Category: Décor Ideas

Should Curtains Touch the Floor?
You’ve designed the perfect room, and now it’s time for the finishing touches. You know you want a stylish window treatment and have narrowed down your curtain fabric choices.

But one question remains: should curtains touch the floor? Unfortunately, there’s no one easy answer. Even interior design experts are split on the right length for a curtain panel to extend from the rod. Keep reading to find out why, and get help on deciding the right curtain length for your room.

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Different Curtain Lengths

The main reason there’s no one set answer for, “Should curtains touch the floor?” is that there are many length options for ready made curtains. Each curtain length is appropriate with different types of home decor. The most common curtain length options are:
- 45 inches
- 54 inches
- 63 inches
- 84 inches
- 90 inches
- 96 inches
- 108 inches
- 120 inches
Some curtain brands offer other length curtain options, and you can always hire someone to custom sew your window treatments. If you have a room with a short window or a room with a higher ceiling, you will obviously need different curtain lengths in each room.

Standard Curtain Style and Length Options

Most standard curtains come in the styles below. They’re listed in order from shorter curtain styles to longer floor length curtains.

Café Curtains

Café curtains are half-length curtains that cover the bottom half of a window. Traditionally found in kitchens and bathrooms, café curtains provide partial privacy and light blocking. They’re often paired with a valance hung on a separate rod above the window frame.

Café curtains allow sunlight to shine through the space between the curtain panels and the valance. Although it’s not common for this curtain length to reach the floor, it is possible to buy longer curtains and hang them a foot or so below the top of the window, if desired.

Sill Length Curtains

Sill length curtains end about ½ an inch above the window sill. Like café curtains, they add a casual and charming vibe to whatever room they’re in. Many designers feel that sill length window curtains are a good place to show off a strong patterned fabric or bright color curtains that might overpower the room if they were longer.

Short curtains that fall just above the window sill are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. They’re also a good choice in some bedrooms, breakfast nooks, or anywhere that floor length curtains would block a countertop, heating vent, or piece of furniture.

Apron Short Curtains

A window apron is a piece of decorative trim located just under the window stool or window sill. An apron accents the look of a window, much like how crown moulding accents the ceiling.

An apron length curtain extends from the rod to one inch below the apron window trim. Not as popular as they used to be, this curtain length is still a practical choice when you don’t want to block a window seat, radiator, or other room feature. They’re a good curtain length if you need shorter curtains but feel that sill length curtains are a bit too short.

Floor Length Curtains

Floor length curtains are a favorite curtain length for many interior designers. They are also called hover length curtains because of how they just barely hover above the floor.

Curtain drop is the term used to describe the exact length of a curtain. With hover or floor length curtains, the curtain drop should be ½ inch above the floor surface. If your drapery rod uses curtain rings, measure from the bottom of the curtain rings to the floor, then subtract half an inch.

When you hang curtains at floor length, you make the most of your beautiful drapery fabric but retain the convenience of a shorter curtain drop. Because the fabric doesn’t puddle up on the floor or touch it in any way, you don’t have to worry about collecting dust every time you open or close the drape panels.

Breaking Long Curtains

When you hang curtains at breaking length, they will be long curtains that measure ½ to 1 inch longer than the length between the rod and the floor. This style projects a tailored elegance with just the slightest fold or break where the drapery material makes contact with the floor.

A breaking curtain has a more casual feel than trouser or puddle curtains, but they’re more sophisticated than curtains that don’t touch the floor. Ideal fabric choices for breaking length curtains are cotton or linen.

Trouser Length Curtains

Like a great pair of trousers, this curtain length creates a fold at just the right spot. Trouser length curtains extend about 2 inches longer than the length between the rod and the floor. This makes a fashionable crease that’s a little bolder than breaking length, but lacks the full drama of puddle curtains.

Trouser length curtains are good for heavier, thicker fabrics, including blackout curtain cloth. The extra length helps ensure that your room will be fully dark when you need it. That makes it an ideal bedroom curtain length. Pair your heavy trouser curtains with an inner sheer curtain set so you can still enjoy a bit of light filtering when you open your drapes.

Puddle Curtain Length

A curtain puddle is exactly what it sounds like: a puddle or pile of drapery fabric that rests on the floor beneath each curtain panel. It may not initially seem logical to hang long curtains that are so much taller than the room itself, but puddling curtains creates a luxurious look.

Use puddle curtain length in rooms where an extra dose of drama is desired, such as in a formal living room or dining room. Sheer curtain material is good for puddling, as are thinner cotton or cotton blend fabrics. Stiff or heavy long curtains will not fall into a luxurious puddle and will instead give the impression that you mistakenly ordered the wrong size panels.

When Long Floor Curtain Lengths are a Problem

Excessive floor curtain lengths can sometimes pose a problem. With a high ceiling curtains can be longer than in standard ceiling height rooms, but that doesn’t always mean that long curtains are the best choice.

If you have pets, puddled curtain panels can quickly attract pet hair from the floor. If you have cats, they will likely be drawn to hide behind or nap on top of the puddled fabric. Long curtains always pose a higher cat-climbing risk than short curtains, but puddled curtains give kitty a head start.

If you have small children, the extra material can also gather crumbs and dirt. Since drapery fabric often needs dry cleaning, trying to have puddled—or even breaking—curtains in the wrong environment can be a frustratingly expensive design choice.

The Final Answer

Clearly, the answer to, “Should curtains touch the floor?” is a matter of personal preference. Curtains provide much more than style; they also maintain your privacy and even help your thermostat to not work overtime heating and cooling your home.

Sometimes a shorter curtain is the perfect choice, but a longer curtain will always look more refined than shorter versions. Floor length curtains are a perfectly acceptable long curtain length for those whose lifestyle makes curtain puddles impractical.

Additional Curtain Length Tips

If you hang curtains at puddle or trouser length and decide you don’t like them, you may still be able to use them without paying for expensive alterations. Try moving the curtain rod and brackets higher, just a few inches below the ceiling. Hanging curtain panels higher also makes the room feel taller and bigger.

Ideally, you should choose a curtain rod that allows you to hang curtains wider than the window itself. Position the rod so that no part of the window is hidden when the curtains are open. Not only will this let in the maximum amount of light, it will make your windows seem bigger than they actually are.

If you’re choosing to puddle curtains made of a heavy fabric, make sure your curtain rod, brackets, and rings are sturdy enough to support their weight. Save delicate curtain rods for shorter and lighter window treatments.

If you’re trying to decide on the right length for patio curtains or other outdoor drapes, allow 2 or 3 inches of clearance above the ground. That will keep your outdoor curtain hems from getting dirty or soaking up water puddles after a storm.

Finally, order fabric swatches before committing to a specific curtain style or color. You may very well find that the material that was so pretty online doesn’t work at all with your walls, flooring, or furniture. The amount of natural light in your home can also make fabric look quite different than it appeared in a showroom or catalog.
April 29, 2022
10 Window Treatment Ideas to Suit Every Room

While you could leave your windows bare, this can leave your rooms feeling unfinished. Window coverings are like the jewelry of a well put together outfit. You could look nice without jewelry, but adding it gives you a finished and a polished look. If the windows in your home lack treatments, then it’s time to step up your interior design style by adding the finishing touch. Dress up the windows in your home with these window treatment ideas.

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1. Blinds for Light Control and Privacy

Adding blinds to your windows is a simple and affordable method for adding light filtering and privacy. You could invest in real wood blinds, but they can be quite expensive. You’ll likely need to custom order them.

