Everyone knows that beyond a fresh coat of paint, curtains are one of the easiest ways to add polish and style to a room. They introduce height, softness, and drama, so we finally added long floor-length $5 Ikea panels to either side of the bamboo shades in the den—just like we did in the living room a while back.
Here are the den’s boxy windows before: they were functional and fit the craftsman vibe, but they were calling out for soft, serene, floor-length curtains (don’t mind John in the corner taking measurements). Without curtains the space felt tidy but a bit unfinished.
Just look at how much a few inexpensive white panels change the room. For tips on installing them, our curtain-hanging tutorial covers a few helpful tricks and measurements.
We always hang curtains high and wide to make windows read larger and to avoid blocking any natural light—light makes rooms feel open and airy. Our go-to is Ikea’s Vivan panels. At roughly $9.99 for two, they’re a bargain and come in two lengths (98″ and 118″), so taller ceilings can opt for the longer pair ($14.99 for two) and still get that breezy, inviting look in an afternoon. Even Burger approves.
The bamboo Roman shades are from Walmart, which usually stocks a variety of affordable sizes. We’ve even hung two shades side-by-side in the living room to mimic one long blind without paying for a custom oversized shade—simple and budget-friendly.
We paired the curtains with understated oil-rubbed-bronze-look rods from Target. The simple hardware lets the curtains take center stage. The den’s standard ceiling now feels taller thanks to the vertical lines the curtains introduce—an easy optical trick to add perceived height.
I can’t believe it took us so long, given how often we recommend curtains to anyone who will listen. The takeaway: bring your partner to Ikea more often, and if he grumbles about installing another rod, bribe him with a taco run and get it done.
Do you have rooms that could benefit from the polish and added height of floor-length curtains? Any overdue decorating projects on your list? Share what you’re planning.
Update: Check the comments on this post for curtain-related questions, helpful hints, and simple solutions.
Psst—If you want more guidance on choosing the right window treatments for your home, we have an in-depth answer that covers a wide range of scenarios and styles.