Making Your New House a Home: The Power of Curtains

So, you’ve closed on your new home. Exciting! Now the work of making it your own begins. While major renovations often steal the spotlight, sometimes it’s the smaller tasks that truly transform a space. Take curtains, for example.

Curtains are the jewelry of any room—they can elevate your decor, but they can also miss the mark if overdone, underdone, or just slightly off. The variety of options can feel overwhelming:

• Sheer curtains
• Blackout curtains
• Thermal curtains
• Café curtains
• Pleated curtains
• Tab-top curtains
• Grommet curtains
• Rod pocket curtains
• Valances and swags

And that’s not even touching on shades: Roman shades, roller shades, bamboo or woven wood shades, and more. Then there’s the question of fabric, color, and pattern. With so many possibilities, it’s easy to feel lost. And maybe, even, give up completely, hoping for an HGTV home makeover team to come knocking at your door.

Let’s say you’ve chosen a classic option: neutral cream-colored linen drapes, lined to offer privacy while still allowing light to filter through. How do you ensure they’re hung properly to create a polished, elegant look?

Rules of Thumb for Hanging Neutral Sheer or Linen Drapes

1. Hang High
   • Place the curtain rod 4-6 inches above the window frame, or closer to the ceiling if you want to create the illusion of taller windows and higher ceilings.
   • Avoid hanging the rod directly on the window frame—it will make the windows look shorter.
2. Extend Wide
   • Extend the rod 8-12 inches beyond the sides of the window frame to make the window appear larger and allow the curtains to stack off the glass when open fully. This maximizes natural light.
3. Choose the Right Length
   • For a polished look, the curtains should either:
     • Kiss the floor: Just barely touch the floor for a modern, tailored appearance.
     • Float above the floor: Hover 1/2 inch above the floor to avoid dirt or dragging.
     • Puddle: Add 2-4 extra inches for a luxurious, romantic effect (best for low-traffic areas).
4. Width Matters
   • Ensure the curtains are 2-2.5 times the width of the window for a full, gathered look when closed.
5. Secure the Rod
   • Use sturdy hardware and anchors, especially for heavier drapes or rods. For added style, choose a rod with a subtle, elegant finial to complement the neutral cream tones.
6. Layer for Versatility
   • Pair your linen drapes with sheer curtains on a double rod for added flexibility in light control and privacy. Sheers can soften the look while allowing sunlight during the day.

By following these simple guidelines, your cream-colored linen drapes can frame your windows beautifully, add warmth to your living room, and make your new house feel like home.

Sophie Ragsdale

Broker | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist | OR

She/Her

Sophie delivers thoughtful strategy and a deep knowledge of the Portland Metropolitan market. If you are a first-time homebuyer, Sophie will be there every step of the way, educating you on the home buying process and, most importantly, crafting you a winning offer. If home buying and selling is old hat, she is an excellent collaborator, intrepid seeker of creative solutions, replete with information and resources, and constant calm in a given storm. Sophie uses both intuition and intelligence to skillfully negotiate any transaction to an effective end. She gets her clients what they need. Born and raised in Portland, Sophie is a 5th generation Oregonian with a lifelong passion for real estate. She loves the unique challenge of every transaction and the relationships she makes along the way. After graduating from Vassar College in NY State, she found herself enjoying the hustle of life in Brooklyn where she lived and worked for over a decade. In addition to real estate, Sophie has worked in journalism and as a social worker, specializing in assisting older adults in housing crisis. Sophie’s experience in person-centered services prepared her to provide clients with a grounded space during the potentially wild ride of home buying and selling. She supports her clients in seeing the big picture while staying focused on the task at hand. Her ability to think creatively gives her an advantage, whether it be problem-solving during the negotiation process or marketing a property for sale. But she's no pushover. Her two years in Brooklyn and Manhattan real estate at the Corcoran Group were especially formative in honing her transaction skills. Sophie is the perfect balance of East Coast determination and West Coast chill, with a huge appreciation for the significance of Home. The time will come when, with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other's welcome - Derek Walcott

Read More

• T: 503-369-9139
• sophie@livingroomre.com