A more affordable and popular alternative is to order faux wood blinds instead. They look and feel like wood but are more durable and affordable. Other blinds options are vertical blinds or roller blinds. These give your window a different effect and work better on certain sized windows. For example, vertical blinds are better for oversized windows.

2. Versatile Curtains for Comfort and Style

Blackout curtains are a must for your bedroom. These curtains have a special lining on the backside that helps to prevent the natural light from coming into the room. You can buy them in a variety of sizes and designs.

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Curtains are also good for the large window in your living room. You may not need the light-blocking variety. However, these curtains can be useful when you have a window that receives a lot of hot afternoon sun. The light-blocking quality can help to keep the room cooler. You can also choose a thicker fabric that can help prevent heat loss in winter. While plain curtains are popular, don’t be afraid to make a statement with patterned curtains.

3. Decorative Drapery Panels for a Polished Window Aesthetic

Similar to curtains, drapery panels dress up a window to give it a more polished and finished look. They are typically fabric panels that frame a window. Unlike curtains that you can pull close to cover the entire window, drapery panels frame the window. They aren’t meant for closing over the window. While they may be less functional, they are better equipped for dressing your window.

For looks and functionality, consider a multi-bar curtain rod. Then you can hang decorative drapes on the front bar and a functional curtain on the behind bar. This creates a multi-layered effect.

4. Luxurious Window Treatments for an Opulent Interior Decor

If you’ve taken a luxurious approach to your interior decor, your window dressings should match. Add luxurious custom window treatments to your windows and glass doors. This works well for French doors where they can look plain without the drapery panels.

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Another look of luxury is to embrace modern window treatment trends that utilize technology. Motorized shades make it simple and easy to manage the amount of natural light you allow in. Some even have an app that lets you schedule their opening and closing.

5. Elegant Roman Shades for Soft and Stylish Window Dressing

Roman shades or Roman blinds are a popular window covering option because they create a soft window covering. They are made from fabric that gently folds as you draw them up to open them. They are more elegant than cellular shades with a honeycomb structure. You commonly see cellular shades encased in two sheets of glass that are in a patio door.

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Roman shades can look elegant in a dining room. Choose a fabric that complements the rest of the textiles in the room. You could even choose bamboo shades that are made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

6. Decorative Pleated Shades for Bedroom Windows

If you’re looking for a decorative bedroom window treatment, consider a pleated shade. These simple shades are made from a wide variety of decorative fabrics and fit inside of the window frame. Typically, this style of window covering isn’t the best at blocking light.

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Shades are typically not made from thick material, so they will allow light to filter through. Even shades with a light-blocking backing don’t fully cover the window. This allows light to come through in the gaps on either side of the shade.

7. Sheer Shades in Delicate Weaves

If you’re concerned about the amount of natural light coming into a room and want to create privacy, then sheer shades are ideal. These lightweight curtains are made from thin fabrics and have a delicate weave.

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A sheer curtain is good in a bathroom where you don’t want to use heavy materials that dry slowly. You can also layer sheer curtains with heavier fabric curtains. This gives you more flexibility in how you cover your window.

8. Go with Window Film or Solar Shades for Big and Tall Windows

The tall windows in your home present a unique challenge. These oversized windows can be too tall to be able to use the typical window covering options. Unlike a bay window, you won’t be able to reach the top of the window. Additionally, trying to gather a window covering at the top of the window would become overwhelming.

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Alternative options are window film or solar shades. These window coverings are highly effective at blocking UV rays to help keep your rooms cooler. They are also effective at filtering the amount of light coming into the room without completely eliminating it.

9. Louvered Shutters for a Charming Cottage-Style Home Decor

Louvered shutters give your home a cottage look. Depending on how you finish the shutter, this can give your home a farmhouse, country cottage, or coastal feel. These shutters could be mounted to the window frame on the inside or outside the house.

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Window shutters mounted on the inside of your window require a lot of space. This makes them less ideal for small spaces. They also aren’t great for large windows. The larger the window, the larger the shutter needs to be. This means the shutter will swing out further into the room, making them awkward to open and close.

10. Textured Woven Shades for Rustic and Coastal Interiors

Add a touch of texture with woven shades. They could be made from fabric or be woven wood shades. They typically roll up to open and then unroll to extend down and cover the window. This type of window shade looks best in a rustic, farmhouse, tropical, or coastal interior design style.

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You’ll typically find them in neutral colors, such as shades of brown, tan, beige, grey, and white. What’s nice about these woven shades is that they filter light for a gentle illumination throughout the room.

April 13, 2022
Best Wall Colors for Grey Floors

If you’re wondering what’s the best wall color for grey floors, you are in luck. Because grey flooring is such a trendy neutral, it’s not hard to find a wall color that will bring your room’s decor together. This is true whether you have grey tile, grey laminate, hardwood floors, or carpet.

One factor in choosing a wall paint color is to consider the colors that already exist in your furniture, curtains, rugs, and other decor elements. If you plan to purchase these items after you paint the walls, then virtually any shade on the color wheel can work with grey floors.

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White

The ultimate neutral, pure white really does go with anything. Paired with grey flooring, white paint will give you a clean, classic foundation to build upon.

Are you into farmhouse decor? Grey wood flooring and white shiplap is a perfect background for your natural wood tone furniture and rustic metal accents. Do you ascribe to modern minimalism? A sleek dark grey floor tile pairs beautifully with smooth white walls and angular black furniture.

Although one might assume that white is white, a glance at any paint sample display will show you how there are obvious color undertones in every white paint. Make sure you take paint swatches home to see which color of white looks best with your grey floor.

Beige

It may seem odd to pair two mid-tone neutrals in a single space, but the combination of a grey floor and a beige wall color can be quite elegant. This is especially true when the beige shade has a grey undertone, as in Sherwin William’s Accessible Beige, Repose Grey, or Worldly Grey.

This type of greige paint looks great with wooden furniture because it serves as a middle color between the grey floor and wood tone furniture. Greige or beige paint colors make a room feel warmer than one that’s primarily decorated in cool grey.

Blue

Blue—in all its shades and tints—works exceptionally well with grey flooring. This is true whether the floor is light grey or dark grey. Just like shadowy clouds on a sunny blue sky, grey and blue were made for each other.

Choose a pale, misty shade of blue paint if you are seeking a calm, Zen-like space. For something more cheery, go with a brighter blue, such as cobalt or turquoise. Navy blue wall paint creates a dark, dramatic space that looks amazing with grey color flooring, rich wood tone furniture, and brushed nickel accents.

Green

Dusty, grey-tinged greens look amazing next to any grey color, from pale smoke to deep charcoal. Think of how pretty moss looks on a grey rock, or how the fuzzy texture of a sage leaf casts a pale grey mist over its deeper shade of green.

Try to avoid yellow-based greens, such as olive green, and bright Kelly green when you have cool grey flooring. However, if your grey floor is a warmer, greige type color, those shades of green are perfectly acceptable. Just be sure that your throw pillows, knick-knacks, and artwork incorporate the same color palette.

Pink

Just like misty blue and butter yellow, pale pink coordinates beautifully with grey flooring. Because pink is such a warm, inviting color, it pairs particularly well with warmer grey cabinets and floors.

Some pink hues—like dusty pink—have a slight grey undertone that is obvious when you look at paint samples. Try to stay close to these hues to avoid creating too much contrast in your color scheme. Even if your child begs for bubble-gum-pink walls in their grey-floored room, try to keep the color muted for a more relaxing space.

