When choosing curtains, make sure they are the appropriate size for your windows.

One of the most common mistakes home owners make when purchasing curtains for their homes is that the curtains are not appropriately sized for their windows. Always make sure you measure your windows before purchasing curtains.

A general rule of thumb is that your curtain panels should be roughly double the width of the window you’re attempting to shade in order to avoid unexpected light leaks when the curtains are closed. Avoid curtains that are too short, as they can visually shorten your space, making the ceiling look shorter and the room look smaller overall. To determine the appropriate length of curtain to buy, it’s best to measure from the floor to where you’ll mount the curtain rod. 

Make sure to hang your curtain rod in the appropriate spot.

Not only can the length of your curtains impact the way your space is perceived, so can the location of the curtain rod. Always make sure you mount your curtain rod a few inches higher than your window frame to visually lengthen your room. A curtain rod that sits too close to the window can make a space seem smaller than it actually is. It’s also important to choose a curtain rod that’s wider than your window. This allows you to pull your curtains to the side of the windows and makes your space appear bigger.

Consider the functional purpose of the window treatments when choosing a material.

While window treatments are a wonderful way to dress up any room of the house, they also serve a functional purpose as well. It’s important to consider the function of the room when choosing the material of your curtains. If you’re looking to keep your bedroom dark for sleeping, it’s best to go with a thicker fabric, or even consider black out curtains, and to make sure to select a style that will cover the whole window. If you love the natural light look, choosing a lighter fabric will allow more light to pour into your space.

When choosing the right curtain fabric, it’s also important to consider that the amount of light a room receives has an impact on how spacious a room feels. For smaller rooms, it’s best to choose curtains that have a lightweight fabric to allow more light to filter through. Heavier fabric curtains are better suited for rooms that in which an excessive amount of light is not desirable, or in rooms in which you seek a cozy or moody environment.

Choose a color/pattern that compliments the style of your home. 

When choosing the right curtain color, select a color/pattern that helps you achieve the desired tone for the space, and works well with the other design elements. It’s helpful to consider whether or not you want your curtains to pop, or to blend into the background. Once you decide what statement you want to make, consider the existing color palette, and what aspects of that palette will help you achieve your desired look.

If you would like the curtains to make a statement, consider the accent colors you have chosen for your palette, and choose a dominant color. If you want your curtains to blend into the background, consider the neutral bases of your color palette, and select a color that frames your windows in a subtle way.

Whether you’re adding privacy to your bedroom, or adding a pop of color to your living room, choosing the right window treatments can be both functional and stylish. Check out our preferred window treatment vendor, Mod Drapery Co. for inspiration, and receive a discount on window treatments when you build your new home with Landmark!