Everyone knows that besides a fresh coat of paint, curtains are one of the fastest ways to add polish and style to any room. They bring height, drama, and a soft, billowy feel, so we finally installed long, floor-length $5 Ikea panels on either side of the bamboo shades in the den—just like we did in our living room a while back.
Here are our boxy den windows before, clearly calling out for some soft, serene floor-length panels (don’t mind John in the corner taking measurements). The room looked clean and true to the craftsman style without them, but something was missing.
Look at the difference a few inexpensive white panels make. For tips and tricks on hanging curtains, see our curtain-hanging tutorial.
We always hang curtains high and wide to make the window appear larger and to avoid blocking any light—natural light helps a room feel open and airy. Our go-to white panels are Ikea’s Vivan curtains. At about $9.99 for two, they’re an affordable choice. They come in two lengths (98″ and 118″), so rooms with taller ceilings can use the longer pair for the same breezy, elevated look without spending much or taking more than an afternoon to install. Even Burger approves.
The bamboo Roman shades came from Walmart; they often carry affordable options in a variety of standard and non-standard sizes. In the living room we’ve even hung two shades side-by-side to mimic a single oversized blind without the cost of a custom unit.
We like to pair the curtains with simple, oil-rubbed-bronze-look rods from Target. Their understated design lets the curtains take center stage. The standard-height ceiling in the den now feels taller thanks to the vertical lines the curtains create, enhancing the sense of height and openness.
I can’t believe it took us so long to do this, especially since we often recommend curtains to anyone who will listen. The takeaway: visit Ikea more often. And if your partner balks at hanging more curtain rods, bribe them with fast food and get the job done.
How about you? Do any rooms in your home need the polish and added height that floor-length curtains provide? Any overdue decorating projects on your to-do list? Share what’s on your list.
Update: Check the comments on the original post for many curtain-related questions and helpful tips and simple solutions.
Psst—If you want more guidance on choosing window treatments for your home, see our thorough answer on the subject.