Choosing extra long curtains and hanging them high above your window will give the illusion of more height and therefore more space within a small room.
Of course, you'll need to ensure your curtain rod is the correct length, so a good rule of thumb is to find one between eight and 12 inches wider than your window. When curtains extend to a wider area, the space will appear larger than it is.
'If there are a lot of windows in the room, warm colors can make that room appear smaller. In contrast, cool colors recede, thereby making the window appear further away. If there are a lot of windows in the room, using cool colored curtains will make the space appear larger. '
Using blinds will almost always make a room look bigger than it would do with curtains, both because curtains protrude into the room more and have a fussier appearance than blinds, and they generally cover more of the walls around the window too.
Visual Effects
In a smaller room with low ceilings, hanging curtains from the ceiling itself can be a great way to make the room seem larger than it is. Similarly, in a room that is already large, hanging curtains from a rod just above the window can help give the illusion of the room being smaller.
Hanging your curtains at the ceiling may be the best choice if: You want to add space to the room. Of course, properly hanging your curtains cannot literally add space to your room. However, placing them near the ceiling can make the walls appear taller, creating the illusion of extra space.
Choose the perfect curtain length
Many designers also advise hanging curtains higher and wider than the window for a sense of height and grandeur, as Emma Clarke says, 'hang curtains above the window frame for extra height and to showcase a fabulous sweeping design.
Curtains offer the perfect way to inject a sense of pattern into your living room. For a subtle look opt for a single pattern that complements your color scheme – florals and botanical prints are a good understated choice. Alternatively, consider pairing bold patterns with a contrasting trim for a bolder look.
"Generally, you want to stay away from the 84 inch standard curtains unless you have very low ceilings. They don't look right in most scenarios and end up being an awkward length," says Curtis. The 96 inch and 108 inch lengths work in a wider range of typical spaces.
Cleaning & Durability
Blinds will also last longer than fabric curtains due to their material. Aluminium, wood, and plastic won't rip, tear, or rot like curtains do, and will last a very long time if maintained well. They even perform well in humid environments, making them excellent choices for bathrooms or kitchens.
Work with the Furniture
For example, if your window frame is large, there will be lots of fabric from the ceiling to the floor. In that case, colors darker than your couch may be overwhelming. If your windows are smaller, darker colors than your sofa would be complementary and not take over the space.
If you are using curtains, make sure you hang them full length and hang the rod wide and high. Also, make sure your curtain panels are wide and have a good amount of fabric so they create lots of folds: this will make them look more luxe.
So, are there any set rules on whether your curtains should be lighter or darker than the walls? Ultimately, experts agree that your curtains can be whatever color you want them to be, it completely depends on the style, mood and function of the room you're decorating.
A window that is longer in length than width can benefit from longer curtains giving the window a larger feel. However, a very wide window that is unusually short may look better with shorter curtains. Keep in mind that in a small room curtains could potentially overwhelm the space.
'A trick for making a window look bigger is to hang your blind or curtains a little higher and wider than the edges of the window to give the illusion of it being larger,' suggests Kate.
As a minimum, curtains should be at least 2 inches taller than the window, in other words, there should be a gap of 2 inches between the window trim and the curtain rod. However, it's preferable that curtains are between 4 and 6 inches taller than the window.
So should curtains touch the floor? The short answer is yes... usually. But when making any decision about your window treatments, whether they're drapes, blinds, or shades, it's important to consider every aspect of style and function so you can choose the best option for your windows and your home.
Short Curtains
The shorter length can appear dated. Also, it can cut the visual height of your room in half. From a purely practical standpoint, however, short curtains are sometimes the best option.
Curtains can touch the floor so that they skim or, as some designers say, 'kiss' it. It's a stylish choice, and one that's many people's preference. However, you might want to consider instead a length that allows the curtains to float just above floor level, say half or quarter of an inch.
If you are looking for curtains that will keep morning light out and help regulate room temperature, heavier opaque fabrics such as velvet are a good choice. For fully light blocking window treatments, blackout curtains are lined with a material that will keep the sun out, making them an excellent choice.
Similarly, if your sofa is light, choose a light colour for your curtains to keep that airy feeling, or a darker colour – perhaps in the same shade – to add some contrast.
You don't need to stress over matching your curtains exactly to your walls, sofa, or carpet. In fact, using a different color can actually add visual interest to the room, breaking up the walls so that the curtains don't “disappear.”
White is the colour of innocence, tranquility, and peace! It embodies dignity, innocence, and serenity. Infusing your home with positive energy and making you feel happy and satisfied by using white curtain panels. White curtains evoke a sense of softness and a sense of security, which will make you feel more at ease.
Hanging Curtains High And Wide Will Brighten A Dark Room
Adjusting your curtain rod so that it's as high as possible and allows curtains to be pulled back from the window as much as possible is a great designer trick to make your spaces feel lighter and brighter!
The type of curtains you hang can affect the ambiance of a room and dictate how laid-back or formal a room is. “Rich fabrics, swags, cascades, cornice boards, and tiebacks add a level of formality to a room,” says Simonsen. “Thin, neutral fabrics or curtains in bright graphic prints lend a much more casual look.”