If you’ve never shopped for curtains before, you may be surprised at how overwhelming it can be. There is no standard size for windows, and therefore, finding curtains in the exact color and size you want can be challenging – and costly. Follow this guide so you know what you’re getting into before heading to the store and can learn how to pick the right curtains. Measure, measure, measure: Before doing anything, measure your windows’ lengths and widths. In addition to the window itself, you should also measure the distance from where the curtain rod is (often above the window itself) to where you want the curtain to fall (at the ledge, to the floor, or or higher up if you’re doing a valance or half curtain). Keep these numbers in a safe place and don’t go to the store without them. Go online: Rather than hitting every home decor store in town, start your search online to see what may be out there. This will give you a good idea of what stores even sell curtains (Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target and Kohl’s are a few chains to consider), what the standard sizes are, and what price ranges exist.

If you see some that meet your criteria, check if they’re available at a store near you. Curtains take up a lot of retail space, so if you’re comfortable buying them online without seeing them in person, that may give you a wider selection. Don’t forget to double up: You may assume that curtains are sold in pairs, but think again. They are sold in individual panels, so you need to buy two if you want to be able to open them in the middle. How Much Should Faux Wood Blinds CostBuying two also creates the nice “bunching” effect that is expected with curtains. Used Pottery Barn Furniture For SaleRemember the accessories: If you’re putting up curtains on a window that didn’t have one before, you’ll also need a rod. Toilet Roll Storage Cabinet

Check with your landlord about what you’re allowed to put into the walls – curtain rods range from simple to heavy duty, and may require nailing or drilling holes into the wall. If you can’t touch the walls, look for tension rods that fit inside the window frame. And don’t forget ties to hold the curtains open, which may also require hooks on either side of the window. Consider custom: If you’re going to be in your place for a long time, custom curtains may be worth the investment. Furniture and some home decor stores can order curtains for you in custom sizes to perfectly fit your windows. If you have a sewing machine, you can save a lot of money by altering premade curtains, or making your own from scratch! Curtains are an easy project for even a novice seamstress. Get more apartment-rental tips & living advice in our Decorating sectionLooking to find handyman services in your area? Curtains add to the beauty of the room and are as important to the finished design as art and wall color.

A well appointed window treatment can totally transform a common boring window into a dramatic show stopper. Currently, the trend is floor length curtain panels hung on an iron rod or decorative curtain rod with finials. The look is simple and elegant. Unless the window has lovely architectural style, adding curtain panels can be the final layer that completes a room design.The rules and tips listed apply to all window treatments including valances (top treatments).Tip #1: Hang the Window Treatment HighHang the window treatment high to give the illusion of height; this is the most important rule when hanging a curtain. The pole or valance should be hung a minimum of 4 inches and a maximum of 12 inches above the top of the window in most cases. When this rule is ignored and the curtain is hung on or just above the wood work, it always looks unprofessional and inexpensive. Even a budget valance or unlined curtain panel can look well done and professional when hung at the proper height above the window.

Don't know how to install a curtain rod? Avoid making holes in your walls by calling a local handyman.Tip #2: Create an Illusion of Height with a ShadeHere is a trick to make the window look tall and important. Hang the pole at least twelve inches above the frame and hang a bamboo or roman shade under the pole. Combining the two window treatments adds to the design and allows the panels to be hung high without a large space of blank wall showing through. The shade is covering the blank wall and gives the illusion that the window is tall.         Tip #3: Extend the Curtain Rod Beyond the Width of the WindowA common mistake people make when hanging a curtain is to install the pole the exact width as the window. When installing the curtain rod ALWAYS extend the pole at least three inches beyond each side of the fame.  There are several reasons for this: It gives the illusion that the window is large and lets in more light and it is more visually appealing to see more of the glass rather than a cramped curtain.

Hanging the curtain outside the window frame also prevents shadows on the sides of the window.  When a curtain panel is hanging in the open position, each curtain panel should measure 12 inches in width.  The inside vertical edge of the curtain should hang 3 inches into the glass portion of the window. Tip #4: Press or Steam the CurtainPress or steam the curtain so that no folds or wrinkles exist. This may sound fundamental, but it is amazing how often people hang the panel right out of the bag and theorize that the wrinkles will “fall out” in time. They usually do not.Tip #5: Leave Room Underneath the Curtains to MopThe proper curtain length is ½ inch above the floor for free hanging curtains. This distance allows for mopping and cleaning while creating the illusion that the curtain touches the floor.Tip #6: Adjust the Length of the Curtain with Creative Hem FinishesA popular hem finish for silk curtains and lined curtains is called a trouser kick. In this case the bottom of the curtain touches the floor about 3 inches longer than flush and breaks forward like trousers do at the ankle on top of the foot.

Another way to finish the bottom of a curtain panel is called a puddle finish. In this case a hem is not always necessary.  The curtain is made 9 to 12 inches too long and the excess fabric is tucked and puffed on the floor.Another trick to adjust the length of curtain panels is called a Bishop Sleeve.  In this instance something as inexpensive and simple as a twin flat sheet can be hung by using the folded hem as a rod pocket. The pole slides through the hem and is then snapped into the bracket. The sheet has now transformed into an unlined curtain panel with excess length on the floor.  To shorten the length, tie a string around the sheet about 31 inches above the floor. Tap a finishing nail into the vertical wood trim and loop the string over the nail. Puff the fabric above the string.  Tip #7: Use a Tension Rod if You Can't Hang a Curtain RodIn cases where no holes are allowed in the wall or it is a plaster wall, a tension rod or shower curtain tension rod can be used. This style rod mounts inside the window and they are made with inner springs and will expand from side to side using tension instead of screws to hold the rod in place.