Grommet curtains are a popular choice for many houses thanks to their modern simplicity, easy gliding, and fast installation. But to truly unlock their potential, making them both beautiful and effective at blocking light, here are a few expert tips that will take your eyelet curtain game to the next level!
Choose the Right Size: Width for Fullness, Length for Light Control
Before hanging the grommet curtains, you need to buy a size big enough to ensure they have luxurious fullness and enough length to provide more blackout.
When it comes to width, aim for enough fabric to create a luxurious, full look. A good rule of thumb for standard eyelet curtains is to choose a width that is at least 1.5 times the width of your rod/pole, but ideally 2 times (or even more for sheer curtains, up to 3 times). If your curtains aren't wide enough (less than 1.3 times the window rod/pole), they won't gather properly and may not even cover the window completely when closed, leaving gaps for light to sneak through.
For height, go for grommet curtains that are as long as possible. Ideally, they should hang close to the ceiling and just kiss the floor. This minimizes light leakage from both the top and bottom of the window, creating a more dramatic and polished look that elongates the room.
Side Towards the Wall: Perfect Folds & Less Light Leakage
When hanging grommet curtains, many people overlook how to handle the curtain edges. For full, beautiful folds across the front and to effectively prevent light leakage from the sides, the secret is to secure the left curtain's edge naturally facing the wall, which means the edge fold is a W, NOT M, and the first fold covers the bracket.
This offers four major benefits: First, it allows the curtain to form a perfect curve even from the side, sitting snugly against the wall, which significantly boosts light blockage, especially crucial for bedrooms. Second, when the curtain is fully closed, you'll notice it forms even, full pleats across its entire surface, looking much tidier and more refined. Third, the curtain's edge side hem sewn trace will be hidden, and the fabric's back side will also be hidden. Fourth, this simple step keeps your curtain neatly in position and prevents unwanted movement when you pull the curtains to the center.
3.5 Inches from the Wall: Say Goodbye to Friction
Have you ever experienced your curtains rubbing against the wall when you pull them, creating an annoying sound or even scuffing the paint? This likely happens because the curtain rod is too close to the wall.
To ensure your curtains glide smoothly, it's recommended to install your curtain rod/pole approximately 3.5 inches (about 9 cm) apart from the wall. This distance provides enough space for the curtain's top to move freely without rubbing against the wall.
Toilet Paper Rolls: The Secret to Even Spacing
One of the appeals of grommet curtains is their neat, uniform folds. But how do you ensure each pleat is perfectly spaced? A simple and practical trick is to use common toilet paper rolls!
Before hanging your curtains, steam iron them. Then, you can place a 3-inch wide toilet paper roll between each grommet eyelet at the backside to set the width of each fold. Toilet paper rolls typically have a consistent diameter, which helps you easily create a uniform pleated look. Of course, you can also use other appropriately sized cylindrical objects, like a paper cup. Or searching for the "curtain spacing" on Amazon.com.
With these simple tips, you can easily hang your grommet curtains like a pro, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and their effectiveness in blocking light and providing privacy. Get ready for a cozier, more comfortable home!
And there is a video about how to hang grommet curtains.
