Perfect Curtain Tips

Window treatments, drapes, drapes: whatever you call them, they can cause neck pain. So don’t go alone. Our expert designers have these tips for choosing the perfect curtains.

height

Height is easily the most important factor when choosing curtains. A curtain should protrude well above your window and land right above the floor. And for a more traditional style, give them an extra inch of fabric to drag across the floor.

Pro tip: If you want your ceilings to look higher than they actually are, hang your curtains a few inches above your windows, not directly above the windowsill. Check out how we did it in this chic, urban loft in Union Square.

colour

When deciding on a curtain color, choose something that goes with the existing colors in your room. It doesn’t have to match perfectly, but choose a shade that you can find elsewhere in your home redesign. We usually advocate neutral colors, but every now and then we go for a bolder option. In this Central Park West penthouse, we selected a rich gold color window treatments to match one of the client’s existing artwork.

material

Curtains are an accessory that can be easily replaced. We therefore recommend turning the curtains all year round. Choose a higher strength option during the winter months as this will help keep your home warmer. But in the summer months you should opt for a light material, such as In this light-filled apartment, we have chosen white curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

template

Patterns can be a difficult balance when it comes to curtains. Too little, and your design can look boring. too much and your space can start to look cartoonish. To find the perfect balance, choose a simple pattern in neutral colors like we did in this contemporary colonial style in Connecticut.

Pro Tip: A vertically striped curtain can help make your ceilings look higher than they actually are.

Coordinate your curtains

When choosing a curtain fabric or pattern that has a bold or vibrant look, consider how to incorporate it into your space. At this home office in New Jersey, our client wanted to source a pair of light pink curtains, so we also had two accent pillows made from the same pattern and fabric.

Drape

The curtain of a curtain refers to how much of the curtain is drawn across the floor. For a more contemporary or modern look, they should land an inch off the ground. For transitional or traditional design schemes, let out an inch or two of a curtain to pull across the floor. For this transitional apartment on the Upper East Side, we draped these two-tone curtains a few inches for a more traditional look.