Hanging curtains is a great, budget-friendly way to refresh your home, but it can be tricky to get right.
From mismeasuring windows to placing curtain rods incorrectly, there are plenty of things that can go wrong.
Let me share seven common mistakes people often make when hanging curtains. I will give you all the tips you need to avoid or fix them.
By steering clear of these errors, you can make your spaces look absolutely stunning. Your room and windows will appear larger, brighter, and more inviting, all with just a few simple adjustments.
1. Hanging Rods With The Same Width As Your Window
Mistake number one is hanging rods that are the same width as your window. This is one of the most common errors in window treatment placement.
Instead, use curtain rods that extend about three to six inches beyond each side of your window. Make sure the rod is wide enough so that when the curtains are open, the inner edges cover the window frame but not the glass.
This trick will make your window look larger and keep the curtains from blocking natural light!
2. Placing Curtain Rod Too Low
Mistake number two is placing your curtain rod too low. Hanging your rod too close to the top of your window frame can make the space look cramped and unbalanced. Don’t let this common mistake ruin your room’s look.
A good rule of thumb is to hang your curtain rod 4 to 6 inches above the top of your window frame. This simple adjustment can do wonders for your space, making it feel taller and more open.
When you do this, the curtain panels draw the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and spaciousness.
I remember when I first moved into my apartment, I made this mistake, and it made my living room feel smaller.
Raising the rods made such a difference, it instantly made the room feel taller and more inviting!
3. Curtain Length
Float
Falling short on curtain length is a common mistake, but getting it right can be tricky. So, what’s the right length for your curtains?
There are actually four different ways to hang them, but let’s focus on one that’s great for a contemporary look which is the float.
If you have a highly textured carpet that could snag your curtains, the float is your best bet. This method leaves about an inch of space between the floor and the hem of your curtains, preventing any damage.
I once made the mistake of letting my curtains drag on a rough carpet, and they started to fray at the edges.
Switching to the float style not only saved my curtains but also gave the room a neat, modern vibe!
Kiss
For a contemporary or transitional theme, the “kiss” is your go-to option. It’s elegant without being too flashy, giving your space a polished look.
This style can be a bit tricky, though, because it requires your curtain hem to just barely touch the floor.
The key is precision is just a slight touch to the floor, no more, no less. It’s worth the effort for that subtle, refined finish!
Break Puddle
For an informal and relaxed look, a popular choice among interior designers is to let your curtains or drapes extend an inch or two onto the floor.
This subtle touch adds a cozy, laid-back vibe to any room!
Heavy Puddle
For a formal and traditional look, the heavy puddling of fabric adds volume and creates a stunning, dramatic effect.
To achieve this, add about 10 inches of extra length to your curtains. Using rich, luxurious fabrics like velvet really enhances this elegant style!
4. Curtains Panels That Are Not Wide Enough
Mistake four is choosing curtain panels that aren’t wide enough for your windows. For a more elegant look, your curtains should have enough width to create a sense of fullness when closed.
To achieve this, the width of your curtains should be two to three times the width of your window. For example, if your window is 40 inches wide, you should aim for curtains that are 80 to 120 inches wide.
I learned this the hard way when my first set of curtains looked flat and underwhelming, going wider made all the difference!
5. Flimsy Curtain Rod
Mistake five is using a cheap and flimsy curtain rod. If you notice your curtain rod bowing or sagging in the middle, it’s not only unattractive but also at risk of falling.
I made this mistake once, and my curtains ended up on the floor, not fun!
Don’t skimp on your curtain rods. Instead, invest in well-made rods, preferably metal or wood, and make sure to drill holes for sturdy brackets.
If you’re renting, you can opt for damage-free bracket supports that securely attach to your walls without leaving marks. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
6. Choosing High Maintenance Fabric
Sometimes, the look and feel of a fabric can distract us from practical concerns when choosing curtains.
It’s important to pick curtain fabrics that can be machine washed, especially if you have heavy or long curtains.
I learned this the hard way after choosing beautiful, but dry-clean-only curtains that turned out to be expensive and high-maintenance.
Keep in mind that dry-clean-only fabrics can add to your costs and hassle. Opting for machine-washable fabrics can save you time and money in the long run!
7. Hanging Wrinkled Curtains
Sometimes, after the excitement or exhaustion of finding the perfect curtains, it’s tempting to hang them up right away without a second thought.
I know I’ve been there, rushing to hang new curtains only to realize later that they were wrinkled and not quite polished.
Spending just a few minutes ironing your curtains can make a huge difference, giving them a sleek, clean look that really finishes off the room.
Trust me, that extra step is worth it for a flawless finish!
Extra Tips! First, prioritize your needs by choosing window treatments that fit your home style, lifestyle, and space conditions.
For example, if you have kids or pets, go for durable, easy-to-clean curtains, and in humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms, opt for low-maintenance blinds. Second, stick with neutral colors for versatility, as they adapt easily to any decor changes.
Lastly, consider functionality: use blackout fabrics in bedrooms to block light and double rods with both blackout and sheer panels for flexibility.
Curtains should be stylish and functional, offering both privacy and light control!