Friends frequently ask if I don’t need privacy, do I need curtains. Depending on the style of the home, my answer is usually yes. For them to understand, I ask a question. Would you walk down the red carpet in a fancy dress without jewelry? Their answer is always – probably not. So let me show you how the right curtains are like the perfect piece of jewelry.
How The Right Curtains Are Like The Perfect Piece of Jewelry
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Curtarra custom curtains in the “Harris” style.
Before choosing curtains you should first consider the style of room or home you have. The only instance where I can see a house without curtains is a modern style. And even in that situation, having curtains can soften the hard edges and bring cohesiveness.
You’ll find a lot of choices when it comes to window treatments. Blinds, shutters, shades, curtains or drapes. In case you don’t know the difference between curtains and drapes, drapes are made of heavier fabrics like velvet or silk. They are considered formal, sometimes puddle on the floor, and they are lined with no light coming through.
Color is Linen White with a white lining
Curtains can be lightly lined or not at all (think sheers). They are made of a lightweight fabric like linen, polyester, or cotton. And they have a casual look (think rings with clips, grommets, or tab tops).
For this post, we are discussing my favorite and extremely popular, flat panels. I like the simplicity, the casualness, how they hang loosely, are informal, and yet graceful. Like me! LOL! No one has ever called me graceful.
I also like for everyday curtains to be a close match to the wall color. That’s not a hard rule. Just a preference. My husband jokes about this but I have holiday curtains too. They are sometimes a dark green velvet. Some are brown and I’ve had a deep red before. But friends, let me say this – none of them have ever looked or fit perfectly like this.
Curtarra Flat Panels: 48.8″ wide with a length of 106.5″ because I used rings.
Before hanging any curtain, measure the window width and height. Proper width of the rod is 4-6″ outside the window frame. Proper height is either 4-6″ above the window frame or up to the ceiling. My nickel opinion is that curtain rods look best when they are at the ceiling unless the ceiling is angled or so tall that the curtains are unmanageable or look like they belong in a castle. But of course there are exceptions – like in our home.
Antique French mirror frame found in a junk store!
The crown molding in our living room is about 8-10 inches thick. I’ve never actually measured. If we hung the rod just under the trim the curtain length to the floor is 110 inches. Standard lengths are 63″, 84″, and 96″. You can sometimes find 108″ in stores or online but the fabric choices are very slim.
When measuring for length, the panels should skim the floor. They shouldn’t be 2 inches longer or 2 inches shorter. If you want them to puddle add 6-10″ for the effect you want. If they are hanging behind a sofa, think twice about faking it to save money.
View of top of curtain and hem as it kisses the floor.
Curtarra is a great company with affordable custom curtains. They also offer shades, valances, and accessories. I found the handy measuring tool on their website to be super helpful. There are a lot of beautiful fabrics and they’ll send fabric swatches so you know exactly what you’re getting. The best part is once you’ve put in your order, you’ll have your own beautiful custom curtains in a couple of weeks!
Collage of inside hem, fabric choice and accessories that come with the curtains.
I found the entire process to be so easy and would highly recommend Curtarra. Check out their gallery for examples and custom looks. You can also find them on Instagram. And right now they are having a sale!
Hopefully you can see how the right curtains are like the perfect piece of jewelry or like a warm hug. They create coziness and make a room come together beautifully. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. I’m happy to help!
Happy Decorating Friends!
I must’ve missed the holiday. I do not remember the green velvet curtains, but I’m sure they were fabulous. As usual, all of your ideas are.❤️
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Thanks so much. The green velvet curtains were hanging last Christmas.
These curtains look fantastic, I love their simple elegance in your beautiful room. And can we talk about that mirror frame! LOVE
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Thank you Wendy! I love the curtains and that French mirror frame is one of those pieces I would try and grab if we have a fire. :0
Cindy, your new curtains are gorgeous! They beautifully complement your decor and complete your space! I will definitely need to check out Curtarra. Thanks so much for sharing! xo
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No joke – I couldn’t be happier with my new curtains. Thank you Lynne!
