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How to Hang Curtains

The 2 Rules You Need for Drapery Hanging

I’m not a big rule follower.
My natural tendency is to buck the system.
But, when it comes to hanging curtains you really do need to follow the rules. Well, you don’t HAVE to, but let’s just say that if you don’t, the window treatment police will be headed to your home, and off to drapery jail you go.
Hmmm, if only that were true, but then again, if it were I may be out of work.

What if I told you that following these 2 rules would make your windows look larger, your room feel bigger and would also let more light into your home? Then would you follow the drapery hanging rules?
I’m betting you would.
Now, I’m not talking about what fabric to use or how wide the panels need to be, etc. That’s another blog post altogether.

Here they are, the two rules you need to follow when hanging curtains.

1. Hang them high and wide
2. Hang them just above the floor

Can you tell the difference in the pictures above?

High and wide, high and wide, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve said this phrase. I say it at almost every Consultation I go to and I repeat it to every client I have.
Your draperies should be hung at the ceiling or just below your crown molding if you have it. If you can’t go that high because it’s just way too out there for you, then at least hang them half way between the top of your window trim and the ceiling.
The inside edge of the drapery should be hung on the edge of the glass, where it meets the trim and extend out from there onto the wall. The fabric should not be covering the glass part of the window.
So the draperies are high and wide. They are actually taking up space on the wall, not on the window. That way they are letting in the most amount of light possible. AND, they are making your window appear larger than it is.

The correct length of a drapery panel is just to the floor.
If you are super, fancy pants you can have them puddling. But, only if you’re super, fancy pants and your room is super, fancy pants formal.

Otherwise, hang them just to the floor. Please, don’t hang them to the bottom of the window. Times have changed. Hanging them to the bottom of the windowsill looks like your window is wearing floods. Remember that kid in elementary school that wore floods to school? Don’t be that kid when it comes to your draperies. That’s it. And, I’m not legally responsible for this, but your baseboard heater does not get so hot that it will burn a quality drapery. If you’re really worried about your baseboard heater then go with a roman shade. Skip the drapery.

Those are my two rules. I’m sure some of you will disagree with me. I’m sure you’ll want to argue your point. But, believe me, I’m steadfast on these 2 rules. Yeah, they’re my opinion, but it’s an educated, professional one. And, it’s my blog…

Let me know what you think in the Comments below.
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