Has this ever happened to you? You just bought some beautiful new curtains to decorate your windows. You hang them up nicely, admiring how they complement your room. But then…disaster strikes. A breeze comes through and blows the curtains apart, creating an unsightly gap right down the middle. No matter how many times you adjust them, they just won’t stay together.
Gaping curtains are a common problem many homeowners face. Not only are they visually unappealing, but they also allow light to stream in and provide little privacy. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution interior decorators swear by to keep curtains cling together for good.
Reasons Curtains Separate and Won’t Stay Together
Before we reveal the handy trick to eliminate gaps, let’s go over a few reasons curtain panels billow open in the first place:
- Flimsy or lightweight fabric gets caught in drafts from windows and vents
- Curtains are too narrow for the window, allowing space between panels
- Rod hardware doesn’t prevent fabric from sliding around
- No weights at bottom to keep panels straight and anchored
Common fixes like rearranging curtains or taping panels rarely work long-term. The true solution is closing the gap at the top with specially designed tools and techniques.
Traditional Methods to Keep Curtains Together
If you want an elegant, polished treatment for your windows, traditional techniques like sewing, clipping, and pinning panels will do the trick. Here’s how to execute them properly so curtains stay aligned.
Sewing Curtains
Sewing curtains together into one solid panel is a tried and true way to eliminate gaps. While it takes some sewing skills and patience, the results are well worth it.
Hand Sewing Curtain Panels
To hand sew curtains:
- Line up the inner edges of each panel
- Thread a needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread
- Stitch panels together using a straight or slip stitch
- Work from top to bottom, keeping stitches small and even
- Knot thread when finished and trim excess
Sewing Curtains By Machine
A sewing machine makes light work of long curtain panels. Follow these steps for best results:
- Pin panels together along inner edges
- Select a straight stitch on machine
- Sew pieces with 1/2″ seam allowance
- Backstitch over stitches at beginning and end for added strength
- Press seams flat when finished
Sewn curtains won’t come apart and provide a custom, decorative look. Utilize basic hand sewing skills or break out your machine for this sturdy solution.
Using Curtain Clips
For those seeking a removable option, curtain clips that pinch fabric together are just the ticket. We’ll compare the best kinds and proper placement technique.
Spring Tension Curtain Clips
Our top choice is spring tension curtain clips. These handy fasteners:
- Grip fabric gently while keeping panels aligned
- Won’t leave holes or visible markings
- Quick and easy to open and close
Position clips every 6 inches across the top of curtain panels. Open clip and slide onto each side of the fabric, then release to secure snugly together.
Shower Curtain Clips
No need to run out and buy specialty clips. Regular plastic shower curtain clips also work great. We prefer darker colors like black or brown over bright white on most curtain fabrics.
Shower clips function the same way. Simply distribute them evenly across the curtain headings, squeezing them over each panel for invisible holding power.
Curtain clips offer adjustable, non-destructive security. They contain panels properly while complementing existing decor.
Securing With Safety Pins
Lastly, basic safety pins offer another reusable option for keeping curtains together minus gaps. Here are some pointers for utilizing them effectively.
Placing Safety Pins Correctly
Position straight pins horizontally, not vertically, when securing curtains:
- Grip each side of curtain fabric together and pin horizontally
- Space pins every 4-6 inches across heading
- Take care pins perforate both curtain layers evenly
Potential Issues With Safety Pins
While safety pins work in a pinch, a few drawbacks exist:
- Vertical placement leaves visible holes
- Pins can scratch delicate silk or lace
- Curtains may sag under weight between pins
Safety pins offer temporary help in a curtain crisis. For a more refined look, upgrade to clips or magnets.
Unconventional Tricks For Keeping Curtains Together
Standard methods not doing the job? Get creative with these out-of-the-box ideas decorators rely on.
Weigh Curtains Down With Furniture
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Use what you have around the house to hold curtains in position.
Bookcases Or Shelves
Place a bookcase or set of wall shelves next to the window. Position it snugly against the curtains to trap them against the wall or window frame.
Sofas Or Chairs
Sturdy furniture like sofas, chairs, or benches also prevent curtains from blowing around. Tuck them right up to the window opening, using the weight to sandwich panels together.
Get strategic with household items to instantly eradicate gaps and transform an eyesore into a polished presentation.
DIY Magnetic Curtain Closures
For custom style, invent your own magnetic curtain solution that even the pickiest interior decorator would envy. Simply add magnets to perfectly align panels.
Button Magnets
Sew small round button magnets onto each curtain heading:
- Determine curtain overlap and mark magnet placement points
- Hand sew discs to inner header using strong thread
- Overlap panels to connect magnets when hanging
Magnetic Curtain Tape
Adhesive magnetic tape offers another no-sew alternative:
- Cut tape strips slightly smaller than heading depth
- Adhere strips to inner edges on each panel
- Allow tape to grip fabric for 24 hours before hanging
Invisible magnetic force effortlessly outsmarts gravity, breezes, and sunlight. Say goodbye to droopy, lackluster curtains for good!
Tips For Making Any Method Work
To ensure your hard curtain closure efforts pay off long-term:
Washing Curtains Properly
- Wash gently by hand or on delicate cycle
- Line dry only to prevent heat damage
- Touch up clips or stitches if needed after washing
Drawing Curtains Closed During Sunlight
Leaving curtains wide open all day lets in damaging UV rays. Help them last by:
- Keeping curtains fully drawn between 10am-4pm
- Using blackout curtains in sunny rooms
- Closing on extremely hot days to shield indoor heat
With a little TLC, your perfectly aligned curtains will maintains their beauty for years before needing replaced.
We hope these professional home decorator tricks equip you to permanently eliminate awful gaping curtains. Whether you sew, clip, weigh down, or magnetize panels to stay together, your windows are sure to look fabulous.
No more ugly gaps ruining your stylish space. Use these ingenious solutions to achieve picture-perfect curtains that complement your rooms. Get ready to impress guests and enjoy newfound light control and privacy day or night!
