How To Upgrade Your Grommet Curtains For A More Luxurious Look

Grommet curtains are a fan favorite. They are simple, easy to hang, and get the job done. But let's be real: sometimes they look more like "college dorm" than "elegant living room." If you want your home to feel less like you just moved in and more of a designer showroom, you need to give those grommet curtains a glow-up. Don't worry; we are not asking you to toss them. Instead, jazz them up to make them look like they belong in a five-star hotel suite. How? You can turn them into pleated drapes, add decorative trims, or even give them more length and fullness.

First, on the makeover menu, use pleated drapes. Pleats are like the tuxedos of the curtain world — formal, structured, and oh-so-stylish. Grommet curtains are naturally flat and, let's be honest, a little boring. Adding pleats gives them texture and a tailored look. To make this magic happen, you'll need some patience and a curtain ring with clips or pin hooks. Remove the curtain rod, slide off the grommet curtains, and clip the fabric onto the rings. Space the clips evenly to create neat folds, and you'll have instant pleats.

Another option is using pleater tape, which you can sew or iron onto the back of the curtains. This tape creates ready-made pleats when you slide hooks into the fabric. If you are feeling extra fancy, you can sew pleats directly into the fabric. A box or pinch pleat adds depth and dimension, making your curtains look expensive.

Sometimes, all you need is a little bling to make a big difference. Adding decorative trims to your grommet curtains is like putting on a statement necklace -– it takes your outfit (or, in this case, your curtains) from basic to fabulous. Trims come in all shapes and sizes, from sparkly rhinestones to classy tassels and bold pom-poms. The choice is yours!

Start by deciding what kind of trim you want. You'll find trims in craft stores or all colors and styles online. Pick something that complements your room's décor. Once you've got your trim, attach it to the edges of your curtains. Use fabric glue if you are not a sewing wizard, or break out the sewing machine if you feel crafty. The beauty of trims is that you can put them almost anywhere. Want to draw attention to the top? Add a trim along the header. Prefer drama? Line the sides or bottom hem. Even a subtle ribbon stitched near the grommets can make a difference.

If you want to take things a step further, layer your trims. For example, pair a sleek satin ribbon with some delicate lace or combine a bold fringe with a subtle braided cord. Mixing textures and colors can create a custom home decor look. For the maximalists at heart, don't be afraid to go big. Add tassels along the bottom edge or beads for a touch of glam. Just remember: balance is key. If your trims are loud and bold, keep the rest of the room subtle to let your curtains shine.

The easiest way to upgrade grommet curtains is to make them look taller and fuller. To add length, first, adjust the curtain rod to hang higher — closer to the ceiling. Trust us; this simple tweak makes your windows look larger, and your room feel grand. If your curtains are too short after raising the rod, no need to panic. Add a curtain extender or sew on an extra panel of fabric at the bottom. Pick a contrasting color or pattern for a designer-inspired touch.

Now, let's add fullness. Most grommet curtains are a little skimpy when it comes to width. Double up the panels for a fuller look that says, "I'm fabulous, and I know it." If your curtain rod can handle it, add as many panels as needed to cover your window width two to three times over. A bonus tip when doing this is going for large panels or combining two sets to avoid any awkward gaps.

Layer your grommet curtains with sheers or blackout liners for an even more dramatic effect. This adds visual depth and improves functionality, letting you control light and privacy like a pro. Suddenly, your nice basic grommet curtains look like a million bucks.