How to Choose Fabulous Drapes

The most important thing to make a house a home (after a good home insurance policy, naturally) is the perfect set of drapes. Nothing is more depressing than a bare window, or, worse, the wrong drape in a window. Follow these quick and easy rules, and your windows will go from drab to fab in no time.

1. Fabric weight. Living rooms probably need thicker drapes than other rooms in the house. You spend a lot of time in your living room, and the added thickness affords you the privacy you need. Bear in mind variables like the amount of sunlight in the room and how nosy your neighbors are.

2. Layers. It’s perfectly acceptable to hang two sets of drapes in one window. A sheer drape can go on the inside to let in sunlight while maintaining some privacy, and a more opaque drape can go on the outside to darken a room at night and provide more privacy if necessary.

3. Pattern. Look at your furniture. If your couch is a solid color, pick a drape with a subtle pattern. On the other hand, if your couch has a slight pattern, pick a solid drape. This adds depth and interest to any room.

4. Size. Don’t even think of buying drapes before measuring! Measure carefully from top to bottom and side to side. Unless you have big plans for pooling drapes, make sure the finished product will fall two to three inches above the floor and about three inches on either side of the window frame. If you really want to up the look of luxury in your room, double the measurement from side to side.

5. Hardware. Nothing screams, “Fabulous room!” like gorgeous finials. Find hardware that matches the aesthetic of your room. Holdbacks and curtain rings are also nice touches.

It’s easy to spend a fortune on drapes, but you really don’t have to; with the right weight, pattern, size, and hardware, even the smallest of drapery budgets can bring a little pizzazz to your room.