9 CURTAIN MISTAKES | EASY, BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS TO FIX THEM | DECORATING TIPS | HOUSE OF VALENTINA 

I do have blinds and curtains simply because I live where it snows so they both help keep it warmer in my house and my heating bill lower.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with blinds and curtains together lol. I agree, a lot of design “rules” are based on personal opinion. In my opinion, blinds are great for privacy and curtains are great for those of us who have issues staying asleep when there is too much light. Currently I’m only adding sheers so that the wall with the window looks finished. Also, I think it depends on the type of home you have. I think the blinds/window curtain combo comes from apartments/condos and also homes that are closer together. If you live in a neighborhood where the houses are farther apart, I can see how only installing curtains would be feasible.

I actually really like having blinds with a side curtain....yes open windows are beautiful but at night - who wants to risk having someone being able to see into your home...is it just me?

I love white curtains in the summer. They look refreshing to me.

Long time fan of the floor length back-tab velvet curtain for the climate where I now live: San Fran bay area (and in the '90s in Manhattan). However, when I lived at the beach in LA, it was all about letting that sunshine in with sheer light cotton that would gently flow effortlessly in the breeze when the windows were open during the day, allowing the unmuffled sound of the waves to be the soundtrack of your life and the scent of night blooming Jasmine to waft into your home, . You don't need heavy velvet curtains there because it never gets below freezing, and it looks too overly formal for the beach. Generally, the most unobstructed view possible is considered desirable. That said, if I were still living in Manhattan, where any number of many urban neighbors have a direct view into one's abode (sometimes from multiple angles, and...for the super creepy ones, a telescope: wish I were kidding), you need something more solid at night once you turn your inside lights on: a solid shade inside and heavy velvet curtain to draw (added insulation for temperature extremes in summer/winter). For me, there is a lot someone might need to consider, depending on urban/suburban/rural, city/mountains/beach/desert/view, climate/seasons, how close to their neighbors they live (obscenely expensive land in California means neighbors are CLOSE...but not as close as Manhattan/Chicago/San Francisco), and do you WANT to be able to see the view outside a particular window and/or others to be able to see in? So much to consider : )

This was so helpful!! Love idea of getting velvet for the winter and a lighter set for summer!

I live in the sw desert and it gets very hot in the summer! I need both blinds and curtains to keep the energy bills down! I love the natural light when it’s nice out, but when it’s 120 degrees it’s better to have some insulation from the heat 🥵 Thanks as always for the great recommendations on hardware and curtains Valentina 💕 I’ve been wanting to check out west elm!

Just bought a new house (literally close on it tomorrow morning) and I've really been enjoying buying new window treatments for every space. It's been fun curating each individual area with various window treatments. My living room has two windows and I did linen sheers with a beautiful stripes curtain. In my bedroom I did velvet curtains and my kids rooms have curtains that match their aesthetic, paired with roman shades. I never cared about windows before and didn't realize how expensive they are! I've already spent at least $500 and still have a long ways to go to be done w all my window treatments. Lol. Buying a new home is expensive!!

I agree with you about the grommet curtains. They remind me of some hotel shower curtains.

I totally have two sets of curtains for my open living/dining room! One that is lighter for spring/summer, and one that is thicker for fall/winter! I mainly did it because after looking at zillions of curtains and buying like 8 different sets trying to find the right ones, I found 2 that I loved and matched my space!

Thanks for the tips! I was considering ditching blinds from most of my rooms and you gave me permission to go ahead. In a few rooms I bought 100% cotton flat sheets and hung them with rings that clip to the top. Very inexpensive and they look fabulous. I've had people complement my window treatments and inside I'm thinking, "It only cost $20 bucks!"

