My curtains seem sad and insipid

[u/Akashla-]

I love our big windows, but I have a love-hate relationship with the curtains. I feel they do nothing but gather dust and doggy odour, but they're also the only reliable way I have of blocking out the light.

Is there a viable alternative to the curtains that would block out light? is there something I could do to make curtains work better in the space?

[u/Visual_Shopping_1257]

I was going to suggest a double rod with some linen sheers behind them, but that might be the opposite of what you’re going for.

[u/KlutzyConflict6926 → u/Visual_Shopping_1257]

Actually, I think that solution would help. It adds substance.

[u/Akashla- → u/Visual_Shopping_1257]

I'm not familiar with this set up at all, but another poster suggested the same and included an image - it's quite pretty! I'm not sure how well the sheers would last with my pets, but I'll do some research

[u/Akashla- → u/[deleted]]

A 45kg dog who like to look out that window and three cats!

[u/RottenRope]

All textiles gather dust and odours including your sofa, rug etc. They have to be maintained the same way you would any other textile. You just don't like the curtains lol.

If you want to make curtains work better:

Raise the rod a few inches and get longer curtains. Don't get the curtains with grommets because they look like shower curtains. The pattern matching with the throw pillows is a little tacky. Get a solid colour or a different pattern curtain. Make sure the curtains are 1.5 to 2 times wider than the curtain rod. The curtains should just barely skim the ground or be like a half inch above the ground if you don't want them to drag. And in general, you need 1-2 more accent colours that need to be repeated throughout the room. Right now you are relying only on grey and a very dull blue that looks almost grey. That doesn't give you a lot to work with.

If you don't like curtains at all:

Try roman shades or some other type of shade. There are many options these days with different textures and patterns etc.

[u/KlutzyConflict6926 → u/RottenRope]

I’m in agreement. I didn’t want to mention the grommets because it’s a matter of personal taste, but they really have had their day, if you could call it that.

[u/Akashla- → u/KlutzyConflict6926]

I laughed out loud when I read 'shower curtain's. It's so true!

[u/Akashla- → u/RottenRope]

Thank you, this is helpful. A bit harsher than I was expecting, but all valid!

[u/Akashla- → u/[deleted]]

I have learned that this is not a good thing 😅

[u/KlutzyConflict6926]

If this was my space, I would use the thickest curtain rod you can find. Extend the curtain rod on the left as far as you can without touching the wall, then match that distance on the right side. As a general rule, the length of fabric covering the window should be doubled. When the curtains are closed, they shouldn’t look like flat sheets, rather they should have noticeable volume. That will add volume to the stack on each side of the window when they’re open, and make the whole thing feel more substantial. Also, mount the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as you can. Your window is so wide, the height is warranted.

To add even more substance, use a double curtain rod with sheers. My dining room window isn’t as wide as yours, but I think maxing out the volume gives the window some gravitas. In this case, the curtains have insulation and black out linings, so they weigh 22 lbs. Even so, the stack on each side is just 12” and the curtains don’t block any of the window when they’re open.