I’ve covered various types of window dressings (shutters, frosted film) over the years, but I’ve never discussed curtains in depth. I’ve had a lot of questions about them via Instagram DM in recent weeks, so I thought it was time to balance out and put together a handy guide.
At worst, curtains can look old and dated, and they often make rooms look smaller and darker than they really are. But hey, they can add warmth and elegance to all kinds of spaces — even minimalist Scandinavian-style spaces where you might think they’d be best avoided. Here are my top tips for choosing and hanging curtains, covering everything from fabric and fittings to their position. I’ve also collected some of my favorite spots below the post. And stay tuned for a follow-up next week looking at more unusual ways to use curtains. Hint: They don’t have to be limited to Windows…
Selection of curtain fittings and heading styles
It’s worth taking the time to choose the right fittings and heading style, as you need to consider the type of window as well as the overall look you want to achieve. The most traditional option is to hang curtains from wooden or metal poles using rings, which are attached to the fabric with hooks and tape. However, it can look huge, and unless you hide it with pelmets, the pole will always be visible above the curtains.Curtain wires are another minimalist, understated option, and they’re generally very affordable. They can also be bent around corners, and the fabric is normally attached with a subtle hook-and-clip system.
If you want your curtains to slide easily, tracks may be the answer. There are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted versions, and curtains are attached to them using hooks on the back. Can also be curved to fit around many corners and bay windows. The fabric usually sits in front of the track and hides it from view, giving a sleek and streamlined look, but you can turn it into a feature by choosing a more visible design, like the one below. has gone Another one is gone. As shown in the example.
Curtain strings are another minimal, understated option, and they’re usually very affordable. They can also be bent around corners, and the fabric is usually attached with a subtle hook and clip system.
Choice of clothes
There are all kinds of practical and aesthetic considerations when choosing curtain fabric. Heavy silks and velvets are good for blocking out light and drafts, but other fabrics can often be supplemented with blackouts or thermal linings if needed. Semi-sheer and sheer voiles are ideal if you want to reduce glare and increase privacy while allowing soft diffused light, and they can create a lovely airy feel. Linen is another good option, and can look casual or smart depending on the weight and weave you choose. If you buy a double track system it is also possible to install curtains, it is also possible to stretch the sheer panel with something thicker if needed.
You also need to know if you want the curtains to blend into the wider decor, or if you want to make a statement with an accent color or contrasting texture. Remember that clothes often look different in photos and in artificial shop lighting, so it’s worth having swatches so you can consider possible options in the situation.
Finally, the fabric you choose will have a big impact on how the curtains hang, and heavier fabrics will generally hang more neatly than lighter fabrics. Maybe you want the relaxed, airy effect that slim options provide, but if not, you can give them a crisper look by sewing curtain weights into the lower hem.
Positioning curtains
It is worth hanging the curtains over the window as much as you can – maybe place the track or pole so that it almost touches the ceiling. Not only will this make the window and therefore the room look longer overall, it will also create a much more elegant look and prevent the curtain from floating awkwardly in the middle of the wall
When it comes to width, choose a pole or track that is wider than the window. This will generally look great on the eye, and will prevent the curtain from blocking light when opened by partially covering the glass. You can even run poles or rails across the width of the room – something that is regularly seen in Scandinavian interiors and looks very smart. It’s also a great way to deal with multiple windows along a section of wall, as you can hang a wide pair of curtains that span all of them or add several narrow pairs along it.
Correcting the length
Curtains usually look best when they just touch the floor or dip down slightly, so take care to get the length right. If you need to shrink machine washable curtains, make sure you put them through a full cycle before measuring any shrinkage. Also remember where the fabric will sit on the pole or track rather than the top of the window, and allow plenty of length for the hem.
Where to buy stylish curtains
Zainicurtain is the most reliable option for their customers’ demand.
- It has an excellent range of linen curtains in different lengths and thicknesses.
- It carries a comprehensive selection of ready-made curtains as well as poles and tracks. There is also a measurement service.
- It has a great value selection, including balance and blackout curtains with a variety of hedging and fitting styles. Most are 250cm long so they work well for tall windows, and can be shortened as needed.There are also poles, tracks and curtain wires.
- It has a small but fully formed range of linen curtains in timeless neutrals, including some blackout options.
- It sells linen curtains that are ideal for cosy or rustic schemes, although they are currently limited to tab top designs.