Love this video and you totally validated my husband's request to take down our faux wood blinds that came with the house and maybe get curtains instead. I took them all down and our windows look so much nicer. Now we are having it all repainted and we're combing magazines for directions how to do classy and sophisticated curtains for our high ceiling bedroom and living room windows. I previously thought of curtains as an older/outdated/cheap/lazy look compared to "clean and simple" blinds, but now I know why- it's those old outdated curtain styles I was thinking of! Lol. Thank you for "schooling" me on this and all things interior design!

I spent the weekend shortening drapes. They skim the floor. It was so satisfying to watch them swoosh and fall perfectly. Lol

Roller blind fan here! I have them in every room and love them. It’s a modern minimal look❤️

LOVE these tips! I just moved into a new house with a large living room window that needs curtains so this video could not have come at a better time! I also love the tip of removing outdated blinds and getting curtains! Never would have thought something so simple could elevate a space! Thank you for your tips!!!!

I’ve been waiting for this video! I’m getting ready to refresh the curtains in my house so this is perfect timing :) thank you for continuing to inspire me! I love your channel!! ❤️

Thank You For Your Great tips. What I love about your suggestions is you are clear with what should be done but very kind in getting rid of the tacky. Always great watching your videos.

Yeah.....my number one goal with window treatments is to block out sunlight..... specifically UV rays. I have roller shades that let in visible light and block out UV. It's a nice modern minimal look, but now I want drapery over them to dress it up.....but I also have the old radiator problem.....🤔🤔

Valentina you are amazing, my favorite decorator in the internet. I totally agree with you about the curtains, I'm learning a lot thanks to you.

I'm doing whole house remodel/redecorate right now and curtains are currently on my radar. Shopping, choosing, installing is a lot of work and I don't want to repeat all that by making mistakes and choosing poorly. I took comfort in knowing I'm on the right track with my rods, ring/clips, and curtain panel materials and colors. Thank you so much Valentina for this great video! Very helpful and very appreciated!

I am so glad you finally made this video!! It was at the right time because I was so tired of looking for curtains and wanted to make my own out of polyester. Now that I watched your video I will buy the linen and probably velvet for winter. I love the rings for easy move back and forth. Thanks so much!!! 😍

Another super video, Valentina, filled with great information and tips. I’ve got expensive custom made lined silk draperies on my bigger windows in my home for the master bedroom, living and dining rooms; Roman shades on the other smaller windows. They go floor to ceiling on the draperies as they’re hung from rods mounted just below crown moulding / trim work - and I love the look. The one thing to point out though that’s important to think about when choosing fabric is also the cleaning. Window treatments come into contact with airborne dirt and dust particles inside and elements from outside when you’ve got your windows open. My silk bedroom draperies are pleated 64” x 86” on each panel. They were just sent off to the cleaners before Christmas and cost me $335🇨🇦 to have cleaned (yes, American dry cleaning costs are way lower). Plus, there was some renting on the fabric on one edge due to apparent sun exposure/damage so these are other considerations when choosing fabric. Silk is particularly susceptible to sun damage. I’ve also got blinds on those same windows for privacy and to block out damaging sunlight, and I heard what you said Valentina about the importance of natural light and you hate this look, so when these need replacing, I’m going to look into linen or another fabric like velvet, and see what will work better.

Yes natural light! I bought a cottage that had blinds on every window. I took off every single one of them and only have curtains on two of them and left the others bare. At first I felt like it was so open and I needed more privacy but after a few months I’m loving it open. I wake up every morning to open up the two windows with curtains. I need the light and I want to see the outside. Great video I will check west elm for nice curtain rods.

I was honestly and truly about to go curtain shopping right after checking in on RU-vid. I'm grateful for the PERFECT timing of this video!

Wow I’m proud of myself! I’ve done everything you said in my new construction home and I’m a newbie at drapes/curtains🥰

Love all the tips, I'm getting ready to refresh my dining area curtains. Thank-you Valentina!

The grommet top curtains fold and hang super evenly so for a modern room I really like that effect. The fold stays the same width all the way down to the floor vs looking like a frilly dress where the drapes splay out at the bottom.

