Britannia Rose Blog > Help & Advice
How to Dress and Train Curtains for a Polished Look
Achieve a Professional, Tailored Finish with These Curtain Styling Tips
Curtains play a significant role in the overall design of a room, adding warmth, texture, and style. However, simply hanging them straight from the packet won’t give you the refined finish you desire. To achieve that professional look, you need to dress and train your curtains properly. Here's how you can do it for a chic and tailored appearance.
Dressing Your Curtains: The Basics
Dressing your curtains involves arranging them so they hang perfectly, creating a smooth and balanced appearance. Follow these steps to ensure your curtains look their best:
- Correct Sizing: Measure your windows accurately to ensure your curtains are the right length and width. Curtains that are too short or narrow can look out of place. Ideally, curtains should either just touch the floor or have a slight puddle for an elegant effect.
- Iron or Steam: New curtains often come with creases from packaging. Use a steam iron or a garment steamer to remove wrinkles. Be mindful of fabric care labels to avoid damaging delicate materials.
- Hand-Pleating: When hanging your curtains, carefully hand-pleat them by folding the fabric evenly. This helps the curtains fall in a neat, uniform fashion, giving them a well-dressed appearance from the start.
Training Your Curtains: The Key to Longevity
Once dressed, training your curtains ensures they maintain their shape and look good even after regular use. Training helps the fabric ‘remember’ how to hang properly, preventing unsightly bunching or sagging.
- Tie or Clip the Pleats: After pleating your curtains, use curtain ties, fabric bands, or clips to hold the pleats in place. The pleats should be even from the top to the bottom of the curtain.
- Leave in Place: Keep the ties or clips on for at least a few days. This allows the fabric to set, helping the curtains hang in a naturally pleated position.
- Regular Adjustments: After training, continue to adjust the pleats each time you open or close the curtains to maintain their shape. This will keep them looking sharp over time.
Additional Tips for a Professional Finish
- Choose the Right Curtain Pole: The curtain pole or track you choose can make a huge difference. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of your curtains and install it a few inches above the window frame to create the illusion of height.
- Layer for Depth: Consider layering your curtains with roman blinds. This adds depth and texture to your window treatment, creating a more luxurious and cohesive design.
Why Dressing and Training Curtains Matters
Properly dressing and training your curtains doesn’t just improve the aesthetics of your home—it also prolongs the life of your curtains by preventing unnecessary wear and tear. Well-maintained curtains enhance your interior décor, making your space feel more refined and thoughtfully designed.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your curtains not only look stylish but also stand the test of time. Whether you’re going for a classic, contemporary, or opulent look, dressing and training your curtains is the secret to achieving a beautifully finished room.