3 Most Common Mistakes When Choosing Curtains – and How to Avoid Them?

Choosing curtains may seem simple at first glance, but in reality it’s a detail‑oriented process where even small mistakes can ruin the final result. Here are the three most common mistakes people make when selecting curtains, along with tips on how to avoid them.

1. Incorrect Measurements – the Biggest Pitfall in Curtain Selection

One of the most common mistakes is taking incorrect measurements. Often, due to lack of time or a lower price, people opt for ready‑made curtains that do not match the proportions of the window or the room. The result can be curtains that are:

• too short, leaving the window awkwardly exposed
• too long, dragging on the floor and collecting dust
• too narrow, preventing beautiful, full waves

Golden rules for measuring curtains:

• Height: Fabric curtains should end about 1 cm above the floor. Keep in mind that fabric may stretch slightly over time.
• Width: Fabric should be at least 2× the width of the track or curtain rod to ensure beautiful, fixed waves.
• Overlap: The curtain should extend at least 30–50 cm beyond the window on each side; even more for large windows.
• Mounting height: Track systems look best installed up to the ceiling. Decorative rods should be placed proportionally above the window (e.g., 1:2 or 1:3).
• Technical solutions: Roller blinds installed over the window opening should be at least 10 cm wider on each side. Roman blinds require 20–25 cm of space above the window when fully stacked.

Recommendation: Invest in a custom-made solution and consult an Avaeksperdid specialist – this ensures a precise, long-lasting result.

2. Lack of Planning – Why You Shouldn’t Leave Curtain Decisions to the Last Minute

Curtains are not the final step in interior design. Planning should start early because:

• Beautiful, flowing curtains require space – a single-layer curtain needs 10–15 cm of depth, while a double-layer solution (day curtain + side curtain) requires 25–30 cm.
• Furniture placement must consider the space needed for curtains.
• Motorised and corner solutions require even more room.

Time: Choosing materials, production, and installation can take up to several weeks. It’s worth contacting a curtain specialist early, and involving an architect if necessary, to avoid problems later.

3. Wrong Solutions and Materials – Every Room Is Different

Every window and space is unique. One solution does not fit all. Common mistakes include:

• not taking the room’s dimensions into account
• not defining the purpose of the curtains (blackout, decorative, thermal)
• ignoring the room’s style and colour palette
  

Examples:

• In a bedroom, achieving maximum blackout may require multiple layers (e.g., a technical blind or pleated blind + blackout fabric).
• When choosing colours, consider the fabrics used on furniture – even small shade differences can be disturbing. If you want to match a colour, choose either a very similar tone or a contrasting one.

Recommendation: Bring photos and measurements of the room when visiting the Avaeksperdid curtain showroom, or invite a specialist on-site. The more information you provide, the better the solution can be tailored to your space.

Choosing curtains is a detailed process where measurements, planning, and the right materials play a crucial role. If you want to avoid costly mistakes and achieve a beautiful, functional result, consult an Avaeksperdid specialist early in the process.

Avaeksperdid offers a complete service from measuring to installation. We do not produce anything in advance – every solution is created only after receiving the exact measurements and your preferences. This ensures that each curtain, system, or detail fits your interior and needs perfectly. All our window coverings are made in Tallinn at the Avaeksperdid production facility.

Visit Avaeksperdid curtain showrooms in Tallinn at Kadaka tee 133 & Pärnu mnt 139a, or send an inquiry via the contact form below.