Curtains for Kids Rooms and Nurseries

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Why have them?

Of course there is a number of reasons why people hang draperies on their windows.To add lived-in look, coziness, add a splash of color and privacy. But when it comes to the nursery/kids room, the number one reason for me is to make the room dark enough during the nap times. It's the first thing I ask when someone talks about a difficulty of putting their child to sleep. 

Daylight is the enemy of naps. My children  are 6 and 5 now, and they still nap on weekends. And I know, it is partially due to darkened rooms. 

And partly because I said so.

Lining - do I need one?

So we have established that window treatments are a must in kids rooms. Now, why do you need to have a lining for curtains? Lining can help with the structure, fabric draping, sun fading, insulation, sound barrier and sunlight blockage. Now, If you have separate shades, plastic or wooden, then you probably can get away with a regular lining for your curtains. But if the curtains are the only window dressing in your nursery, then I would recommend black out lining. Wonderful invention - offers 100% privacy ( which probably would not hurt in a master bedroom either) and complete sunlight blockage. You may even use a small nightlight, that's how dark the room will be if you opt out for black out lining. Your little one will fly away to Sleepyland with no problems, in a darkened, quite room like that.

Hanging method

Again, many many options here. My favorite for kids rooms are:

- Simple Rod pocket

- Clip rings on a rod
- Ties
-Grommets

Here are some example of good window treatments.

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Tall, graphical drapes work really well here. Simple rod pocket.

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Another example of well chosen curtains, in this case, for a closet. Great fabric design, length and a clean concealed rod pocket.

via Pinterest

Bold, bright, eclectic - drapes here make the room. Clips rings on a rod.

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So sweet and tender, these curtains sing "newborn is here". Notice a roll of blackout shade on on the back.This way you can enjoy the see through sheer of sweet white curtains, and have the darkness when necessary.

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Another great way to dress windows. Add blackout lining to this, and you are set.

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Awesome drapes! I am a fan of bold stripes, and the contrasting trim just adds that special something. Note the length here. This is ideal - from top to all the way down. Love it!

And here, you can see what I meant by "chopped curtains". 

What not to do. 

I really really DON'T like this way of hanging curtains! Notice the rod placement - such an odd spot! It just sort of cuts through the window frame... I just want to reach and pull it up up up! 

The curtains could have been cute if they were full length, but chopped like this?..hmmm: no-no in my book.

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Aren't these curtain tie backs are adorable??! So stylish and cool for a Nautical theme room!

Tips for awesome window curtains

 Please don't chop your curtains to the length of the window! The room will look SO much better and more elegant if you hang your curtains a few inches below ceiling and go all the way down, so the drapes barely touch the floor. It will make ceilings and windows look higher, and the visual composition will be proportional and well balanced.

If your room is full of bright, colorful patterns + colored walls  - aim either for solid/ textured drapes or very small,tiny pattern that reads as solid from afar. This way you unify the color scheme and not overwhelm it visually. 

If your room is pretty simple, calm with neutral wall color - you can make a statement with bold, graphical draperies, in bright, contrast colors.

Matching curtains to the bedspread is in the past. Better to use similar and /or complimentary colors for all textiles in the room.

Curtains and accessories for kids room don't have to be super cute, over the top cuddly, fluffy and cartoonish, in order to be appropriate. There are so many well designed playrooms and nurseries that use sophisticated color palettes, patterns and textures, stylish artwork and elegant accessories. The rooms still look kid friendly and cozy, plus they grow along with a children.