Thank you Valentina. I’ve learned so much from this video. Time to do something better with my curtains!! Armed with knowledge.

I was googling whether I should take down a valance RIGHT BEFORE I CAME OVER TO YOUR CHANNEL FOR THE DAY. Mind. Blown.

yes, great video Valentina and very inspiring. Thank you ! I do like the idea of doubling the curtains and have more fabric.

I just found your channel and I love it! So many great tips. Now trying to binge watch every single video but there are not enough hours in the day!

I was lucky enough to have Valentina in my home. She had plenty of ugly stuff to comment on but the only thing she said was, “So…. Are we taking those blinds down?” Haha. “Yes!! First thing to go” I think she was happy about it!!

I found this video very helpful. My husband and I just closed on our new build at the end of last year and so many of these questions have been floating around in my head. Thank you so much for the info.

I have 2 1/2 inch white wood blinds and they are ALWAYS OPEN exposing the natural light in but I hate looking at the window framing. Pushed them all the way up a few times and it didn't bring in anymore light into the room then when they are down but opened up. Also, I hung just the corners with material drapes which are stationery with the blinds and it adds texture and softness to the room. Anyone who comes here comments how well it looks. I think you can do it right.

Great video! Timely for me since I am looking for new curtains. I like your tip for using the rings to hang the curtains. I will definitely use those.

A timely video, thanks so much! We have very large windows in our new custom house. I value light, as well, Valentina, but also privacy. We live in the centre of a major city, and bare windows invite gawking (I’m guilty of that sometimes, myself!). So, I installed very sheer sheers, pleated 3.5 times the window widths, in my public rooms and principle bedroom,. They work like one-way glass - we see out, but no one sees in (it helps that our “main” floor is on the second level, like a brownstone). Our living room window is a large bay, almost 12 ft. wide and faces north, while my dining room windows look onto the side of my neighbour’s house, and the third floor principle bedroom, second floor family and ground floor reception rooms all face south and have floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows and sliding doors. The rest of my windows are clad in white zebra shades set into the frames. These shades provide privacy while letting in a great deal of light. They are made of a sheer fabric that, when doubled (ie, closed), is opaque, but, miraculously, doesn’t block all the light. I just had my “drapery guy” here today finalizing my order: silk full-length, pinch pleated panels in the living and dining rooms (over the sheers), same in the principle bedroom, and beautiful cotton toile pinch-pleated full-length curtains over the blinds in the guest bedroom that faces north over the street. I am re-fashioning the striped silk draperies, lined in a matching solid colour silk, from the living and dining room our old house into a bedspread and bed skirt for another bedroom that also faces the street, and reusing the matching scarf valance over the two long windows in that room that have zebra blinds. I have another set of these drapes that aren’t long or wide enough to be full length curtains, but might be sufficient for roman blinds. I shall probably leave the rest of our much smaller windows, in bathrooms, and the larger south-facing kitchen and north-facing study windows, unadorned except for their zebra shades. Regardless of what I might do inside to each window, the sheers and zebra blinds provide consistency to the exterior facade of our house, which, I think, is imperative to presenting a high-end, luxurious and finished look to any property, inside and out. No matter how lush the landscaping, or how fabulous the elevation, nothing distracts from the curb appeal of a house faster than a mish-mash of styles and colours adorning its windows. When I encounter that phenomemon, I assume I’m looking at a frat house!

I needed this video! Awesome! Thank you for sharing your tips with us; its so much fun to learn from you!

I am currently upgrading my curtains and this was so helpful! I can’t wait to find the perfect linen and velvet set to swap out. Doubling the curtain makes such a difference, genius lol! And no movement at the top, I am realizing that is the problem with grommets, I am always fixing them. Great tips…who knew I needed a tutorial on curtains 🥰

A great tip that can make your ready-made curtains look more custom is to "dress" or fan fold them after hanging. This will bring the face fabric and lining together and train them to hang in a more tailored way.

