This is how you should place the curtains if you want them to 'lift' the decoration of your rooms

Curtains are one of the elements of interior decoration that cause more headaches and more satisfaction, at the same time, since they are the final touch of any environment, they give us the privacy we need, they create the ideal atmosphere (and dark) for sleep and are able, without the help of allies, to 'lift' a space with their very presence. We are not exaggerating! The key to its success lies in choosing properly, as in this Coordonné environment, and placing them well. For this reason, we have prepared, with the help of textile experts, this user manual, full of good decoration ideas that will help you in the task. It's time to say goodbye to bare windows.

Related: Errors and successes when dressing the windows (what you should do and avoid)

Take (well) measurements

It is key to not make mistakes. The rod is what will give you the measurements of the curtain. To do this, measure the width of the window and add 20-30 cm more on each side. Then, do the same with the height, leaving at least 10 cm above the frame. Next, point to the wall and make the holes. Make sure the marks are lined up to avoid crooked markings. You can place them on the ceiling, or almost like in this Stitched proposal, or on the wall. If this is your case, place each support at the chosen height and about 10 to 15 cm from the frame, so that they can open completely.

Get the size right

Once you know what you're up against, choose accordingly. “Taking into account the width of your window, to achieve a well-dressed space, we always recommend using twice as much fabric so that the curtain has the perfect volume and waves. This concept is what we call '1:2 shirring ratio'. That is, if your window is 70 cm wide, we recommend making a curtain or drop with a width of 140 cm or two of 70 cm each, depending on the space and the taste of the person”, advise from KA International.

Get a timeless design

The acquisition of curtains usually involves a significant outlay, especially if it is the living room or bedroom. For this reason, and taking into account that they are (almost) forever, choose a model that will not tire you and will not look outdated in a couple of years. It does not necessarily have to be classic, but with a modern design that is easy to combine, that catches the eye at first sight.

Obviously, if you go for plain curtains and play only with the texture or effect of the fabric, like these by Lizzo (in Pepe Peñalver), things get much simpler. Another very important factor is the fall of the fabric. If you want to check if it has 'body', before deciding ask for a sample, hold it by the top and move it. You will leave doubts!

hang them perfect

Before dressing your windows, make sure your curtains are perfect and iron or steam any folds and wrinkles they may have. Remove the terminals from the bar and insert each ring, always leaving one between the terminal and the support, so that it is well fixed. Depending on the type of support, you may need to attach it before you're done. When you're done, don't forget to tighten the screws. Bandós, like the one in this Cream Cornwall proposal, are perfect for hiding both the box and the bar or rail.

On the floor

What do they drag or not? In the case of curtains, it is always better to have more than not enough, as in this Alhambra setting. In other words, given the choice, it is better that they drag a little (and by a little we do not mean 10 cm) rather than that they are short, since in addition to a horrific effect, there is no way to fix them. Therefore, make sure that the fabric always touches the ground or ends less than three centimeters from it. If you buy them ready-made, choose the longest ones and hem the excess, so as not to make a mistake.

adapted to space

For the curtains to 'succeed' and be a decorative plus, their fabric must adapt to the room. Lighter fabrics, such as bed linen, let in more light and look more informal, perfect for spaces such as the living room, as in this Romo proposal. While heavier ones, such as velvets, block light and provide privacy, making them a good option in bedrooms. If you live in a colder climate or in an older building, these fabrics can also help block drafts.

Team up

The curtains are not alone, the rods and terminals always go with them. Thus, heavier curtains require stronger rods, while net curtains can be placed on thinner ones. In the same way, a good idea is to coordinate, if necessary, the material or finish of the bar with some metallic detail in the room.

If they are double...

The double models (curtain and normally net curtain) are as practical as they are decorative, since they offer a plus of elegance, at the same time, they adapt to each moment of the day, depending on whether you need more or less light. When it comes to hanging them and depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can do it on the same bar or on two. In this case, the 'main' ones (those that go on the outside) should go on a bar a little higher, always making sure that they don't get in the way and can be opened without any problem.

“Combine curtains with two fabrics of different thickness to play with the entrance of light. Some more translucent curtains for the inner part (closer to the window) and another a little more dense and with a pattern for the outer part. The natural curtains with linen composition and with printed or embroidered motifs are perfect to give the touch of style you are looking for”, they point out from KA International.

on low ceilings

If your ceilings are low or it is a false ceiling, something very common in old flats, the curtains can give a lot of play. “For low ceilings, the most convenient type of construction is the board, because it creates a strip at the top and achieves a neat and straight fall. Another good idea when we want to give a curtain a sense of height is to use geometric drawings or vertical stripes. In the same way, the 'transparent' net curtains stylize the window and bring light to the room”, Gancedo advises.

in high

If you are lucky enough to have infinite ceilings, with a stately air, the curtains should contribute to the decoration, providing the warmth that these spaces need. To achieve its potential, "you can choose a curtain with horizontal stripes, which 'reduces' its height or use two fabrics, a strip of about 50 cm and the rest with a different fabric," Gancedo proposes.