Do you think the main thing is to match the curtain color to the cushions? It turns out that the most annoying mistakes lie in the details that we often overlook. Correct these five non-obvious mistakes, and your windows will transform beyond recognition.
Mistake 1: Saving on Fabric
"I'll buy something cheaper, what if I don't like it?"
Cheap fabric will ruin even an inexpensive interior. It will create shapeless, bubbly folds, drape poorly, and may fade after the first wash.
Budget for quality, dense textiles – linen, treated cotton, velvet, or quality polyester. It is the fabric, not the complicated design, that creates a sense of luxury. Remember: one pair of luxurious linen curtains is better than three pairs of cheap tulle.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Window Functionality
"The main thing is that it looks good!"
You will constantly be pinning back the curtains to open the sash, and they will get dirty from hands and dust from the window. This is inconvenient and unaesthetic.
For frequently opened windows, choose designs with detachable rings or eyelets that can be easily moved. Or consider using holders that neatly pull the fabric aside without obstructing ventilation.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Washing
"I'll wash it like a regular sheet"
Many natural fabrics (especially linen) shrink significantly. You may hang perfectly fitted curtains, and after the first wash, they will end up 10–15 cm shorter.
Always pre-shrink new curtains before sewing or hanging them for the first time. Wash them in the mode you plan to use for future care, and then thoroughly steam them with a steam iron.
Check with the manufacturer if the fabric shrinks.
Always account for possible shrinkage when calculating the fabric length.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Selection of Holdbacks
"What difference does it make, as long as it holds?"
A holdback that is too tight or short will create an inelegant, skewed silhouette. A holdback placed too low will shorten the window.
The ideal point for the holdback is at a height of 1/3 or 1/2 of the total length of the curtain from the floor. The holdback itself should be loose enough to gently support beautiful folds without crumpling them into a bunch.
Mistake 5: Neglecting Steaming
"It will be fine, the folds will straighten out"
Never hang unsteamed curtains! Use a powerful steamer – it will quickly and safely smooth out all creases, even on the most delicate fabrics, without leaving shine. Regular steaming (rather than washing) is the secret to keeping your windows looking impeccable for a long time.
By considering these nuances, you will not just buy curtains but create an elegant and thoughtfully composed arrangement at your windows.
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