Avoid This Mistake When Buying Curtain Rods To Get The Most Out Of Your Natural Light

For those in the market for new curtains, allow us to pull back the truth. While it's easy to get fixated on factors like material, length, and plain versus patterned curtains, there's another oft-overlooked detail that makes a huge difference. One of the bigger mistakes you need to avoid when hanging curtains involves the curtain rod. Though it may seem as if you should buy a curtain rod that's the same width as the window itself, doing so can actually rob your space of some precious light.

Selecting a rod that's too narrow doesn't necessarily make a difference when the curtains are closed. But once they're drawn open, it means that the material is bunched up in front of the panes. Not only does that block out a portion of the sunlight meant to stream through your windows, it can actually make them appear smaller than they are. And, generally speaking, windows tend to be a bigger-is-better situation. So to give the appearance of spacious windows and create a bright, airy space, you'll want to select a rod that extends anywhere from 6 to 12 inches on either side of the panes' edge. That will allow the fabric to comfortably sit on both sides of the window, bathing the space in light.

Whether the rod extends closer to the 6-inch or 12-inch mark depends on the stack back. Stack back is a term used for the drawn curtain on either side of the window. The ratio on how wide and deep this stack will be varies on several factors, like what type of curtain you select and the header style, i.e. how the fabric attaches to your rod. For curtains that feature a grommet, for instance, the stack back width will be 8 to 15% of the total fabric width when flat, while those with a Euro pleat or ripple fold will be closer to 25%. So you'll need a longer rod for the latter. Your preferred style of curtain will also dictate the perfect curtain rod design for you. Linens that feature a grommet-top or tab-top will show more of the bar itself, while a rod pocket or back tab hides the hardware entirely from view.

The curtain material also plays a major role in terms of rod length. Fuller fabrics, like velvet, will have a larger stack back and require a longer rod as not to block the window, while a thin, sheer curtain won't need as much clearance space. Another factor is if your drapes draw one way or two ways. A single stack will need the rod to extend past the window's edge farther than if there is a divided stack on either side. Ensuring the curtain fabric doesn't block any portion of the window is one way that interior designers stack the deck for their clients, and following suit will flood your home with luxurious natural light.