Photo Courtesy: NYcity Blinds of New York
Similar to the shades and tones of the walls as well as the finishing decor, the hanging curtains could help you obtain that special something that you feel is missing from your setup. As most interior designers point out, the modern hanging curtains have earned a greater role in interior decorations and are considered a powerful element that can make or break the entire interior design.
To put it simply, unless your windows integrate an amazing architectural style themselves, then the hanging curtains might just be the thing you were looking for to spice things up. However, in order to be sure you will obtain the complete appearance you were hoping for, here are some useful tricks to remember.
1. Hang them highly
As a rule of thumb, if you want your curtains to fit in like a glove for your decor, then you should create the height illusion by hanging them high enough. In general, suspending them between 4 and 12 inches above the top of the window will do the trick. On the other hand, placing them right on top of the window will make even the most expensive curtains appear out of place and cheap.
2. Go for a curtain rod wider than the window
Stylish Curtain Rods at Nycity Blinds
In addition to suspending them at the appropriate distance from the flooring, another important rule to remember is that the curtain rods must be at least 3 inches wider than the window’s frame on both sides. First off, the effect you will obtain is of a larger and more appealing window that allows additional natural light inside the room. At the same time, you can be certain you will never have to bother with the shadows on the side of the windows.
3. Use hem finishes to adjust its length
Even your ‘kitty’ would love the curtain hemline – Photo Courtesy: Marchnwe
In the eventuality that you want to have a sense of fluidity in the interior decor, then the best approach implies purchasing longer curtains, preferably made of silk. However, because just leaving the curtains hanging there will not look very professional, a good trick to get your desired smooth effect would be to adjust their length with hem finishes, such as the trouser kick, bishop sleeve or the puddle finish. More often than not, the aforementioned hem finishes work best if they are placed approximately 30 inches from the ground.
4. Short curtains could really benefit from extra fabric
Photo Courtesy: Silvia Padovan
If you already have an adorable set of curtains, but they are too short to be used as hanging curtains – in the true sense of the word – then here is a trick you could use: sew a width of fabric in the lower side of your curtains. Irrespective of the type and style of material you choose to add to your current curtains, you will be happy to learn that you can obtain a dazzling custom made appearance. On a side note, interior decorators suggest that velvet and suede textures utilized for the extra fabric are a surefire method to add interest to your “new” curtains.
5. Steam/press the curtains before hanging them
In spite of the fact that this is a general practice for hanging curtains, you will be surprised of how many people forget about this crucial detail. It is necessary to mention that the fabric’s wrinkles will not simply fade off in time. Therefore, if you don’t want it to look like you just took the curtains out of the laundry basket, you should steam or press them – depending on the material – before hanging them above the windows.
6. Tension rods are ideal when you can’t drill holes in the wall
Just because your walls are too thick to drill holes for the windows’ frame and curtains, it does not mean that you can’t do something about it. If you really want hanging curtains in a certain room of your home, then the best solution in this case are the tension rods. Instead of using screws, tension rods integrate springs that expand sidewards to keep the curtain suspended.
7. Don’t forget to leave some room under the curtains
If you hang curtains in your kitchen, make sure to leave enough space for cleaning under them – Photo Courtesy: Nycity Blinds
More often than not, when thinking about hanging curtains most people imagine the kind of flowing drape that impeccably touches the floor. However beautiful the sight may seem, it is recommended to leave a small space under the curtains (1/2 inches above the floor) so you will have room to vacuum or mop effortlessly.
Susie Bradshaw is a regular blogger. She shares interesting home improvement and DIY tips with her readers through her blogs. If you want to know what kind of drapes will look great in your house then visit her website.
