Natural light spilling into your home is lovely—until you want to sleep or have some privacy, that is. Yes, regardless of where you live, curtains are a must-have, and you’ll want to do some research before purchasing them to ensure that you acquire the proper size and style for your home.
We’ve put together this fast guide on how to choose from the best boho curtains and all of the extras that come with them to help take the guesswork out of the process.
Step 1: Determine how long they should be.
When it comes to curtains, length is one of the most important variables to consider. 63 inches, 84 inches, 95 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches are the usual curtain lengths. The length of time you stay depends on the height of your windows and ceilings, as well as the appearance you want to accomplish. Curtain lengths are calculated by measuring from the rod pocket to the bottom of the fabric, which is where your curtain hangs from the curtain rod.
(Note that tier curtains are short curtains that just cover a portion of the window.) These are usually 24 inches or 36 inches in length.)
To determine the length of curtain you’ll need, measure the distance between your rod and the floor. Determine where your rod will be installed, or measure from the present rod to the bottom of the window to the floor where you want the curtains to hang. This measurement should be taken in inches, as that is how curtain lengths are commonly expressed.
45 inches is the usual curtain width. To account for rod overhang and to allow your curtains to hang in gentle folds rather than taut, measure the width of your window in inches and add 12 inches on each side.
Curtain types and lengths:
When looking for curtains, instead of searching by length, it’s a good idea to search by your desire. Here are several examples:
Short curtains that just cover a section of the window are known as tier curtains.
Apron curtains are drapes that dangle just below the window’s bottom edge.
Floor curtains are drapes that reach the ground. When matched with a rod that is closer to the ceiling, they usually look the best.
Puddle curtains are drapes that go all the way to the floor, with some fabric poking out at the bottom. Pair these with a higher-positioned rod once more.
Step 2: Pick a Fabric for the Curtains
Curtains are available in a range of materials. Keep in mind the amount of light that will pass through your windows in addition to the overall design you want for them. Lighter, more translucent materials will let in more light than heavier, opaque fabrics.
If you want a lot of light to shine through, choose sheer or cotton materials. Even with a variety of colors, there will be enough natural light.
Linen curtains are a fantastic choice if you want some light but not all of it. They feature a rough weave that lets some light in but not all.
Choose velvet curtains, which are particularly thick and opaque, if you want to block out all or most of the light. Blackout curtains, which have a specific lining that completely blocks out the light, are another alternative.
You’ll have a lot of options in terms of color and design within each fabric option. If you want your curtains to be a standout feature of the room, go bold, or keep it simple if you don’t want them to distract from other key points.
Step 3: Choose Your Hardware
The final step in selecting curtains is to select hardware, which includes your curtain rod. To balance the design, choose a curtain rod that is 6 to 12 inches wider than the window. This will add visual appeal to the area while also allowing you to move your curtains to the side when you want to open them. Most ordinary curtain rods, fortunately, are adjustable, allowing you to make them smaller or larger as needed.
Brass, brushed nickel, polished nickel, and antique bronze are all common materials for hardware that may be used in almost any kind of home. If you’re going to utilize curtain holders, make sure they’re made of the same material as your rod.
