Everyone knows that aside from a fresh coat of paint, curtains are one of the easiest and most impactful ways to elevate a room. They instantly add height, softness, and a sense of polish, so we finally installed inexpensive floor-length curtains on either side of the bamboo shades in the den—just like we did in the living room a while back.
Here are the den’s boxy windows before the update, clearly begging for some long, soft panels to soften the lines and add warmth (don’t mind John in the corner taking measurements). The space looked tidy and craftsman-style without curtains, but it lacked that finishing touch.
Just look at the transformation a few simple white panels provide. For tips on placement and hanging, check our curtain-hanging tutorial—small adjustments make a big difference:
We always hang curtains high and wide to visually enlarge the window and prevent the fabric from blocking any natural light—light is key to keeping a room feeling open and airy. Our go-to choice is Ikea’s Vivan panels. They’re budget-friendly (a great value for the price) and come in two lengths—98″ and 118″—so taller ceilings are easy to accommodate. The longer panels are slightly more, but still an affordable way to achieve a breezy, pulled-together look in just an afternoon. Even Burger approves.
The bamboo roman shades we paired with the curtains came from Walmart. They often carry a wide range of sizes at affordable prices, which makes them a practical option for standard and unusual window widths. In the living room we’ve even hung two narrower roman shades side-by-side to mimic the look of a single, long blind without the cost of a custom oversized option.
We paired the panels with simple oil-rubbed-bronze-look rods from Target. They’re understated so the curtains remain the focal point—exactly as intended. Adding long vertical elements instantly makes a standard-height ceiling feel taller and gives the room a more open, airy vibe.
I can’t believe it took us so long to add them, especially since we often recommend curtains to friends and readers. The takeaway: make more trips to Ikea and bring home a few extra panels. If your partner groans about installing more rods, bribe them with a favorite meal and get the job done—installation is quick and the payoff is big.
Do you have rooms that would benefit from the added height and polish of floor-length curtains? Are there other overdue decorating projects on your list? Share what’s on your to-do list—small updates often make the biggest visual improvements.
Update: Check the comments on this post for a lot of curtain-related questions, tips, and quick solutions shared by readers.
Psst—Want more guidance on window treatments? We’ve compiled an in-depth answer covering different styles, measurements, and installation tips to help you choose the right options for your home.