Curtain Tips: Best Beginners Guide Hands-Down
Choosing and hanging drapes. Easy, right? Well… It may seem like a straightforward task but there’s a lot more that goes into it than just the color of the curtain.
There’s also the matter of the many types of curtains on the market, the different colors, materials, and patterns that make deciding and figuring out what looks best harder than it should be.
This is why I put together this useful and handy roundup of the essential curtain tips you need to know and a few guidelines you can use for hanging curtains.
Once you’re done going through these curtain tips, I’m certain you’ll be well prepared to pick the best curtain that will upgrade your space.
So, without dragging things out, here’s everything you need to know:
Table of Contents
Essential Curtains Tips Everyone Should Know
Type of Curtains
Curtains are really important as they set the tone and have a significant visual impact on a room.
Each curtain has a distinct style that makes it different from the other and this usually results in a particular look.
Some of these curtains can add a bit more detail to enhance the space while others are more on the simple side.
It’s a good idea to know the difference so that you can choose one that will improve and elevate your window area.
I’ve narrowed down the options into the most popular types of curtains:
Panel Pair Curtains
These curtains are used in just about any room.
It consists of two single curtains which are placed on both sides of a window and are drawn open during the day and pulled together at night.
These curtains look elegant and classy as it frames the window on either side.
Tab Top Curtains
These are curtains in which the tabs slide in through the rod and there’s no need for hooks since they hang from the rod.
This type of curtain has a more casual and relaxed look.
They often are best suited for contemporary, modern, or cottage-style decors and you can have them in the bedroom or living room.
Here’s a stunning Tap Top curtain from Amazon:
Grommet Curtains
Also known as eyelet curtains, these are a popular style of curtains that are used in every kind of room.
They’re versatile and come in different colors including the rings. These curtains easily slide on the rod to open and close without tugging.
See this grommet curtain on Amazon:
Apron Curtains
For smaller windows or rooms where a shorter curtain is necessary, this apron curtain is exactly what you need.
They can be considered half-length curtains since they don’t touch the floors.
For kitchens, these apron curtains look cute and elegant while also adding style and personality.
Color Scheme
Choosing the right color curtain is a huge deal as this could make or break the space. The window area is something our eyes are naturally drawn to and having beautiful drapes will ensure your decor looks complete.
Depending on your intention, if you want the curtains to be one of the main features in the space, then having a contrasting or vibrant color curtain will do the trick.
You could also match the curtains to that of the furnishing for a cohesive look.
But if you want to make sure the curtains pair well with all the colors in the space, then opt for having any neutral color curtain that will add an elegant and natural feel to the space.
White, cream, beige, tan, or gray are fantastic neutral colors that add a timeless and classy appeal.
This color curtain is also useful for adding a soft effect to the window area while helping tone down and balance intense or vibrant colors in the room.
With neutral curtains, you don’t have to worry if the curtains will clash with the wall color since these colors complement most colors.
This makes it one of the safest and most popular color curtains in modern decors.
See also: What Color Curtains Warm A Room? (6 Best Colors)
Material
The fabric of the curtain can also affect the overall mood, aesthetic, and appeal of the curtain. This could also determine how much light enters the space.
For example, chiffon and voile are lightweight materials that can look elegant, soft, and beautiful on the window.
This curtain can be used to make the space appear brighter and it allows for plenty of light to illuminate the space.
Velvet curtains are a more heavy-weight fabric that adds a dramatic and cozy flair to the space and these are great if you want a thick curtain to add depth to the space.
Linen is one of the most common and popular fabrics for curtains as this gives a classic and timeless look. It’s also quite durable and long-lasting even when it goes through the wash a few times.
Polyester is another popular fabric curtain that is cheap and sturdy. It withstands wrinkling and creates pleasing drapes. It’s a pretty common option and quite loved by many.
So, when choosing a curtain to hang in your home, do take into consideration the type of material and the effect it will have.
Patterns
Patterned curtains aren’t as quite popular an option as they used to be. Some patterned curtains can make a space look overwhelming and crowded especially with busy designs.
When choosing to have a patterned curtain, you’ll have to pick carefully to avoid the curtain from looking tacky.
Some patterns can also make a space look smaller than it is.
For a decor that is mostly minimalistic or simple, this could greatly benefit from having prints to bring attention and interest to the space.
Get this simple patterned curtain from Amazon
The best types of patterned curtains are geometric patterns as this adds a modern and trendy detail.
You could ensure a smooth flow by matching the colors of the print to that of the color scheme in the space.
Or you could opt for a light patterned curtain that will blend in with most spaces.
I think the safest way to think about it is to weigh the amount of detail in the space.
If the room already has plenty of prints and colors, for instance, the rug and throw pillows, then maybe it would be better to stick with a solid color curtain.
It really depends on the setting of the decor.
Privacy & Light Blocking
To feel relaxed and comfortable at home, having sufficient privacy is essential. If you don’t want people prying or seeing inside when the lights are on, then you’re going to need a curtain that does the job.
There are 4 best types of curtains you can go with if you want to make sure no one can see inside and you can control the amount of light that enters the space.
These are blackout curtains, double curtains, double lined curtains, and solid color curtains.
Blackout curtains are especially useful for darkening a room and this is great if you want to sleep in total darkness as they have a foam sewn into the back of the curtain and which prevents light from filtering in.
Not only are the curtains functional and useful, but they are also stylish and modern so they should fit in with any style of decor.
You can find them in various different colors suitable for your space.
See also: Best Types Of Privacy Curtains (With Alternatives)
Hanging Curtains
The second most important aspect of curtains is getting them up on the wall.
The way you hang the curtains will also determine the amount of visual interest in the space.
This might be slightly tricky if it’s your first time hanging curtains but there are plenty of useful guides and tips you can follow so you can get it right the first time.
We could quickly sum up the process of hanging curtains into this:
- Get the wrinkles out before hanging the curtain. A messy or untidy curtain won’t look pleasant when it’s hung so take some time for a perfect finish.
- Gather your supplies. You’ll need the correct rod and brackets that will withstand the weight of the curtain.
- If you’re not renting an apartment or home, you will then drill the brackets and rod into the correct positioning, paying careful attention to the width and length of the curtain.
It’s often recommended to hang curtains 4-6 inches above the window frame and 8 – 12 inches wide with the rod extending 3 – 6 inches past the window frame on either side.
See also: How High Should You Hang Bedroom Curtains?
If you want the curtains to look long and elegant while also making the room appear more spacious, a great tip you can follow is hanging the curtain high from the ceiling and having them just slightly touching the floor.
Curtains that hang high generally look better.
Before hanging any curtain, make sure you get measurements so that the curtains will sit right.
The last thing you’ll want is the curtains to hang wonky and off-center or too short or long.
Do your research but there’s also the option of consulting a professional to help you get it done.
Final Thoughts
From the types of curtains, the colors, patterns, and material to hanging the curtains, that’s pretty much everything you need to know regarding curtains.
Just knowing these essential details will help you greatly if you’re decorating and hanging the curtains by yourself.
This not only makes the process easier but it helps you feel more confident in your choice.
At the end of the day, curtains do matter and they play a big role in the final finish of the interior.
So, spending extra time carefully choosing the best one for your space will ensure your window area is a valuable part of the room.
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