The same way that optical illusions trick our minds into seeing something differently to what it really looks like, interior décor techniques can also make us perceive the space inside our homes differently.
For example, the colours and painting techniques you use on walls can radically transform the sense of space in a room. White light reflects lights, making a room feel more airy and spacious, while having one accent wall a deeper colour gives the illusion of depth.
You can achieve similar sorts of tricks with your curtains.
Length of the curtains
If your ceilings are low (as is often the case with modern apartments), you can lengthen the height of a room with your curtains. Hang the curtains close to the ceiling, and extend them low enough so they graze the ground.
A shorter curtain, like what you might have over a windowsill, makes a room look casual, light and breezy, while a longer curtain looks more formal and dignified. A curtain train that puddles on the floor looks even more formal, while giving a soft, romantic feel.
Curtains that end at the top of floor mouldings can look awkward and out of place. So if possible, lower them if they are hung too high.
For your windows
If your window is too short and squat, attach the rods just below the ceiling moulding and hang curtains that are longer than the height of the window. On the other hand, if your window is too long, use a deep cornice or valance at the top with horizontal patterns.
A window that is too big and wide could drown out a room. Break up the space by hanging a few panels across the window, either straight or tied back in pairs. A window that is too narrow can be widened by extending the curtains rods passed the window, and hanging the curtains so that they just cover the frame, leaving as much exposed window as possible.
In a small room
You can even use your curtains to make a room feel bigger. Classic panel curtains are effective in a small room. Also, try to find lightweight curtains for sale in light colours with vertical stripes. As in the case with low-ceilinged rooms, mount the curtain rods as high up as you can. Thereafter, additional window treatment detail, such as your valences and cornices, should be kept simple and elegant to.
The same way that optical illusions trick our minds into seeing something differently to what it really looks like, interior décor techniques can also make us perceive the space inside our homes differently.
For example, the colours and painting techniques you use on walls can radically transform the sense of space in a room. White light reflects lights, making a room feel more airy and spacious, while having one accent wall a deeper colour gives the illusion of depth.
You can achieve similar sorts of tricks with your curtains.
Length of the curtains
If your ceilings are low (as is often the case with modern apartments), you can lengthen the height of a room with your curtains. Hang the curtains close to the ceiling, and extend them low enough so they graze the ground.
A shorter curtain, like what you might have over a windowsill, makes a room look casual, light and breezy, while a longer curtain looks more formal and dignified. A curtain train that puddles on the floor looks even more formal, while giving a soft, romantic feel.
Curtains that end at the top of floor mouldings can look awkward and out of place. So if possible, lower them if they are hung too high.
For your windows
If your window is too short and squat, attach the rods just below the ceiling moulding and hang curtains that are longer than the height of the window. On the other hand, if your window is too long, use a deep cornice or valance at the top with horizontal patterns.
A window that is too big and wide could drown out a room. Break up the space by hanging a few panels across the window, either straight or tied back in pairs. A window that is too narrow can be widened by extending the curtains rods passed the window, and hanging the curtains so that they just cover the frame, leaving as much exposed window as possible.
In a small room
You can even use your curtains to make a room feel bigger. Classic panel curtains are effective in a small room. Also, try to find lightweight curtains for sale in light colours with vertical stripes. As in the case with low-ceilinged rooms, mount the curtain rods as high up as you can. Thereafter, additional window treatment detail, such as your valences and cornices, should be kept simple and elegant to.
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