We all want our room or another place in the house to look nice. We may think we need to spend money on expensive furniture or even pay a professional, however it is the small details that make the difference. In this case, the curtains can create a big ’before and after’ in our home. The important thing is to know how to choose them.

That’s why we at Bright Side want to bring you some good tips to help you choose the ideal curtains for you.

1. Make sure you choose the right length for your style.

The first thing to decide is whether to have long or short curtains. This depends on the shape of the window and also on the height and size of the space. Even so, knowing if your style is classic or modern can be a great help.

Short curtains are a good option for a modern atmosphere. You can complement them with blinds too. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more classic style, long curtains add an elegant and distinguished touch to any room.

2. Have the correct measurements.

According to designer Suysel dePedro Cunningham, before measuring the length of the curtain, we should decide where we want it to start. Hanging them higher than the window frame will give the room a sense of height. In addition, we will prevent the curtains from touching the floor and getting dirty.

Another point to keep in mind is that when measuring the width of the window, you should add 10 to 20 centimeters on both sides. Then, those extra centimeters around the window will help block any light that wants to enter the room.

3. Determine the type of washing from the beginning.

When buying curtains, knowing in advance what type of washing we want will save us time and money. We can choose between using the washing machine, hand washing, or dry cleaning. Although the first option sounds faster, we have to be careful, as the linings and seams could shrink in the wash.

When in doubt, play it safe and choose to dry clean your curtains and other decorations. If curtains require hand washing, do it with warm or cold water and use a mild liquid detergent.

4. Decide on the main function of the curtains.

If the windows we want to decorate have furniture underneath, like a bed or a sofa, blinds may be a good choice. The biggest advantage of choosing blinds is that they give a cleaner and tidier look to the space; in addition, they provide more light. We can opt for wooden or even fabric styles that match the rest of the room.

10. Consider the appearance from the outside.

© Depositphotos.com, © Depositphotos.com

It is true that when choosing curtains, the main focus should be on the interior. However, it is not a bad idea to consider how they look from the outside. We can see if the color complements the exterior of our home and if they provide us with the privacy we need.

How are the curtains in your home? What other design tip has never failed you?

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Please note: This article was updated in December 2021 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.