Curtains - how should we hang them?

jai4137570 · 2025-02-07T21:24:20+00:00

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Hi! My boyfriend and I just moved into our new space. It's an older building that has lots of beautiful wood moldings. We have two windows in our bedroom, I'm hesitant to hang curtains within them because I don't want to block the natural light during the day. But the moldings are nearly at the top of the ceiling so I'm concerned putting the curtains above the windows will look overpowering. Thoughts?

The curtains featured here were left by the prior tenants, we've been using them temporarily. I find that they obscure the view a lot. Hopefully it's clear from the photo but the ceiling is very close to the top of the window moldings.

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Comments

Gigi2025

My apartment is the same way. Take a decorative window tension bar and place it on the inside of the window frame. Flush against the top. Next, to make the room look larger use long curtains from the top of the inside window frame to the floor. This will give the room the illusion that the walls are tall. Also pull them into the middle of the rod while using only one panel per window. This gives you the natural light you want as well as provided some privacy. Remember to use a heavier rod if you are going to be using a black out panel. The rule to remember is bigger rod for heavy panels. Also sheers that are light colored makes your room appear brighter and larger. The darker and heavier curtains or drapes make things dark, drab, and the feeling of being closed in. Makes you think the room is very small and everything closes in on you. Happy hanging!

DanielaAraya

Such pretty molding! You're right for using the curtain rod between the windows versus hanging above the windows (you don't want to cover up that beautiful wood!). If you want to let as much natural light in, I would opt for something sheer that will filter light through the space. Another option is to hang Roman shades for these windows. They feel super elegant in this kind of window!

tigerlillysmom2326

You could also use tension rods inside the frame for cafe curtains which could be open in the daytime and closed at night.

Zephy

I agree — definitely hang curtains or whatever you use inside the window frame and allow the moldings to show.

Perhaps instead of curtains use blinds? They fit completely inside the moldings and when pulled up are nearly invisible so won't block light or views, but when pulled down can completely or partially block light from outside while also letting air in. Then you might not need curtains at all. We use blinds in our bedroom, and we don't miss having curtains. The windows are very handsome on their own.

Blinds are harder to clean than curtains (their one drawback, although curtains can also get very dirty so get washable ones if you go that route), but we think the advantages are worth it.

user5393369

Looking at your apartment I was reminded of my own.
I like contemporary. Look at lots of interior decor magazines for your taste and decor.

I agree your frame work is a key element to your apt. We bought wood replica shutters (plastic) for ours. We found they weren’t very expensive and Home Depot well as Lowe’s has an assortment of them. Find a sale! Take measurements inside the window framing, there’s a specialist in these departments or order on line.

I’ve debated on a single panel on each side pulled back to display the frame work. After the shutters were up I kept the contemporary look.

I can pull them up for the view or leave them down for warm lighting in book reading.

Good luck!

PS I disagree with the upkeep, a fluffy duster or vacuum with a softer bristles cleans the shutters without taking them down in a few minutes time.

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InspiredCFSUK

Your space looks lovely! The wood moldings are definitely a standout feature, so I totally get your hesitation about covering them. Since you want to keep as much natural light as possible, you might consider installing a slim curtain rod just above the molding and opting for lightweight, sheer curtains or linen drapes. This way, they frame the windows without feeling heavy.

If you’re open to alternatives, Roman shades or woven blinds inside the window frames could be a great option they provide privacy without taking away from the beautiful moldings. Whatever you choose, keeping it light and airy will help maintain the character of the space!