You’re absolutely right about the trends I purchased some curtains just last year and they’ve got to go I’m tired of looking at the pattern already. I did however have some burnt orange curtains in my old home which were gorgeous I never got tired of looking at those😊. Thank u for all the great tips you’re definitely helping me

I am glad you made this video. So timely. I just replace some drapes and little by little I am sprucing up. I am glad you reminded me about using rings at the top of my curtains. It gave me the extra 2 inches I needed to have my new drapes meet at the floor. and I may think about getting rid of some of my blinds.

Great content, very helpful! Replacing guest room curtains I just bought in October, on sale. I had guests coming and wanted to finish the room fast - big mistake. I hate them! Now investing in quality curtains I love and will have for years.

I needed this one about curtains! Thank you!😊

Great video with awesome advice! Just a heads up.. The big rings in the curtains you are referring to are actually grommets 😉 Have a great day Valentina! 👌

LOVE this!! ( curtains are also my pet peeve ). However, the only time I use blinds is if there is a lot of space between the top of the window and the ceiling - ie in order to make the window look larger I will hang the rod and curtains as close to the ceiling as I can - which often leaves a large expanse of wall between the top of the window and the rod ( when the curtains are open ). This bothers my eye - and makes it obvious that the window doesn't go up that high - so I hang a blind right up under the rod and lower it only enough to cover the exposed wall section and a bit of the window frame - never the glass!. It's basically to fool the eye into thinking the window goes all the way up to the rod at the ceiling - and the blind remains stationary - but the curtains can still open and close over it. Hard to explain without a picture. Does that make sense? xoxo from Canada

Perfect timing! I actually just purchased the brushed pewter rods from Pottery Barn for all of my windows. AND, I got them on sale for abut 40% off during their winter sale. So if you like their stuff, put it in your cart and keep checking for sales! I subscribed and got an email actually when the price dropped.

Love the linen and velvet curtain tip. Thank you for this video!

Love this!! I need to shorten my drapes (I bought them longer than the floor so I could play with curtain length/height of the rod a little better) but I have definitely made the mistake of short curtains before, and definitely won't again 😜

Blinds are must, Especially the darkening ones . Helps to keep your house cool, adds privacy, and definitely makes a rigidly window looks fresh lol. Curtains are for decoration, but also adds another layer of privacy if installed correctly. Best way to maximize the light in your home is to put nothing at your windows lol but you'll also maximize the peeping Tom's view.

Thank you for all of this! Beautiful, full curtains are exactly what I’m going for in our new home!

I love listening to your expertise! I agree with most things. As you said, some things are personal preference. I live in the tropics and have mahogany wooden blinds that cost a small fortune. We have large windows and If it wasn't for them all my furniture would be faded. They also keep my house cool in the summer. I have grown tired of them though, they are are dust collectors! Planning on installing plantation shutters on the large windows in my great room (with out curtains) as I love them and they work with my house. I will replace the rest with cordless bamboo shades. Will definitely keep my Red 118 inch long Ritva curtains which I love!! They match beautifully with my Global look. White Ritvas for the bedrooms. Thanks again for all your wonderful advice❣

I'm trying to decide what type of curtains to get. You provided lots of tips, so big thanks!!

Thank you sooooo much for this video! I really, really enjoyed this video! This is real good tips!

Thank you, I loved this video ! So helpful and informative.

Totally agree. So easy to cheapen your look . hate the one drape on each window..that is so common now. Could not believe people was doing that when it started.

I have been wanting to change my curtains and have been assistant to buy some but this video has really helped me decide which ones to buy! Thank you!

I agree 100% with everything. I just donated my 3 years ago expensive color curtains I got at khols and got me some neutral color drapes the same curtains around the apartment. our ceiling is 8 feet tall and the curtains are 84 inches long for me to put them almost all the way to the ceiling I have to use rings and the curtains already have them circle ring attached to them I haven't tried it yet but will see if they will look good. I don't want to spend more money with drapes cause these ones were an investment. but is ok is just us here.

