Whether it’s time for a change or you have moved into a new place, you want to make the right choice when it comes to your curtains. The right window treatments will make your room look welcoming and beautiful, and the wrong choices can make it seem cramped and dull. Before you head out to look at curtain options, consider these aspects to ensure that you buy the perfect ones.

Up to the Ceiling or the Top of the Window?

The first question you have to ask yourself is where the curtains will hang from. Conventional wisdom says that the curtains should be mounted a few inches above the window frame, but you don’t have to go conventional. If you have 8-foot ceilings, mounting the curtains near the ceiling will make your room feel taller and more luxurious. It’s an easy way to give even a small window more importance and make it feel larger. It’s an optical illusion that works wonders, so take a moment to consider how taller curtains would look in your space.

Make them Wider

Windows have historically been an expensive sign of wealth and success. Over the centuries, the poor couldn’t afford fancy glass windows, and they certainly couldn’t buy windows that covered vast areas of the wall. While windows are larger and more affordable now, the feeling that large windows belong to the wealthy lingers in our subconscious. You don’t have to invest in new windows and major construction to create the same feel. Use ready made curtains to make it look like a window is larger than it is. Take the curtains out several feet past the window, and you will find that your room instantly feels more luxurious and sophisticated than it does when the curtains stop just past the frame. This technique is so effective that you can even use it to cover an entire wall with beautiful curtains.

Pool them on the Floor

If you are creating the illusion of a larger window by taking the curtains further out than necessary, then you need to carry the fabric to the floor. Otherwise, the illusion will be ruined. Ready made curtains can stop right at the floor for a crisp, clean look, but they will look rich and elegant when you buy longer drapes and allow the extra fabric to drape onto the floor.

Limited Coverings for the Window

Of course, there are times when you just want to cover the window without trying to make the window look larger. This is often the case in functional rooms like kitchens and mudrooms and when the window is on a door. Anytime you want the curtains to closely match the exact window size, consider using beautiful shades instead. Elegant Roman or casual balloon shades create a clean look you will love. You can also use upper and lower curtain rods to keep traditional curtains close to the window and out of the way.

Once you know how larger or small your curtains will be, you are ready to start taking measurements. Don’t take measurements of your window, but focus on measuring the larger area your curtains will ultimately cover. Multiply the width by 1.5 or double it to allow plenty of space for the curtains to fall into attractive folds. With these measurements in hand, you are ready to head to the store and start shopping for your beautiful new curtains.

Aaron Edwards is an experience home improvement and renewable energy author.