Figuring out window treatments can indeed be a puzzle! It’s a common challenge, and if you’re a visual learner, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best practices for hanging curtains, offering tips and solutions for various window scenarios that might have you stumped.
While design “rules” can feel restrictive, helpful guides can be invaluable. Think of this as your go-to resource rather than a rigid set of rules. There’s always room for personal style and exceptions, but these guidelines will generally lead to fantastic results, especially for standard windows. Having made my share of curtain hanging mistakes – from inaccurate measurements to rushed jobs and trying to make ill-fitting lengths work – I’m sharing this guide to help you avoid the same pitfalls!
Natural light is unbeatable, and in our previous home, I often left windows facing trees bare. However, curtains bring so much to a space. Beyond aesthetics, window treatments offer practical benefits: they help insulate during colder months and block excessive sunlight in warmer seasons. Visually, curtains and shades can elevate a room, adding height, personality, warmth, and a touch of elegance.
Let’s explore some common window treatment dilemmas and how to solve them:
Window Treatments for Arched Windows
Arched windows are beautiful architectural features, but dressing them can be tricky. Here are a couple of approaches:
Shinola Hotel, photo by Nicole Franzen
Consider hanging curtains above and wider than the arch itself. This method enhances the window’s design while adding color, warmth, and light control. It doesn’t obscure the arch but frames it beautifully, making the room feel more complete and inviting.
via Holt Interiors
Alternatively, combine shades for the arched portion with curtains and shades for any accompanying rectangular windows. This approach respects the unique shape of the arched window, highlighting its beauty while providing functional window treatments for the entire window unit. It’s a sophisticated way to treat arched windows without overshadowing their architectural charm.
Window Treatments for Vaulted Ceilings
High vaulted ceilings can create a dramatic and spacious feel. Curtains can amplify this effect!
by Studio McGee
by Jenna Sue Design
For rooms with high vaulted ceilings and windows, embrace drama! Hang curtains about 8 to 12 inches above the window frame. Let the curtains just touch or slightly sweep the floor. This technique adds even more perceived height and creates visual balance on tall walls. The result is an elegant, well-proportioned space.
Curtains for Wall-to-Wall Windows or Doors
Treating expansive walls of windows or doors can be challenging, but curtains can bring a sense of coziness and practicality.
by Studio McGee
source
Amber Lewis for Anthropologie
Opt for high and wide curtain placement. This approach adds a layer of coziness to rooms with extensive glass while providing essential privacy and light control when needed. Whether you choose solid colors or patterns, floor-to-ceiling curtains on wall-to-wall windows make a striking design statement.
Window Treatments for Boxed-In Windows
Boxed-in windows, often found in nooks or corners, require space-efficient solutions. Shades are an excellent choice here.
by Ginny McDonald
As demonstrated in this charming children’s room corner by Ginny McDonald, woven shades are ideal for boxed-in windows. With bookshelves flanking the window and a window bench beneath, shades offer a clean, functional solution without taking up valuable space. They provide privacy and light filtering while maintaining a streamlined look.
Curtains for Corner Windows
Corner windows present a unique design opportunity. Clever curtain rod placement can maximize light and enhance the architectural detail.
by Room for Tuesday
Consider a slide bar style curtain rod. As Sarah from Room for Tuesday beautifully illustrates in her guest bedroom, using a brass rod with rings on both sides of corner windows allows curtains to be easily slid aside. This maximizes natural light and offers flexibility in adjusting privacy and light exposure. This method is particularly effective when windows are close to walls or wall molding.
Curtains for Windows Behind a Bed
Windows behind a bed can be seamlessly incorporated into your bedroom design with the right curtain hardware.
by Stephanie Sabbe Design
For windows situated behind a bed frame, use a wrap-around curtain rod. Mount it higher and wider than the window to create a soft, framed backdrop for your bed. Pair with curtain rod rings for easy opening and closing. This technique turns a potentially awkward window placement into a design feature, adding depth and visual interest to your bedroom.
Premium woven shades and linen room darkening curtains in the nursery.
Shades and Blinds: Layering for Functionality and Style
I’m a big fan of layering woven shades with curtains. This combination offers both style and practicality. Layering allows for greater control over light and provides an opportunity to use curtains more decoratively.
Woven shades and blinds come in various materials and qualities, with many modern features available. You can find custom sizes, cordless options for safety, and even remote-controlled blinds for convenience.
ONE (what we have in two rooms) // TWO // THREE (what we have in Chiara’s room) FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT
ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN (in our dining room) // EIGHT NINE (what we have in our living room) // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE THIRTEEN // FOURTEEN // FIFTEEN // SIXTEEN // SEVENTEEN (we have used these curtain rods several times and love them!)
For children’s rooms, cordless shades are especially valuable for safety. While custom shades can be an investment, budget-friendly options are available that still do the job effectively!
(We used these 4 curtain panels and curtain rod in our living room.)
A Note on Curtain Lengths: Finding the Right Fit
Curtain lengths can be surprisingly limited. It’s a common frustration that standard sizes often seem either too short or too long for typical homes. Unless you opt for custom lengths, you’re usually choosing between 63, 84, 95, or 108-inch panels. I’ve rarely found an 84-inch panel to be just right, often needing to hang rods higher to make 95 (or 96) inch lengths work.
For a quick, no-sew solution to length issues, hem tape is your friend! I’ve successfully used it on IKEA curtains to achieve the perfect drop.
(High and wide curtain rod in the girls bedroom.)
(Adds height, color and texture, and light control. Curtains, woven shades, and curtain rod used.)
In my girls’ room, I went higher than my usual recommendation because of the 95-inch curtain length I loved. Using four panels, altering them all seemed unnecessary. Since the room has high ceilings, raising the rod a few inches allowed the curtains to just graze the floor, achieving the desired look.
Always measure your wall height before deciding on curtain lengths! (Learn from my habit of guessing and the extra costs it has incurred.)
That pretty much covers the essentials! Here’s to fewer wall patching mishaps and more confident curtain hanging experiences!