A background of a dark grey wood floor and dusty pink walls can carry a stronger accent color like maroon. It also looks amazing accented with rose gold or copper.

Lavender

Lavender or pale purple is another pastel color that looks stunning beside grey flooring and walls. Like sage green, real lavender flowers have a grey undertone that makes them a natural pairing with grey.

Once you have a grey floor and lavender walls, it’s easy to incorporate bolder shades of purple into your textiles and accessories. Perhaps find wallpaper that incorporates grey, lavender, and the darker purple and apply it to an accent wall.

Teal

Teal is a great balance between green and blue, not quite turquoise, but with all the same richness. When teal is toned down a bit with a touch of grey, it becomes a dreamy, dramatic color that will add a relaxing vibe to whatever room it’s in.

As many paint and decorating color swatches show, grey and teal are quite harmonious, especially when there are multiple values of each color included in one room. Pair light grey flooring with three dark grey walls and paint the fourth wall teal. Then incorporate shades of grey and teal in your textiles and accessories.

Yellow

Bright yellow paint can make a grey floor look dull and lifeless, but a soft, buttery shade of yellow is beautiful on walls above a light grey floor. White furniture and white trim look great with this particular color combination, whether it’s in the living room or a baby’s nursery.

What wall paint color isn’t great with grey floors?

Believe it or not, it’s best to avoid covering your walls in grey paint when you already have a grey floor. Why? First, an all grey room is just plain boring from a design perspective. And although grey is a good neutral color, too much of it can give the room a depressing aesthetic.

Another reason to rethink grey walls is that it can be difficult to find a grey paint color that coordinates well with grey flooring. Each shade of grey has its own undertone and they can vary widely. There are warm greys and cool greys, and next to each other, the differences are quite obvious. If you don’t perfectly match the undertones, it can throw your entire color scheme off track.

However, if you’ve fallen in love with Dorian Grey, Agreeable Grey, or another paint swatch that looks great beside your floor—go for it! But keep in mind that grey walls and grey floors work best together when there’s a lot of contrast between the shades. Pair a dark grey floor with light grey walls, or vice-versa.

April 7, 2022
16 Wall Mural Ideas for Any Space

An accent wall becomes the focal point of any room. But simply painting one wall a different color is expected and overdone. Instead, stay ahead of trends and do something different for your accent wall. Add an accent wall mural to one of the walls in your home and have more than just an accent; you’ll have art.

These wall mural ideas will help you figure out how to add a statement piece to your home.

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1. Eye-Catching Abstract

Wall murals can be a great way to liven up any room and make it more personal to you. Instead of settling for an abstract poster from a store, why not take the more creative route and create your own mural? You could use abstract art as a base, made with lines and circles shaped into figures, animals, and characters. Then take it up a notch by adding in some paint marks.

Choose bright colors for something upbeat, or go for rich hues for something more elegant. Whatever style you choose, with the right ideas and motivation you’ll have an eye-catching wall mural in no time!

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2. Doodle Art

Showcase your creative flair with doodle art murals! To create a unique and eye-catching mural design, forget everything you know about conventional drawings, and just doodle randomly. Just draw something that comes to mind, while sprinkling it with random elements and geometric shapes here and there.

Use lines to connect the doodles, so they come together nicely in the form of a picture or story. Be spontaneous when designing your mural, as opposed to pre-planning each doodle. This will help bring unexpected vibrancy to your wall art that will elevate your room’s decor game!

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2. Animal Kingdom

If you’re searching for a unique touch to add to your home, an animal wall mural is a way to go. For animal lovers, consider bringing some safari animals like zebras and giraffes into your living space. If you’d rather not involve animals, an array of vibrant butterflies can bring life and fun into any room.

Those with little ones may want to design their bedroom with a map + animal mural that will allow them to explore the world right in their own room. Whichever mural idea you plan on pursuing, make sure it reflects your taste while infusing personality into the room.

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4. Sports-Themed

If you’re looking for sports-themed wall mural ideas that will make your sports fan’s room look amazing, why not start with a football field? Paint the walls to look like grassy sports turf and hang up some sports equipment or team colors. For the boys’ room, you could even go the extra mile and add goalposts.

Basketball fans would love to have a life-size playing court on their wall and baseball fans could have some batting practice right in their bedrooms! Whatever sports activities your kiddo is into, sports-themed wall murals are sure to bring big smiles to their faces.

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5. Feminine Floral

A floral wall mural is a great way to add a pop of lush color and femininity to any room. If you are looking for ideas to incorporate floral accents into your living quarters, consider one of these floral wall ideas. Create a soft and airy effect by painting clouds or abstract blobs of various feminine colors in the background, and then incorporate large floral illustrations that pop against the softer background.

Alternatively, use floral stencils or removable wallpaper for a more subtle floral look. If you’re looking for something specifically for a girls’ bedroom, try drawing a colorful bouquet of detailed flowers along the entire wall. With these creative floral wall mural ideas, there are plenty of fun ways to bring nature indoors!

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6. Cartoon-Themed

Adding cartoon-themed wall murals in your home can make a huge impact, especially if you have kids or are a kid at heart. Depending on the cartoon of choice, a cartoon wall mural could be whimsical and funny or express wise lessons for life. Consider cartoon characters that bring out the best in them like superheroes, classic cartoons, sci-fi characters, and more to get creative vibes from your wall.

The cartoon art could even be added as wallpaper on multiple walls for more impact or hang framed cartoon prints for personalized art that reminds you of the cheerful vibe cartoons often bring. Start embellishing with cartoon artwork today and get ready to enjoy some pop art décor in your space!

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7. Fresh Tropical

Transform any boring wall into a tropical paradise with a beautiful plant wall mural! There are so many amazing options: from tropical plants and birds to colorful butterflies fluttering through bright blue skies. Whether you are dreaming of tropical beaches or lush tropical jungles, you can find a tropical mural that perfectly captures what you have in mind.

Get creative and use stencils to design ferns or palm trees for an extra personalized touch. Whatever your vision is, get ready to take a virtual vacation right at home with an unforgettable tropical wall mural!

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8. Retro-Style Art

Looking to find retro wall mural ideas? Bring retro-style art into your interior with an eclectic wall mural. Paint it yourself with bright colors and stark contrasts, or try print on print for the full retro experience in your home. Consider featuring retro-inspired characters or classic vintage objects for added character.

With all of these retro wall mural ideas, your abode will transform into a retro wonderland as you’ve never seen before. Have fun getting creative!

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9. Muted Florals

If you are thinking of designing a floral wall mural for your interior, muted florals can be a perfect choice. They won’t overpower the rest of the decor, but provide just enough visual interest to create a unique vibe to your space. Muted florals also look great in a more rustic and nostalgic interior.

Additionally, muted walls such as greys and whites provide a great backdrop for muted floral murals to ensure that they don’t become too overpowering or distracting.

So if you’re looking for an interesting way to introduce some life into your interior while still keeping it muted and understated, these floral wall murals are definitely worth considering!

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10. Vibrant Fruits

Creating vibrant, juicy wall murals using fruity elements is one way to make your home interiors more vibrant and colorful. Incorporate a mix of different fruits from vibrant oranges and lemons to exotic dragonfruits and guavas to add an extra dash of color.

You can even work with fruity stripes and vibrant floral details for a unique twist on traditional motifs. Finish off the look with lush greens sprinkled throughout the design.

