Jill Yu: As an interior designer as well as a fashion brand founder in Los Angeles, she combines her passion for aesthetics with functional design. After purchasing curtains and Roman shades from EASEEASE Curtains, she was so impressed with the quality and style that she decided to record a special video to share her design insights and how these products enhance her design projects.
Ever feel like something's off in your space but can't quite pinpoint the problem? Here's a simple fix: change your curtains. As a designer, 80-90% of my first recommendations to clients revolve around updating their window treatments. Why? Curtains are not only budget-friendly but also one of the most impactful design elements in any room.
Think of them as an easy, high-value way to refresh your home's style and ambiance. The right curtains can enhance functionality—like controlling light, providing privacy, or ensuring low maintenance—all while aligning with your personal taste. Whether you're drawn to elegant drapery, practical shades, or timeless blinds, I share tips and examples to help you make the right choice.
Watch this episode to explore how tailored window treatments can bring warmth, charm, and balance to your home without breaking the bank!
The Power of Curtains: Impactful and Affordable
- Curtains Dominate Your Space: Curtains cover a large surface area, which means they significantly influence the look and feel of any room. Swapping them out can dramatically shift your space’s vibe.
- High Impact, Low Cost: Compared to replacing a sofa, coffee table, or other large furniture items, updating your curtains is far more cost-effective—an easy way to make a big difference without breaking the bank.
Let me show you some before-and-after photos from my recent curtain makeover. Every time I see these dramatic transformations, I can’t help but be amazed.
Types of Curtains: Choose What Fits Your Needs
Understanding curtain types is the first step. Here are the three main categories:
- Drapes: Classic and elegant, these are the large, flowing fabric curtains.
- Shades: Compact and minimal, often used as roller blinds.
- Blinds: Structured and functional, typically made from wood or other solid materials.
So, how do you choose? My advice:
- Start with function: Think about whether you need blackout curtains, waterproof material, or low-maintenance options.
- Factor in your lifestyle: For example, consider whether you have kids, pets, or high windows that require special considerations.
Drapes: For Warmth and Ambiance
For my playroom makeover, I chose drapes. Why? Drapes are highly decorative, and their larger surface area influences a room's tone and ambiance more than any other curtain type.
- Ideal for coziness: Drapes create a soft and inviting atmosphere, especially when made from light-filtering fabrics.
- Perfect for customization: Since I wanted something kid-friendly with enough light coverage for play, custom-made drapes were my go-to solution.
I used a brand called EASEEASE for this project. They offer online customizations, making it easy to get the perfect fit for my oversized windows. The process was seamless, and the price was incredibly reasonable—especially compared to typical North American custom curtain options.
Pro tip: Drapes made from high-quality materials tend to be heavier, which enhances the elegant fall and reduces wrinkles. But remember, your curtain rod should be sturdy enough to handle the weight.
Shades: Minimalism Meets Style
Shades are a great choice if you’re going for a clean, streamlined look. They’re compact and ideal for those who want to explore color or patterns in a subtle way.
- Easy Installation: Shades come ready to mount, with no additional rods or hooks required.
- Perfect for kids’ rooms: In my child’s bedroom, I opted for cordless Roman shades with complete blackout features to ensure a restful sleep.
Blinds: Bold and Modern
Blinds can be tricky—they’re either stunning or can feel cheap if the quality isn’t right. Wooden blinds, for example, are fantastic for achieving a vintage or Bauhaus-inspired look. If you’re considering blinds, prioritize quality and stick with styles that suit your room’s theme.
Key Tips for Curtain Selection
Here are a few more essential tips to keep in mind when choosing curtains:
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Go Bold with Prints or Colors
If solid curtains feel too dull, why not explore patterns or colorful options? Start with smaller prints for an easier transition and match the curtain’s colors to the hues already present in your space. -
Hang Drapes High
Always hang drapes close to the ceiling to visually enlarge your windows—this trick never fails to elevate a room’s look. -
Pay Attention to Pleats
Curtain pleats are crucial for the overall aesthetic. Consider ironing them for a polished look or using small clips to maintain their structure over time.
For reference, I installed four panels of drapes and one Roman shade in total. The original price for everything was around $900, but thanks to a discount, my final cost was just over $500—a fantastic deal for such a transformation.
