Curtains can be a great way to add color and texture to a room, but they also serve an important function: blocking light and providing privacy. Living in an apartment can present some challenges for finding the perfect curtains. You might live in a high rise where it’s hard to find the right length (or any length) of curtains. Or you might only have one window and need curtains for both sides. This is why we created this ultimate guide on how to stretch linen curtains to help you out no matter your living situation!
Related Article: How to Loosen Stiff Curtains: A Step-by-step Guide.
Why linen curtains?
The beauty of linen curtains is that they come in a variety of colors and styles. You can find them in sheer or semi-sheer, depending on your needs, and they come in a wide range of colors. Linen is durable and doesn’t easily wrinkle, which makes them ideal for high rise living.
They also don’t need to be washed as often as cotton curtains. If you live on the upper levels of an apartment building, linen curtains are a great option because linen doesn’t wrinkle easily and comes in many different colors.
How to choose the right length of curtains
The perfect length of curtains depends on the width of your window. Generally, the wider the window, the longer the curtains should be. If you want to match them to a chair or sofa, you can use a piece of fabric measuring tape and measure from the top of the furniture to the floor.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a piece of fabric handy, you can use a standard measuring tape. If you live in an apartment with high-rise windows, it might be difficult to find curtains that are long enough for both sides of your window. In this case, we recommend using two sets of curtains (one each side) and hanging one set higher than the other so they hang at equal lengths
How to measure your windows
The first thing you will need to do when trying to stretch linen curtains is measure your windows. This can be done easily by using a tape measure and a pencil. Simply put the tape measure up against the wall and mark where the top of each window frame is, then measure down from that point, marking that point with a small cross.
This will give you the height and width of the window in inches and it will also let you know how many panels you need for both sides of the window. It’s important to note: if your windows are taller than they are wide, you will need to cut your full panel in half lengthwise before hemming them to make them narrower. This can be done by folding over one side of the fabric about 1/4 inch from the edge and sewing a straight line along this fold using a needle and thread or sewing machine.
DIY curtain rod
Do you live in a high rise and can’t find any length of curtains? You might need to build your own curtain rod. The process is simple: measure the width of your window from left to right, then measure the length from top to bottom. Once you know these measurements, you’ll be able to find the perfect size for your DIY curtain rod.
You will need a clamp or a clamping caulking gun – both of which should be available at your local hardware store – and some PVC cement. Cut a piece of PVC pipe about an inch longer than the measurement from left to right. Then cut two pieces of PVC pipe about an inch shorter than the measurement from top to bottom (you’ll want one on each side of the long piece).
After assembling all three pieces together with glue, attach it to your wall with screws or nails so that it’s even with the top of your window frame. You can now drape your curtains over this DIY curtain rod!
Adding a liner
Linen curtains are a great way to add some color and texture to your room while also increasing privacy. But they can be difficult to keep looking their best. Dirt, grime, and even water stains are inevitable when you live in an apartment.
To combat this, it’s important to add a liner behind the curtain. This will protect the fabric from getting dirty or wet, which will make your curtains look newer for longer. You can buy liners specifically made for this purpose or create one by cutting down an old sheet.
Online liners
One way to stretch linen curtains is to purchase online liners. When you purchase an online liner, it’s already the size of the window and already the right length for you. You don’t have to worry about hemming it at all.
The only thing you need to do is iron your liners and hang them as usual. This is a great option if you feel intimidated by sewing or just want to avoid the hassle altogether!
Sewing a curtain liner
The first step to stretching linen curtains is to sew a curtain liner. Start by cutting two pieces of fabric for your curtain liner. One piece should be the length of the lining and the other piece should be about an inch wider.
Pin these two pieces together at one end, right sides together, and sew along one edge. Then turn the piece inside out so that the seam becomes the underside. Flip it around so that you are sewing along the opposite edge of what you just sewed. Sew up both sides and across to create a tube with an opening on one end, leaving enough fabric at each end to overlap about half an inch when closed.
Curtain hanging tips and tricks
Living in an apartment can present a few challenges when it comes to finding the perfect curtains. You might live in a high rise where it’s hard to find the right length (or any length) of curtains. Or you might only have one window and need curtains for both sides. This is why we created this ultimate guide on how to stretch linen curtains to help you out no matter your living situation!
__1. Measure Your Window
__ To start, measure your window from side-to-side and top-to-bottom. If you’re using two panels of fabric, measure each panel separately and multiply them together for the total measurements. This will tell you how long your fabric needs to be:
__Measurement A: Side-to-Side – 60 inches
Measurement B: Top-to-Bottom – 15 inches
Measurement C: Side-to-Side – 75 inches
Measurement D: Top-to-Bottom – 18 inches
The measurements of the first set of panels are as follows: 60 x 2 = 120 inches
FAQS
What is the best way to wash linen curtains?
We recommend washing your linen curtains in cold water and hanging them outside to dry. This will help you avoid shrinkage.
What is the best way to take care of linen curtains?
To preserve your beautiful new linens, we recommend following these tips when taking care of them. Wash in cold water when possible to avoid shrinkage, line dry if possible, take a break from your ironing board by using a clothes steamer before you steam a broken in a wool ball inside a muslin bag for 10 minutes on the highest setting, and keep any pets away from these fragile fabrics.
Conclusion
Linen curtains are a great way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home. In the following article, we have answered some of the most common questions related to linen curtains, including how to measure your windows, find the right length for your curtains, and choose a suitable liner. We hope this article will help you in making a decision about what type of curtains to buy for your home.
