After you choose window coverings for your home, the next step is to hang them over your windows. While this might seem fairly straightforward, take the time to consider more info on proper rod choice and hanging strategies before you pull out the screwdriver and level, especially in small spaces and homes.
1. Extend Window Height and Width
It would cost thousands of dollars to rip out your existing windows and replace them with floor-to-ceiling models. The budget-friendly solution is much easier: hang your curtain rods at ceiling height rather than just above the window itself.
This strategy works from right to left, as well. Choose a longer curtain rod that allows your draperies to extend over the walls that flank your windows. This makes small spaces feel lighter, airier, and larger. Wider curtains are also beneficial for:
- Views: You'll see more of the skyline, countryside, or other view when your curtains can be pushed farther aside
- Curtains: A wider curtain rode allows you to pull the curtains away from the window without bunching them up
- Symmetry: When the curtains are closed, they won't seem to be "floating" in the middle of the wall since the rod is all the way at the ceiling
2. Go with Slimmer Rods
Bulky curtain rods can dominate small spaces, especially if the room contains more than one window. A slimmer rod won't steal the show from the draperies, furniture, or other decor, and it is also easier to install because it's lighter.
Additionally, slim rods have become fashionable in interior design circles. Sleek, narrow curtain rings are also in style for draperies that require fasteners when hung. Alternatively, choose window coverings that can be attached to the rod without fasteners.
3. Select a Metallic Finish
Consider a narrow rod with a sleek, metallic finish to add some glam to the space. Reflective surfaces make small rooms feel larger, even when those surfaces are as small as a curtain rod, because they bounce and diffuse light.
Some of the most popular metallic finishes include:
- Brushed nickel
- Chrome
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Brass
If you want to create uniformity in your designs, select a curtain rod that shares a finish with other metallic surfaces in the space. Look at light fixtures, plumbing hardware, door knobs, and cabinet pulls for inspiration.
4. Consider Return Rods
A return rod is a curtain rod that curves toward the wall at each end, creating a "closed circuit" with the wall. This is different from traditional rods, which typically feature decorative finials at either end.
Although finials make great decorative touches, they also consume more space. On a narrow wall with a window, use return rods to define the window and its coverings without having to worry about the flanking wall space.
5. Find Other Locations for Curtains and Rods
Windows are not the only architectural features that benefit from curtains and rods. Small spaces often lack dividing walls between separate areas, such as living and dining rooms or kitchens and living spaces.
Use draperies and rods to strategically define areas of your home. Hang a curtain between the bedroom and common area in your studio apartment, for example, to gain more privacy when you go to bed.
This will require a longer rod than the standard size used for windows. Some rods are modular, which means separate pieces can be connected to create a custom length for a long space.
In a small home or room, curtain rod selection can greatly impact your enjoyment of the space. Use your existing furnishings as inspiration for your curtain rods so the visual elements of each room are united through color, finish, or other qualities.
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