Agree with all your tips, ooh hoo, i never thought of summer n winter curtains and i love it 🫢Thank you

Top tier content! Thank you so much!

Can’t wait to watch!! 👩🏻‍💻

This is so timely for me. Just moved and need to figure out some sort of cohesive look for a room that has 3 different sized windows in a rental ugh. Thanks for this.

Agree with everything you said. I do like pencil pleat curtains though, they look luxurious. Thanks for the video 🙂

Great tips. You answered all my questions. Thank you for sharing

I’ve gone against your rule of thumb V Lol 😂, when we renovated I got rid of All my curtains and put in Plantation Shutters, all except our glass sliding doors which I have paneling sliders on, I got sick of washing and ironing my curtains and now I’m too old to be bothered with all that extra work, all I need to do now is just fluff my duster over my Shutters and they’re dust free, they give enough natural light into our home without it feeling closed in, I love the clean lines that they give against the window and wall with nothing dragging on the floor, but that’s just my preference, although our Son and his fiancée have curtains and I used your advice to help them hang them correctly and the rods they chose. So your advice is not lost on me lol, I use it to help our Son decorate his home with his fiancé, it’s like I’m living my decor life through them Lol 😂. Always a Pleasure watching your videos and taking in your advice. Cheers from Nellie ❤️❤️❤️🇦🇺

Back tabs all the way! I’ll never go back! Nice to know I’m doing something right!! Thanks for another great video!

What should you do when you live in Florida where the summers are so hot? Wouldn’t the blinds help keep the heat out?

This video is so helpful!👍🏻

Thank you Valentina I finally got the guts to take down my old ugly curtains even if my husband thinks they're fine I look at them and I hate them thank you again I'm excited to go shopping for new curtains this weekend 🥰👍😀

Again so helpful Valentina thank you!!! love your channel :-)

Great info!!!! Love these tips

Great video! These tips will come in handy when I start to buy curtains for my new house. I just haven’t gotten that far yet. I am still deciding on furniture…..decisions, decisions, decisions‼️🤷🏽‍♀️

Thank you Valentina! 🖤 Can you please comment on how wide to hang the curtain rod? You explained the height, but I didn't hear your advice on the width of the rod on either side of the window. ☺

Great video long awaited not disappointed. Thank you 😊

Thank you for your tips Valentina 🙏🏻🇬🇧xx

Great information! Love this channel.

I love the idea of adding more panels. I always went with one for cost savings but recently changed out the curtains in my daughter's room. I bought two packages with two panels each and it looks so much better than the one panel in the master. Opinions of the height of the rods in an older home with fancy crown molding above each window. We currently hung the rods just below the molding so it's still visible but the video shows to hang above (regular trim). We'd have to go with a longer panel if we raised them though....

Very informative, as always. Thank you

Thank you Valentina, I needed to hear and see this video, I have been struggling with what to buy for curtains fir my home, thank you, thank you :)

Very informative, thank you!

Very helpful! Thank you!

I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing your gift of design with us. I have been enjoying making changes throughout our home - step by step. If you get a chance, I have allergies to feathers, would you have a down alternative duvet insert or a comforter option that you like or could recommend?

I got the track rail style in my house this time. They are great to open and close and are low profile. A lot of rails in Europe are this style. Got them and my curtains from The Shade Store and found them great value and they even came to fit them. I have large windows in my bedroom, living room and game room, so for me the investment was worth it so they looked good. You can order and fit yourself though.

Thank you for this video. I totally agree with the center curtains. It feels like a very 80's thing to do. I was hoping to hear your opinion on how to hang curtains when there is a baseboard heater under the window. They can't go to the floor as it would be a safety hazard. What length would you use, or would you use another window treatment?

Great tips!! Thank you!!

