmetry of the ceiling—the rod volition appear to be level even if it isn't.
  • •It'southward okay to requite windows in the same room different treatments. For instance, mixing and matching patterns, materials and colors gives the room a fun touch.
  • •Panels aren't going to work for every window, and that's ok. Windows that are near flooring heaters, above countertops and other potential obstacles tin can be left as they are or fitted with custom drapes.

How to Hang Curtains

Accessorizing Your Window Treatments

Want to add a stylish touch to your window treatment? Opt for accessories, such every bit finials and brackets, that reflect your personal style. In addition, tie backs are a fun and piece of cake way to subtly experiment with different looks in your home. Think rope ones that add a bit of texture, or others made of colorful ribbon. Either way, necktie backs help filter more natural light into the room and requite each panel an appealing swooping effect.

Pro tip: if using wall-mounted tie backs, exist sure to install them two-thirds of the mode down the window and brand certain the hardware coordinates with the rod.

More than than a practical dwelling decor solution, hanging curtain panels is a fun and stylish style to make a statement in any room. Accept you recently updated your window treatment? Prove us how it looks at the hashtag #CrateStyle.