Curtain Styles and How to Hang Them Without Losing Your Sanity
Curtains have an almost magical ability to transform a room. They soften harsh light, add warmth, and provide that essential layer of privacy. Because no one really wants their neighbours seeing them dance around the kitchen at night.
But choosing the right curtains – and hanging them correctly – can feel like an unsolvable puzzle.
I’ve seen it all. Curtains hung too low, fabrics that clash with the room, rods that barely hold under the weight of their drapes. And I say this with no judgement – only the quiet recognition of my own past mistakes. If you’ve ever stood in front of a window, utterly confused about where to start, this guide is for you.
Curtain Styles and Their Personality Types
Curtains say a lot about a space. Whether you’re drawn to structured pleats or casual sheers, your choice reflects your style – and possibly your patience level. Some curtains demand precision and symmetry, while others embrace a more relaxed, effortless drape.
The right style can make a room feel regal, modern, or invitingly soft. So, what does your curtain style say about you?
Box Pleat – For the Perfectionist Who Appreciates Precision
If box pleats were a person, they’d have a colour-coded planner and an enviably tidy home. These curtains boast deep, evenly spaced folds that run the full length of the fabric, creating a crisp and structured look.
Ideal for formal dining rooms or sophisticated sitting areas, box pleats bring an air of polished elegance. They hold their shape beautifully, never looking sloppy or unkempt – perfect for those who like things just so.
Rod Pocket – For the Effortlessly Relaxed Minimalist
Rod pocket curtains have a sewn-in channel that lets the curtain rod slide through with ease, creating soft, gathered folds. The effect is casual, a little romantic, and just the right amount of undone – think linen sheets left slightly rumpled in the best possible way.
These are perfect for spaces where curtains are more about aesthetic charm than daily practicality. If you like the look but actually need to open and close your curtains, consider pairing them with rings for a bit more flexibility.
Pinch Pleat – For the Traditionalist Who Loves Order
Neat, tailored, and forever classic, pinch pleat curtains are the design equivalent of a well-tailored suit. They offer a polished, structured drape that instantly elevates a room, making them ideal for formal living rooms, master bedrooms, or anywhere that demands a bit of elegance.
They do require hooks to hang properly, so if you’re after an easy, throw-them-up-and-go option, this might not be the one. But for those who appreciate craftsmanship and timeless design, pinch pleats deliver every time.
Eyelet – For the Modern, No-Fuss Decorator
Eyelet curtains (also known as grommet curtains) are the easiest to install – no hooks, no fiddling, just slide them onto a rod and call it a day. The large metal rings create wide, even folds that feel sleek, structured, and effortlessly contemporary.
If you lean towards clean lines, neutral palettes, and an uncluttered aesthetic, eyelet curtains fit right in. They’re ideal for modern interiors and spaces where function and simplicity take priority.
Tailored Pleat – For the Understated Sophisticate
Somewhere between classic and contemporary, tailored pleat curtains offer a more refined version of the pinch pleat. The pleats are stitched only at the very top, allowing the fabric to fall naturally into soft yet structured folds.
The effect is elegant but not fussy, polished but not overly formal. They work beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces – perfect for anyone who wants a little structure without feeling too buttoned-up.
Goblet Pleat – For the Maximalist Who Believes More is More
Goblet pleats are pure drama. With their rounded, goblet-shaped folds, they belong in stately homes, grand dining rooms, or anywhere that calls for a little opulence. These curtains don’t just dress a window – they make a statement. But here’s the catch: goblet pleats hold their shape best when they’re left undisturbed.
If you need functional, everyday curtains, this may not be the best choice. But if you love a bit of grandeur and don’t mind a curtain style that demands admiration from afar, goblet pleats are an undeniable showstopper.
Hanging Techniques: Getting It Right the First Time (or at Least the Third)
Curtains can make a room feel taller, cosier, and more balanced – but only if they’re hung correctly. It’s all about proportions. The right placement can give the illusion of soaring ceilings and wide, airy windows. The wrong placement? It can make even the grandest space feel cramped and unfinished.
