We just built a house and had to hang curtains (and rods) in every room. I had to look all over the Internet and in print catalogs for advice, but was unable to find it in one place. Most was limited to whatever the site or catalog sold.
So here is what I learned, all in one place.
Basics
- A panel is one curtain. Usually panels are sold in packs of one, even though you probably need at least two.
- A clip ring is just what it sounds like: a ring attached to a clip. You use the clip to attach the ring to a panel. The rings slide over the rod more easily than the curtain fabric. They add a nice finishing touch to a window treatment.
- A sheer is an almost see-through panel. Think pantyhose. They are used to add privacy while letting in light and to dress up a window treatment. I like white, but they are available in many different colors.
- A double rod is curtain hardware with two rods instead of the usual one. Use a double rod to hang sheers and solid panels on one window.
Measurements
- Curtains are sold in lengths that are multiples of 12.
- Standard panels that cover a window and a few inches above and below the window seem to be either 72 or 84 inches. Of course, measure.
- If you want the curtains to hang to the floor, go with 96 inches.
- If you have high ceilings and want to go from close to the ceiling to the floor, 108 works.
- If you are using clip rings (which I recommend), be sure to remember them when determining how high to attach the rods.
- Shears and solid panels should be the same length.
- Longer curtains are more formal. I used 108 inch curtains in the master, dining and living room. I used 96 inch curtains in the guest rooms and office. I used 84 inch curtains in the breakfast area and garage. I used cafe length curtains in the small kitchen window.
- Cafe length means either 24 or 36 inches. Measure from the top of the lower window pane to determine what you need.
- You should not be able to see the top edge of the lower window when cafe length curtains are closed. The bottom of the curtain should rest on the window sill.
- The panels should be 1.5 times wider than the window. If your window is 30 inches wide, you should have 45 inches of panel. Err for too much curtain if you aren't sure.
- The panels should extend about three inches on either side of the window. More if you use them to black out light in a bedroom.
Hardware
- Clip rings come in packs of seven. Use one package per panel.
- Attach clip rings easily: Fold the curtain in half length-wise and attach the middle and two end clips. Then place two evenly spaced between the middle and end. And two evenly spaced between the middle and other end. This way you can eyeball it without having to get out a ruler.
Shopping
- I like the Umbra double curtain rods from Bed, Bath and Beyond. I spent weeks finding the perfect ones (sturdy, nice looking, affordable). Pottery Barn has some beautiful double rods also, but they cost more than I wanted to spend.
- Don't cheap out on the hardware. Saving $200 up front will not make you feel good about sagging curtain rods.
- Don't go too trendy when picking curtains unless you plan to replace them frequently.
- You can save a lot of money on curtains with a twenty percent off coupon. Linens 'n' Things puts them out more frequently than Bed, Bath and Beyond, but either company accepts competitor's coupons.
- I found some great curtains at Anna's linens. It's kind of the Ross of linens, so be careful. Don't buy something just because it's cheap.
