Installing Curtains

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1 Assess and review your needs
2 Do The Works
3 Common Fabrics for Window Treatments
4 Sources/Reference
5 Authors

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Assess and review your needs

With pen and paper in hand, jot down some notes about all of the windows in the room.
Measure them and note their size and shape. Rough sketches will help.
Are the windows too large? Too small? Odd sizes? Mismatched sizes?
Is there too much light in the room? Not enough light?
Do you want to block an unattractive view? Do you want to enjoy the beautiful view?
Do you need privacy? Daytime privacy? Nighttime privacy? Or both?
Do you want to liven up a dreary room?
How do other family members feel about these needs?
What is your budget for the windows?

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Do The Works

Start with one room at a time. Decorating all of the rooms at once takes far too much energy and can also make decorating your home an overwhelming task.
Look for help, tips and ideas. There is a way, or many ways, to attractively treat the windows in your room.
You can find examples of how others have decorated their windows in magazines, window decorating books, window decorating websites.
Seek inspiration by talking with friends and relatives.
Make a plan. Using your list of needs, rank the needs in order of importance and then make a plan that addresses your needs in that order.
Address your window coverings in stages. This is especially if you are uncertain about your preferences or if you are working on a budget.
Begin with the shades, blinds or shutters, then move to draperies or curtains, including the traverse or curtain rod, then add the finishing touches.
Combine and contrast colors. Experiment with mixing colors from opposite ends of the color spectrum.
Mix fabrics for texture. Mixing fabrics and textures can be an excellent way to create interest and set the tone of your window treatments.
Mix patterns. Mixing patterns can also liven up and set the mood for a room. Here are some tips for mixing patterns.
Match the scale, of the pattern to the area where it is going to be used.
Use geometric patterns with one another. For example, you can use stripes with checks, plaids or dots.
Make small windows big. Make big windows smaller. One of your goals should be to make the room harmonious.
You can make small windows appear larger by placing a heading such as a valance or cornice on the wall above the window and using curtains or drapes of similar length.
Large windows can be treated with a series of blinds or drapes breaking up the expanse.
Large cathedral windows can be treated by installing a curtain or traverse rod on the lower part of the window and leaving the upper portion untreated.
Let your windows evolve as the interior of your home changes to reflect changes in your lifestyle or tastes.
To provide privacy and light control, install shades, blinds, miniblinds or shutters.
Create mood with decorative treatments of color, design and texture.