Easy Curtain Hacks: Simple Ways to Make Drapes Look High-End

Easy curtain hacks to make your tab top or rod pocket drapes look high-end. Learn the simple ways to create a polished look that’s budget-friendly!

As I was changing the curtains in our living room for the 5, 746th time in the 20+ years we’ve lived in our home, I realized that I don’t think I’ve ever shared some of my secret curtain hanging hacks.

Now before we dive into the heart of this blog post, you’re probably wondering why the heck I change our curtains that often.

The short answer…I have no idea! It’s just something I’ve loved doing, even as a young girl.

There’s something about switching the curtains that feels like a fresh start whether it’s a change in season, a new color scheme, or just the simple desire for an update.

Truthfully, I had no plans to update the curtains in our living room until we added the secretary desk to the space.

Between the new desk and the existing curtains, it felt like there was just too much brown.

So, I decided it was time for a change, thus the inspiration for this post.

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your curtain panels to hang just right or feel like they need a little something extra, I’ve got you covered.

I’m sharing a simple trick (and a few other hacks) that makes even the most basic tab top or rod pocket curtains look elevated and polished.

So, let’s dive into this little secret of mine and easily transform the window treatments in your home!

Shopping for Budget-Friendly Curtains That Won’t Break the Bank

You probably think I’ve got a big budget when it comes to home decor, especially when it comes to curtains.

But in reality, I’m all about finding stylish, inexpensive options that look high-end.

Why spend money on expensive curtains when I’m just going to change them in a few months?

I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to break the bank to get the cozy look you want, especially when it comes to curtains.

Here’s how I do it…

• Keep It Simple with Classic Styles: Tab top and rod pocket drapes are my go-to because they’re easy to find and typically more affordable than other options. Plus, they’re super versatile and can easily be dressed up.
• Shop Smart, Shop Sales: Shopping online is one a great way to find deals. Websites like Amazon, Target, and Wayfair often have sales, discounts, and promotions that can help you snag beautiful curtains at a fraction of the price. And don’t forget to check for coupons or special offers, they add up!
• Choose Fabrics with Texture: Texture is everything when it comes to making affordable curtains look luxurious. Look for curtains made from fabrics like linen, cotton, or even a faux linen blend. These fabrics add depth to the fabric, making your curtains look much more expensive than they really are.

What to Avoid When it Comes to Shopping for Curtains

I thought it would be equally important to share what not to buy when it comes to shopping for curtains as well.

Some curtain styles or materials might seem like a good idea at first, but they can end up making your space feel more “meh” than high-end.

To help you steer clear of these purchases, here’s what to avoid when curtain shopping…

• Say No to Grommet Curtains: This one might be controversial, but hear me out! Grommets give a more modern, industrial look, and they can sometimes feel a bit too commercial or utilitarian in my opinion. They also don’t allow for the kind of soft, sophisticated draping that a traditional curtain can. If you’re aiming for a more timeless feel, I recommend skipping the grommets and opting for a tab top or rod pocket style instead.
• Curtains That Are Too Short: Curtain panels that don’t hit the floor can make a room feel unfinished. Ideally, curtains should either touch the floor or puddle on it (we’ll talk more about this later). If they’re too short, it can make the room feel awkward and chopped up.
• Thin & Cheap Fabrics: Flimsy fabrics might save you money upfront, but they can end up looking cheap and lackluster. They also won’t hang as nicely or provide much privacy or light control. Choose window treatments made from thicker materials like linen blends or cotton, which will not only look more luxurious but will also function better.

Easy Curtain Hack: The Secret to a Sleek, High-End Look

Ok, so are you ready to take your curtains from ho-hum to fabulous!

All you need for this simple trick are curtain ring clips. And no, we won’t be using them like everyone else does.

Instead of just clipping the rings onto the top of the panel, I’m going to show you how to use these clips to elevate your curtains and make them look like a designer set, even if you’re working with basic tab top or rod pocket curtains.

Let’s do this!

Fold the Tab Top on the Backside of the Curtain

Start by folding one of the tab tops on the backside of the curtain in half so the tab is facing out.

Attach the Curtain Ring Clips to the Curtain

Now, grab your curtain ring clips (the amount you will need depends on the width of your panel) and attach the clip to the fold you created.

