Q) What should I consider before I hang my curtains? 

• Consider the overall look you want when deciding on your curtain length - hanging panels higher than the window will add to the sense of height in a room. Measure from the top of the window (plus the added inches of height where the curtains will hang from) to the floor. For a more traditional look, with the curtain slightly puddled on the floor, add another two or three inches to your length. For a contemporary look, have the panel fall flush with the floor. 

• Good quality, lined curtains are worth the investment – they are suitable all year-round offering temperature control and privacy. Black out and thermal linings are great for bedroom curtains as they help to keep the room warm, increase energy efficiency and block out unwanted light. 

• Look for fabrics suitable for drapery - this will ensure the curtains hang beautifully with fullness.  Try picking out your favourite pattern for the curtains as these will make the biggest impact in your home.  You can then accessorise using scatter cushions in fabrics from the same collection to ensure the colours and patterns all coordinate nicely together.

• Always order curtain fabric samples. This is a must! Curtains are an investment and can change the look of a whole room- so make sure you get it right.

• Measure, measure measure! The first step to all DIY tasks is to gather all the tools you need and then measure, measure measure! Measure your windows to make sure you get the correct size curtains and pole. To determine the length of the pole, measure the width of your window and add between eight to twelve inches. Measure from the spot you plan to hang the rod (usually four to six inches above the window) to the floor to figure out the length of the curtains. Add more length if you want your curtains to puddle on the floor.

• Install Brackets. Mark using a pencil and then drill holes for your brackets. Each bracket should be placed at the height you previously determined and about four to six inches from the edge of the window frame. Check to make sure your pencil marks are level otherwise the entire window treatment will be wonky. Screw in the brackets using a drill  (If you have plaster walls or an especially heavy curtain or rod, ensure you have the correct fixings and wall plugs).

• Install Rod and Curtains. Ensure your curtains have been ironed or steamed to remove all the creases. Remove the finials from the curtain pole and thread the curtain onto the pole (depending on your curtain style, attach your curtains via the rings or eyelets). Depending on the type of bracket, you may need to place the pole into the bracket before replacing the finial. Some brackets may have a set of small screws to keep the pole in place, if so, tighten them too!

• This is very much dependent on the overall look you want to achieve but in the majority of cases, the fabric should always fall to or ‘kiss’ the floor.

• For a romantic or traditional look you could consider drapes that puddle a couple of inches on the floor. However, you do need to consider the potential of them getting a little grubby at the bottom.

• Most importantly, avoid your curtains stopping a couple of inches above the floor. Not only does it look like you’ve got the measurements wrong, but it can also make the ceilings look lower.

• Don't scrimp on curtains, they can make or break an interior scheme. They need to be full and fabulous to create impact. 

• Extend the curtain pole beyond the width of the window- This allows more light into the room and makes a room feel larger.

• Always press or steam the curtain to remove any folds or wrinkles.

• Hang the curtains high for a professional-looking window treatment.  There is nothing worse than curtains that don't touch the floor- its like wearing trousers that are too short! This will instantly give your room an illusion of extra ceiling height which in turn feels very luxurious. Ideally the pole or track should be positioned a minimum of 4 inches and a maximum of 12 inches above the top of the window.

• For drapes to look full, the panels should have a combined width of at around 2.5 times the window.