How to hang window treatments?

How should I hang my draperies?

When you are purchasing and hanging drapery panels, there are a few tips that will help your windows look finished and professional.  Just like there are tips and tricks for dressing yourself to look fabulous, here are some simple pointers on dressing your windows to make them look their best.

When you are thinking about how to measure for custom draperies, or any drapery panels for that matter, there are a few simple things to take into consideration.

Tip 1:

Don’t stop at the sill –

Short panels are just like miniskirts, and let’s be honest there are very few people that can pull them off.  Unless you have a very good reason, do NOT stop your drapery panels just below the window sill.  Short drapery panels can give your window unpleasing proportions.  So it’s simple -- just bring it on down to the floor.

Tip 2:

Don’t skimp on fullness –

Even if you are planning on have nonfunctional drapery panels (panels that do not necessarily close all the way and cover the window) do not skip on fullness.  Again, you want to create an illusion that your panels are full functional.  A single width set of panels on anything but a small window just looks skimpy, and we have already stated that skimpiness is not a good look.

Tip 3:

Give yourself room for a return –

To give yourself a truly finished and custom look, allow for a return on the outside edges of your windows.  A return is where the fabric comes around the outsides of the windows and touches the wall; a return will also help to hide any unsightly mounting hardware.  Returns are also useful in a room that you are trying to block out as much light as possible; it will prevent that pesky light from peeking out from around the edges of your panels.

Once you have decided on the drapery panels, there are also a few trips on how to hang your drapes like a professional.  Remember, every room and window is different, but if you follow these few simple rules and your windows will be dressed their best.

Tip 4:

Hang your rod AFTER you get your drapery panels –

An inch here or there can make all the difference in your panels kissing the floor nicely or looking like dress pants that are way too short (and no one wants to see ankle in dress pants!)  If you hang your rod when you have your panels in hand you are able to judge the correct distance from the floor.  How much puddle or non-puddle your draperies have is totally personal preference, but draperies that are too short make them look anything but custom.

Tip 5:

Hang your rod high –

In order to make your windows looks long and lean, just like you always want to look, hang your rod high.  Tall windows give the allusion that the space is larger than it really is, don’t cut your wall off in an unflattering place.  Splitting the difference between the top of window molding and the celling is a good rule of thumb.  Also remember that when you actually hang your panels on rings there can be space in between the rod and the top of the draperies, take this into account when you are deciding on a finish length for the panels.

Tip 6:

Hang your rod wide –

When you are hanging a rod you want to make sure that you give yourself space on the outside of your windows as well.  This will also give an illusion of the window being larger than it actually is.  Especially in a room with small windows that does not get a ton of light, give yourself space so when your panels are open and stacked back you can take full advantage of the light the window lets in.

Draperies are like the jewelry to your outfit, the finishing touches in any room.  They will make your space look completed and professional.  Sometime it can seem intimidating, especially in a room with a ton of windows, but follow these simple tips and you will have your room dressed to perfection in no time! Feel free to ask one of our fabulous fabric gurus for help or an explanation on any of these tips.

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