From adding vibrant life to any kitchen to welcoming guests into entryways, fruity wall mural ideas are sure to freshen up your interiors no matter where they’re displayed.

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11. Word Play

Invite creative wordplay into your decor with a word wall mural! Depending on the look you’re going for, explore word shapes, quotes, or perhaps even a handwritten journal-style approach.

Subtle or bold? Get creative and have fun exploring the options – think of words in different fonts and sizes, juxtaposed against vibrant colors, or black and white photographs to bring your wall murals to life.

Play around with different typefaces and colors that tell your unique story. Let words inspire you and create your own word-centric oasis at home.

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12. Nature Landscape

Bring nature into your home with nature wall murals. Whether you want to create a natural landscape, feature full-size plants, depict majestic mountains, or create a sunset scene – nature wall murals are the perfect way to bring your ideas to fruition.

You can customize it any way you’d like, from the colors of nature-inspired hues to having it span an entire wall. Additionally, nature wall murals don’t take up any interior space and can be changed easily – making them both a practical and creative choice for home decor.

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13. 3D Art

3D wall murals are a fun and creative way to add life and character to any space. Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching pop of color or an illusion of 3D art, 3D wall mural ideas can provide the perfect combination of visual interest and a dimensional statement piece.

From abstract shapes to images and patterns, 3D murals offer limitless possibilities when it comes to creating unique works of art in your home or office space.

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14. Monochrome Sketch

When it comes to sketch wall mural ideas, monochrome sketches offer a modern yet striking look that’s perfect for office spaces. For example, consider adding detailed maps or blueprints of a favorite city as an eye-catching decoration for waiting areas or conference rooms.

High-contrast monochrome images create an elegant atmosphere and draw visitors’ eyes to the wall from all around the room. With these timeless visuals, you can make any space stylish and classic.

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15. Educational

Brighten a learning environment with educational wall murals! Educational art is a great opportunity to engage students visually, and educational wall murals are sure to capture attention in the classroom or at home.

Consider adding math equations or symbols representing science and music for educational content that can stay up all year round. Wall murals come in all sizes, so you’re sure to find one that will fit the space perfectly. With educational wall mural ideas, the educational possibilities are endless!

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16. Mother Tree

If you’re looking to create an eye-catching feature that’s sure to become the focal point of the room, a tree mural is a great way to go. Choose from a range of realistic, abstract, or even over-the-top artistic designs to capture your attention, no matter what you’re looking for in a nature-inspired feature wall.

Whether it’s for one of your living areas or your bedroom, tree wall mural ideas are sure to bring nature to your home.

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April 7, 2022
How High Should a Fireplace Mantel Be?
Having a fireplace in your home gives you a natural focal point to gather around. It becomes the heart of the home as you spend time around it and make lasting memories with family and friends. When this one element becomes such a central part of your time in your home, it needs to have a balanced and attractive design. This means having a mantel that frames and defines the fireplace.

Like the eyebrows on your face, getting the design of your fireplace mantel right is crucial for having an attractive room. Follow this guide when choosing the height of your fireplace mantel.

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Standard Fireplace Mantel Height

The short answer is that the average fireplace mantel height is 54 inches. However, just because it’s the standard doesn’t mean that it’s the right height for your fireplace. Several factors go into determining the ideal height for your fireplace mantel.

Room Size

When choosing your fireplace mantel, the first thing to consider is the room size. Next, you need to consider scale and proportion. The larger the room is, the more substantial your fireplace mantel can be. Depending on the room’s height, fireplace mantels can range from four to six feet from the floor.

The smaller the soon is, the lower the mantel should be. For example, a room less than 120 square feet will look best when the mantel is around four feet off the ground. Large rooms 180 square feet or larger look better when the mantel is about six feet from the floor.

Ceiling Height

The average ceiling height is nine feet. This corresponds with the average mantel height of 54 to 56 inches. The top of the mantel should be 4.5 feet from the floor. It’s important to note that the top of the mantel is the point of measurement. You want to maintain the height above the mantel. If you place the bottom of the mantel at the 4.5-foot mark, then a mantel with a face height of six inches will elevate the top of the mantel to five feet. This small six-inch shift can completely throw off the room’s proportions and make the fireplace mantel feel awkwardly high.

No matter what your ceiling height is, there should be at least three feet between the top of the mantel and the ceiling. This will give you enough room to arrange decor on the mantel or hang a small TV or artwork on the wall. Additionally, a space smaller than this will create an optical illusion where the ceiling gets pulled down, making it lower than it really is.

Mantel Face Height

The face of the mantel is the front edge of it. In other words, it’s how thick the mantel is. Generally, fireplace mantels have a face height of three to seven inches. The height of your mantel will depend on the size of the room and your ceiling height. Smaller rooms with lower ceiling heights will look best with a smaller face height. Large rooms or those with extra tall ceilings can support a higher mantel height. Getting this measurement right is about measuring your room and understanding how to scale your mantel to suit the space.

Mantel Depth

The mantel depth is how far the mantel sticks out from the wall. The depth of the mantel will influence its placement in relation to the fireplace. At a minimum, your mantel shouldn’t be shallower than three inches. Any smaller than this, and it won’t be worth having at all. A shallower depth can allow for closer placement to the fireplace. A deeper fireplace requires you to move the mantel higher up on the wall.

When choosing the depth of your fireplace mantel, consider the footpath through the room, its layout, and overall size. You don’t want an overly deep mantel extending too far, causing people to bump into it. Small or compact rooms need a more shallow mantel, while rooms with more space to move around can support a deeper mantel.

Once you know how deep of a mantel you want, you can calculate the mantel’s height. Follow this helpful guide for calculating your mantel depth to height ratio.
- 2 inches deep = 11 inches minimum height
- 4 inches deep = 13 inches minimum height
- 6 inches deep = 15 inches minimum height
- 8 inches deep = 17 inches minimum height
- 10 inches deep = 19 inches minimum height
Mantel Construction

A commonly forgotten influential feature is the construction of the mantel. The construction of your mantel will dictate how high you should mount the mantel. There are two commonly used construction methods, box and log. A box mantel is made of wood planks and is hollow in the middle. The thin wood planks are good at dissipating heat so the mantel can be mounted closer to the fireplace. A solid wood log holds heat better and dissipates it slower. If your log mantel is five to seven inches thick, you’ll need to mount it higher.

If your mantel is made from another material, such as stone, glass, or metal, then you’ll need to consider its ability to withstand heat and dissipate that heat. Materials that are are combustible or dissipate heat slowly should be mounted higher to help protect them.

Fireplace Design

Once you have done all of your measurements, you need to consider the design style of your fireplace. This will influence the design style and placement of your fireplace mantel. Traditional fireplaces typically have a single decorative piece that surrounds the fireplace. This creates a predetermined height for the fireplace mantel. Contemporary fireplaces are the large timber boxes or beams that sit about a foot above the top of the fireplace. They have a clean design that has the wood set into the wall. Modern fireplace mantels tend to have a slightly higher placement to create more space around them to retain the sleek and open feeling that modern design styles embrace.

Read also: 77 Fireplace Décor Ideas

TV Mounting Over the Fireplace Mantel

If you plan to hang a TV over your fireplace mantel, you need to consider this when choosing your mantel height. There needs to be enough space for the TV to hang on the wall. Additionally, think about the future and if you ever planned to upgrade your TV to a larger one. You don’t want your mantel to stop you from upgrading. Typically, the bottom of the TV should be between four and twelve inches above the mantel.

