6 Window Treatments That Instantly Make a Room Look “Tacky,” Designers Say

If you’ve been thinking about ordering new curtains or blinds for your home, now is the perfect time to brush up on the styles that designers say are currently in vogue versus the looks that they find tacky. It turns out that there are many pitfalls you will want to avoid when it comes to both selecting and hanging your drapery and blinds, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered when it comes to what not to do.

Keep reading below for three pros’ insights on tacky-looking window covering mistakes and how to steer clear of them when it comes to decorating your own home.

Buying Drapes That Are Too Short

It is important to take accurate measurements of your space before ordering a set of curtains—rushing through this process may cause you to order something that you later regret. After all, length is extremely important when it comes to drapery, and hanging curtains that are too short is one way to achieve a tacky look, according to Elana Mendelson, the founder of Elana Designs.

“Drapes that hover several inches above the floor can look like a cheap mistake rather than a design choice,” she says.

Rather, one should aim to have their drapes either kiss the floor or extend out a few inches depending on their desired style. Plus, curtains that are too long can always be hemmed, but there’s nothing you can do when they arrive too short.

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Relying on Vertical Blinds

Mendelson urges people to just say no to vertical blinds, which she says make a room feel instantly tacky.

“Their clattering plastic slats look and feel cheap and industrial, and they’re often immediately associated with a doctor’s office or rental apartments,” she says.

You owe it to yourself to invest in something nicer and more permanent-looking. Even if you are indeed renting, there’s no need to design your space using features that people associate with temporary dwellings.

Not Ironing Your Drapes

Sure, it may be tempting to hang your drapes as soon as they arrive in the mail and call it a day, but a little care will go a long way. Hilary Prall, the founder of  H.Prall & Co., suggests ironing your curtains before you install them.

“They look best when freshly pressed,” she says, noting that wrinkles are a no-no. Putting in a few minutes of effort will certainly pay off in the long run.

Not Hanging Curtains High Enough or At the Right Width

Both Mendelson and Prall agree that curtain rod placement is integral in shaping a room. Do not drill your curtain rods just above the window trim; doing so will actually make a space appear smaller, Mendelson shares.

“For a more dramatic effect, it’s best to hang the rod higher and wider than the window frame, making both the window and the ceiling feel taller,” she says.

Another common mistake that Prall highlights is not extending your rod wide enough beyond the window frame. Doing so can also make your window appear smaller and less of a focal point, she explains.

Choosing Overly Shiny Fabrics

There is such a thing as using the right type of curtain material, and Eve Jean, the founder of Style My Space Design, cautions against hanging curtains that are high-sheen or feature overly busy patterns.

“They distract from the space and can feel cheap rather than luxe,” she says.

Linen, cotton, or velvet options are seen as much more versatile and timeless, if you’re looking for some examples of materials that designers consistently recommend to their clients.

Using Heavy Valances

Gone are the days of using heavy valances, which rose in popularity decades ago and are simply seen as tacky today.

“They weigh down a window and block precious light, making a room feel dark and dated,” Jean says.

Skip them entirely, and your room will look much fresher, current, and elevated. Sometimes less truly is more!