Fold and attach clips all the way along the curtain panel until you reach the other end.

Be sure to keep the clips spaced evenly for a balanced look. If you’ve used a tape measure for non-tab curtains, this will ensure that each clip is in the right spot.

Once all the clips are attached, give the fabric a little tug to make sure everything is hanging evenly and neatly.

Hang the Curtains

Once all the clips are attached, it’s time to hang your curtains!

Carefully lift the curtain panel and slide the curtain rings onto your curtain rod.

If you’ve spaced the clips evenly, your curtains will hang beautifully, with a neat, uniform look.

Take a step back to make sure the curtains are positioned just right. Adjust the fabric to ensure it falls smoothly and naturally, and make sure the clips are hidden behind the fabric.

And there you have it.

Your curtains now have that elevated, designer-quality appearance without the hefty price tag!

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How do I know what size curtain ring clips to use?

There are a ton of curtain clips to choose from, so knowing which one to use may be intimidating.

The most important things to consider are the thickness of your curtain rod and the weight of your curtains.

• Curtain Rod Size: If your curtain rod is a standard size (usually 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter), you’ll want to choose ring clips with an inner diameter of around 1.5 to 2 inches. This will allow the rings to slide smoothly on the rod without being too tight or too loose.
• Curtain Weight: For lightweight curtains like sheers or cotton, smaller clips around 1 inch in diameter should work well. For heavier fabrics, such as velvet or linen, choose slightly larger clips (1.5 inches or more) to ensure the clips can hold the weight without bending or warping.

As a general rule of thumb, a 1.5″ inner diameter is a safe, versatile choice for most window treatments.

Other Simple Curtain Hacks for Ready-Made Curtains to Make Them Look Expensive

In addition to the curtain ring clip hack, there are a few other easy ways to make your drapery look even more polished.

• Hang High and Wide: Install your curtain rod higher and wider than the window to create the illusion of taller windows and a more spacious room.
• Steam or Iron: Wrinkle free curtains look more refined and expensive.
• Right Length: Make sure your curtains are the right length, just touching the floor or slightly puddling at the base.
• Use Heavier Fabrics: Like I mentioned earlier, use thicker fabrics like velvet, linen blends, or heavy cotton for a luxurious feel. Heavier fabrics hang better on a curtain rod.
• Double or Triple Up Panels for a Fuller Look: Layer multiple panels to create a fuller, more voluminous look.

How high should I hang my curtain panels?

When it comes to hanging curtains, getting the right height can make all the difference in creating a high-end look.

• Hang the curtain rod at least 4 to 6 inches above the window frame. This creates the illusion of taller windows.
• Don’t be afraid to hang your curtains even higher if you have taller ceilings.
• If you want your curtains to touch the floor for a tailored appearance, measure from the bottom of the curtain rod to the floor.
• If you want your curtains to puddle on the floor for a more dramatic look, add an extra 2-3 inches to your measurement.

How do I measure my windows for the right sized curtains?

Getting the right measurements for your curtains is essential to ensure they fit perfectly and hang beautifully.

Measure the Width of Your Window

• Step 1: Measure the width of your window frame from left to right.
• Step 2: Add an extra 12-24″ on each side of the window to allow for fullness. This extra width ensures your curtains will have a fuller look when closed and allows for proper stacking when the curtains are open.

Measure the Height of Your Curtains

• Step 1: Decide where you want the curtain rod to be placed. As I mentioned previously, a good rule of thumb is to hang the rod 4-6″ above the window frame, but if you have high ceilings, you can hang the rod higher for a more dramatic effect.
• Step 2: Measure from the top of the rod (where it will sit on the wall) to the floor.

Choose Your Curtain Size

Based on your width and height measurements, choose the closest standard curtain size.

Standard panels typically come in lengths like 84, 96, or 108 inches, so if your measurement falls between these sizes, you’ll want to go with a slightly longer length.

Will curtain ring clips work on pinch pleat curtains?

No, that curtain hack won’t work on pinch pleat curtains.

Pinch pleat or traditional pleat curtains are designed to hang from curtain rings with hooks, and their pleats are sewn in place.

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I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! 

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xoxo, heidi

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