So I've been working on a curtain pole for weeks. All because my sister asked me to write about how to hang curtains. How can I write about a common topic on blogs and add my touch? I thought I would share how often to change your curtains, and I struggled to write it down because I didn't feel connected to it.
Then, randomly shopping for donuts and coffee, I thought about my curtains. I wasn't an authority on drapery. I just put up curtains because I saw my grandma and my great-grandmother do it at every change of season.
According to Google, I've been wrong this whole time! Then I thought about the fact that I'll have to buy all new curtains to hang them the right way around. Ouch! I spent a few hundred on the curtains in my living room, and it took me years to acquire the curtains I already have. That's a lot of money to spend again. And that's when it hit me! I have a gift for creative problem solving. It's in my DNA! This article has gone from 'how to hang curtains' to 'how often to change curtains' to help you understand 'how to lengthen your curtains' without ruin yourself. First, let's talk about the right way to hang curtains…
The right way to hang curtains
Have you ever minded your own business and lived in peaceful bliss until someone pointed out something you did wrong? Now you can't see it? That's what I felt for my curtains. I sat in my house admiring my curtains and how they add something to my rooms. I thought, "These are curtains, you hang them, make sure they cover the window and BAM! A simple question from my sister took me on a journey where I forced myself to look at my curtains. Now they look like a flaw in my room. I decided to write this article at only place in my house without curtains, so I don't have to see my mistakes. I want to rip my curtains and start all over again, but the budget conscious part can't stand spending more money.
Basic rule
The standard, consensus rule of thumb on Google for how to hang curtains is:
The curtain rod should be installed 4″-6” from the top of the window. Purchase a rod to stretch 8″-12″ beyond the width of the window. This is 4″-6″ from each sideThe length of the curtain should "kiss" or puddle on the floor 1″-2″My curtains don't puddle, and I'm so frustrated right now, but I refuse to stop!
Give yourself a brake
Listen, if you've ever hung up or bought curtains, don't worry. I talk to myself too. Creating is about learning, and learning is about being gentle with yourself when things don't go "right." ".
I plan to start with one room. The focus of my house is my living room, and that's where I'm going to start buying new curtains for the windows. If I do this at least twice a year, I'll gradually be able to do my whole house without breaking the bank.
What are you going to do with the old curtains, Nikki? Good question. I'll fold them neatly and store them for when I need them again. Maybe I'll find a friend who needs some matching curtains; they could make one. suitable curtain for a room divider or a video backdrop, perhaps they could be used for a school project or a drop cloth.You will know when the time comes how you choose to reuse your curtains.With extra curtains comes a responsibility extra. This was my version of the Spiderman line, lol!
In the meantime, I had to think of some quick fixes for curtains that were too short. I'm a big girl, and this made me think about the problems I've had buying pants. Of course, I see a lot of pants. long now, but I remember growing up with few long pants options for tall girls who were a size 0. It seemed like only high-end designers had pants made for me, and my mom, Mama Resourceful, wasn't about to shell out that kind of money I had to get creative wearing boots to hide the shortness, lowering the hem or extending the leg length with extra fabric .These same techniques can be applied to quick fixes for your curtains that are too short while waiting to be replaced.
Ideas on how to lengthen the curtains
Option 1: block your curtains
That's right, hide shortness. If your sofa is in front of your curtains, adjust the height of your curtains and voila! It's like wearing a high boot to hide that short pant leg. Just remember not to move that sofa, and I'll remember not to wear my deep-sea pants without boots!
Option 2: Undo the hem
Most curtains have a two inch hem at the bottom. Buy a seam ripper and take the hem apart. My hem is only one inch, Nikki. This may sound crazy, but have you checked the other end? Sometimes we can hang the curtain by the longest hem. If not, use the hem you have. Some length is better than no length.
Use double-sided tape to seal the remaining hem.
Option 3: add extra fabric at the bottom
Nikki, I don't know about this. I don't know how to sew. If you can't sew or don't want to sew, that's okay. My idea is to use fabric glue. a rope or lace accent to hide the line between the panel and the new length.
Adding fabric is a great way to lengthen curtains that have grommets or grommets (loops and holes for us non-curtainistas). hem, I'll always be shy of 2 inches from the right length.
If you don't have more exact curtain fabric, you can get creative and use ribbon! It's an easy way to add length. As you can see in my pictures below, I've added a 2 inch wide strip of satin ribbon, then I used a beautiful silver colored braided trim to hide the seam fusion. You can use any trim color, including lace for the sheer curtains. My sample photos are before my application of fabric glue. I like to pin things down first to make sure it works well with my room, and it does! If you need to help deciding which color to choose for your ribbon hem, read my article on How to Mix and Match Colors.
Option 4: use curtain clip rings
This is probably my best suggestion. Buy the 2" rings with clips and make sure they match the color of your curtain rod. They provide instant length and can also be combined with a dropped hem. My son recently catapulted himself off the sofa, pulling my curtain in the process. I assumed it was by accident, but maybe he got tired of seeing my curtains hanging incorrectly. He probably said, "I'll show you how to lengthen the curtains, mom. I'll take them down so you can fix it!" And he was right. It's part of the motivation to fix my curtains as soon as possible. Thank you, son , for making me do better!
This is your home and your dreams
"My home is me, and I am. My home is where I love to be and it is like all my dreams. A statement by Mr. Plumbean in the book 'The Big Orange Spot' writes by Daniel Manus Pinkwater. It's a children's book, but it's about being an individual and not worrying about being the same. How and when you choose to lengthen your curtains is your call. Don't feel like you have to fix your curtain length all at once based on what others are doing. Take your time! And these suggestions are temporary fixes for the home that looks like your every dream!
Are you considering lengthening your curtains? Which option is best for you? Do you have any other suggestions? If you know someone who needs help with their curtains, please share this post! Happy crafting!
