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Curtains & Blinds Buying Guide: How to Choose, Measure, and Hang

Windows do more work than almost anything else in a room — they set the light, the mood, and the sense of finish. The right curtains or blinds can make a space feel taller, calmer, and more pulled together, often for less than you'd expect. This guide walks you through measuring, choosing between curtains and blinds, and hanging everything so it looks like you hired someone.

How do I measure my windows for curtains?

Grab a metal tape measure and measure the window frame itself first — width and length in inches. Then decide on the look:

  • Width: For a full, gathered look, your curtain panels should total 1.5 to 2 times the width of the window (including the frame). A 36 in (91 cm) wide window needs roughly 54–72 in (137–183 cm) of curtain width, which usually means two 52 in (132 cm) wide panels. Bouclair curtains are sold per panel, so plan on two panels per window for that classic fullness.
  • Length: The three classic lengths are sill length (just skimming the sill), apron length (a few inches below the sill), and floor length (skimming or just pooling on the floor). Floor-length panels — typically 84 in (213 cm) or 96 in (244 cm) — make ceilings feel higher and look the most tailored.
  • Rod placement: Hang the rod 4–6 in (10–15 cm) above the window frame and extend it 3–6 in (8–15 cm) beyond the frame on each side. This is the single biggest difference between curtains that look custom and curtains that look cramped.

Measure twice, especially for blinds and shades, where the fit has to be exact.

Should I choose curtains, blinds, or both?

It depends on what the room needs most:

  • Choose curtains when you want softness, colour, and pattern — they add texture and make a room feel finished and cozy.
  • Choose blinds or shades when you want precise light control, a clean minimal look, or an easy fit for kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices.
  • Layer both when you want the best of each: blinds for daytime privacy and light control, with curtains on top for warmth and style. Sheers layered over blackout curtains are a classic pairing for bedrooms.

There's no wrong answer — many homes mix curtains in living spaces with blinds in kitchens and bathrooms.

What's the difference between sheer, room-darkening, and blackout?

This is the light-control question, and it matters most in bedrooms and media rooms:

  • Sheer curtains filter daylight softly while keeping the room bright. They add privacy during the day without blocking the view out completely. Lovely layered over blinds or blackout panels.
  • Room-darkening curtains significantly dim the light and muffle a bit of outside noise — a great middle ground for living rooms and nurseries.
  • Blackout curtains block nearly all incoming light. They're the go-to for bedrooms, shift workers, and anyone whose street has enthusiastic streetlights.

For blinds and shades, the same logic applies: sheer shades filter gently, while blackout roller shades and lined Roman shades block light fully. Many of Bouclair's blinds and shades are cordless, which also makes them a safer pick for homes with kids and pets.

Which fabrics and materials work best?

For curtains:

  • Cotton and linen-look fabrics are breathable, casual, and easy to live with — they suit relaxed, modern, and Scandinavian-style rooms.
  • Velvet adds richness and insulates slightly against drafts and sound — beautiful in bedrooms and formal living rooms.
  • Polyester blends resist wrinkles and fading, making them a practical pick for sunny rooms.

For blinds and shades:

  • Faux wood blinds give the warmth of real wood with moisture resistance — ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • PVC blinds are the budget-friendly, wipe-clean workhorse for basements, bathrooms, and rentals.
  • Bamboo and woven Roman shades add natural texture and warmth — lovely in dining rooms and boho-inspired spaces.
  • Sheer shades offer soft light filtering with a tailored, modern look.

Match the material to the room's humidity and sun exposure, and you'll get years more life out of them.

How do I hang curtains so they look right?

A few pro habits that cost nothing:

  1. Go high and wide. That 4–6 in above the frame really does make windows look bigger.
  2. Choose your header style. Grommet tops slide easily and look modern; back tabs create soft pleats; rod pockets give a gathered, traditional feel.
  3. Mind the break. Panels that just kiss the floor look tailored; a slight 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) puddle looks relaxed and romantic. Avoid the awkward hover 2 in above the floor.
  4. Use two panels per window (remember, they're sold per panel) for symmetry and fullness.
  5. For blinds, decide inside mount (clean, modern, needs enough frame depth) vs. outside mount (covers the whole frame, better for light blocking and shallow frames). Measure the exact opening for inside mounts — width at top, middle, and bottom, and use the narrowest.

How do I care for curtains and blinds?

  • Curtains: Most cotton and polyester panels are machine washable — check the label, wash cold on gentle, and hang to dry or tumble low. Velvet and lined blackout panels usually prefer a gentle cycle or spot cleaning. A handheld steamer refreshes wrinkles in minutes.
  • Blinds: Dust faux wood and PVC blinds with a microfibre cloth or a damp cloth for stubborn spots. Never soak them.
  • Shades: Dust bamboo and fabric shades regularly; spot clean with a barely damp cloth.
  • General rule: Dust monthly, deep clean seasonally, and your window treatments will look new for years.

Shop the look

Frequently asked questions

How many curtain panels do I need per window?
Two panels per window is the standard for a full, balanced look. Bouclair curtains are sold per panel, and each panel is typically 52 in (132 cm) wide — two panels give you the 1.5x fullness that looks intentional rather than skimpy.

What length curtains should I buy?
For floor-length curtains, measure from your rod (hung 4–6 in / 10–15 cm above the frame) to the floor. Standard lengths are 84 in (213 cm) and 96 in (244 cm). When in doubt, go longer — slightly pooling beats awkwardly short.

Are cordless blinds really safer for kids and pets?
Yes. Cordless blinds eliminate the looped cords that pose a strangulation risk, which is why they're recommended for nurseries, kids' rooms, and homes with pets. Many of Bouclair's blinds and shades are cordless by design.

Can I put curtains in the bathroom or kitchen?
You can, but choose moisture-friendly options: faux wood or PVC blinds handle humidity best. If you want fabric, keep panels away from direct splash zones and choose washable materials.

Do blackout curtains also help with noise and drafts?
They help modestly. The dense weave and extra weight dampen some outside noise and reduce drafts around windows, especially when panels extend well beyond the frame. They're not soundproofing, but bedrooms do feel quieter.

How do I clean blackout curtains?
Check the care label first. Most can be machine washed cold on gentle and hung to dry; avoid high heat, which can damage the blackout lining. A handheld steamer is the easiest way to release wrinkles without a full wash.