When choosing your placement, higher is better in terms of heat. The area above your fireplace can easily reach over 100 degrees when you have a good fire roaring. This can damage the delicate internal components of a TV. However, higher isn’t always better for viewing comfort. Small rooms where the sofa is closer to the fireplace will benefit from the TV being placed lower on the wall. If you need to balance heat and viewing comfort, try angling the TV slightly downward. This can make it more comfortable to view the TV while allowing you to place it slightly higher to protect it from rising heat.

Your Personal Preference

Finally, your home is just that, yours. All of these measurements and design rules aside, you need to do what makes you happy. When designing your fireplace, don’t forget to consider your personal preferences and tastes. If you love mantels that are made from thick logs with a raw edge, then go ahead and use one for your mantel. If you have a big screen TV and need an additional few inches on the wall, mount your mantel slightly lower to accommodate it. Ultimately, as long as you don’t create a safety hazard or violate building codes, you are free to do what you want in your home.

National Fire Protection Association Mantel Guidelines

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It can be easy to get focused on design aesthetics and forget that there is a safety aspect to your fireplace. Your mantel needs to comply with local building codes and fire safety standards. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that your mantel be at least 12 inches away from the top of the firebox. The reason for this is to keep the mantel away from the heat and flames. Because most mantels are made from combustible materials, such as wood. It can get hot and combust into flames without actually coming into contact with the flames.
March 24, 2022
10 Best Accent Wall Colors

Adding an accent wall to a room in your home is a perfect option for adding a bit of color to your room. But if you’re going to paint one wall a different color, it needs to be the right color. The color should enhance the room by adding to the aesthetic and helping it to feel bigger. Using color to your advantage can improve a room that would otherwise fall flat.

Try one of these stunning accent colors for your accent wall.

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Olive Green

This earthy shade of green is popular because it brings a touch of nature without looking overly styled. It also blends well with a wide range of other neutrals. Its more muted tone helps it to keep your room’s design soft and welcoming without becoming too intense or overbearing. When paired with other soft neutrals, you can easily create a warm and welcoming aesthetic. This color works well in rustic, farmhouse, country, and contemporary styles. It can also look beautiful in a neutral bohemian room.

Greige

Depending on how you style this color, it can look more gray or beige. It’s the unique color flexibility of this color that makes it perfect for your accent wall. Depending on the color scheme in the rest of the room and the amount of natural light, the color will change and transform. This adds visual interest, but it can also make it easier to change up your decor without having to repaint. Greige is considered the modern neutral that feels more serious and mature than plain light gray or beige. This makes it perfect for contemporary interior design styles.

Jewel Tones

Instead of choosing just one color for this category, we are going to talk about all jewel tones. These highly saturated colors add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your room. This is because they are taken from the original colors of expensive jewels. Colors in this category are ruby red, emerald green, sapphire blue, amethyst purple, and citrine yellow. You can use them together or pair them with neutrals for a wall that commands attention. Glam and traditional design styles are the most popular aesthetics for using jewel tones, but they aren’t your only options. You could also successfully use jewel tones in vintage, bohemian, art deco, or even mid-century modern design styles. Highlight the use of jewel tones by using polished metal accents to highlight the luxurious feel.

Coral Pink

Soft pink can look too feminine and juvenile. Mauve can look too dark or dowdy. Coral pink is a perfect alternative. It’s a predominantly pink color but has hints of orange and coral undertones. This gives your accent wall a bright and fresh feeling. In addition, the orange hues bring warmth into the room, creating a more comfortable atmosphere. What’s nice about this flexible color is that you can pair it with other warm colors, including cream, red, pink, orange, and yellow. It’s also perfect for bringing contrast to a turquoise or blue room. This cheery shade works well in a coastal, shabby chic, or bohemian-designed room.

Coastal Blue

Embrace the colors of the ocean by painting your accent wall a bright and breezy blue. It adds a soothing feel to your room that can create a calming atmosphere that fosters a relaxing and welcoming vibe. Consider slight variations of the color to keep the color from looking too beachy. It could be a slightly muted version or have green undertones. Be careful not to choose a color that’s not too light. You don’t want to use a pale blue. Coastal blue is perfect in a shabby chic decor design style, rustic, and coastal styles.

Butter Yellow

A soft butter yellow can add a sunny accent to your room. The gentle brightness of this color makes it perfect for helping a room feel brighter without it becoming overwhelming. The white undertones of this yellow help to reflect more light, increasing the light and helping the room feel bigger. Unlike lighter yellow shades, this yellow is more intense than a pale yellow, adding color and avoiding the aged yellow-white look that can look dingy. This delicate yellow is versatile, looking right at home in a shabby chic, French country, farmhouse, contemporary, rustic, or transitional styled room.

Blackest Black

Painting all of the walls in a room black can look overwhelming and turn the room into a dark cave. Instead, paint only one of the walls black. Then you get the benefit of the black wall without the drawbacks. A black accent wall works best in a larger room that has plenty of natural light. It can also help to use paint that has a slight sheen to it. Using a black feature wall can look elegant and sleek in an industrial, minimalist, urban modern, or art deco style.

Persimmon Orange

This richly colored orange is bright but not too bright. It’s close to true orange but has a more mature feel that elevates it from the primary version of the color. Painting an accent wall this color can give you the perfect backdrop for your white and neutral decor. You can easily add it to an all-white room that you are looking to update and bring color into. Because an actual fruit inspires it, you can use it in an earthy neutral decor design to make the room feel brighter. This warm and welcoming color can look beautiful in a room that’s styled in Asian zen, mid-century modern, or coastal design style.

Deep Blue

A deep navy or indigo blue adds depth and sophistication to a room. It’s like adding drama without going over the top. Navy is closer to black, making it better for more traditional design styles like Victorian and art deco design. Indigo, while similar to navy in that it’s dark, is slightly more eclectic. Indigo has purple undertones that make it perfect for creative design styles like bohemian, worldly, and maximalism. Both colors can be quite dark, so to keep your room from feeling too much like a cave, make sure that is plenty of natural light.

Blackberry Wine

This rich and dark purple color is more complex than just standard purple. It has dark hints and raspberry undertones to create a color with more depth and complexity. It’s perfect for when you want to use purple and avoid a juvenile color similar to a certain large dinosaur. Embrace the moodiness of this color by using it in an industrial interior style. It’s also perfect when giving your room a glam design. Gold metal will contrast elegantly against the purple wall to create a look of luxury.

March 24, 2022
How to Choose an Accent Wall
Read enough home improvement and decorating blogs, and you will quickly realize that adding an accent wall is one of the most commonly recommended home improvement projects. They’re perfect for adding color, pattern, or texture without overwhelming the room. The problem is that everyone is happy to provide examples of accent walls, but no one tells you how to choose a wall that should be the accent wall. Take the plunge and add an accent wall in your home with this helpful guide that will help you choose the perfect wall.

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The Basics of Choosing an Accent Wall

There are three basic rules to follow when choosing a wall to turn into an accent wall:
1. Focal point
2. Symmetry
3. Inside Corners
Following these three rules will help you choose the right wall and avoid choosing the wrong wall. Adding an accent wall should be purposeful and enhance the room’s design. Choosing the wrong wall will either have no impact or a negative impact on the visual design of the room.

Focal Point

Typically, the best wall in a room to be the accent wall is the first wall you see when entering a room. This is the front and center wall and usually the focal point. This ensures that your work doesn’t go to waste because the accent wall is the feature in the room. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, the focal wall in the room isn’t the first wall you see when entering the room. Instead, it’s the wall your eyes naturally travel to when standing in the room. This could be the wall with the fireplace in a living room. It could be the wall behind the bed’s headboard in a bedroom.

