Adding side panel curtains to your home is an excellent way to create an elegant look, add more privacy, and block light. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about side panels.
Keep reading for tips on adding side panel curtains to any size window and door sidelights. We'll also share insider tips for creating an interior designer look.
What are side panel curtains?
Side panel curtains, also known as side panels or side curtains, hang on each side of a door or window. They may be tied back or hung freely.
Stationary side panel curtains stay in place to frame the window and hang as decor. Depending on the fabric of your curtains, they might add a polished appearance or luxurious touch.
You can also use side panels in addition to another window treatment for extra privacy or to block light.
Where do you hang side panel curtains?
You can hang side curtains on each side of a standard or large window or beside a door. Side panels also work well for any home space, including your living room, dining room, or bedroom.
Side Panel Curtains for Standard Windows
Standard windows are usually 24 inches by 36 inches or slightly larger. You can use curtains on each side of any standard window in your home for decoration, privacy, or to block light.
We recommend hanging your side panels at the same height as your other window treatment if you have it in the same room or space. The higher you hang curtains, the larger your room looks. You can hang them as high as the ceiling if you'd like.
Side Panel Curtains for Extra Long or Large Windows
Side curtains work similarly for large windows as they do for standard windows. You can use them in any place in your home and hang them at any height or above the top of the window.
Again, we recommend hanging side panels to create a more spacious and elegant look.
Although you usually only hang one curtain on each side of a standard window, you might hang multiple side panels on a large window. For example, if you have a large window with a row of 3 panels, you'll have 6 side curtains enough to frame each window.
Side Panel Curtains for a Door
There are two different situations when it comes to side curtains for a door. You can use side panels for doors with side windows (or sidelights) or for glass or ordinary doors.
Side panel curtains for doors create a nice touch for your entryway, add privacy, and temperature control.
We recommend hanging your door's side panel curtains from 6-8" above the side windows or the door frame for a polished and stylish look. You might also use tie-backs that you can release when you want your curtains to cover your sidelights.
Tips for Hanging Side Panel Curtains
Here are some tips for hanging your side curtains like a professional.
Measuring Side Curtains (Simple Tips)
Follow these simple tips to accurately measure for and select your side curtains:
Measure the entire width of your window where your rod will hang.
Then, measure the side window or space you want to add a side panel.
Consider extra fabric for drapery fullness. We recommend 3-3.5x drapery fullness. So if each space is 2", the panel might be 6" to offer a fuller, more luxurious look.
With measurements in mind, decide what kind of curtain header you want and a complementary rod.
Choosing Your Rod for a Flawless Look
There are various steps you'll take when choosing your curtain rod.
Step 1: Decide what look you're going for. For example, you might want a decorative or simpler rod.
Step 2: Measure how wide you need your rod to be. We suggest short side panel curtain rods. They are budget-friendly and work well for side panel curtains serving decorative purposes. On the other hand, if you need rods that traverse, better to extend 6 to 8 inches past each side of the window.
Step 3: Determine the drapery fullness and style of curtains you want. This will affect the weight hanging on your curtain rod, and you might consider choosing a sturdy rod.
How to Beautifully Hang Side Panel Curtains
One of the best interior design techniques is hanging curtains high because it elongates the room.
If you already have a window treatment to which you're adding your side panels, you'll want to stick with the existing height. If not, you might opt for hanging your side panels from or just below the ceiling, depending on your window.
Note: If you're hanging your side panel curtains from windows next to a door or sidelights, you'll want to hang the curtains 6-8" above the windows or door frame.
Styling Side Panel Curtains Like a Pro
There are a few ways you can style your side curtains for a flawless look, especially if you're using them to frame standard or large windows.
Train them to fall right. To do this, you can iron your curtains as soon as you get them, use curtain rings to help them hang nicely, and add a liner to add more weight.
Style pinch pleats. If you're using pleated curtains, you can tuck the extra fabric between the pinch pleats. You can also gather the pleats at the top and continue to the floor.
Make a crisp puddle. If you have side window draperies in a low-traffic area, you might hang them on the floor to add more dimension to the space. You can carefully arrange or let your puddled curtains naturally flow on the floor.
Create a kiss-the-floor appearance. For a look that's elegant but less dramatic than puddled curtains, you can have your side panel curtains slightly touch the floor for a kiss-the-floor look.
Are custom curtains right for you?
Opting for custom side panel curtains offers various benefits.
They come in the exact fabric, color, and style you want.
They're more functional for your wants and needs.
They precisely match your measurement.
They're energy-efficient since they're the proper size and made of quality fabric.
Final Thoughts
Side panel curtains are a wonderful way to add elegance, privacy, and more dimension to a room.
