Proper vs. Aesthetically Pleasing Curtain Width: Achieving the Visually Appealing Isn't Always About Adhering to Technicals - Learn How to Achieve the Former
In the world of home decor, window curtains play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a room. Here are some expert tips on how to create a luxurious look with your curtains.
Victoria Robinson, a product manager at curtain brand Hillarys, recommends measuring the full width of the curtain pole or track and multiplying it by at least two for a wider curtain. This simple trick can help create a more opulent and elegant look.
Pat Giddens, the founder and owner of The Hackney Draper, emphasizes the importance of a carefully considered curtain width. According to Giddens, the right width can help frame windows, make a room feel cozier, and complement architectural features.
Different styles of curtains, such as pinch and pencil pleats, ring tops, and rod pockets, can impact the finished look of the curtain. Each style offers a unique silhouette, with wave headers giving a clean, contemporary look, while pinch pleats lean more classic and tailored, and eyelets offer a softer, casual feel.
For sliding or bifold doors, it's essential to ensure that the curtains stack to the side to maintain access and maximize natural light. The stack refers to the space on the sides of windows when curtains are drawn open, and a good guide is to allow 15-25% of the pole or track width on either side of the window.
If space allows, multiplying the width by 2.5 can create an even more luxurious look. For French doors, it's recommended to extend the track or pole beyond the frame so that curtains can stack fully off the glass.
Laying a sheer voile beneath a curtain can help introduce softness and subtle contrast, especially in rooms where you want to filter, not block, natural light.
When it comes to fabric choice, heavier fabrics like velvet or lined linen drapes create rich textures and volume, while lighter fabrics such as sheer linens offer a softer, more ethereal look. For a luxurious look, it's best to opt for heavier fabrics.
Blinds Direct offers the option to specify blinds to be 2.5 times the width of the window. DUSK provides blackout curtains in three different widths, including a widest option of 228 wide x 228 long. John Lewis' curtain range is one of the most customizable on the market, offering 20 different colors and 11 different widths/lengths.
For smaller, more narrow windows, it's recommended to use curtains that extend beyond the frame, as they can visually enlarge the opening. Mounting the track or pole higher than the window can also accentuate vertical lines and make the space feel loftier for large windows, including tall or arched styles.
Hardware, including poles, finials, and tiebacks, is important for the overall look of the curtains, serving as the "jewellery of the window" and completing the story.
In summary, to achieve a luxurious appearance:
- Measure your curtain pole or track width.
- Multiply by 2 to 3 for fullness.
- Choose panel widths and quantity to meet this total width.
- Select rich, heavier fabric and styles (pleats, tailored folds).
- Consider length with slight pooling or floor-skimming for maximum elegance.
- Velvet, textured or heavy weaves, and heavier fabrics can add richness, depth, and mood, while lighter linens or linen blends offer an airy, relaxed sophistication.
By following these tips, you can transform your windows into a stunning feature that adds luxury and elegance to your space.
- Embracing heavy materials like velvet or lined linen drapes can introduce a rich texture and volume to the mirrors and texture of your living room, creating a luxurious interior design.
- A suggested method to increase the width of your room's interior-design, particularly the living room, is to multiply the width of your curtain pole or track by 2 to 3 for an enhanced look.
- Artful changes such as extending curtains beyond the window frame or mounting tracks higher can influence the decor and lifestyle of your home-and-garden, visually enlarging the window opening and creating a loftier atmosphere.
- Carefully selecting curtains with pinch pleats or tailored folds can add a classic, elegant feel to any interior design, enchanting the texture and color of the living room.
- Practicing careful consideration of curtain width and panel quantity can result in the perfect blend of luxury and coziness, allowing your windows to become a splendid and adorned feature in your space's interior design.