Symmetry

The wall that you choose should have symmetry to it. Sometimes, this is the focal point wall, and sometimes it isn’t. If the focal point wall doesn’t feel quite right, it is probably because the symmetry is off. Draw an imaginary vertical line down the center of the wall. The left and right sides should mirror each other. There shouldn’t be an odd placement of doors or windows. The top of the wall could have an angled slope from a vaulted ceiling. There could also be an uneven geometric shape to the wall.

Keep in mind that symmetry is not a hard rule. Sometimes, a non-symmetrical wall looks great as the accent wall. Therefore, it’s best to consider each wall on a case-by-case basis.

Inside Corners

If you want your accent wall design to look purposeful, stick with a wall that’s bordered by two inside corners. It’s easier to transition from one color to another or from a wallpaper to paint when it is on an inside corner. This is why a nook makes a perfect accent.

Homes with open floorplans present a challenge with this rule. It’s significantly harder to transition an accent wall when one side has an outside corner. It can be done, but it’s significantly more challenging to create a professional finish on the outside corner side.

Consider the Size of the Room

Adding an accent wall breaks up the visual lines of the room, so adding one to a small room can make the room feel even smaller. This means that accent walls are best done in larger spaces that can support the visual weight of an accent wall.

In addition to size, you also should consider the shape. For example, if you have a long and narrow rectangle-shaped room, turning the furthest short wall into the accent wall will visually shorten the room, helping it to feel more balanced. Conversely, making one of the long walls the accent wall will accentuate the length, making it feel even longer.

Look For Architectural Details

An accent wall should be as solid as possible. This means it’s not broken up by doors and windows. These break up the wall and reduce your accent wall’s impact on the rest of the room. This is why the wall behind a bed or sofa are popular.

While looking for architecture to avoid, you should also look for details that signal the ideal wall. For example, if a wall has a fireplace or is a nook, these are details that signal you are on the right track for choosing the best wall in the room to be an accent wall.

Think About Furniture Placement

If you have a large piece of furniture covering most of a wall, this isn’t a great option for an accent wall. Walls that are already covered by the decor, furniture, and window treatments won’t benefit from being an accent wall. If you’re going to go through the investment and trouble of adding an accent wall, it should make an impact on your room. Instead, look for a wall that’s mostly open, allowing you to clearly see the accent wall.

What Is the Room’s Function?

If your home has an open floorplan, you can use an accent wall to visually define the space. Look at the different areas of the open space and how you use each area. Adding an accent wall visually breaks up the space. This creates a subtle signal to the eye that each space has a different use. Now you have more of a zoned space that helps each space to feel more intimate.

Accent Ceiling Instead of Wall

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If all else fails and you can’t figure out a suitable wall for your accent wall, you have one option left. Instead of choosing one of the walls, consider the ceiling. This is considered the fifth wall by some interior designers. Painting the ceiling is a perfect option for a room that doesn’t have a natural focal point or isn’t symmetrical.

Painting the ceiling of a room a bright and bold color can transform the space while also creating the illusion that the ceiling is taller than it really is. You can paint the ceiling in large or small rooms. A light or bright color in a small room can help the room to feel bigger. A darker color in an extra-large room can help it to feel more comfortable and cozy.
March 23, 2022
How to Update a 1970s Stone Fireplace
A fireplace has two basic functions in a home: heat the room and bring a sophisticated decorative touch. However, some become outdated and need a serious makeover in order to go back to being the focal point of the living room.

There are many ways to solve this problem, from replacing an old wood-burning fireplace with a gas insert or electric fireplace, or restoring the fireplace completely. In this post, we will give you some ideas of how you can update your 1970s stone fireplace.

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

When engaging in fireplace remodeling, there are two main concerns: Safety and the aesthetic quality of the materials. Make sure you consult with a professional before starting any project, especially if the fireplace has been out of use for a long period of time.

The lack of maintenance is a fire hazard. Make sure you have a professional check if there is chimney obstruction or any other damage.

Once you have safeguarded the safety of the fireplace, it’s time to think about materials and aesthetics.

Read also: 16 Ways to Decorate an Unused Fireplace

THE 1970s DÉCOR STYLE

Antique stone fireplaces are typically clad in granite or marble. You will also find natural stone cladding and bricks.

But you can update it to any kind of décor style. Check out these ideas:
- RUSTIC
The rustic style brings back the charm of wooden huts, nicely decorated with warm and earthy tones, fabrics, and handcrafted items. For this style, a fireplace coated with porcelain or wood is perfect. Stone veneers are another great option.
- INDUSTRIAL
The industrial style brings urban charm to interior design. A fireplace adds warmth and balance to the sobriety of concrete and metals. Coverings that go well with this style are porcelain tiles or concrete.
- STAMPED CONCRETE
There’s a variety of stamped concrete designs to cover an outdated fireplace. This textured concrete replicates stones and is a rather affordable solution that requires low maintenance.
- MODERN
Neutral colors and minimalist design make up the modern style. To create a contrast with a darker color palette, you can choose marble cladding. Another option is to use porcelain tile with an oxidized metal effect, inspired by the beauty of corten steel.

PAINT

You may choose to simply give your old brick fireplace a fresh coat of paint, which can be spray paint or clear chalk paint wash. Of course, you will need heat-resistant paint, but your fireplace will look brand-new!

OPT FOR AN ELECTRIC FIREPLACE INSTEAD

This is a great solution if you do not want to go through the hurdle of dealing with the safety issues of a wood-burning or gas fireplace, and want a simple, practical, and easy-to-use heating device that looks great!

DÉCOR

If you’re going for a full facelift to your fireplace, think about décor pieces that will complement the space. Let’s start with the basics:
- CURTAINS AND RUGS
Fabrics bring texture, and rugs bring warmth. Just be careful to position the fabrics a safe distance from the fireplace. If you have windows next to the fireplace, consider an electric fireplace, which does not release flames.

Add a blanket on the sofa, and invest in different covers for the cushions, so you can vary in colors and prints whenever you want to change the overall look of the room.
- ARMCHAIRS AND OTTOMANS
It is almost impossible to imagine a living room with a fireplace, without a nice pair of armchairs or a big comfortable sofa. You can add small bean bags and ottomans, that can double as seating or footrest.
- FIREWOOD STORAGE
Wood-burning fireplace has its unquestionable charm. But if you want to invest time and money in remodeling your 70s style fireplace, one of the things to consider beforehand is where you are going to store the wood. Can it be kept indoors? Should you build a cool nook next to the fireplace and display the wood as a decorative feature?

Storing firewood indoors has become more and more popular, and some homeowners repurpose built-ins or use steel log hoops and firewood racks as décor pieces. From the aesthetics point of view, logs do look great when stacked beside a fireplace, and it is definitely very practical to have them at hand whenever you feel like using your fireplace.