Thank you!!! I have the curtains and the rods. Need some rings! Not sure why I’m nervous about screwing up and hanging them wrong. Appreciate these tips. 🤓

Thank you thank you thank you for this video. You have saved me so much time, effort and money. I was thinking of putting curtains into our cornicing in a bright trendy colour. After watching your video I'll be buying stylish curtain pools with neutral linen or cotton curtains. ❤

Really useful info. I just wish I’d found it before I started the project I’m in the middle of right now. I’m making curtains for our condo - lined curtains for five windows and a door in the living room/dining room. Over the years I’ve made many curtains, even full fledged draperies but I’m always learning something new and useful. I enjoyed your help with how to hang the curtains in different situations, the height, length, etc.. our condo has 9’ ceilings so I’m excited about seeing the final result. I’ve been using the black clip/rings too for the last three sets of curtains I’ve made and I highly recommend them. I do have a tip for anyone making their own. This time I spent a small fortune on the fabric so when I finally decided I was going to line them (mostly for insulation as we live in Canada and face south, even though the fabric is a heavy cotton), I was hesitant about putting out more money. Then I remembered I have lots of unused bed sheets in solid neutrals, all cottons that are perfect for the job. And to think I almost had given them all away this spring when cleaning out the closets!

Hi Valentina! First, I must say, I'm fairly new to your channel (a couple of months). I found you (sounds funny), while perusing decorating ideas..so glad I did. I'm almost 63 and find your style refreshing and beautiful. You can tell you're great at designing and your personality is just so warm and approachable, and fun! Love the episodes as well with both you and your husband. You two are are fabulous and fun to watch lol. Now, a funny coincidence you posted curtain ideas. I'm always looking to update my curtains through the year (at least twice per year,). In fact, just the other day I've purchased two gorgeous pairs for my living room - on the sheer side, with a very light embroidery of leaves (NOT tacky, I assure you lol), in a soft grey/blue, they are beautiful as I have an alternate color near my lanai. I was laughing when you said you hate blinds. While I really don't like them, I have a "paranoid" issue lol, I know. Honestly, I live in a nice quiet community now and I shouldn't feel this way, but it's sort of inbred in me - thank you NY! 😅 I'm retired now - South. My husband teases me with the blinds. I keep them half way and he would open them way up to the top...I would too If I wasn't so paranoid, he shakes his head. Watching your video helped though. I could add a thicker curtain. Not that I haven't done so in the past. Any other suggestions? I know I can't be the only one. Thank you so. Love you guys! 😍

Another thing to factor in when buying even neutral colored curtains is the cost for dry cleaning annually. I have some gorgeous 2-tone bone colored linen curtains w large grommets that I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond a few years ago, but dry cleaning was about $28 per panel to clean at a reputable cleaners. To me, it was worth it coz they are well made and will last my lifetime.

Thank you for your videos. You are so enthusiastic and fun to listen to! You showed a door with 2 side lights and mentioned what not to do, which I have done. Lol I do need something for privacy and have shear white curtains now. I sometimes time them for a change. Any suggestions would be welcomed 😄

I am with you, I prefer letting as much light in as possible during the day. I have a corner of my main living space that is mostly windows and I have no curtains there now. It is dreadful at night - black and cold, not cozy at all! And I hate it at night and need to find a solution. Thanks for the encouragement to stick with a neutral curtain.

I'm so happy for this video. I have a very large window in my kitchen, that has verticals on it now ( yuck) looking to replace with nice sheer neutral curtains.

Great advice!

thanks for all the great tips :)

Wonderful tutorial ❤

Love the video I’m a curtain person and I had really need those tips very helpful thank you

Thanks for the tips. I'm lucky to find this content

💞Thanks, darling, love your professional advice and enthusiasm 💃🕺🏻

Spot on, could not agree with you more 👌🏽

Love your info on drapes! I’m going to change out my living room drapes! Mine are all wrong!