Curtain Tips That Even HGTV Stars Swear By

If your space is feeling a little lackluster, the right curtains can completely change the atmosphere. While selecting the perfect curtains for your space can seem like a daunting task, you shouldn't shy away from such an impactful addition to your interior. Luckily, the stars of HGTV have provided unique advice regarding incorporating curtains in a stylish and functional way. From Hilary Farr to Emily Henderson, these design pros have more than a few tips and tricks to share.

Whether you have a large or small living space, different curtains can create distinct visual effects. For example, if you want to soften a space, gauzy curtains can help you curate a delicate appearance. But, for a more dramatic approach, you can adjust the length or hanging height of your curtains. According to the HGTV stars, there is a clever concept for every interior, so take inspiration from the design tip that speaks to you.

Just because Erin Napier has a successful HGTV show doesn't mean she drops serious cash on window treatments. For instance, when a pair of cotton duck curtains from Restoration Hardware caught her eye, she decided to DIY her own version rather than blow her budget. She explained her genius solution on her blog: "But because I live in the real world where it's completely insane to spend $120 on 1 curtain panel, I am improvising. You know what's also made out of cotton duck and costs $10 for a 9 x 12 piece? Drop cloth."

To follow Napier's advice, you can purchase GREEN LIFESTYLE's All Purpose Canvas Drop Cloth in the correct size for your space. If the canvas curtain appears heavy at first glance, you can wash the fabric to create a softer effect. Bleaching the drop cloth can also make it light, bright, and extra-soft. Although drop cloth canvas curtains are machine washable, keep in mind that the cotton may shrink if you dry them on a hot setting. To finish the Napier-inspired look, use a product like Klangfeiler's Hemming Tape to create a straight and sleek hem at the bottom of your curtain.

"Love It or List It" queen of design Hilary Farr expressed her disdain for curtain rods that are hung from the window trim, rather than well above the window. She told HGTV Magazine, "That's bad for aesthetics and practical function." Farr recommends leaving at least four inches above the window trim when you're hanging your rod. She also advises extending your rod a minimum of 12 inches on either side. Or, mount your curtain rod from the ceiling to take advantage of the full height of the room.

If you want to try the ceiling mounting technique, you can choose between two options. The first is to hang a rod from mounting brackets, like the Amazon Basics Curtain Rod Ceiling-Mount Bracket. The second option is to go for flush-mounting hardware like Zeerobee Ceiling Curtain Track. This offers a more modern, space-saving solution. In addition to the placement, the way you hang the curtains can affect the appearance of the room. For a grandiose approach inspired by Farr, try a tailored or pinch pleat. While the folding might seem complicated, you can easily custom pinch-pleat your set of loose curtains.

Best known for her work on "Hidden Potential," "Road Block," and "Help! I Wrecked My House," Jasmine Roth has always had an expert eye for aesthetics. In her Hazel's Cozy Cabin project, she chose to use roll-down bamboo blinds rather than traditional curtains. Roth wrote on her Facebook account, "I knew these window treatments from @3dayblinds would be just the finishing touch that #HazelsCozyCabin needed but I had no idea they would make me this happy!"

Capture Roth's earthy look with the ARLO BLINDS Sheer Bamboo Roman Shades in the color that works best in your space. If you want to explore other options that radiate a similar aesthetic, you can also create an organic appearance with other natural materials. For example, consider 100% linen curtains for a lightweight look. Alternately, if you love the look of bamboo but you want a bolder option, try these thicker, wooden Achim Home Furnishings Window Blinds in Mahogany.

Best recognized for her hit series "Fixer Upper," Joanna Gaines has built a design empire. Now with her own network, she recently debuted a series called "Mini Reni" for Magnolia. Referencing one of last year's renovations, she told Architectural Digest that the velvet, light-filtering curtains were the "unsung heroes of the space," when referring to the modern dining room. While they still allowed light to come through, the billowy texture added a softness to the space.

In addition to traditional velvet curtains, you can consider distressed velvet for heightened texture. The No. 918 Odelia Distressed Velvet Semi-Sheer Curtains are a dynamic option. If your aesthetic is a bit more laid-back, silk chiffon offers a lightweight yet equally luxurious substitute. While genuine silk chiffon can be expensive, the Melodieux White Chiffon Sheer Curtains are an affordable alternative. If you want to heighten the overall look, don't underestimate the power of adding a valance!

While curtains that drag on the floor used to be a design faux-pas, rulebreaker Emily Henderson of "Design Star" defends this debated concept. On her blog, she explained the "puddle" technique: "This is best for you romantics out there, or for those looking for a more feminine, old-world, European feel. Marie Antoinette puddled hard all over that villa, dripping with her cakes and sapphires. We just installed a couple of puddles in a baby girl's ultra-feminine nursery and it looks BEAUTIFUL. It's especially a good idea if/when your fabric is really high quality – either washed linen or velvet."

When it comes to the best way to puddle curtains or drapes, there is no set standard for the length. You can have anywhere between a few inches to around a foot of additional fabric, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. Shorter curtains will create a delicate look, whereas more puddling adds more drama. The only downside to puddling curtains is the increased maintenance that comes with the style, as the bottoms of the curtains can easily collect both dust and dirt.

Tiffany Brooks, another former "Design Star" winner, has emphasized the versatility that drapes can provide in your sleeping space. She created a genius idea for how to fit a larger bed into a space with interrupted wall space. Brooks explained the concept in a YouTube clip: "I really wanted to incorporate a king-sized bed into this bedroom, and this was truly the only wall that I could put it on, but it's covered in windows. So, I added this floor-to-ceiling drapery to create somewhat of that false wall."

If you want to copy Brooks' creative curtain decorating technique, blackout curtains are key. When positioning your bed against the window, blocking light is essential. Try the 100% Blackout Thermal Curtains by QJmydeco to also help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your sleeping space. Even if you don't want to place your bed in front of a window, you can still decorate with a trendy curtain wall to add texture and create a visual separation of space. 

David Bromstad, the first-ever winner of "Design Star," is a huge fan of curtains and their power to transform a room. In this YouTube clip, he shared his love for a monochromatic look: "Curtains aren't just for blocking out light. They're a great way to add design, style, softness, and architecture to your space. When using curtains that are the same color as your wall, it creates a soft change in texture, therefore giving you a very soothing effect.

While Bromstad demonstrated this design idea with neutral tones, you can also recreate this look with more colorful textiles. You can use multiple variations of the same color, or different shades in the same color family. For example, try pairing a light, sage green paint color like Behr™ MS-57 Soft Green with deeper, khaki green curtains. In addition to the monochromatic palette, the texture of the curtains can also change the feel of your space. Washed linen will radiate an ethereal look whereas satin or crushed silk curtains add a more luxurious touch.

Creating an open floor plan is about more than just tearing down walls. You want to make the two spaces feel cohesive. Jenn Todryk of "No Demo Reno" explained her clever trick to unite open floor plans in this YouTube clip: "It's perfectly framed by these sheer curtains that I also used in the kitchen, and it really helps unify these two spaces." She chose lightweight, gauzy curtains to keep the space light and bright.

Your living room and kitchen aren't the only spaces you can unify with matching textiles. If you live in a studio apartment and you want to make it feel bigger, you can also apply this technique to a small space. Or, if you'd like to make your bedroom feel pulled-together, you can even incorporate matching curtains and bedding. Products like the Grand Avenue Blue Comforter and Curtain Set take the guesswork out of creating a cohesive look.