But there are a few things to consider before you decide to invest in this design trend:
- Wood attracts bugs, and it can host all kinds of critters. These are uninvited guests you might bring inside your home, along with the logs.
- Wood logs need proper ventilation and, for this reason, should always be kept off the ground.
- If you buy wood from a gas station, hardware store, or supermarket, you will most likely need to dry it out. Keeping it indoors may lead to another uninvited guest: mold!
- Experts say that firewood should be stored outside and should always be kept at least 3 feet away from any structure, so do not stack it against your home.
- Firewood should never be stored next to tress, either, because insects could crawl over the tree and cause severe damage.
This being said, you have to consider where to buy the logs, where to dry them out (outside, in the sun, partially covered allowing air circulation), and where to store them. As a matter of fact, you can store your logs next to the fireplace, but only for the wood you intend to use in the next day or two. So, you may have a cool rack to store a few logs next to the fireplace, but only for a couple of days before burning them.
- DECORATE YOUR MANTEL
A fireplace mantel is one of the most charming places in a home, not only because of the fond memories of Christmas socks hanging waiting for those delicious Christmas candies, but also for the décor pieces that reveal a bit of the homeowners’ life story.

From potted plants, crystal vases, sculptures, modern art, or craftwork, to lots of memories in framed pictures, little notes from the kids when they started writing, or a marriage invitation engraved on a silver tray, these are all elements that reflect your lifestyle and are precious ornaments to any mantel.
March 19, 2022
16 Unique Window Valance Ideas

Take a look around your home. What is on your windows? It’s probably a set of curtains, right? But have you thought about adding a valance? This is the piece of fabric that goes across the top of the window to frame the window and complete the look of the curtains. Before you do a hard pass, there are plenty of options that don’t look like the dust-covered lace valances in your grandma’s house.

Give the windows in your home a fresh look by adding one of these window valance ideas.

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1. Dress Up A White Window With Prints

A printed valance curtain can transform a plain white window into an eye-catching spectacle. With its vibrant color, bold patterns, and delicate embellishments, it instantly revives a stagnant room and adds a delightful touch of style to the decor.

It instantly transforms an otherwise dull white window into a bold statement with its vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. This dress-up is sure to impress any guest who steps foot in your house, as it adds a depth of texture and elevates the entire room from ordinary to extraordinary.

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2. Decorate & Embellish

Looking for that special touch to add a personalized touch to your home? Why not try embroidering a sheer valance curtain with your family name? This stunning decorative piece is sure to pull any room together and also bring a spark of joy as you remember what it stands for.

By taking the time to embroider this delicate, elegant valance with your initials or family name, you’ll be able to create unique memories in each and every space that the embroidered curtain will grace.

Don’t hesitate – an embroidered sheer valance is the perfect way to tie any room together and show off your creative side!

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3. Keep It Flat For A Modern Look

A flat valance curtain is a perfect addition to any modern interior. Whether you are outfitting a minimalist home or searching for the perfect accent piece, flat valance curtains can bring a touch of style and sophistication to any room.

These flat panels add a hint of texture and interest while maintaining an understated aesthetic – perfect to liven up a modern, minimalist space. With flat valance curtains, you can keep your home looking both chic and comfortable.

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4. Pleat It For A Clean Look

The pleated valance curtain is the perfect way to bridge both traditional and modern decor in a transitional interior. Its sleek and elegant silhouette can add dimension to a room while providing added window coverage for privacy.

Whether draping grandly from a tall window or cascading down more petite frames, its pleats provide just the right amount of visual texture to draw attention without overwhelming the other elements in your space.

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5. Stand Out With A Protruding Valance

Valances are a great way to amplify the aesthetics of your room. With protruding valances and curtains, any bedroom or living room can become more dynamic with an eye-catching look. The luxurious drape of the protruded valance will bring the presence of the room together and create a modern yet cozy environment.

Whether you’re aiming for a classic style or something more eclectic, adding a protruding valance with curtains will instantly add dimension to the room and serve as an accent that ties in all the other elements of your design.

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6. Go Traditional With Swag Valances

The simple act of layering a swag valance or swathing it in different colors can inject new life into any room without changing much else. For those looking for something more traditional, adding a plain or patterned valance in layers over drapery gives windows a timeless aesthetic.

Not only do swag valance curtains highlight your window frames, but they also give off an instantly cozy atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for any room.

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7. Style With Some Fringe

Transform your bare window into a beautiful valance masterpiece! All you need is a valance curtain with a charming fringe that is sure to add a stunning touch of modern elegance to the room.

The valance’s soft textures and intricate design will tie the entire space together for an impressive look without being overly flashy. Your valance curtain will spark conversations and envy among anyone who steps foot in the room.

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8. Be Extravagant With Balloon Valances

Adding valance to a room can give it a sophisticated and extravagant feel. One creative way to do just that is by using valance curtains with balloon draping, which gives the room a more traditional look. It’s the perfect way to bring some life into an ordinary space by accentuating its style.

The valance creates a sense of depth with its fullness while also providing privacy and sun blockage control. With valance, any setting can be transformed into an exquisite interior façade that is as unique as it is opulent.

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9. Layer Valance Curtains For Dimension

Diversifying the layers with prints, fabrics, and colors is an easy task that can amplify the entire atmosphere of any living space. Whether you’re looking for curtains that make a statement or just want to create simple yet commanding layered valances, there is a design for everyone’s taste and style.

Not only do layered valances provide a sophisticated and regal look, but they also give anyone who enters your home an air of sophistication and high-end finery.

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10. Lace Crochet Inspired

A lace crochet-inspired valance curtain is the perfect way to give any room a touch of daintiness. With its subtle detailing, it’s sure to make any space look incredibly charming and inviting. From bedrooms with its sweet lace edging to living rooms with a lace crocheted accent, this breathtaking window treatment will create an idyllic atmosphere in no time.

Not just decorative, the lace crochet-inspired valance is highly practical as well – the delicate overlapping lace panels diffuse sunlight while still allowing natural light from outside to come in. It’s definitely an accessory that’ll stylishly elevate any surroundings and complete your cozy home decor.

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11. Create More Coverage With Venetian Blinds

Valances are the perfect addition to any home to not only enhance the aesthetic of a room but also provide more coverage from the sun. Venetian blinds can be used as valance curtain that combines with bright colors and textures, making any ordinary window look luxurious.

The best part is they come at an incredible price compared to some other window treatments! With so many options, you are guaranteed to find something that perfectly suits your style and gives you that extra layer of sun protection.

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12. Coastal With Blue Valance Curtains

Giving any room an instant dose of coastal charm, blue valance curtains bring the feeling of the seaside to you as soon as you walk in. Hang a blue valance with a repeating pattern on a window and transform your interior into an oasis with turquoise blue tones that bring paradise-like vibes to your home.

Use gorgeous ocean blue fabrics to add a beautiful touch to any living room or bedroom, letting dreamy blues and foamy whites evoke memories of walking barefoot along the shoreline between crashing waves. Bring some of this serenity indoors and make your own seaside paradise at home – it’s just a blue valance curtain away!

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13. Diffuse Soft Light With Sheer

When sheer valance curtains are hung in the window, they lend an airy, graceful tone to the room. The sheer fabric diffuses and softens the light that shines through, creating a subtle warmth and comfort.

Whether used alone or as part of a layered window treatment, sheer valance curtains can bring harmony and balance to any room.

They offer a simple sophistication—creating a sense of understated luxury and elegance in even the plainest of spaces.

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14. Enliven The Living Room With Valance & Floor Curtain

Valance curtains offer a perfect balance of aesthetic and practicality, blending beauty and structure while enhancing the overall atmosphere of any home. In addition to providing light control and privacy, valance curtains add visual depth with their layered look when combined with floor curtains.

Installing valance curtains as part of interior design will help create an ambiance that is welcoming yet classic – one that every guest can appreciate. From airy materials to luxe fabrics with striking shades, valances provide your space with unique style and charm.

