If there’s one thing that reliably fills our inbox, it’s questions about curtains and blinds: where to hang them, where to buy them, and how to style them. Below we answer the most common queries, with practical tips and real examples to make your window treatments look intentional and polished.
Q: What is your general philosophy on window treatments?
A: Curtains and blinds are one of the most transformative elements in a room after paint. They add height, softness, texture, and color, and can change the feeling of a space dramatically. We prefer floor-length curtains paired with blinds or shades and often avoid valances. Our golden rule is “high and wide.”
Hang inside- or outside-mounted bamboo blinds or roman shades a few inches below the ceiling to visually raise the window. Mount the curtain rod at the same height, but extend it roughly 18″ beyond each side of the window so panels stack off the glass instead of covering it. This makes windows appear taller and wider, lets in more light, and creates an overall grander effect. When in doubt, go high and wide — taller ceilings, brighter rooms, and larger-looking windows are the usual payoff.
Q: Where do you shop for affordable curtains?
A: Ikea, Target, Walmart, West Elm, JCPenney, and Bed Bath & Beyond are all reliable sources for budget-friendly curtains. Our go-to are Ikea Vivan panels — they’re affordable, classic, come in multiple lengths and include no-sew iron-on hem tape for a crisp, custom finish.
Q: How do you find blinds long enough for large windows?
A: Tip: place two bamboo blinds side-by-side to mimic a single long blind. It’s a cost-effective alternative to custom oversized blinds and works especially well with textured bamboo that hides the seam. Walmart, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and JCPenney are good places to search for multiple widths.
Q: Where can I find curtains for rooms with very tall ceilings (11 ft)?
A: For rooms with 11-foot ceilings, choose extra-long panels. Ikea’s 118″ curtains are a great affordable option that add vertical softness without needing a custom order. Hanging them a little below the ceiling keeps proportions balanced while still emphasizing height.
Q: How should I treat three windows along one wall that have space between them?
A: Use one continuous long rod across all three windows. It creates a seamless look and visually unifies multiple windows into one cohesive opening. Curtain rod extenders from stores like JCPenney can reach beyond 12′ if needed. Hanging panels where narrow wall sections exist makes grouped windows read as one large expanse of glass.
Q: What window treatments work best for a bay window?
A: Follow the curve with a dedicated bay window rod or use three regular rods joined together (remove the end finials where they meet for a continuous look). Pair inside-mounted 2″ blinds for privacy with lightweight, floor-length curtains for softness. This combination keeps the bay functional while adding flow and texture.
Removing an old valance and installing a bay rod with breezy curtains creates a dramatic before-and-after result.
Q: How can I make an off-center window feel more symmetrical with curtains?
A: “Cheat” the curtain placement by shifting the rod so the panels fall in a more balanced position. Long floor-length panels can mask off-center windows and create a sense of symmetry across the room. Once mounted, most people won’t notice the actual window location.
Q: I already have inside-mount blinds. Can I still hang curtains high and wide?
A: Yes. Mount the rod about 6″ above the window rather than all the way up to the ceiling so the curtains relate visually to the blinds below but still create extra height and softness. That little gap prevents the treatment from feeling heavy and gives the assembly room to breathe.
Q: How do you keep white Ikea curtains clean?
A: Wash new curtains before hanging to pre-shrink them and make future laundering predictable. White curtains can be washed a few times a year and refreshed with bleach or oxygen-based stain removers when needed. For households with kids or pets, routine washing keeps white panels looking bright and crisp.
Q: What window coverings work in a bathroom?
A: Bathrooms need moisture-friendly, privacy-focused options. Frosted film, frosted spray, shades, or blinds are all good choices. Avoid floor-length curtains in wet areas; instead opt for something easy to clean and that respects privacy while allowing light.
Q: How do you handle privacy with a blind and curtain combo?
A: Use a discreet inside-mounted roller shade or 2″ pull-up blinds for privacy, tucking them behind bamboo blinds or roman shades when not needed. That way you can maintain the layered look while having practical nighttime privacy solutions hidden from view.
Q: What curtain length should I use on 96″ French doors?
A: Ikea panels with iron-on hem tape make hemming simple. The 98″ panels work well above transoms; for extra drama choose 118″ panels and hang them about 6″ above the transom to add breathing room and height. Pre-wash panels to pre-shrink them and ensure the final length is right.
Q: What color or finish curtain rod do you prefer?
A: We usually favor oil-rubbed bronze or black for a classic, understated look. Chrome works well in modern rooms, especially with grommeted panels. Thin white rods can look too delicate under long panels, so choose a finish that feels proportional to your curtains and the room’s style.
Q: Would it look odd to have curtains of different heights on the same wall next to a sliding glass door?
A: For cohesion, hang curtains at the same level across the wall and use matching blinds on both the windows and the sliding door. If needed, cheat the curtain height so everything reads as one coordinated treatment — this brings balance and softness to the grouping.
Q: What about curtains over vertical blinds in a rental?
A: Avoid heavy black panels if they make the room feel too dark. Choose patterned panels that include black tones to tie into the furniture, or go neutral for a layered look. Draw vertical blinds to one side and hide them behind curtain panels so they’re usable but unobtrusive.
Q: Can bright, saturated curtains work instead of white?
A: Absolutely. Bold curtains can become a focal point and energize a space. Use color intentionally — a vibrant panel can complement paint and furnishings and bring personality without overwhelming the room.
Q: Can I use blinds or curtains on sliding glass doors?
A: Yes. Pairing curtains with bamboo blinds or shades creates a light, layered look. If you keep existing vertical blinds, tuck them behind a curtain panel when not in use so they remain functional but out of sight. This approach updates the door visually while preserving privacy and practicality.
There you have it — answers to common curtain and blind questions and examples that show how simple changes can make a big difference. Happy hanging!
