Avoid These 4 Drapery Mistakes for a Polished, Custom Look

At Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Dream Partners and our partner companies, Budget Blinds of Janesville & Monroe, and MDR Design Co., we live and breathe All Things Home. From selling homes to designing them, we believe every detail matters—right down to your drapery.

While often considered an afterthought, drapery is one of the most impactful elements of home décor. It sets the tone for a room, brings warmth and texture, and serves key functions like light control and privacy. But even the most beautiful fabric can fall flat if not hung correctly. Inspired by our friends at Better Homes & Gardens magazine, we’re sharing four of the most common drapery-hanging mistakes—and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: Choosing Drapery That’s Too Narrow

It’s easy to overlook width, especially when drapes are usually open. But skimpy panels can make a space look unfinished. According to Better Homes & Gardens, “Curtains that are proportional to the width of the window will look more voluminous in the space.”

Our Advice: Always measure first. Your panels should be at least twice the width of your window. For extra fullness, aim for 2.5 times the width. Don’t worry—we do specialize in custom drapery at Budget Blinds, so you can skip the guesswork and get a tailored look every time.

Mistake #2: Drapery That's Too Short (or Too Long)

Nothing says “off-the-shelf” like curtains that awkwardly hover above the floor—or worse, puddle like laundry. The right length enhances ceiling height and creates a polished finish.

Our Advice: Measure from the floor to where your rod will be mounted, and choose a length that just grazes the floor. And yes, we offer custom lengths to get that perfect fit.

Mistake #3: Hanging the Rod Too Low or Too Narrow

Where you hang your rod matters. Mount it too low, and your room looks short. Too close to the window width? The panels won’t frame your windows properly when opened.

Pro Tip from our friends at BHG: “Mount your curtain rod a few inches higher than your window… and choose a rod 8 to 12 inches wider than your window.” That’s the trick designers use to make spaces feel taller and more open.

Mistake #4: Choosing Form Over Function

Yes, we love a beautifully patterned linen or a dramatic velvet panel—but drapery should work for your space too. Are you looking to block out morning sun in a bedroom? Or let filtered light in while keeping privacy?

Our Advice: Don’t compromise. We often recommend layering—sheers for daytime softness, blackouts for sleeping hours—on double rods. We can help you select the perfect fabric and configuration for your lifestyle.

Drapery, Done Right—The Custom Way

With Budget Blinds and our design team at MDR Design Co., you don’t need to settle for one-size-fits-all window treatments. Our custom drapery services combine style, fit, and function to bring your windows—and your rooms—to life.

Whether you’re staging your home to sell, settling into a new space, or simply upgrading your surroundings, our All Things Home model ensures you have expert guidance every step of the way.

Locally owned. Design-forward. And always dream-focused.

Ready to ditch the drapery drama?
Let’s talk about your custom window solution today.