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15. Jazz Up A Farmhouse Kitchen With Gingham

Picture a gingham valance curtain draped artfully in a farmhouse kitchen as the perfect finishing touch for a classic country-style look. Its delicate pattern and rich earthy colors bring an aura of rustic nostalgia to any home, transporting you back to simpler times with unmatched charm and whimsy.

Whether your style is traditional or modern, gingham valance curtains are sure to be a great addition that adds timeless appeal and style to any room.

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16. Make It Versatile With Monochrome

If you’re looking to enhance the look of any room in your home, monochrome valance curtains are a great choice! Not only do they look stylish and modern, but they are also incredibly versatile. You can mix and match colors to create subtle high contrasts or an ombre effect.

The monochrome offers endless possibilities as accent items, making them perfect for tying together any type of themed decor. Valance curtains come in a range of designs and styles, so no matter how intricate or plain you’d like the look to be, there’s something for everyone.

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March 19, 2022
How to Cover a Closet Without Doors

If you live in a small apartment or home, you know the frustration created when you try to open your closet doors. Whether they are swing open or bi-fold, opening closet doors takes up additional floor space that you just don’t have. In addition, you have to be careful about furniture placement so that the doors don’t bang into the furniture. The easiest solution is to take the doors off the closet. But now you have a new problem, how do you cover the open closet with doors?

Try one of these ideas to cover your closet that will take up less space while still looking stylish.

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Curtains

One of the easiest solutions is to add curtains. This is a doable DIY project that anyone can accomplish. It’s also possible to add curtains in an apartment or rental home where you don’t want to create holes. Start by choosing your installation method. A temporary and removable solution is to use a tension rod. You could mount a curtain rod with screw-in rod supports for a more permanent option. For a traditional look, choose a rod that mounts into the wall. For a modern feel, choose a set of ceiling curtain tracks.

Once you’ve chosen the rod, you can choose your curtains. The fabric should have a thick, dense weave that will block your ability to see into the closet. Choose a color or pattern that complements the rest of your bedroom design.

Elevate the Look

Try mounting the curtain rod on the inside of the closet. This creates a clean design on the outside. The curtains should be long enough to just skim above the floor. Too short, and they will look awkward. Too long, and they’ll pool in a pile on the floor and look sloppy. Additionally, add tiebacks or hooks that will hold the curtains out of the way when you want to access the closet.

Beads

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Give your closet a vintage or bohemian feel with a beaded curtain. There are curtains made from brightly colored beads, wood, or bamboo. Some have a random pattern, while others will have a decorative design. If you’re looking for more of a visual block, choose a curtain that has beaded strings placed close together and maintain the same width as the entire length of the curtain.

Curtains with more space between the strings or varying widths allow you to see through the strings more easily. As someone who has had a beaded curtain in a doorway, there are some drawbacks to using a beaded curtain. They can get annoying as you move the beaded strings out of the way every time you want to walk through the door. They can get caught on your hair or clothing as you move through the curtain. Depending on the material they are made out of, the beads can make noise when they move, which can be annoying.

Give It a Unique Look

You can use a beaded curtain in your glam bedroom. Choose a beaded curtain that’s made from glittery beads or crystals. This style of beaded curtain will sparkle and catch the light. Another option is to choose one made of metallic beads. These curtains will add an extra touch of glam to your bedroom. The individual strings of beads will swing and move, catching the light, adding movement and shine.

Roman Shades

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The primary function of Roman shades is to be a window covering, but that doesn’t mean they can’t serve another purpose. Using them to cover your closet door opening is a smart solution because it’s a classic decor piece that adds a touch of sophistication to any room. Additionally, because they are traditionally a window treatment, you can create a faux window look in your bedroom. Turn the light on in the closet behind them and create the illusion of your bedroom being brighter.

Roman shades are made of a single piece of fabric that’s gently folded over itself as it cascades down the length of the window. When you pull the string the raise them, the folds sit on top of each other to compact down as they rise to the top of the window. The same function would happen in your closet doorway. If you have tall ceilings, mount the shade above the door frame so that when you raise the curtain, it neatly tucks up and out of the way.

The drawback of this option is that you’ll likely have to purchase a custom shade. However, doors are typically a standard width, so once you have your shades made, you can take them down and move with them easily. There are also several DIY options that make it an affordable home improvement option.

Folding Screen

Traditionally, folding screens are used as room dividers. They typically have three or more panels that are connected with hinges. You can angle each panel so that the screen stands on its own. For your bedroom, you can use your folding screen to block the view of your open closet. What’s nice about folding screens is that you can purchase them in a wide range of lengths and heights. This lets you create the perfect look for your bedroom. If you have a wide opening for your closet, you may want to use two screens. They will be lighter weight and easier to move.

Choose a screen that suits your bedroom’s decor style. A bohemian screen could be made from hand-carved wood with an intricate design. An art decor screen will look sophisticated and elegant with elaborate decoration and touches of gold. If you love the farmhouse look, try a folding screen made from slatted panels or panels that are styled like barn doors.

For maximum effect, choose a folding screen that’s taller. You shouldn’t be able to see over it when standing in your bedroom. This means choosing a screen that’s close to six feet tall.

Saloon Panels

While saloon panels are technically doors, they don’t function as a traditional door. This makes them ideal for taking up less space while also adding a unique style to your bedroom. While you could go traditional with western style saloon doors, there are other options. Traditional saloon doors tend to lack vertical height. They don’t reach the floor, and they are easily seen over the top. Instead, look for a modern version of saloon doors that are the full height of your closet door space, with a small opening at the top and bottom.

Modernize Your Saloon Panels

Instead of sticking with the traditional wood doors, try glass panels instead. The frosted glass gives your closet and bedroom a modern feel while also blocking the view into the closet. For a sleek look, stick with unadorned large glass panels. For a vintage-inspired look that still feels modern, choose glass doors with a solid black frame that creates the look of multiple panels.

Accordion Screen

An accordion screen is perfect for small spaces. They are similar to bifold doors, but the folding panels are much smaller. This helps the screen to take up less space. Accordion screens are made from vinyl material. There’s a track that the screen will hang from, and you’ll slide the screen open and close on the track. To help keep the door closed, small magnets will hold the door in place.

These screens are perfect for small spaces or rental properties. They are affordable and lightweight. However, they aren’t the best option if you’re looking for a permanent option. They tend to look lower quality than other options on this list. They also come in a limited set of color options. However, there are faux wood options that can give your bedroom an earthy look.

Large Mirror

Placing a large mirror in your bedroom helps it feel bigger and brighter. However, it can be challenging to find a large empty wall to hang your mirror or enough floor space for a freestanding mirror. Instead, use a mirror to cover the opening to your closet. One option is to mount the mirror on wheels. Then you can easily move the mirror out of the way and then back in front of the closet. Choose a full-length mirror that lets you see your entire outfit.

Another option is to cover a barn-style door with a mirror. While this is technically a door, it’s a new take on a popular space-saving door option. Rolling barn doors sit flush against the wall and hang from a track mounted on the wall above it. There are wheels on the door that allow the door to roll back and forth. This door style doesn’t take up a lot of floor space in the room but does require you to have a blank wall next to the closet that’s large enough for the door to roll in front of when the door opens. Instead of leaving this door plain, mount a large mirror on it. Now it looks like the mirror is mounted on the track. A large mirror of this size will help your bedroom feel significantly larger and brighter. To give the mirror a bit more style, add a frame around the mirror in metal or wood.

March 18, 2022