Get the Proportion Right
The biggest mistake? Hanging curtains too low or too narrowly around the window. It’s an easy error to make – after all, shouldn’t curtains start where the window does? But if you mount the rod too close to the frame, you’re effectively shrinking the space, cutting off light, and making your windows look smaller than they actually are.
The fix is simple but powerful: position the rod at least 15 cm (6 inches) above the window, or better yet, as close to the ceiling as possible. This small tweak draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height.
Consider the Width
Width matters just as much. Extending the curtain rod 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) beyond the window frame on either side will make the window appear wider and allow more natural light to filter through when the curtains are open.
It also ensures the fabric sits neatly without blocking too much glass – because no one chooses beautiful curtains just to have them bunched awkwardly in the middle of the window.
Curtain Length Changes Everything
Then there’s length, which changes everything. A curtain that’s just a few centimetres too short can make a space feel unfinished, while a well-chosen length creates instant elegance.
Pooling fabric on the floor delivers a soft, romantic effect – the kind you might see in a Parisian apartment or a stately home. It adds a sense of luxury, but it does require upkeep.
If you’re not keen on constantly adjusting the folds or worrying about dust collecting at the hem, this might not be the most practical choice. Curtains that pool typically have an extra 5 to 20 cm (2 to 8 inches) of fabric beyond floor length, depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be.
For a tailored, intentional look, opt for curtains that just graze the floor. This creates a crisp, polished finish without any excess fabric getting in the way. A good rule of thumb is to have the hem barely touch the floor or hover 1 cm (½ inch) above it. It’s the perfect balance between effortless and refined.
In high-traffic areas – hallways, kitchens, or anywhere with little feet or paws running through – it’s best to keep curtains slightly above floor level. This avoids unnecessary wear and tear while still maintaining a stylish, considered look.
A few centimetres off the ground won’t ruin the aesthetic, but it will save you from constantly worrying about dragging fabric or accidental footprints. Ideally, aim for 1 to 3 cm (½ to 1 inch) above the floor.
It all comes down to choosing what works best for your space. Whether you love a dramatic puddle of fabric or prefer the crisp precision of just-brushing-the-floor hems, getting the height and width right is what makes the difference between curtains that look haphazard and ones that feel perfectly placed.
Curtain Rods versus Tracks
Choosing between rods and tracks comes down to both function and style. Curtain rods are more decorative, making them perfect for eyelet or rod-pocket styles. Tracks, on the other hand, are sleek and discreet, allowing curtains to glide smoothly.
They work particularly well for wave curtains or pleated styles. If you’re in a rental or need a quick fix, tension rods can work – but they’re best reserved for lightweight sheers.
Tricky Windows, Tricky Shapes – and How to Get Curtains Right Anyway
Not all windows are straightforward rectangles just waiting for a perfectly hung curtain. Some are awkwardly placed, some stretch higher than expected, and some seem to defy all logic. But no matter how tricky the shape, there’s always a way to make curtains work – and make them look intentional while you’re at it.
Bay Windows – Beautiful but Baffling
Bay windows are charming, full of natural light, and a lovely architectural feature – until you try to dress them. The biggest challenge? Covering all sections without disrupting the window’s shape.
For a sleek, seamless look, a curved or flexible curtain track mounted on the ceiling follows the contour of the bay, allowing curtains to glide effortlessly from one side to the other.
If you prefer a more traditional approach, individual rods for each section let you treat each window like its own framed piece. Just make sure the fabric is the same throughout to keep everything looking cohesive rather than chaotic.
Want to maximise light while still framing the space? Layer sheer curtains with heavier drapes so you can adjust the level of privacy and brightness throughout the day.
Arched Windows – Stunning but Stubborn
Arched windows bring character and elegance to a space, but their curves don’t always play nicely with standard curtain rods. The key is deciding whether to highlight or disguise the arch.
If you love the architectural detail, install a rod slightly above the highest point of the arch and let full-length curtains drape elegantly around it. This keeps the height of the room intact and prevents awkward half-curtain situations.
