Whether you are renovating or designing to sell or stay, curtains can make or break the look of a room.
Ever wondered why they can look so right in photos or TV makeovers, yet so wrong in many homes?
The 9 tips below will help you get the right look with your curtains for your space.
1) Measure Accurately
Before you shop for your curtains you need to make sure you have the right measurements, taking into account the full amount of length and width you need in light of the following points. Measure your windows 2-3 times to double-check you are working with the right dimensions and make sure you allow for your finials.
2) Hang High
In many cases, like the photo, your best option is to hang from the ceiling to floor, this creates a sense of height which is ideal for small spaces and lower ceilings, this also works well over sliding doors and bi-folds.
If you have a room with high ceilings and a lot of space between the top of your window and the ceiling, you may not want to hang for the full length of the room, instead test positioning your curtain round about 2/3 of the way from the window frame to the ceiling.
3) Extra Width
In a room like the picture where the glass runs the full width of the wall, so will your curtains. With windows or glass doors and panels inset in walls, choose a rod length that extends beyond your frame, depending on the style of room this could be between 10-25 cm extra on each side.
The extra width gives the perception that your windows, doors or panels are larger and it allows for the curtain fabric to be pushed to either side when the curtains are open, which allows maximum natural light into the room during the day and the extra width will help to block out more light at night.
4) Consistent Placement
If you will have more than one set of curtains in a room make sure that all curtain rods are placed at the same height.
If you will be working with multiple windows that require the same rod height and length, to maintain consistency without having to measure each one, create a template to use at the top corners of each, showing where the fittings need to attach to the walls.
5) Floor Length Curtains
For most windows, glass doors and panels, particularly bedrooms, dining rooms and living areas it looks best to have the curtains fall full-length to the floor. This looks more premium and the long length of curtains that have been hung high adds to the perception of height and space in the room.
In some rooms, such as bedrooms or formal areas, if you want a more romantic feel you can have the curtains longer so they drape onto the floor.
6) Fabric Quantity
To get the necessary sense of fullness you need for curtains to look luxurious you need to buy fabric that will cover at least double, preferably more, than the width of your window.
7) Fabric Selection
Your choice of fabric needs to reflect the style of room i.e. casual or formal, taking into account material density, lightness , quality and colour, keeping in mind dark colours will fade more over time in direct sunlight.
If you are using two layers of curtains you will need your light or block-out fabric as well.
Using a large piece of sample fabric check that all the material you want to use will drape well and ideally, all the fabrics you are selecting should be machine washable for easy long-term care.
8) Steam or Iron Curtains
Take the time to steam or iron your curtains before hanging them.
9) Hardware Selection
It's important to choose the right style of hardware for your curtains, taking into account the style of the room and the fabric you have selected.
Choose your style of material e.g. timber or metal and your colour e.g. light, dark, silver, black or white and the style of your finials.
Consider whether you need single or double rods, whether you need curtain rings or not and what fittings are required to attach the hardware to your walls.