“My preference is for the rod to not overshadow the drapes,” Hodges says. “I like a delicate 3/4-inch rod with horizontal middle brackets, if possible.”
Berk agrees that the curtain rod should be simple, since anything overly decorative tends to look too fussy. One way to make the decision easy is to match the rest of the hardware in the room. “If you have black door handles and cabinet pulls, then black is a great choice. If your style is modern, go clean and minimal,” Berk suggests. “If it’s traditional, you can choose something more classic.”
Should curtains touch the floor?
This might be a contentious subject, but per our pros, the bottom of your curtains shouldn’t pool—which is why you should take careful measurements at the beginning of this project. Hodges and Berk agree that the bottom of the curtain should “kiss” the floor, which means that it should ever-so-gently touch it. “This looks clean and natural, but also provides some allowance for when the draperies grow and contract, such as when there’s a lot of humidity in the air,” Hodges says.
To make sure that you don’t make the mistake of too-long curtains, Berk recommends deducting one half inch from the total length of your curtain measurement on both sides while also keeping the height of the rod and your intended style in mind. “Linen tends to stretch one to two inches over time, so you will want to deduct that additional amount from your curtain height if you opt for that fabric,” he says.
If you’re a renter, consider inside or outside mounted curtains
Renters, you’re not excluded from this curtain makeover project, either. There are less invasive hacks to this DIY, like using a tension rod or adhesive hooks. It might be easier to kick off conversations with your landlord before going down a tutorial rabbit hole on learning how to hang curtains without drilling.
“Fortunately any holes made into drywall are very easy to patch and paint,” Weidenbaum assures. Outside mounted curtains require two to four screws placed on the drywall above your window, whereas inside versions require the screws placed—you guessed it—inside the window frame. Looking to show off architectural details of the window? Inside mounts might be your best option.
Weidenbaum advises opting for outside mounted blinds if your windows are on the shallow side.
Coordinate your hardware with the curtain fabric and the room’s existing metals
Your rods and finials should complement your curtains. Heavier curtains call for more substantial rods while sheers can be placed on slimmer rods. If you have metal accents elsewhere in the room, such as a gilded pendant light or brass-framed coffee table, consider a similar material or finish for the curtain rods or finials.