If privacy is the main concern, a custom arched curtain rod or flexible track can follow the curve perfectly. However, this works best with lightweight fabrics – heavy drapes may struggle to hold their shape.
For a casual but effective solution, mount a straight rod just below the arch and let the upper curve remain exposed. This is a great compromise if you want both privacy and the beauty of the original window shape.
Tall, Narrow Windows – Where Do You Even Put the Rod?
With tall windows, the instinct is often to install curtains just above the frame. But that’s a missed opportunity. Instead, go as high as possible – ideally just below the ceiling or crown moulding.
This enhances the height of the space rather than cutting it off visually.
To add width and balance, extend the rod at least 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) beyond the window on either side. This makes the windows appear grander and prevents them from looking like two vertical slits in the wall.
If the windows are extremely narrow and close together, consider a single set of wide curtains rather than individual panels for each window. This creates a sense of unity rather than emphasising their small proportions.
Corner Windows – A Curtain Clash Waiting to Happen
Corner windows often leave little space for rods, which makes standard curtain placement a challenge. The trick is to connect the two windows visually rather than treating them as separate entities.
A corner curtain rod (a rod with a flexible or angled join) allows the fabric to flow seamlessly around both windows. If that’s not an option, two separate rods mounted as close together as possible will keep the look cohesive.
For smaller corner windows, Roman shades or tailored blinds can provide a neat, structured alternative without overwhelming the space.
Windows with Radiators – Style Meets Practicality
A radiator right below the window creates an immediate dilemma: full-length curtains look beautiful, but they trap heat. Short curtains solve the problem but can look outdated if not done well.
The best solution? Hang floor-length curtains but keep them pulled to the sides with tiebacks. This allows heat to circulate while maintaining a polished look. Alternatively, opt for sheer curtains combined with Roman blinds for a layered effect that feels intentional rather than purely functional.
Tricky windows don’t have to mean tricky curtains. With the right approach, even the most awkward shapes can be beautifully dressed. The key is working with the window’s natural form rather than against it – because when curtains complement rather than compete, they elevate the entire room.
The Small but Crucial Details
Fabric choice plays a bigger role than you might think. Linen is airy and relaxed, giving spaces a natural, effortless feel. Velvet is heavier, creating a sense of drama while also blocking out light and insulating the room. Cotton sits comfortably in the middle, offering a crisp, structured look without feeling too formal.
Sheer curtains, whether layered with heavier drapes or used alone, allow for a soft, diffused light that makes any room feel more inviting.
Lining options also make a difference. Unlined curtains filter in natural light and feel lightweight, while thermal linings add insulation – a game-changer for draughty homes. Blackout linings are essential for bedrooms, blocking out unwanted light for better sleep.
The final details pull everything together. Tiebacks, holdbacks, and decorative finials can make even simple curtains look intentional. But restraint is key – oversized tasselled tiebacks can sometimes feel more period drama than modern elegance.
Common Curtain Mistakes and How to Fix Them
The number one mistake? Curtains that are too short. If your curtains are hovering awkwardly above the floor, consider lowering the rod. If that’s not an option, adding a fabric border to the bottom can create a custom look while extending the length.
Always err on the side of longer panels – it’s easier to hem than to wish you had more fabric.
Patterns can also go wrong if not balanced properly. If your curtains are bold, keep the rest of the room more neutral.
On the other hand, if you already have patterned wallpaper or vibrant furniture, solid-coloured curtains can help ground the space.
Overloading a delicate rod is another common issue. Heavy curtains need proper support. If your rod is bowing in the middle, adding extra brackets will prevent a dramatic curtain collapse.
Conclusion: Curtain Confidence Starts Here
Getting curtains right is part science, part intuition. The way they hang, the fabric you choose, and even the height of the rod all shape how a room feels. Small tweaks can make a big difference – lifting the rod a little higher, choosing a softer fabric, or rethinking the length can instantly transform a space.
There’s no single ‘perfect’ way to do it, only what works best for your home. The key is to approach it with a little patience and a willingness to adjust. Because once you get it right, curtains don’t just frame a window – they complete the room.
