Worth a Fix: Common Ways You Might Be Getting Window Treatments Wrong
Windows — and their coverings — are a big part of your home’s design. Are you getting yours right? There are a lot of ways you can go wrong with window treatments in your home. Here are seven to look out for.
1. Not considering the function your room needs
Like the look of sheers but can’t sleep because they let too much street light in? Love the look of big, thick drapes but wish you had more of a breeze in your home? Don’t just choose your window covering by looks — choose it for how you need it to function, too.
2. Not layering
Layering is a way to bring sophistication in your decor in vignettes, on your sofa, on a bed and yes, on your windows, too. You can get away with just blinds or just curtains, but if you really want a lush space, play around with all the different window covering combinations that exist to find the right mix for your style.
3. Not getting the length right
The length of curtains is pretty vital to a room. Too short, and it’ll look like you didn’t buy them long enough. Many will say long enough that they hover just above your floor; this will allow the look of length but without the dirt dragging possibilities. But those who want a really formal, lux look might consider too-long curtains that pool at the ground.
4. Not adjusting the rod
You want to hang your curtain rod not for the window, but for the room. If you want a room that feels taller, consider raising your curtain rod. Playing around with the placement of a curtain rod (and therefore, the curtains) can make small windows seem bigger.
- Make the Most of the Light: Tips for Beautiful Curtains
- Decor PSA: Hang Curtains High & Wide
5. Not adding details
From curtain tiebacks to fringe and more, there are a lot of details that can be added to new or existing window treatments to really make them unique.
→ DIY Design Details: 8 Ways to Make Your Curtains Look Even Better
6. Using them when you don’t need them
Not every window needs a window treatment. If you don’t need them for privacy or any other function, first live with a bare window to see if letting the view and the architecture shine is the right decision for that room.
7. Not exploring all the different window covering options
Valances, shades, blinds, curtains and more — there are a lot of choices out there! And they all provide a different function, look and feel. And that’s not even counting the different types of curtain rods or the different ways you can hang a curtain from one. Do yourself and your home the favor of flipping through a lot of different window treatment type inspiration before you settle on the kind you’ve always had in homes past; you might surprise yourself with something new!