I need your expertise! My windows need a little jewelry!!
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LOL Julie. Not sure you need any help but I’m always here for you!
This post was super helpful. Every detail of how to hang them and why they add to the room. I actually didn’t realize curtains and drapes were so different! I’ll check Curtarra out. It sounds like a fantastic service. I love all the options! I may look to them for holiday drape options. I would not have thought of that for an easy holiday change in decor. Velvet green sounds lovely to me right now
Lastly, it was actually surprising how much a curtain that matches the wall does dress it up and accent it so well. I was thinking contrast from wall and accent color, but I do really love that look!
The cute flowers in your antique mirror are beautiful!
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Thank you Jeanette. I’ve always wanted my curtains to blend in and bring a subtle cozy feeling to the room and not be in contrast for an accent on an everyday occasion. I do that during autumn and Christmas though. I like the change for a short time. But that’s me.
In homes where people don’t change the furniture and accessories around a lot or for the seasons, it makes more sense to go with what you love the one time and be done. 😉
Cindy
These curtains make such an impact in your home. Lovely and elegant.
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Aww, thank you Rachel. Lovely and elegant are words that make me smile.
I am IN LOVE with these curtains. They look so well made. I need to check out the website ASAP as I am in need of new curtains.
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You won’t believe the extra mile they go through to make sure you’re happy! Wish all businesses were like that. And you’ll be as amazed as I was with the curtains. Thanks so much Laura. I am IN LOVE too!
Beautiful! I’m in the market for some curtains, so I will check these out.
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Yes, do! Great customer service and you will adore how well made they are. Thank you Niky
Beautiful fabric Cindy, and I love how the curtains kiss the floor just as you described! Your refreshed room looks so pretty and ready for spring!
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And almost ready for a spring tour! I am amazed at how many panels I see where the curtains are about 8″ off the floor. I hope the post helps some people. That’s the goal, right?! Thank you Michelle. 🙂
They are lovely curtains, and I love the hardware that is included! Love that they are custom, too!
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I didn’t expect them to go above and beyond with the extra accessories but wowza! Thank you Julie!
Cindy, I agree that curtains make a room! They are beautiful and soften the lines of the window. The neutral color was a really great choice!
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Thank you friend! I felt with as much change as I go through each year in the decorating department that it was the best choice. I really LOVE them! The texture and subtle color specs in the fabric is so nice. I feel so fancy now. 🙂
Cindy thank you for sharing all of these tips. I am actually trying to redo some of the windows in my home now. Taking down old blinds and trying curtains (jewelry) in my dining, living, bedroom and breakfast room. It can be so overwhelming and you have helped me with visuals and ideas to move forward. Your curtains look beautiful. Just the look I am hoping for in my spaces. I just visited the Curtarra website and they have so many beautiful shades and curtains to pick from.
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So glad you’ve been inspired! I hope you enjoy the process when you are finished you love each room! Thanks bunches Carol.
These curtains are gorgeous, Cindy! They frame your windows perfectly and are truly jewelry for your room! Finding quality curtains that are good-looking can be tricky and you nailed it with these beauties! (And I’m obsessed with your stunning mirror frame!)
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Thank you Missy. Wish I could take credit for the curtains but I did nothing but choose the fabric. And girl, I know what you mean about the mirror. It was the find of the century! 😉 Have a wonderful day!
Cindy, these look like lovely curtains! I like light and airy, too. We could use some lighter ones in our living room so I’ll have to look into this company when we are able. I saved our old wood curtain rings from our California houses with clips just for this purpose. 🙂
Enjoy!
Barb 🙂
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I can’t recommend them enough. They were very well made, great fabrics to choose from and so easy to measure and install. I think I’ll try the shades out next. And that’s great forethought! To keep the rings and clips that long is a wowza moment! I’m a huge purger only to find I have to rebuy things a couple years later. :/ Thanks Barbara!