Ladies, it’s time for some real talk about your curtains. I know changing them can seem like a hassle when life gets busy, but trust me—dirty, damaged drapes drag down your decor and deserve more attention.
As your resident home expert with a knack for keeping spaces stylish over the long haul, let me offer some truth: updating your curtains regularly is key. Measure, choose anew, and swap out the old for a fresh take on your windows that leaves you eager to host friends or snuggle up for a night in.
The good news? The curtain swap process is easier than you’d expect, and the rewards are well worth the effort. Follow these tips to keep your curtains in peak condition and give your rooms a boost of color and cheer. Changing what’s behind the glass awakens your space and helps you fall in love with home all over again!
How often should you change curtains?
There is no definitive answer to how often you should change your curtains, as it depends on a few factors, such as:
- The type of fabric they are made of: Natural fabrics like cotton or linen tend to fade and wear out faster than synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon. They also absorb more dust and odors and may require more frequent washing.
- The amount of sunlight they are exposed to: Sunlight can cause curtains to fade and lose their color over time. It can also damage the fibers and make them brittle and weak.
- The level of traffic in the room: Curtains in high-traffic areas like living rooms or kitchens may get dirtier and smellier than curtains in low-traffic areas like bedrooms or bathrooms. They may also get stained or damaged by pets or children.
- Your personal preference and style: Curtains are a personal choice and you may want to change them according to your taste and mood. You may also want to update them to match the season or the latest trends.
Generally speaking, most experts recommend changing your curtains every three to six months. This will help keep them clean and fresh and prevent dust mites, mold, and mildew from growing on them. It will also help you refresh your home decor and create a new look for your room.
However, some situations may require more or less frequent changes, such as:
- If your curtains are made of high-quality fabrics that are durable and resistant to fading and wear
- If your curtains are in a low-light or low-humidity area that does not cause much damage or dirt
- If your curtains are not used often or are only for decoration
- If your curtains are sentimental or have a special meaning for you
- If your curtains are expensive or hard to replace
In these cases, you may want to change your curtains every year or even longer, as long as they still look good and function well.
How to change curtains properly
The best way to change your curtains depends on the type of curtains you have and the type of windows you have. Here are some general tips for changing different types of curtains:
- Rod pocket curtains: These are the simplest type of curtains that have a pocket at the top that slides onto a rod. To change them, you just need to remove the rod from the brackets, slide off the old curtains, slide on the new ones, and reattach the rod to the brackets.
- Tab top or grommet curtains: These are the type of curtains that have loops or holes at the top that hang from a rod. To change them, you just need to unhook the old curtains from the rod, hook on the new ones, and adjust them evenly.
- Pinch pleat or box pleat curtains: These are the type of curtains that have pleats at the top that are attached to hooks or rings that hang from a rod or a track. To change them, you need to unhook the old curtains from the hooks or rings, hook on the new ones, and adjust them evenly.
- Cafe curtains: These are the type of curtains that cover only the lower half of a window and hang from a tension rod inside the window frame. To change them, you just need to remove the tension rod from the window frame, slide off the old curtains, slide on the new ones, and reattach the tension rod to the window frame.
FAQs
How do I measure my windows for new curtains?
To measure your windows for new curtains, you need to follow these steps:
- Measure the width of your window from one end of the frame to the other end. Add 8 to 12 inches for each side if you want your curtain rod to extend beyond the window frame.
- Measure the height of your window from the top of the frame to where you want your curtain hem to fall. Add 4 to 6 inches if you want your curtain rod to be above the window frame. Subtract 1 inch if you want your curtain hem to just touch the floor or add 10 to 15 inches if you want your curtain hem to puddle on the floor.
- Divide the width measurement by the number of curtain panels you want to use and round up to the nearest inch. This will give you the width of each panel.
- Use the height measurement as the length of each panel.
How do I wash my old curtains before changing them?
To wash your old curtains before changing them, you need to follow these steps:
- Check the label for the care instructions and the fabric type of your curtains. Some fabrics are machine washable, while others require hand washing or dry cleaning.
- If your curtains are machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Avoid bleach or fabric softener. Wash your curtains separately from other items to prevent tangling or staining.
- If your curtains are hand washable, fill a large tub or sink with cold or lukewarm water and mild detergent. Submerge your curtains in the water and gently agitate them with your hands. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and squeeze out excess water.
- If your curtains are dry clean only, take them to a professional cleaner. Do not attempt to wash them at home, as this might ruin their shape, color, or texture.
- Hang your curtains to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Do not iron them unless the label says so.
How do I dispose of my old curtains after changing them?
To dispose of your old curtains after changing them, you have a few options, such as:
- Donate them to a charity or a thrift store if they are still in good condition and can be reused by someone else.
- Recycle them if they are made of recyclable materials like cotton or polyester and can be turned into new products.
- Repurpose them if they are made of non-recyclable materials like silk or velvet and can be used for other purposes like making pillows, quilts, or bags.
- Throw them away if they are too damaged or dirty to be donated, recycled, or repurposed and cannot be salvaged.
The Bottom Line
Well aren’t you a domestic diva, armed with the know-how to update your curtains like a pro! Measure, choose, wash and swap—you’ve got this routine down and your windows will shine.
Thanks for trusting your home expert to set you straight on the important topic of curtain care. Follow these tips to refresh your space and keep your house happy and healthy. Change those curtains without fear, the results will leave you eager to host or snuggle up in style.
Your curtains hold the key to an inviting space and ever-evolving decor. A few tweaks in fabric or hue and your rooms awaken, ready for what’s next. Summon your inner homemaker, break out the tape measure, and get ready to fall in love with the space you call home all over again. Your windows await a gorgeous new outlook—let the transformation begin!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
