Window treatments contribute to how visually large, comfortable, and well-designed your space is. Want to decorate with window treatments like a true interior designer? Here are the 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
Ever wondered why your home looks so small and cramped? You could be hanging your curtains wrong. We’re not kidding.
Window treatments, such as curtains, blinds, and shutters, may seem like small, insignificant features of your home but truth is, they do something other than controlling the harsh sunlight. They contribute to how visually large, comfortable, and well-designed your space is.
Want to decorate with window treatments like a true interior designer? Here are the 10 do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
1. Hang the curtains high and wide
Are you short on space? One of the best tricks to make a small space bigger is by hanging the right curtain at the right place.
When in doubt, hang drapes at least 12 inches above the window frame or even all the way to the ceiling (if you have low ceiling). As for width, consider extending your curtain rod out three to six inches on each side.
2. Take it to the floor
Floor-to-ceiling draperies never fail to give your home a grand look. Not only they look elegant and expensive - these timeless additions also work to make your ceilings look higher and your space larger.
3. Don’t hang them right above the window
This small mistake not only makes your window look awkward - it will also make your space look cluttered.
4. Layer window treatments
Like wearing a vest, coat, or scarf over a classic tee, there’s something stylish about having rows of multiple curtains and blinds, merged as layered window treatments.
You can frame a matchstick shade with drapes, pair wood blinds with roman shades, top classic curtains with a chic valance, or simply pairing a sheer white curtain with a thick, sultry jewel-toned drapery.
They give off the look of expensive custom window treatments while providing the right amount of light canceling in your space.
5. Don’t go overboard
While it’s nice to layer window treatments, it’s not suggested to go overboard. The more fabric, the darker and more cramped your space will look.
6. Keep it light and airy with all-white window treatments
Lacking on windows and natural light sources? Perhaps a set of white sheer curtains is all you need to get that light and airy ambiance.
All-white window treatments, whether that's white curtains or white blinds, are classic and simple solutions for making a room appear brighter, larger, and cleaner too.
7. Take measurements
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is buying a store-bought curtain without measuring the height of the walls.
Don’t assume that one size fits all. Take measurements before buying curtains and blinds to make sure you’re getting a tailored look you desire.
8. Opt for wide-slat blinds and shutters
Even the size of the slats in your window treatment can transform the space. When choosing blinds or indoor shutters for your space, invest in wood or faux wood options with wider slats, which are sturdier and more aesthetically pleasing.
9. Say no to cheap, flimsy blinds
What comes to mind when you hear the term “blinds”?
You may have thought of the plastic, flimsy, budget blinds you had at your first job, which breaks and discolors easily. Well, today’s a different story. From modern vertical blinds to patterned roman blinds, you can purchase a wide variety of blinds that are durable, long-lasting, and even attractive.
10. Use a different window treatment for a different room
Your window treatments don’t have to be uniform throughout the home. Each room has a specific purpose, so you should decorate it with the right window covering.
Want to put some sheer, white curtains? You should probably place them in the living room, which has to be light and airy - not in the bedroom where you demand darkness and calmness. For a sleep-friendly bedroom, try going for heavier drapes and blackout curtains.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad writes for iStyle Shutters, a leading provider of high-quality window coverings in Sydney including blinds, plantation shutters, and awnings. Writing about home improvement is her cup of tea.
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