I’m just loving the new curtains we’ve recently added to our family room and nursery! Window treatments warm up a space immediately by framing the windows and adding depth and texture to a space. I recently purchased these curtain panels in the color sour cream. We have 9 foot ceilings and I purchased the 84″ panels and hung them a few inches above our windows. I received so many questions about the curtains so I thought I’d give you a few guidelines to follow

Blackout Vs. Sheer

Many people often opt for sheer curtains thinking they want to let more light in. While this is definitely an option and an understandable argument, blackout curtains panels will provide a much more sophisticated look and add a true designer’s touch. I personally don’t notice any less light streaming through the windows when they’re left open!

What Size To Buy

Measure the height from the floor to the top of your window and make sure the curtain panel can be hung at least four inches above that!

How To Install

You really have two options. You can hang the curtains as high as possible to elongate your window and make your ceilings look taller… OR you can hang them a few inches above the window trim. I recommend at least four inches above the window! Either way works just fine, it mostly comes down to personal preference.

While I do prefer to hang curtain panels higher, I opted to hang them just four inches above our windows since we only have 9 foot ceilings and little space to work with in between. I simply like how they look better when they’re hung low just because of the spacing in this specific room. However, if we had a larger space and higher ceilings, I would definitely go higher! Either way, make sure to install the curtain bracket 6-8″ to the left and right of the window. This makes your window appear larger and more open!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some guides to help you install your curtains. I also make a template out of cardboard like the one you see below. This takes the guesswork out of the process and ensures you’ll have straight curtains when you’re done!

Pooling Curtains

Pooling means your curtains will gather at the floor, leave a little extra fabric to lay organically on the ground. While this is an acceptable style for sure I much prefer when the curtains juuust graze the ground providing a simple, clean look.

Hope this helps! You can click below to shop my favorite curtains. Make sure to subscribe to Halfway Wholeistic so you don’t miss out on a post of giveaway!