Revolutionize Your Curtain Game With Stylish Hem Finishes For Perfect Lengths

From simple sheers to elaborately-lined fabrics, curtains can make or break a room in terms of having a finished look. We know some prefer the contemporary minimalist look of no curtains, but if your home has a different style, skipping curtains is going to leave the room looking incomplete. Plus, you're missing out on adding a layer of color and texture to your room, and there are even some compelling reasons to mix your curtain styles to add to your décor.

But before you start hanging anything, there are a few general rules. First, iron or steam curtains to get the material to drape properly without kinks or wrinkles. If you want some curtain tips that even HGTV stars swear by, Hillary Farr says to hang them as high as possible over the window to give the room an illusion of more height. Likewise, your curtain rod should extend three inches past each side of the window frame or more, as you prefer. This is to allow open curtains to hang next to the window, not over the ends, letting more light into the room. But the real wow factor when it comes to floor-length curtains is the way the material meets the floor, and we have some suggestions that will make a striking visual impact.

We've talked about how to find the perfect length curtains. Traditionally, curtains stop about one half inch above the floor. This is an ideal height, taking advantage of the material's length, but allowing space for sweeping and vacuuming. Depending on your décor, though, you might want a more dramatic impact. Puddling is one option. For this technique, arrange nine to twelve inches of extra fabric and allow it to pool on the floor for a luxurious look, especially if you have heavy silk or velvet curtains. This technique is meant for curtains that remain open — it's not convenient to keep moving the puddled material around. This is also not an ideal option if there are pets or small children in the house.

A more tailored finish is called breaking, or giving the curtain a trouser kick. This technique has a hemmed curtain with one to three inches of extra material at the floor, so the fabric kicks out or breaks in the manner of well-pressed pants. This finish works well with light, breezy drapes for a soft, romantic look, but also works with lined curtains for a crisp, well-cut appearance to the room. Your curtains can be as subdued or colorful as you desire.