8 Common Curtain Mistakes Homeowners Make That You Should Avoid
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Curtains are my go-to for instantly softening the look of any room. Their flowing fabric and gentle creases bring just the right amount of warmth and coziness to a space. I honestly can't live without them, I’ve got them in every room of my house!
In this post, I’m sharing 8 common curtain mistakes that I see all the time in homes. If you’re shopping for curtains or planning to update your window treatments, you’ll want to avoid these to ensure your space looks its absolute best.
So, before you hang that next curtain rod, check out these tips. Keeping them in mind will help transform your space into something straight out of a designer magazine!
Mistake 1: Curtains Are Hanging Too Low
While you're absolutely right about hanging the curtain rod above the window frame, a lot of people stop just a bit too early and hang it right above the frame instead of going higher. This leaves too much space between the rod and the ceiling, which makes the curtains sit too low. The result? The room and the window ends up looking smaller, and in larger rooms, it can even feel unfinished.
To avoid this, try hanging the rod at least 6-12 inches above the window frame. This little adjustment will draw the eye upward, making the window feel wider, room feel taller and more expansive, and complete.
Mistake 2: Curtains Are Too Short
Curtains that stop too far from the floor instantly cheapen the look of a room. It's a common mistake because many people skip the step of measuring the height before purchasing, leading to curtains that look as though you're prepping for a flood! Not only does this create an awkward, unfinished look, but it also takes away from the elegance and flow that full-length curtains provide.
To avoid this mistake, always measure the distance from the curtain rod to the floor before shopping. This way, you’ll know exactly what length to buy, ensuring your curtains either gently kiss the floor for that polished, high-end finish.
Mistake 3: Curtains Are Too Narrow
Curtains that don’t have enough fabric end up looking like a flat sheet when drawn. While they may cover the window, they lack the beautiful fullness that flowing curtains should have. This happens because people often measure the window's width and purchase curtains of the exact same width. While that might look fine when the curtains are open, the moment you draw them, they fall flat, literally.
To avoid this mistake, use a simple thumb rule: purchase curtains that are 2 to 2.5 times the width of your window. This extra fabric creates those lovely, natural folds and drapes, giving your room a more luxurious, well-designed look.
Mistake 4: Not Considering Light Blocking & Privacy
Curtains generally come in two fundamental types: light-blocking and light-filtering. While both offer privacy, light-blocking curtains provide a higher level of privacy, which is essential for rooms like bedrooms or nurseries. A common mistake is not considering the specific purpose of the room when choosing curtains, resulting in either too much light being blocked or not enough, leaving the space either too dark or too exposed.
To avoid this mistake, think about the function of the room before you buy. For bedrooms or media rooms, opt for light-blocking curtains to ensure better sleep or entertainment experiences. For living spaces or kitchens, light-filtering curtains might be more suitable to allow natural light while still maintaining privacy. This way, you’ll pick curtains that perfectly fit the needs of each room.
Mistake 5: Buying Cheap Curtain Hardware
Cheaply made curtain rods with overly fancy ends, like crystal knobs or ornate, curvy shapes, can instantly cheapen the overall look of your curtains and the room. Plus, lightweight rods won’t hold up well, especially for large windows or heavier curtains, leading to sagging or bending.
To avoid this mistake, don’t skimp on the quality of your curtain rods. And opt for simple, solid designs in timeless finishes like black matte or brushed nickel. These understated styles give you that polished, designer look while ensuring your curtains are well-supported and hang beautifully.
Mistake 6: Clashing Patterns & Colors
Since curtains are such a dominant decor element that runs from floor to ceiling, it's crucial to consider the color and pattern when you're shopping for them. Curtains that are too heavily patterned or in a color that clashes with the rest of your decor can easily throw off the entire vibe of the room and make it look less cohesive and inexpensive.
For a designer-style look, stick to neutral tones. Solid whites, beiges, and taupes are timeless and versatile, blending seamlessly with any decor style. If you find solid neutrals too plain, there are some really nice curtains with subtle patterns in neutral tones too. These can add interest and texture without overwhelming the space, giving you that luxe look without breaking the bank.
Mistake 7: Lack Of Consistency Across Rooms
Another common mistake seen in many homes is using different styles, colors, and patterns of curtains for each room. This is one of the main reasons a home lacks cohesiveness and can end up looking disjointed or even cheap. When there’s too much contrast between curtain choices, it disrupts the overall flow and aesthetic of the house.
To avoid this mistake, stick to a consistent color palette throughout your home. Even better, buy the same curtain style for each room. If you want some variety, ensure they all come from the same color family to maintain harmony. This simple trick will create a unified, polished look that ties your home together beautifully.
Mistake 8: Choosing The Wrong Curtain Headers
Curtain headers play a significant role in determining the overall style and look of your curtains. Options like pinch pleats, grommets, rod pockets, pleated styles, and box pleats all influence how curtains hang from the rod and how they complement the room's decor.
Among these options, pinch pleats are the only header that truly give a designer-style look. Other types of headers fall short in adding that luxe factor to a room. If you've ever wondered why your curtains don't quite look as polished, this could be a major reason.
To elevate your space, choose curtains with pinch pleats. This header creates beautiful, structured creases that give the curtains a custom-made, stunning appearance.
These were the eight most commonly seen mistakes that people make with curtains. If you're convinced that curtains and drapes are the way to go for window treatments, keep these pointers in mind while shopping.
Remember, achieving a designer look doesn't require spending thousands of dollars; it can all be accomplished with the right choices and a little creativity! By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can elevate your space and create a warm, inviting atmosphere that truly reflects your personal style. Happy decorating!
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